ACT schools will participate in NAPLAN Online testing in May. At St Matthew’s, our test dates are as follows:

Late last term, Year 3 and Year 5 undertook practice test sessions. This was an opportunity to test our IT systems and student devices, and to familiarise staff and students prior to the testing window.

As a parent, you can become familiar with NAPLAN Online tests by visiting the public demonstration site, http://bit.ly/naplanonline. The purpose of the site is to familiarise students with the type of items they will see on NAPLAN Online and related functionalities. This level of familiarisation is worthwhile to help students understand and be comfortable with the format of the test.

NAPLAN is just one assessment in a suite of assessments that are used at St Matthew’s to differentiate our teaching and learning. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program and let them know that they should simply do the best they can on the day. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a reassuring hug is all that’s needed to help your child get ready for a NAPLAN test day.

If you have any questions about this or wish to discuss your child’s participation in this event, please contact Petra Cole (Assistant Principal: petra.cole@cg.catholic.edu.au).

Further information on NAPLAN Online, including the public demonstration site, is available at www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/naplan-online.