At Mt Victoria, we believe excellence is not an endpoint—it is a journey built through reflection, persistence, and partnership. This term, our students and homeroom teachers have been working together in powerful ways to set meaningful learning goals grounded in evidence and data. We invite parents to join this partnership in asking your child/ren about their goals for 2026.

Using the latest MAP testing results alongside ongoing formative assessments, students in years 3-11 are taking an active role in understanding where they are in their learning and identifying the next steps needed to grow. The information from assessments give students a clear picture of their strengths and the areas where they can stretch themselves further. Teachers are guiding students to translate this information into specific, achievable goals that help them take ownership of their progress.

Additionally, our senior students in Years 11 and 12 are engaging in learning conversations with their course teachers to set subject targets to aim for personal excellence this year. Our Year 12 students will also sit with me to set ATAR targets for the year to finish their schooling strong.

As we look ahead, students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 are preparing for the upcoming NAPLAN assessments. Much like our MAP and classroom‑based data, NAPLAN offers another valuable snapshot of each learner’s progress. Our ongoing work with goal‑setting means students are approaching NAPLAN with greater clarity and confidence, understanding that it is one of many tools that helps them track growth, celebrate achievements, and target areas for improvement. We ask parents to prioritise attendance during this testing period:

* Wednesday 11th March - Writing

* Thursday 12th March - Reading

* Friday 13th March - Conventions of Language

* Tuesday 17th March - Numeracy

* I can reflect on what I know and can do already and what I want to know, learn and develop next.

* I can make positive decisions about my behaviour for learning.

* I can use feedback from peers and teachers to direct my learning.

* I can see a process through from design stage to completion.

* I can read and understand the 'Learning Intentions' and 'Success Criteria.'

* I can choose where I sit in the Learning Centre based on my task.

* I can use my 'Backpack', find appropriate resources and organise my materials.

* I can set goals and develop a plan or schedule.

* I can prioritise my time and allow myself breaks.

* I can use a template to plan for and complete a process and where appropriate, I can create my own format for a plan.

* I can recognise when my plan needs to change.

* I can plan for when I will teach myself a new skill and when I will need to learn from others.

* I can add time to my plan to decide how long a task will take.

3/4 Gold have started the year strong! Their eagerness to learn each day shows in their hard work.

We are currently answering the big question 'What is the role of the Australian Government in running the country?' in Cross-Curricular. Students started the Assignment by making their own triarama to help outline the roles of The Three Levels of Government. They have developed a good knowledge and can describe some of the key responsibilities of each government. Students are excited to expand on their understanding of the Federal Government at the Regional Old Parliament House Incursion! They have also been practising their research skills to find the symbols and emblems of a state they choose.

In Maths, we have been practising hands-on strategies to add larger numbers. In English we have just finished writing exciting narrative stories using techniques such as describing with senses, show don't tell, and personification!

Students in 3/4 Gold have been working with Miss Costanzo to reflect on their MAP tests and write goals that they will be working towards.

A reminder that Year 3 students have NAPLAN starting Wednesday next week (11th March). Please encourage them to try their best - a nourishing breakfast always helps, too! We see the best results obtained when students sit the test on the allocated days, so please help ensure they can attend on the day.

3/4 Teal have had some exciting learning opportunities in Maths. We have been learning how to identify, represent proper and improper fractions. We have been learning about equal parts and how fractions change when we add or subtract. We have enjoyed so many hands on activities to enhance our learning journey.

Here are a few examples of our rock art using indigenous techniques applying paint in the form of dots onto natural rock shapes.

The Australian Government comprises of three levels of government- Federal, State and Local.

Federal Government- Defence, postal services, immigration and communications are some of the important areas that are looked after by our representative, Susan Templeman (Macquarie) and Andrew Gee (Calare). Anthony Albanese is our Prime Minister.

State Government- The State Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle, and for Lithgow area it is Paul Toole. Chris Minns is our lead for NSW. These members assist our state to look after Emergency services, teachers, power and much more.

Local Government- The Blue Mountains City Council (Mayor: Mark Greenhill) and Lithgow City Council (Mayor: Cass Coleman) helps the local community to look after parks, garbage collection, libraries, animal control and many more.

Primary have been actively preparing for the upcoming Athletics Carnival. Working on their shot put and relay running skills.

Students have developed strong Study Plan habits at this point which is excellent. We check Study Plans on Monday morning, and students are expected to come prepared with a completed Study Plan.

This week our focus in homeroom will be Assessment Tasks – what’s due and when. This will help students plan and prepare for the coming weeks.

We will also begin some team building activities. These are always exciting and popular with the students and staff notice they develop student cohesion.

