Carinity Education Shalom has been revealed as one of the most improved North Queensland schools for NAPLAN results since 2017.
The NAPLAN test sees Australian students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 tested for the competency in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy.
Carinity Education Shalom was the second most improved North Queensland school for secondary students in 2022. It was also the fourth most improved primary school in North Queensland school.
"I was thrilled to see that the Shalom team's efforts to improve our students' educational outcomes are being acknowledged," said Carinity Education Shalom Director of School Campus, Sharyn Ive.
"The fact that we were among the top five improved schools in North Queensland for both primary and secondary NAPLAN results demonstrates that we are an excellent choice for students looking for a school community where they are loved, accepted, and encouraged to reach their full potential."
Sharyn said the positive NAPLAN results confirms the Townsville school has "highly competent and committed teachers" and "values and celebrates academic performance like other mainstream schools".
Sharyn added having "relevant and developmentally appropriate" curriculum programs - including considerations for English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) learners - had contributed to improved scholastic results.
"Carinity Education Shalom is committed to having high academic expectations of our students. To ensure that individual student learning and social needs are met, the school commits to maintaining small class sizes with additional support staff," Sharyn said.
"To make learning experiences purposeful and meaningful, our framework emphasises the "I do, we do, you do" model of explicit teaching. The school also supports the need for the Australian Curriculum to provide every opportunity possible to 'close the educational gap'."
Students' wellbeing is also nurtured. They are picked up and dropped off for school in dedicated mini-buses and provided breakfast - ensuring they are well nourished to maximise their ability to concentrate and learn in the classroom.
The co-educational school also provides a culturally safe and supportive learning environment for around 150 students, mostly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. The school currently has classes for Prep to Year 11.
"Our schools are not just about students achieving academic goals. Our aim is to provide an environment in which young people can prosper spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically - and be supported to achieve personal goals," said Carinity's Executive Manager Educational Services, Christine Hill.
