College Assembly
On Tuesday, we gathered as a whole school community to celebrate the achievements of some of our students, prayed together in support of National Homelessness Week, and enjoyed several items from our symphonic band. Congratulations to those students who received commendation medallions especially. In addressing the gathering, I spoke about the importance of putting effort into one’s learning, as this is how long-term memories are formed and mastery achieved. Using the metaphor of a butterfly emerging from the cocoon, I explained that a struggle often helps us to grow. My simple challenge to the students was to turn up for each of their classes with the required materials and a “ready to learn” determination. I encourage our “St Mary’s butterflies”, our young people, to soar as they work to realise their unbounded, God-given, potential.
School Improvement Plan
We are sharing each of the priorities of our School Improvement Plan in Lumina and in this edition, it is the last of four:
SIP Priority 4 – Excellence in Learning
Goal: We strive for excellence in learning.
Intended Outcomes:
1. Teaching staff have a clearly articulated learning plan including scope and sequence
2. We are data aware, and evidence based regarding measuring the success of learning programs.
3. Students exhibit learner agency and are well supported to determine their learning pathway.
4. Build capacity in staff through targeted professional learning programs.
School Advisory Council
Our School Advisory Council met last week, and Mr. David Formosa, Director of Development, attended as a guest to discuss the work that is happening in marketing including recent developments which enhance our website. David demonstrated the key aspects of our new campaign which is based around three key ideas: “KNOWN”, “INDEPENDENT” and “BELONGING” and emphasises that we are focusing on our unique Catholic co-ed identity with images of happy and confident young women prominent. Strong traffic through our website indicates that we are being noticed and our weekly Talk and Tours continue to have strong patronage.
Senior Pathways Evening
On Tuesday evening, Year 10 students gathered with their families to seek advice and to discuss options for Year 11 & 12 and seek advice from their teachers and other learning area experts. For many, it is the first foray into the VCE and its many confusing acronyms. There was a great spirit in the Hall which I attribute to the excellent turn-out from parents and guardians and the willingness to engage with the dedicated staff members who had made themselves available to discuss the broad array of subjects and pathways on offer at St Mary’s. It was evident that our young people appreciated having someone standing shoulder to shoulder with them as they planned for the next two years and beyond. Thank you to all who contributed to make it a very valuable evening.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