In the photos above students were making set recipes in Food Tech in their current Assignment – Healthy Breakfasts for teenagers. Next steps are to create their own healthy breakfast for an adolescent.

Many Food Technology students are working toward creating their assessment practical. Year 9/10 are devising and building their own Gourmet Hampers – Boston and Jerod are making Anzac Biscuits. Year 7 are learning how to make Focaccia with an Artwork cooked in the top – Isaac even made GF Focaccia! Ola and Dolci created a beautiful butterfly in their Focaccia while Clancy and Lachlan created a square and Theo and Oakley a vase with flowers.

Year 8 students doing a music practical combining piano and guitar.

Students have now completed the L2L Skills Workshop and will begin their regular Homeroom Program in week 7. Students will have mandatory tasks to complete during homeroom like completing and checking of Study plans on a Monday and Reflections on Fridays. On the remaining days students will participate in a Kahoot to boost their knowledge of the L2L Framework in a fun and engaging way and team work challenges to assist them to work better as a Homeroom cohort.

I’d like to thank students for their eager participation in MAP conversations thus far, there have been some fantastic MAP goals set and I look forward to supporting students as they work towards achieving their goals.

Year 11 & 12 have been working on punctuality and effective study planning over the past two weeks. They have also begun a process of academic goal setting, with them booking Tutorials with their teachers to set subject targets. Students are also working hard on their OSG accelerate course.

Upcoming assessments:

Legal Studies Prelim Assessment Task – Due: March 10th

English Standard Preliminary Assessment Task – Due: March 13th

English Advanced Preliminary Assessment Task – Due: March 13th

Mathematics Standard Assessment Task – Due: March 16th

Year 11 Design & Technology Assessment Task – March 16th

Year 11 Business Studies Assessment Task – Due: March 18th

Year 11 English Standard Assessment Task – Due: March 19th

We congratulate Ryland Harris for his recent induction onto our SLT team for 2026.

Welcome to Week 6 (almost week 7!) The term is flying by, we are over halfway! By now all students are in a learning routine, have built solid working relationships with their teachers and are working towards their assessments for this term.

Some simple advice for students so that they can maintain stamina and memento in the last four weeks of term:

✅ Simple rule: Improve a little every week. Even small changes in study habits can make a big difference!

✅Stay Organised ✏️: Use a planner or digital calendar and break Assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Mrs P’s Wellbeing Tips for Week 6

Halfway through a school term can be a time when students and families start to feel tired or stressed.

Focusing on wellbeing can help everyone stay balanced and finish the term positively.

🌿 1. Reset Routines

Mid-term is a good time to check if daily routines are still working.

Revisit morning and evening routines.

Make sure homework time is realistic and consistent.

Adjust schedules if things have become rushed or stressful.

😴 2. Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors for learning and wellbeing.

Keep regular bedtimes during the week.

Reduce screens at least 30–60 minutes before bed.

Encourage relaxing activities like reading or quiet music.

💬 3. Check In With Each Other

Halfway through the term is a great time for families to talk about how things are going.

Ask open questions like “What has been the best part of school lately?”

Encourage students to share worries or challenges.

Celebrate small achievements and effort.

🧠 4. Manage Stress in Healthy Ways

School can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Helpful strategies include:

Taking short movement breaks while studying

Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness

Spending time outdoors

Have a fantastic and restful weekend!

Mrs P :)

At OneSchool Global AU, all Year 10 students complete the Certificate III in Business as part of their curriculum. This qualification equips students with practical skills in administration, communication, and workplace technology - essential tools for success in senior study, part-time work, and future careers.

Completing the Certificate III in Business helps students develop confidence, organisation, and a professional mindset. It provides a real-world context for learning and gives every student a head start in understanding the business world.

We are proud to offer this program as a core part of Year 10, ensuring all students gain these valuable skills and are prepared for the next stage of their education and beyond. Students who complete all requirements will be awarded the national qualification - Certificate III in Business. Students who are only able to complete part of the qualification will still receive a statement of attainment, providing credit for the units they do achieve.

Your encouragement at home can make a real difference. We encourage parents to support their young person by discussing their learning, celebrating achievements, and encouraging them to apply the skills they are developing. Together, we can help every student succeed and make the most of this valuable qualification.

2026 Term Dates

Term 1: Thursday 29th January - Thursday 2nd April

Term 2: Tuesday 28th April - Friday 3rd July

Term 3: Tuesday 21st July - Friday 25th September

Term 4: Tuesday 13th October - Thursday 10th December

Address : 84 Great Western Highway, Mount Victoria, 2786

Ph : 0247 094 003