Published on: 21 May 2026

  • Literacy development
  • ICAS assessments
  • Canberra tour rebate
  • Busy week in Preparatory School

As a school, we place a significant emphasis on literacy development of our students. We aim to ensure that boys read widely, for both specific purposes related to learning and for pleasure. Evidence suggests that the best writers are those who read a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction, as exposure to language, imagery, ideas, and a world of imagination influences the ability to write well. The benefits of reading widely also support the development of oral language, supporting the ability to articulate ideas cohesively. As a School, we use both the Talk for Writing and Talk for Reading models to develop boys’ writing and reading skills. Both approaches to literacy learning place an emphasis on the development of rich oral skills through the breakdown of exemplary written texts, as a model for writing or to read and deconstruct. The Christ Church reading list is a collection of books that provide students with exposure to language structures, vocabulary and themes that are recognised as important for boys’ literacy learning. A list of books recommended for boys in Kindergarten to Year 6 can be found here and is available from our Preparatory School Library.

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) assessments for 2026 will be taking place during Term 3, commencing in Week 3. The ICAS assessments are designed to target boys’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Spelling and Digital Technologies. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. All ICAS assessments will be online and are available for boys from Years 2 to 6. For information regarding registration, sitting dates and the purchasing of practice papers, please click here

During Week 3, our Year 6 cohort travelled to Canberra for an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. 

As always, the Preparatory School continues to be a busy place for our students. This week our Cross Country team participated in the WA School Sport Cross Country Carnival at Yokine Reserve, Reconciliation Week was celebrated with Olman Walley visiting our Early Learning Community, Gifted Awareness Week has been recognised through daily activities in the student bulletin, our Year 2 classes held their Open Classrooms, students in Years 3 to 6 will have their House Athletics Carnival today and boys from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 will have their School photos taken.

Congratulations to our BGM award winners!

Dr. Steven Males
Head of Preparatory School