Schools are vibrant hubs of activity, where amazing things happen every day. Beyond the learning in every classroom, a variety of community activities contribute to the dynamic atmosphere of school life. In my two weeks as Acting Principal, I’ve witnessed everything from GISSA sport afternoons, music performances, excursions to Parliament House, Tjatjarrang bake sales and more.
Week 5 was National Science Week, themed “Species Survival: More than just sustainability.” Our passionate Science staff organised a range of engaging activities, including a cake competition, an egg drop challenge, animals in jars and a Science mega quiz, allowing students to showcase their Science knowledge in fun and creative ways.
Week 5 also marked the “Bullying No Way: National Week of Action.” As part of their Advocacy unit, the Year 12 VCE-VM class created a variety of resources centred around the theme “Everyone Belongs.” These resources were shared with wellbeing groups across the school to promote the week’s message. Students and staff were encouraged to wear purple ribbons, symbolising peace, strength, and empowerment.
Year 8 students conducted their Growth Project Expo where they presented their work they had been doing in groups to help others in their world or community. There was an amazing range of projects that included (but definitely not limited to!) making cat toys for an animal rescue, selling artwork to donate money to a wildlife organisation and recycling bottles for charity.
Our staff are continually engaging in professional learning to create the best possible learning environment for our students. During this week’s Wellbeing Professional Learning Community meeting, staff learned the importance of facilitating peer relationships in the classroom. They explored strategies such as Stop and Jot, Mini Whiteboards, Whip Around, Cued Retell, and more, to increase opportunities for student responses. Staff will also be conducting observations to further refine their practices.
We are currently updating our Clonard College Instructional Model to include a range of high-impact teaching and wellbeing strategies, student competencies, literacy frameworks and positive behaviour practices. To support this process, on the pupil-free day on Friday 23 August, staff will work with Dr Judi Newman from The Academy of Organisational Neuroscience Australia. Dr Newman, a world-renowned leader in neuroscience education, will educate staff on how the brain learns best, covering topics such as:
- The importance of trust and rapport
- Memory and cognitive load
- The teenage brain
- Neuroscience as a pedagogical framework
- Links with the instructional model
- Brainwise lessons
Dr Newman will also collaborate with the Leadership Team on strengthening leadership influence using neuroscience principles.
As Assistant Principal – Performance and Impact, I utilise data to set and evaluate targets for school improvement. During staff briefings, I regularly share data to keep everyone informed about school progress. Each semester, the Extended Leadership Team reviews various data sets from across the school.
In Semester 1 this year, we’ve identified several strengths:
- The PIVOT student feedback survey revealed that students appreciate our teachers for their clear expectations, knowledge, respectfulness and belief in student success.
- NAPLAN data showed that our Year 7 and 9 students excel in writing and reading.
- The Pulse Student Wellbeing Survey indicated increased levels of physical activity, emotional engagement with teachers and breakfast consumption in 2024.
Additionally, the MACSSIS survey will be open for families from Monday 2 September to Friday 20 September. Information will be sent home closer to these dates. The data collected is crucial for our school improvement planning. For example, in 2022, we identified a need to improve student belonging and connection to school. We implemented specific strategies and in 2023, we saw a 7% improvement in students feeling they belong at school.
Our students and staff on immersion in Santa Teresa headed home Friday. They have had an amazing week and continued to strengthen bonds with the community. We look forward to welcoming them back next week and hearing their stories at our whole school assembly next week.
Hugh Saunders
Assistant Principal: Performance and Impact
