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High Notes, Vol 23 No 18, June 17 2022

From the Principal

High Talent

Good luck to our junior students who are competing in the Australian Schools Intermediate Fencing Competition in Canberra this weekend.

Student Awards Scheme - NAPLAN results bonus points

The idea behind NAPLAN is to take snapshots of student learning at regular intervals during their time at school. The results, when analysed, can be used by teachers, students and parents to establish where students are up to in their learning at various points in time and on ways they can improve their outcomes.  At High we use this data as encouragement for all boys to try their best in each test to prove to themselves that they are progressing well at school - from Year 5 to Year 7 or from Year 7 to Year 9. They can demonstrate growth. Our internal research has shown a high correlation between NAPLAN reading and writing results and HSC results in courses involving extended writing.

Regrettably, often boys do not treat the tests as seriously as they might – rushing through just to finish early or working carelessly because the results do not count on their reports. They need to take time to check over their work for possible careless errors. We need to convert more Year 7 Band 9 results into Year 9 Band 10 results. Our policy is that we do not teach to the test. Skill development is designed to be included in our subject programming. Each year we adjust our programming to address learning needs identified from analyses of NAPLAN test results. However, some boys need help refining their skills. There are many suggested activities and resources available on the NAPLAN website to help boys to help themselves to improve their basic skills. Go to if you would like to do some preparation or to hone your skills before next year’s tests.

Some years ago, we decided to incentivise wholehearted student performances in NAPLAN tests. We offer up to a maximum of 20 Student Award Scheme points for growth in the four tests – 5 points each. Students who maintained their expected growth trajectory received three points and those exceeding it, five. We want to give boys an extra reason to try hard, to progress to the highest levels possible, to use all the available time productively and to check their answers for careless errors or mistakes of logic or judgement. In short, we want to nurture the process of performing to your best ability under pressure. We want to make your growth as a learner visible to you. We see improvement as a collective responsibility for teachers, students, parents and peers.

Winter Sport Co-payments

Invoices for participation in winter sports have been emailed. As usual, we ask for your support by paying them promptly. All of our winter sports depend on a timely settling of invoiced co-payments to pay coaches. Parents are reminded that all programs have to meet their budgetary obligations and cannot do so without maximum support from everyone. Our sports are delivered at a fraction of their actual cost, being subsidised by allocations from the school’s budget, parking revenues and ASF donations, along with the structural support and supervision provided by the school with assistance from the co-curricular support levy. Please attend to your son’s winter sports co-payment now.

Literacy – Parents As Partners 

One of the most significant influences on HSC success in courses with writing components is how much reading was undertaken by candidates during their formative years 5-15. Parents can help encourage reading at any time. It is good relaxation away from the demands of academic work. It builds comprehension skills and working vocabulary. It is enjoyable. Parents don’t always know what sources of reading that are available. Our Andrews Library (Junior School) has Quick Read Lists. These titles are available for students to read or borrow. Mr Isaacs, our systems administrator, has created a link so that parents can connect with this list and make suggestions to their sons. . Also, our relieving Librarian Mr Love has purchased titles from a list of suggestions from our boys. Given the lasting spotlight on boys’ schools cultures, sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour, parents might like to look at a catalogue of wellbeing and self-help books and DVDs. The link is   It is important that we engage boys in difficult conversations around the issues of respectful relationships and consent.
Dr K A Jaggar
Principal