Focus on Learning 

Celebrating our Learning Journey - A Focus on Reading

As the year comes to a close, it is vital that we take a step back to reflect upon the year that was; the challenges and the successes, and celebrate the incredible learning that happens at St. Joseph’s School. 

This year, our teachers participated in numerous professional learning opportunities focusing on three key areas: Reading, Writing and Mathematics. With a focus on Reading, teachers updated and further developed their skills in delivering Modelled, Shared and Guided Reading lessons as well as using reading assessments to plan for and deliver targeted lessons based on identified need. The below data, which outlines the average growth of reading levels within the infants years, comparing 2019, 2020 and 2021, shows an increased growth in student reading abilities. This growth demonstrates the magnificent teaching and learning that has occurred, even in the face of challenges such as COVID-19. Whilst we take this opportunity to celebrate the students and their learning efforts, we must not forget the fantastic work of our teachers, which is clearly reflected in the data growth below and highlights that our teachers are highly skilled professionals who structure and implement effective learning practices based on student need. 

Reading Growth Data: Average Yearly Growth Levels 

Planning is already underway for how we can continue developing and furthering the reading skills of our students in 2022. We are very excited to be able to offer targetted literacy lessons to all students and we currently have plans to include strategic teaching and learning within our literacy block, consisting of a 40 minute targetted literacy session, 4 times per week with students from Kinder to Year 3. We will continue to update our school community as these plans become finalised. 

Congratulations to everyone for your hardwork and dedication throughout the year!