From the Principal
Introducing Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL)
We are thrilled to share with you all our plans to commence the implementation of a highly innovative approach to teaching and learning Italian, commencing next week. This approach is called Teachers As Co-Learners (TCL).
This approach is being successfully implemented by over 95 Catholic Primary schools across Victoria. Its design and content are based on neuroscience principles, and on understanding how the brain best learns language. It provides frequent exposure to language classes in order for students to experience success with their learning.
Research shows that learning an additional language bears significant advantages for students, such as enhanced literacy development, intercultural understanding, as well as creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
What will TCL look like for our teachers?
Teachers have been provided with a comprehensive online program aligned with the Victorian Curriculum that has been developed by the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) to support the learning and teaching of Italian. Teachers will be co-learners with their students, modelling risk taking and lifelong learning as they use the classroom activities to deliver the program.
What will TCL look like for our students?
All students will have 15-minute sessions with their classroom teacher 4 times a week. Students will learn language targeted at maximising classroom interactions and communication.
What will TCL look like for our school community members?
Schools using the TCL approach have generated much interest across the community. Many students take their learning home and enjoy teaching their parents and siblings the language they have learnt.
We are looking forward to continuing to strengthen the teaching and learning of Italian at St Francis de Sales together from prep to Year 6 .
New Lunchtime Club: Tournament of Minds
We are excited to introduce a new lunchtime club, Tournament of Minds, facilitated by Michelle Murphy twice a week.
Tournament of Minds is a highly regarded problem-solving program used by many schools as an extension and enrichment opportunity for students. It challenges participants to work collaboratively in teams to solve open-ended problems across areas such as STEM, language literature, social sciences, and the arts. Students develop valuable skills including creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication.
Students who join the club will have the opportunity to prepare for the Tournament of Minds competition in Term 3, where they will compete against other schools in our region. Successful teams may then progress to the state finals, representing our school at a higher level.
We look forward to seeing our students engage, collaborate, and shine in this exciting new opportunity!
Staff News
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rebecca Soysa Tambyraja as our Environmental Education specialist teacher. Rebecca takes over the role from Mary Lucas who has officially retired. Rebecca will be working on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. She will also be supporting our Literacy program in the morning. We look forward to Rebecca's contribution to the school in this new role and her support in helping us become a more sustainable school.
Christine White
Principal