The ACT Government has invested $24.9 million to implement the recommendations from the Final Report of the Literacy and Numeracy Education Expert Panel.  The Final Report from the Expert Panel provided the ACT Government with eight future-focused key recommendations to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for all ACT public school students, with a particular focus on equity.

The new program of work is called Strong Foundations. The program will build on the good work currently happening across schools that ensures all students receive a high-quality and consistent start to their literacy and numeracy education.

The program is founded on evidence-based, practical suggestions that will strengthen the education system by working together as one system, delivering better learning outcomes for students, and better workloads for teachers and school leaders. This includes:

• support for evidence-informed and consistent teaching practices in every classroom;
• common assessments, including a Year 1 phonics test;
• advice and resources for parents, to support their children with literacy and numeracy; and
• multitiered systems of support for students in every public school.

As part of the Strong Foundations reform program, ACT public schools will begin a phased introduction of the Year 1 Phonics Check starting with 26 schools this term.

The Phonics Check is a quick and easy way for teachers to gauge the phonics knowledge of Year 1 students. It is designed to help teachers identify students who may need more help learning to read.

The first schools selected to participate were chosen based on demographic, location and size to provide a broad sample from across the ACT public school system.  Insights from this first group of schools will inform a rollout of the Year 1 Phonics Check to all ACT public schools in 2025, including Campbell Primary School.

This is an important milestone as part of the Strong Foundations program designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students. You can read more on the Education Directorate website.

Week 9 (16 to 20 September)

I will be on leave over Week 9 to spend some time with my Dad who is home from overseas. Whilst I am on leave, we will be welcoming David Ferguson, from Lyneham Primary School. David will act in the Principal role whilst I am on leave. I have taken David on a tour and he met some of our staff and students.

I will be thinking of you next week. I am very sad to miss Floriade, it is always such a highlight of the year but am so excited to be back for Shrek the Musical. What an incredible end to another fantastic term!

Take care, everyone,

Erin