Week 5 UPDATE
With our NAPLAN testing starting Wednesday next week (week 6), we want to thank parents for supporting our students in being ready, whether that is logistically or mentally.
We have completed our practice tests this week, with hardly a hiccup – which is a positive start.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, while it is an important assessment for all Australian students, it is only one ‘dipstick’ view on where they are up to in their learning – one test on one day. With this in mind it is important not to put too much pressure on our children to perform, but to support by being positive, not catastrophising, promoting healthy habits (eating and sleeping) and encouraging them to give it their best go!
For the upcoming week, we remind you again to make sure that devices are charged each day, and headphones/keyboards are functioning correctly and consistently.
If there are any further queries, please do not hestiate to contact us, and rememebr there are catch up sessions available on most days for the duration of the testing window if your child is not available for planned testing sessions.
Luke Johnson
Deputy Principal
Next month, students in Year 3 and Year 5 will participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN is a national check-in that helps us see how our students are progressing in the fundamental skills of reading, writing, and numeracy.
It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not a “pass or fail” exam. It is simply one of many tools our teachers use to understand student progress and tailor our teaching programs to meet their needs.
Key Dates & Our School Timetable
The national testing window for 2026 runs from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March. To ensure our students feel settled and supported, we have scheduled our sessions as follows.
| Week 6 | Monday 9/3 | Tuesday 10/3 | Wednesday 11/3 | Thursday 12/3 | Friday 13/3 |
| Session 1
9.00am |
Year 3 Writing (paper) 40 mins
Year 5 Writing 42 mins |
Year 3 Reading
45 mins
Year 5 Reading 50 mins |
ASSEMBLY | ||
| Session 2
11.15am |
Writing catch up session | Catch up
session |
Year 3 Conventions of Language 45 mins
Year 5 Conventions of Language 45 mins
|
| Week 7 | Monday 16/3 | Tuesday 17/3 | Wednesday 18/3 | Thursday 19/3 | Friday 20/3 |
| Session 1
9.00am |
Year 3 Numeracy
45 mins
Year 5 Numeracy 50 mins |
Catch up session | Catch up session | Catch up session | Catch up session |
| Session 2
11.15am |
Catch up session | Catch up session | Catch up session | Catch up session | Catch up session |
Note: If your child is absent on a scheduled test day, we will arrange “catch-up” sessions where possible during the testing window.
How the Tests Work
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Online Adaptive Testing: Except for Year 3 Writing (which remains on paper), all tests are conducted online. The platform uses “tailored testing,” meaning the questions automatically adjust in difficulty based on a student’s responses. This helps keep students engaged and provides more precise results.
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Preparation: The best preparation for NAPLAN is the high-quality learning that happens in our classrooms every day. We do not recommend excessive practice or coaching at home.
- Special Note for Writing Preparation: This year there is a focus in NAPLAN Writing assessment that includes checking writing samples against known available templates in which some students use to learn and memorise a text. Samples that match ‘known’ practice texts, including texts available online, may be considered a breach of protocol and result in invalid test results for that student.
How You Can Support Your Child
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Keep it Low-Key: Help your child approach the days with a “do your best” attitude. Reassure them that the results are just one small snapshot of their learning.
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The Basics: Ensure they have a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast on testing days, have a fresh waterbottle and crunch and sip on hand.
- iPad Preparation: Please ensure iPads are in a reliable working order, and:
- Please ensure the latest version of the NAP Locked Browser App is installed.
- Bring Headphones: Students in Years 3 and 5 will need a pair of working headphones (plug-in prefereable) for the online components. Please ensure these are at school by week 5, ready for the NAPLAN practice tests.
- Year 5 students: if available, working iPad keyboards are encouraged. The school does have plug-in keyboards available that work through ‘lightning’ ports only.
- IPads should be adequately charged, ready for each testing session.
Useful Links for Parents
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Public Demonstration Site: Use this to see what the online test environment looks like.
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Information for Parents and Carers (PDF): A detailed brochure from ACARA explaining the assessment. Please note that there are translations of this information available too.
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NAPLAN FAQs: Answers to common questions regarding participation and results.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s participation, or if you wish to discuss disability adjustments or exemptions, please contact Luke Johnson via the school office.