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High Notes, Vol 27 No 25, August 21 2026

From the Principal

High Talent

Congratulations to the Volleyball program that achieved GPS Co-Premierships in both First and Second Grade. An outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to the U16 Epee Team who won the NSWSFL competition: Akiese Bravo Da Rosa 10M, Bill Han 10T, William Huang 10F and Jackson Lai 09F.

NAPLAN 2026

The 2026 Year 7 and Year 9 data show strong achievement across all domains. In Year 7, 100% of students were recorded in Exceeding for Numeracy and Reading, with strong results also recorded in Spelling where 93% were in Exceeding, Grammar and Punctuation where 92% were in Exceeding, and Writing where 72% were in Exceeding. In Year 9, Numeracy was the strongest area, with 99% of students in Exceeding. This was followed by Reading at 91%, Grammar and Punctuation at 88%, Spelling at 87%, and Writing at 72%. The Year 9 data show positive movement in Writing, Reading and Numeracy, with more students reaching Exceeding than in 2025. Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation remain strong, although Exceeding percentages were lower than the previous Year 9 cohort. The average-score data is more cautious, showing lower value-added growth from Year 7 to Year 9 than the previous cohort comparison. Our focus is to maintain strong top-band achievement while improving growth across the full cohort.

Social Media Ban

Recent reporting by the ABC and education media has highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of Australia's social media ban for under-16s, noting that many young people continue to access social media platforms despite the restrictions. The emerging evidence suggests that legislative measures alone are unlikely to eliminate young people's exposure to online risks. The most significant influence on a child's online behaviour remains their parents and carers. Parents need to take an active role in monitoring online activity, setting clear expectations regarding device and social media use, utilising available parental controls, and maintaining regular conversations about appropriate online behaviour. Developing responsible digital habits requires ongoing supervision and guidance. Ultimately, the evidence reinforces that online safety begins at home, with parents actively guiding, monitoring and supporting their children to make safe and responsible choices online.

Device Use for Junior Students

We are seeking your insights on students’ use of technology during break times. We are seeing an increasing number of junior students visit the junior school library during recess and lunch times to use their devices. If you are a parent of a Year 7-9 student, please complete the survey below, it should take 2-3 minutes to complete.

George Barris
Relieving Principal