Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community,

What’s On This Week

• Monday, March 10 – Public Holiday
• Tuesday, March 11 – School Closure Day
• NAPLAN (Year 3 & 5) Testing:
  • Writing: Wednesday, March 12
  • Reading: Thursday, March 13
  • Language Conventions (Spelling & Grammar): Monday, March 17

Upcoming Events

• Mathematics Assessments: Monday, March 18
• NAPLAN Catch-ups: March 19 & 20
• Catholic Education Week
  • Prep 2026 Information Session (for new families) – 9:30 AM or 7:00 PM
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral Mass (for School Student Leaders) – Friday, March 21
• School Photos: Monday, March 24
• March 26 Anthony Hockey Enrichment Leave / Long Service Leave Return May 19
• April 4 End of School Term 1:30pm finish
• April 22 Term 2 Begins

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and had a chance to refresh.

This week, our Year 3 and 5 students begin the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing. Since the tests adapt to each student’s level, we have some flexibility in scheduling. While St. Mary's does not specifically teach for NAPLAN, we may introduce Year 3 students to the test format, including multiple-choice questions, to ensure they feel comfortable. NAPLAN is just one of many assessments we use to support student learning. We wish all our students the best!

Flourishing Learners West Project – Staff Professional Learning

On Tuesday, all staff attended the final Flourishing Learners West Project professional learning session. It was a practical and insightful day, focusing on improving literacy instruction. Teachers responded positively and are eager to implement new strategies, including:
✅ Building Rigour at the Sentence Level
✅ Differentiating the Writing Sessions
✅ Structuring an Effective Literacy Block

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

To support education and bridge the digital divide, the Australian Government is offering free NBN service to up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged children. Key details:
? Extended until all places are filled (2025)
? Free internet access available until June 30, 2028

How to check if you qualify:
1️⃣ Contact the National Referral Centre:
? 1800 954 610 (Mon–Fri, 10 AM–6 PM AEDT)
? www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet
2️⃣ They will check your residential address and ask basic questions to confirm eligibility.
3️⃣ If eligible, you will receive a voucher to redeem with a participating internet provider.

For more information, visit the official website.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

God Bless

Anthony Hockey

Principal

St Mary's Williamstown