My News: March 2026
Checking in with you
In March and September, we invite you to answer a few short questions about your family, school and the support services you use. Your voice is important to us.
Checking in with you every 6 months helps us understand how things are going for your family and how we can keep improving the support we offer through the Learning for Life program.
Please click the button below to log in to My Smith Family and complete the questions before 31 March.
It’s simple to do and takes about 2 minutes.
Checking in with you every 6 months helps us understand how things are going for your family and how we can keep improving the support we offer through the Learning for Life program.
Please click the button below to log in to My Smith Family and complete the questions before 31 March.
It’s simple to do and takes about 2 minutes.
There are no right or wrong answers, and anything you share will not affect your Learning for Life Scholarship. We simply want to listen and learn from your experiences.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts in 2025. Your feedback makes a real difference in shaping the support we provide to families like yours.
To learn more about this activity and see what families told us last year, visit our Information Hub.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts in 2025. Your feedback makes a real difference in shaping the support we provide to families like yours.
To learn more about this activity and see what families told us last year, visit our Information Hub.
Extra English or Maths support for your child
We have free 12-month subscriptions to a selection of Adaptive Learning platforms for eligible primary school students.
These online tools use fun, game-based activities that adjust to your child’s learning level.
Whether they need extra help or are ready for a challenge, the activities are personalised to help build confidence and skills in English, reading or Maths.
Depending on your child’s needs, your family may be able to choose from platforms like ABC Reading Eggs, LiteracyPlanet and Matific.
These online tools use fun, game-based activities that adjust to your child’s learning level.
Whether they need extra help or are ready for a challenge, the activities are personalised to help build confidence and skills in English, reading or Maths.
Depending on your child’s needs, your family may be able to choose from platforms like ABC Reading Eggs, LiteracyPlanet and Matific.
AI in Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a part of everyday life. You may already be using AI without realising it. Things like video recommendations on YouTube or social media, voice assistants and some school learning apps all use AI.
Some schools are also using school-approved AI tools to support learning. These tools don’t replace teachers. Instead, they can help with things like reading or maths practice, translating schoolwork, or giving quick feedback.
New technology can feel overwhelming at first. Understanding the basics can help you make safer choices online and support your child as they start using these tools for school.
Some schools are also using school-approved AI tools to support learning. These tools don’t replace teachers. Instead, they can help with things like reading or maths practice, translating schoolwork, or giving quick feedback.
New technology can feel overwhelming at first. Understanding the basics can help you make safer choices online and support your child as they start using these tools for school.
Want to learn more?
If you’d like to understand what AI is, how it’s used in schools, and simple ways to talk about it with your child, you can read our short guide:
NAPLAN tests begin this month
NAPLAN testing starts in March for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
It’s a set of short tests that check important skills your child learns at school, like reading, writing, spelling, grammar and maths.
NAPLAN is not a pass or fail test. It’s one way for you and your child’s school to understand how their learning is going and where they might need extra support.
Many children feel nervous about NAPLAN, and that’s completely normal. Your child doesn’t need to prepare for the tests. But knowing what to expect and how you can support them can make your child feel more confident.
It’s a set of short tests that check important skills your child learns at school, like reading, writing, spelling, grammar and maths.
NAPLAN is not a pass or fail test. It’s one way for you and your child’s school to understand how their learning is going and where they might need extra support.
Many children feel nervous about NAPLAN, and that’s completely normal. Your child doesn’t need to prepare for the tests. But knowing what to expect and how you can support them can make your child feel more confident.
Want to learn more
If you’d like to understand what NAPLAN looks like, how results work, and simple ways to support your child, read our short guide:
Student Profiles – coming in April
In April, we will ask you to log in to My Smith Family and help your child complete their 2026 Student Profile.
The Student Profile is a short list of questions for your child to answer, about their school experience.
We share the completed Student Profile with their sponsor. A sponsor is a person who cares about your child’s education and gives money to support their Scholarship payments. They love to hear how your child is going!
In the April My News newsletter, we will share information on how to complete the Student Profile for your family.
To learn more about our sponsors visit our Information Hub.
The Student Profile is a short list of questions for your child to answer, about their school experience.
We share the completed Student Profile with their sponsor. A sponsor is a person who cares about your child’s education and gives money to support their Scholarship payments. They love to hear how your child is going!
In the April My News newsletter, we will share information on how to complete the Student Profile for your family.
To learn more about our sponsors visit our Information Hub.
We’d love to hear what you think!
At the end of each article, click the ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ buttons. You can also write a comment if you want. This helps us know what you like and what we can do better.
You can also read past editions of My News, watch webinars, and log in to My Smith Family.
You can also read past editions of My News, watch webinars, and log in to My Smith Family.