As we begin another exciting school year at St John's it is imperative to stop and set some real and achievable goals. As I reflect upon our pleasing results in Extension 1, Advanced and Standard English in the 2019 HSC, it is important that I share the one common attribute each student who achieved these outstanding and personal best results developed, as they progressed through the grades at St John's. They read.They read regularly and widely. They asked questions as they read and they developed the ability to form opinions on the worthiness of texts. This reading exposed them to thousands of words that otherwise would be unknown.This in turn enabled these students to develop a sophisticated and highly academic writing style, that they could manipulate according to the academic register they were required to use.

Therefore as students set goals for the upcoming academic year, many will naturally focus on achieving a certain grade.  However, I encourage them to set goals that include a regular and wide reading pattern. I also encourage them to enter additional reading and writing competitions that will be advertised in daily notices and the newsletter. This dedication to reading will be of more benefit to a student and will allow them to be exposed to styles and language otherwise unknown.

Of course students will be reading short and longer texts in English but going beyond what is required in class can only enhance the skill development of a student. 

In addition to reading, students are encouraged to use both SCRIBO across all grades and Wordflyers for Years 7-9. Both these online programmes assist students with developing the complexity and cohesion of their written texts. Students in Years 7-9 are expected to spend 30 minutes a week at home completing Wordflyers in addition to the one lesson a fortnight they will spend on the programme in class. Of course, should they wish the students can spend more time on Wordlfyers. In the programme students can also access practise NAPLAN papers, which they may use in preparation for the national testing.

We have very passionate and dedicated English staff and should you have any concerns regarding your son or daughter's progress, please contact the class teacher or myself. I look forward to another successful year, full of students reading and improving writing skills.