PAT Assessment this week and next week  

Twice a year, all students in our College participate in PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) for Mathematics and Reading. This test will be administered for the second time this year, in weeks 2 and 3.  These adaptive, online assessments are a key part of our data collection efforts, helping us understand each student’s strengths and areas for improvement. The adaptive nature of the tests means they adjust in difficulty based on the student’s responses, providing a more accurate picture of their abilities. The results from these assessments are invaluable; they allow teachers to tailor their lesson plans to the students in their classes.

We encourage all students to approach these tests with their best effort, as their performance not only contributes to their personal growth but also enhances our overall teaching effectiveness. Students are required to bring a Calculator to the PATM Exam.

Semester 2 Exams coming up

As you may be aware all students will be sitting exams for the first time this year. This is so that students become familiar with these processes as they move towards the senior years. Exam preparation skills will be taught across all subjects, which are running exams, in the lead up to the exam period. Over the next couple of weeks, we will include resources and additional tips in this newsletter to support preparation at home. We do recognise that most students have sat some form of exams in the past, these may have been NAPLAN or PAT. Our hope is that, with the more practice students have at exams, the more comfortable they become with this form of assessment, and the more prepared they feel going into them. Students with personal learning plans who have accommodations, such as extra time,  will receive information about how this will be administered from their classroom teachers prior to their exams.

The exam timetable will be published in the newsletter in the coming weeks.

Setting the Stage for Success: The Importance of a Study Space

As exams approach, creating a conducive study environment at home can significantly impact a student’s focus and productivity. Here are some tips for parents to help set up an effective study space:

1. Choose the Right Location: Find a quiet, well-lit area in the home that is free from distractions. This could be a dedicated room, a corner of a living room, or even a cozy nook in a bedroom.
2. Organise Materials: Ensure students have all their study materials readily available—textbooks, notebooks, stationery, and a computer. A clutter-free space helps minimize distractions.
3. Limit Distractions: Encourage the use of tools like website blockers or apps that limit phone usage during study times. A focused environment can lead to more efficient study sessions.
4. Comfort Matters: Provide comfortable seating and adequate lighting to enhance concentration. A good chair and desk can make a world of difference!

By collaborating on creating a study space, we created a shared responsibility of effective study habits.

New Learning Management System Coming in 2025

At JPC we are adopting a new Learning Management System in 2025. After much analysis Canvas has been chosen as the product we will be going with, and students in the focus groups were excited by the new look and feel. Unlike Moodle, this system will enable students and parents to have their own login, there is also a phone app that goes alongside the program for easy access. Parents will be enrolled as observers and will have access to:

• Results (including rubrics and feedback)
• Observing classwork including expected homework
• Assessment items and when they are due

For students Canvas will provide a more interactive online platform, with a consistent look and approach by all subjects, enabling information to be found more readily. Information will come out via the newsletter early next year about how parents can access this platform.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferre Houses