From the Principal 

SCHOOL REVIEW 2023 

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK:  CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROCESS

Accountability requirements

Under the Australian Education Act 2013 (Cth) and the Australian Education Regulations 2013 (Cth), each school is required to develop, implement, publish and review a school improvement plan.

St Anthony's School is currently taking part in the process of the School Improvement Framework (SIF) which  recognises the distinctive nature of Catholic education.  Focusing on the full flourishing of each student, this evidenced-based framework is designed to highlight the priorities and practices that support student outcomes through school improvement and effectiveness.

The SIF of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has two purposes:

1. to assist schools and teachers to improve student outcomes
2. to satisfy legitimate expectations of government and sector authorities

THE PROCESS FOR OUR SCHOOL:

Pre–review:

• Our School has worked with the MACS Regional Learning Services team to prepare for review.
• The staff have engaged in self-assessment and reflection (SAR), including the collection and analysis of data and evidence, using the SIF Rubric, MACSIS Surveys, ECSI Survey and student assessment results
• Last week our school shared our completed SIF Rubric, along with other data, evidence and documentation with our  External Reviewer 
• Our school  prepared for compliance verification in which we presented evidence of the minimum standards for registration for Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority registration of the school 
• A Child Safe Standards Assessment was also undertaken and subsequently submitted to the External Reviewer

Review Timetable

• Preliminary visit (1 day): The School  Reviewer meets  with the principal and leadership team; has a tour of the school and meets the staff and students;  goes through the data and evidence submitted; compliance verification and review preparation discussion.
• Days 1 and 2 (2 days): Reviewer engages with members of the school community to establish a ‘point in time’ assessment of school effectiveness. Through classroom observations, focus groups with staff, students representatives and community members the reviewer will establish clear improvement directions for the school.
• School Review Report: The school reviewer will then complete the School Review Report. It will undergo MACS quality assurance and be shared with the Principal and Regional Learning Services team prior to the dialogue and engagement session.
• Dialogue and engagement session (2–2.5 hrs): The school reviewer meets with the staff to discuss her observations, insights and makes recommendations, used to inform future planning and priorities for next four years, forming the basis of the School Improvement Plan (SIP).

Post-review:

• Working with the Regional Learning Services team, our school will respond to any required actions for compliance, and develop and begin implementation of our SIP.

Our school will develop and implement an Annual Action Plans (AAP) to further support and monitor performance and growth over the life of the SIP.  The documents will be shared with Fr Leenus and the School advisory Council.

Winter Uniforms

Upon the return to Term Two on 26 April, all students are required to wear the school's Winter Uniform.  It is an expectation that all students follow the requirements as listed below for consistency and pride in being part of our school.  The children were shown the uniform at assembly today so know what is required.  

Black school shoes are to be worn, not runners. Long sleeves are necessary in our colder days. Wearing a short sleeved polo with a long sleeve t-shirt underneath is not the uniform.  Navy blue tights, knee high or crew white or navy socks can be worn with the Winter uniform. No leggings are permitted to be worn. PSW has stock of new uniform for those who require it.

Sports uniform may be worn only  on the designated sports days. Don’t forget to name all clothing, especially if recently bought. We encourage families to contact the Second Hand Uniform Shop for winter uniform options. Each item is sold at $2.00, except for tunics or dresses at $5.00 each.  Just email the office@santglen.catholic.edu.au and either Kathy or Liz will get back to you regarding stock availability.

ST ANTHONY'S PLAYGROUP

Please help to promote our new Playgroup for toddlers and Preschool aged children.  It will be held every Wednesday for 9.00am to 10.30am in the OSHC area.  Most importantly it's free. We ask that our families who will attend please bring a friend along to join the group. The sessions commence on 26 April 2023.

MACS Executive Director

Most Rev Peter A Comensoli,  Archbishop of Melbourne, and Gerard Dalbosco Chair, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools have announced the appointment of Dr Edward Simons as Executive Director of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and Executive Director of Education for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. 

PRIME Drink Advice

You  may have heard about the latest craze on Tik Tok, with kids drinking PRIME. It has been brought to my attention to alert parents of the health risks associated with this. There are 2 types, one is a hydration version and the second type, is an energy drink. It contains over 200mg of caffeine (40mg is in a standard coffee).   Please keep these facts in mind when drinks are being purchased.

Term One has definitely been jam packed with many events and learning opportunities. All students must be congratulated on the way that they have approached all their activities, especially the Preps who are now settled into routines and school life.  A particular "thank you" to all the staff who continuously work with our children to ensure that they have the best educational outcomes. 

Wishing everyone a peaceful and safe Easter and looking forward to another term of exciting learning experiences. 

Your sincerely 

Margaret Carlei

Principal