Hi Year 8 families,

As you are aware, the Year 8 Assessment Calendar was sent home last week via Schoolzine. I recently surveyed the Year 8s about how many of them plan to use or engage with the calendar. Only 72% of those surveyed said they would be using it to plan their study or ensure their family know of upcoming tasks!

Although this means that the majority of our students plan on using the calendar, I encourage all families to ensure that your Year 8 student has interacted with the Assessment Calendar. 

To do this you could:

• Ask students to check their school email or the Student Sharepoint to access the Assessment Calendar
• Print the Calendar and place it in a visible place in the home
• Discuss the dates outlined on the calendar and ensure your Year 8 student knows what assessment they have coming up in order to plan their time
• Discuss the fact that, at times, students may need to work ahead of deadlines in order to work around sport or family commitments
• Access task sheets via Seesaw to ensure your Year 8 student understands their current task, and support them to seek extra assistance from their teachers if needed (eg. via email)

The importance of purposeful conversations about learning can never be underestimated.

With assessment in full swing, a reminder also of our AARA (Access and Reasonable Adjustments) process for your Year 8 students. Extensions may be granted in the following instances:

• Accident and misadventure – factors outside of school that are beyond the student’s control
• ‘Sorry Business’
• Extended illness that has resulted in a significant period of absence (impacting assignments or exams)
• Planned absence when an internal exam is scheduled

To apply for an AARA, students can access the form required through the Student Sharepoint and click the link that says: "Assessment Extension Request." 

Please communicate with the school as early as possible if you feel that an AARA may apply, as this helps us work together to support their success.