Acting Assistant Principal Update

Dear Parents/Carers

A big part of the role of the Acting Assistant Principal’s this term is to ensure a high quality of teaching and learning across our 7-10 programs. To facilitate this we have a range of opportunities, both school and department based to support student learning.

Learner Capabilities

At Fitzroy High School and Wurun Senior Campus we aim to help our students become lifelong learners capable of navigating  complex future challenges. To do this we believe that preparing our students with the appropriate capabilities to engage with and reflect upon their learning journey is essential so they leave school with more than just a head full of content knowledge. As part of this effort, we have developed a set of Fitzroy High School Learner Capabilities which will be assessed and reported on through our Advisory ‘Thrive’ program. Our intention is to help students and families understand and develop the important skills and dispositions related to authentic learner  agency.

We have decided upon 8 FHS learner capabilities which have been developed using the DET capability framework, student input and ongoing research. These are; initiative, self-regulation, goal-setting & reflection, self-efficacy, perseverance, organisational skills, and collaboration skills. Twice yearly we will conduct assessment to gain insight into how our students are developing as self-directed learners and identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. This assessment will be moderated through 3 points of input prior to Three Way conferences in Semester 1 & 2;

– Student self assessment
– Advisor assessment
– Subject teacher assessment

We believe that developing learner agency is a crucial component of a holistic education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. This aligns with and supports the ongoing work around ‘New Metrics for Success’ at Wurun Senior campus in partnership with Melbourne University. By encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning, setting goals, managing time effectively, and collaborating with others, we are helping to build the skills that will support their lifelong learning journey.

Naplan 2024

During Term 1 students in Years 7 and 9 will complete their NAPLAN testing. NAPLAN is made up of four domains, Reading, Writing, Numeracy and Writing conventions. These four domains are tested across four different tests which will be implemented between 13 March and 25 March. A schedule will be provided to students and the community in the coming week.

The NAPLAN testing is important to our school community. In addition to the ongoing rigorous assessment that is conducted at Fitzroy High School, NAPLAN provides us with clear evidence of student capabilities and point of need. We are able to then work as teaching and learning communities to expertly support our students so that they may experience growth in achievement.

Further information about NAPLAN will be made available to students and our parent community in the next week.

Paul Cahill & Lucy Marshall

Acting Assistant Principal

Fitzroy High School