Collaboration with LaTrobe University: Enhancing Literacy at OLHC

Dear Parents and carers,

In this week's newsletter I am pleased to share a wonderful correspondence from Jacqueline, an instructional literacy coach from the SOLAR Lab at LaTrobe University, who has been working closely with our school.

Here is her letter:

Hello, I’m Jacqueline and I work as an instructional literacy coach with the SOLAR Lab, which is a part of LaTrobe University.

In my role, I visit many schools. I am currently working at Our Lady Help of Christians, specifically working with Prep-2 teachers to support their implementation of high-quality, evidence-based literacy programmes.

The staff I work with in Prep-2 should be commended for their dedication and commitment to the goal of improving their own skills towards providing the best possible literacy programs for their students, your children. To achieve this goal, they have undertaken extensive professional learning, which they are effectively translating into practice in their classrooms.

The students in Foundation-2 at OLHC are in a privileged position with such hard-working and skilful teachers.

I have visited a wide range of primary schools, and it is clear to me that OLHC stands out for many reasons in addition to the diligent staff. The small class sizes and the organisation of these classes to enable structured and effective literacy instruction, meeting the needs of all students, is a huge credit to this school, which I am sure you feel proud of.

The ‘vibe’ of the school is welcoming, inspiring and has a sense of aspiration. I have been made to feel very welcome by both the leadership, staff, and the gorgeous friendly students I have been lucky enough to meet on my visits.

Thank you to all the staff and students of OLHC for welcoming me into your community for 2024 and 2025.

Our collaboration with LaTrobe University and the SOLAR Lab is a significant step forward for our school, particularly for our junior students. The Science of Learning and Reading, which underpins this collaboration, involves using evidence-based strategies to improve literacy outcomes. This approach focuses on how students learn to read, the cognitive processes involved, and the best practices for teaching these skills effectively.

I am immensely proud of our Prep-2 teachers who have embraced this professional learning with enthusiasm and dedication. Their hard work and commitment to improving literacy instruction are already yielding positive signs in our classrooms. Together, we are making great strides towards ensuring our students receive the best possible education.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue this exciting journey with LaTrobe University.

Warm regards,

Rudy Vail

Principal

Thank you once again to all who contributed to the request for food to fill the shelves of our Vinnies pantry.

None of this would be possible without the organisation, behind the scenes,

by Claire, Liz, Alex, Jude and all the students who sorted the food into appropriate order.

Mary O’Connor.

Vinnies Eltham.

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