What an amazing start to the term we’ve had at Our Lady of Victories! In just three short weeks, so much has happened across our school—from exciting learning experiences to community celebrations—and there is already so much to be proud of.

NAPLAN Success: Celebrating Outstanding Academic Achievement!

We are thrilled to share the success of our students in the 2025 NAPLAN assessments. NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a nationwide test that provides valuable data on students’ progress in Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation, and Numeracy. It is a snapshot that helps schools, parents, and teachers understand how students are progressing against national standards.

This year, our Year 3 students achieved exceptional results, performing well above the national average in:

• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Grammar and Punctuation
• Numeracy

Our Year 5 students also performed strongly, achieving:

• At the national average in Reading and Numeracy
• Above the national average in Writing, Spelling, and Grammar and Punctuation

These results reflect the hard work, high expectations, and consistent efforts of our teachers and students. They affirm the strength of our teaching programs and our commitment to high-quality learning outcomes for all.

Importantly, this data is not just about celebration—it also helps guide our future planning. It highlights areas of strength and identifies where we can continue to grow. We are proud of the progress made and look forward to building on these achievements to support every student’s learning journey. 

School Improvement – Learning: Focus comprehension through mathematics problem- solving

We are continuing our work to improve student outcomes in Mathematics, with a particular focus on Reading and Comprehension in Numeracy. Using the Density Model of Instruction, our students are being supported through targeted teaching and small group work.

Our maths groups have resumed, and we are now focusing on Multiplication and Division, including understanding and solving worded problems where:

• the result is unknown,
• the change is unknown, or
• the starting amount is unknown.

What does this look like in action?

Multiplication Problems

• Result Unknown:
  There are 4 baskets. Each basket has 6 apples. How many apples are there in total?
  (4 × 6 = ?)
• Change Unknown:
  A fruit shop had 4 baskets of apples. There were 24 apples in total. How many apples were in each basket?
  (? × 4 = 24)
• Start Unknown:
  There are 6 apples in each basket. There are 24 apples altogether. How many baskets are there?
  (6 × ? = 24)

Division Problems

• Result Unknown (Equal sharing):
  24 apples are shared between 4 baskets. How many apples in each basket?
  (24 ÷ 4 = ?)
• Change Unknown:
  There were some apples shared between 4 baskets. Each basket has 6 apples. How many apples were there to begin with?
  (? ÷ 4 = 6)
• Start Unknown:
  There are 6 apples in each basket. There are 4 baskets. How many apples are there in total?
  (6 × 4 = ?)

By focusing on the structure of these problems and the language we use to explore them, we are building stronger literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in our students. 

Here are some of the groups in action!

School Improvement – Wellbeing: Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)

We’re continuing to build a culture of care and responsibility through our PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) initiative. Our new focus beginning in Week 4 is: “Caring for Our Playground Equipment and Gardens.”

We are encouraging all students to show care for:

• Climbing frames
• Slides and play structures
• The sandpit
• Our beautiful garden areas

Why is this important?
These shared spaces are a blessing. By using them safely and respectfully, we ensure they remain safe, functional, and enjoyable for everyone—now and in the future.

How Do We Teach This? A PB4L Lesson Snapshot

Each PB4L lesson is delivered explicitly and links back to our school vision:
Our upcoming focus is linked to our Vision-  “In Truth we SERVE”
As stewards of God’s creation, we teach our students to care for and respect the gifts around them, including our school playground.

In a typical lesson:

1. We present a relatable scenario:
   This scenario helps students understand what happens when the playground is not treated properly. It shows how unsafe and disrespectful behaviour—like misusing equipment or damaging plants—can lead to a playground that looks messy, sounds chaotic, and feels unsafe. By exploring this, students see why it’s important to follow the expectations and care for our shared spaces.
2. We ask students to reflect:
   “Why is it important to look after our playground?”
3. We clarify the expectations:

• Use equipment as designed (e.g. slide down the slide, don’t climb up).
• Avoid rough play or dangerous swinging.
• Take care of plants and gardens.

Through explicit teaching and reinforcement, we continue to support our students in becoming respectful and responsible members of our school community.

Bullying No Way Week – Week 4 

The theme for 2025 is: Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.

During Week 4, our school will be participating in Bullying No Way Week, a national initiative that encourages students to take a stand against bullying by speaking up, showing kindness, and supporting one another. This directly reflects our school vision, In Truth We Love, as we teach our students to show respect to all and create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.

On Thursday 14 August, students will engage in special activities during their afternoon session to support this important message.

• Primary students will take part in The Kids Helpline Largest Anti-Bullying Lesson, an engaging session designed to empower students with strategies to recognise and respond to bullying.
• Infants students will participate in a learning activity called OKAY or NOT OKAY. This lesson helps young learners understand what bullying is, how to recognise unkind behaviour, and what they can do if they see or experience it. The focus is on building empathy, awareness, and practical strategies.

Through these activities, we hope students grow in confidence to speak up, show kindness, and stand up for others.

Get Your Socks On and Support Our Year 6 Fundraiser!

Our amazing Year 6 students – with the help of their wonderful parents – are running a Jolly Soles fundraiser to raise money for their end-of-year celebrations! ?

You can grab yourself some fun, colourful, comfy socks and know that every purchase helps make our Year 6 send-off extra special.

Let’s get behind our kids and make this a year to remember! 

Please note that all sales will be in cash No EFT available.

As we celebrate a great start to the term—with strong NAPLAN results, a focus on positive behaviour, and important learning during Bullying No Way Week—we thank you for your ongoing support.

Together, we continue to live our vision to 'Love, Serve and Live the Truth of 

Jesus' creating a safe, respectful, and caring school community.

Amber Deegan