Last newsletter I talked about how we have adjusted our use of staff meetings over the years.  Well, this week we had a 3 hour staff meeting focused on writing, with teachers moderating writing samples across the school and working collaboratively to identify and develop strategies targeted to improve student outcomes.  This week we commence our PLT (Professional Learning Teams) in Mathematics.  This year Mrs Stretton, our GEM ( Gifted Education Mentor – she is also a gem in lots of other ways), Mrs Larke ( LST – Learning Support Teacher) and myself will be working with each classroom teacher on analysing their results in Mathematics and collectively mapping how to best meet the needs of the children.  Our Maths PLTs will meet fortnightly across Terms 1-3.  

Additionally, we have a Primary PLT in Reading.  This team is focused on maximizing growth in student outcomes in reading in Years 3-6.  This team meets twice per term and had its first meeting in Week 3. Thanks to the Diocese, all PMs (Pedagogical Mentors), of which I am one, have been enrolled in a 4 week SOLAR course for 90 minutes each Monday evening (takes a lot longer than that by the time you have done the professional readings!)  We are using this evidence based research to inform our teaching practice across the school. Our teachers are committed to ensuring they are using current best practice.

Each fortnight I will keep you informed about what we are doing to meet the needs of your children and our practices across the school… Have you ever wondered what Working Mathematically refers to on your child’s report card each semester?  I asked my students about that this week and they answered “Problem Solving” …. That was a good starting point, next fortnight “Working Mathematically” will be the subject of my newsletter.  If you have anything you are curious about or would like more information on, please drop me a line  kim.hogan@mn.catholic.edu.au.

Kim Hogan

Assistant Principal