It's that exciting time of the term when teachers have collated their findings from observations of student behaviours, formal year level testing in English and Mathematics and curriculum formative assessments in preparation for Parent Meetings over the coming weeks.  Each class teacher will have sent out a booking sheet this week. I'm also pleased to let you know, that the Catholic Education Office SA is focusing on the area of contemporary learning and the effective use of data in all schools over the next few years. At a system level, they have engaged Lyn Sharratt, an educationalist from Canada, to work with schools, which I'm most excited about, having done some research last year with her work. Her most recent research-informed book, Clarity, will be the basis of school professional learning. In her book, Clarity Lyn Sharratt emphasises fourteen parameters needed to improve teaching and learning in a school.  

One of the parts to our improvement is the appointment of a Leader of Learning who will mentor other staff. We are fortunate to have the expertise of Mel Steele, who has been appointed for our school. For the rest of the year, Mel will receive professional development in this role and how to support our staff to improve outcomes for our students.  In alignment with our 2021 School Annual Plan, we will focus on improving teaching and learning, especially in the English and Mathematics curriculum.   

Lyn Sharratt's research has identified the vital role parents play in their child's education as another key parameter. To support our families' involvement in their child's learning and promote meaningful conversations, the teachers are looking forward to speaking with parents about their child's education and their goals in 2021.  In the letter sent out to parents regarding the Parent Meetings, you will see five questions that parents can ask their child's teacher to begin the conversation.  There are also five essential questions that a parent can ask their child daily: 

1. What did you learn today? 
2. How did you do? 
3. What did you do if you didn't understand? 
4. How can you improve on your learning? 
5. What are you most proud of? 

We hope that you find these Parent Meetings helpful. Please feel free to provide any feedback to your child's teacher, Mel or me on how you think these Parent Meetings support you to keep in touch with your child's learning.  

This term already has been so rewarding to hear the excitement amongst teachers and students talking about their learning and how they are progressing.  We will continue with this journey, working with Lyn Sharratt for the next two years as we further embed these parameters into our school culture. 

Ros Oates

Principal