Well done to St.Pauls for sending this home with the kids.
To Our Dearest Students From Year 3
Next week you will sit your first Naplan test. There is something very important for you to know.
This test does not assess all of what makes each of you exceptional and unique
The people who score these tests don’t know that some of you love to sing, are good at drawing or can teach others how to use a computer program. They have not seen the way that some of you can dance with grace or speak confidently to a large group. They do not know that your friends count on you to be there for them when they are sad. They do not know that you participate in sports, help your Mum and Dad or that play with your little brother, sister or cousins. They do not know that you are caring, thoughtful and that every day you do your best. Because these attributes cannot be tested.
The scores you get from this test will tell you how you did on that day, but they will not tell you everything. They can’t tell you that you have improved on something that you once found difficult. They can’t tell you that you brighten up your teacher’s day. They can’t tell you how amazingly special you are.
So come to school ready to do your best for the NAPLAN test and remember there is no one way to ‘test’ all of the wonderful things that make you, YOU!
Kind regards,
Mrs Egan, Mrs Schluter and Miss Bailey
What a fantastic letter. A letter along those lines should be sent to all year levels that have to sit NAPLAN. My Year 3 son who has dyslexia (and Year 7 daughter who doesn’t) would have benefitted greatly by receiving a note of encouragement like that before the testing began. My son even asked me if he would be made to repeat Year 3 if he failed the tests…… which nearly bought me to tears when he asked. It lifts my heart to know that there are teachers who understand the bigger picture out there, making a difference
Fantastic. As a former teacher I’m so glad someone has had the strength and determination to finally realise this test is not the “be all and end all” of our children’s education. Well done teachers at St Pauls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I applaud you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!