Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
First, NAPLAN serves an important purpose. It provides a consistent, nationwide snapshot of how students are progressing in foundational skills. For schools, it offers useful data to identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement and guide evidence-based teaching strategies. For families, it can be a helpful reference point in understanding how their child is tracking against national benchmarks.
In that sense, NAPLAN matters. However, it’s equally important to understand what NAPLAN is not.
NAPLAN is not a measure of your child’s intelligence, potential or overall ability. It does not assess creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, resilience or empathy.
“NAPLAN gives us useful data, but it’s only one part of a much bigger learning picture,” says Lisa Crampton, Head of Primary Learning at CSPD. “Parents should see it as a check-in point, along with other school-based assessments, rather than a judgement. What matters most is consistent growth over time and how well a school supports the whole child.”
So what can parents do?
Lisa’s advice is simple: keep it calm and keep it balanced.
“Encourage your child to do their best, make sure they’re well-rested, and remind them that one test doesn’t define them. Students experience explicit literacy and numeracy instruction every day in our classrooms within a multi-tiered system of support that ensures students receive any additional support they need quickly.”
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, we use NAPLAN as a tool to shed light on our progress in lifting each students’ literacy and numeracy skills.
In 2026, NAPLAN will continue to play a role in Australian education. But in the bigger picture, it remains just one chapter in a much larger story - your child’s lifelong journey of learning and growth.
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, we believe every child has the potential for greatness. Across our 80 primary and secondary schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, students are supported to thrive not only in academic achievement but in character, purpose and belonging.
Find a school and register for an Open Day near you
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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26 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Over the last decade, mindfulness has been slowly rising in popularity with many individuals practising it on a regular basis. Evidence based research has found that there are many benefits to mindfulness which has prompted schools across the nation to implement this practice into their daily routines. Mindfulness can be described as attention training for your brain, enabling you to focus on something without judgement and to stimulate curiosity. Mindfulness can be practised in a number of ways and is something that can be done by everyone - no matter what your age! It has been practised by many cultures around the world, but it is not exclusively affiliated to any particular philosophy or religion. Mindfulness helps improve memory, engagement and performance. Its positive effect on the brain can improve immunity, mental wellbeing, learning ability, emotional health and even, time management. It is especially important in this era of information overload as our attention is constantly being pulled in many directions making us more distracted. In this edition of SchoolTV, parents can learn the best way to introduce this mindfulness to their children, implementing into their daily lives to have an overall positive impact on family relationships. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to the Mindfulness edition of SchoolTV
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10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
26 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Over the last decade, mindfulness has been slowly rising in popularity with many individuals practising it on a regular basis. Evidence based research has found that there are many benefits to mindfulness which has prompted schools across the nation to implement this practice into their daily routines. Mindfulness can be described as attention training for your brain, enabling you to focus on something without judgement and to stimulate curiosity. Mindfulness can be practised in a number of ways and is something that can be done by everyone - no matter what your age! It has been practised by many cultures around the world, but it is not exclusively affiliated to any particular philosophy or religion. Mindfulness helps improve memory, engagement and performance. Its positive effect on the brain can improve immunity, mental wellbeing, learning ability, emotional health and even, time management. It is especially important in this era of information overload as our attention is constantly being pulled in many directions making us more distracted. In this edition of SchoolTV, parents can learn the best way to introduce this mindfulness to their children, implementing into their daily lives to have an overall positive impact on family relationships. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to the Mindfulness edition of SchoolTV
22 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 students are really shirt-ing the standard this term! 👕✨ Looking sharp in their brand new shirts, they’ve been leading the way in sportsmanship out on the playground at lunch. Showing fairness, teamwork and respect in every game. We’re so proud of the positive example they’re setting for our younger students. Keep it up Year 6, you’re truly dressed for success and leading the way! 🙌 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Feb 2026
From Facebook
16 Feb 2026
From Facebook
You are warmly invited to join us for Ash Wednesday Mass this Wednesday, as we begin the season of Lent together in prayer and reflection. 🕊 9:15am 📍 St Finbar’s Glenbrook Church
15 Feb 2026
From Facebook
12 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Kindergarten are settling into school life so beautifully. We cannot wait to share more of our little learners with our community.
12 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Back to school means back to routines and that includes sleep! A good night’s rest helps our kids feel happier, more settled and ready to learn each day. Sleep also supports their immune systems, behaviour, concentration and ability to function well at school. Head to the latest SchoolTV article to discover why sleep is so important as we start the school year and what you can do at home to help establish healthy sleep habits. https://stfinbarsglenbrook.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sleep
10 Feb 2026
Choosing a School: A Guide for Parents
Choosing a school is a big moment. Right up there with choosing a pram, a first pet or agreeing to sign your child up for weekend sport for the next decade. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but take a breath. This guide is here to make the process feel lighter, clearer and a lot less daunting, so you can feel confident you’re asking the right questions and find a school that truly fits your child for any grade.
