And this newspaper is always enthusiastic about sharing those successes with the rest of the community.

Great Lakes College principal Stephen Nicholas' comments that education is about a rounded approach hit the mark, as he spoke about the Government's My School website.

Requiring schools to meet a suitable standard does have merit, but basing a judgement on results derived from one test, taken on one day given to years 3, 5, 7 and 9, focusing on literacy and numeracy only, can't be painting the whole picture.

Holy Name principal Mark Mowbray echoes that same sentiment. He favours educating the "whole child."

That includes vocational education, drug and alcohol programs, sporting and musical curriculum that foster the many talents growing in our school community.

It is a sensible approach to take this new 'tool' with a grain of salt.

Communication between each school and its students, parents and guardians will ensure needs are met and concerns are addressed.

In the meantime our local schools should be proud of what they're achieving.

Carmen Swadling, Editor