Learning and Lent

During Lent we are encouraged to undertake fasting, go without something and recommit to our faith. Students often suggest that they will “give up homework” for Lent. While somewhat in the spirit of Lent, this suggestion does not serve to enhance a student’s learning experience or progression. An alternate way to approach learning during Lent may be to commit to trying a new strategy that will help them to improve. As Lent coincides with our entry into the second half of Term 1, it is an opportune time for students to commit to a goal or try a new strategy that will make them a better learner. This commitment might be completing homework in a specific subject or using their diary every day or asking for clarification in class or acting on feedback provided by their teacher. During Lent we are also challenged to consider what we can offer to others. This may manifest in students developing a study group or providing peer feedback or revising collaboratively with friends. Lent is a time of reflection and preparation. Students are encouraged to extend their Lenten commitments to aspects of their learning so that they continue to develop as reflective and prepared learners. As students learn about the experience of others through Project Compassion initiatives, they may also reflect with gratitude on the learning opportunities they are provided with at Mount Carmel.

NAPLAN Years 7 & 9

In the lead up to NAPLAN tests from the 13-15 of March (Week 7) students of Year 7 and Year 9 have been asked to ensure that they have updated their software to ensure that the NAPLAN lockdown browser is installed and ready to be used for the familiarisation tests. The familiarisation tests will occur in week 6 and are designed to ensure students and staff are able to access and utilise all components of the software ready for NAPLAN. Catch up sessions will be completed on Monday 18 March for any students who miss one of the tests.

HSC Minimum Standards

In Week 5, students in Year 10 will make their first attempt at the HSC Minimum Standards Tests. These tests are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their level of competency in writing, reading and numeracy. To show they meet the HSC minimum standard, students need to achieve Level 3 or 4 in short online reading, writing and numeracy tests of skills for everyday life. Many students will meet this level on their first attempt, however if not, they will have multiple opportunities throughout Years 10, 11 and 12 to meet the minimum standard.

In preparation for these tests, students have been asked to download a lockdown browser and will need a well charged laptop to complete the tests during Week 5.

Students in Yr 11 and 12 who are yet to meet the standards, will also have opportunities this term to attempt the tests.

TERM 1
Week 5	Year 12 28/02/2024: 12 English Ext
Week 6	Year 7 Technology (See assessment notification for specific date) Year 10 04/03/2024: 10 PASS (100 & 200hr) Year 11 06/03/2024: 11 Mathematics Standard 1 06/03/2024: 11 Mathematics Standard 2 06/03/2024: 11 Mathematics Advanced 07/03/2024: 11 SLR 2 07/03/2024: 11 Investigating Science Year 12 07/03/2024: 12 Physics
Week 7	Year 7 PDHPE (See assessment notification for specific date) Year 11 11/03/2024: 11 Biology 13/03/2024: 11 Numeracy 14/03/2024: 11 Modern History 14/03/2024: 11 PDHPE 15/03/2024: 11 Work Studies (2 unit) 15/02/2024: 11 Mathematics Ext 1 Year 12 11/03/2024: 12 PDHPE 12/03/2024: 12 Work Studies 12/03/2024: 12 Legal Studies 13/03/2024: 12 English Advanced 13/03/2024: 12 English Standard 13/03/2024: 12 English Studies 14/03/2024: 12 SLR