Principal's Message
A Prayer for Our School Review
Loving God,We thank You for our school community.
As we reflect and review,
help us recognise what we do welland guide us toward new growth.
Bless all who take part in this journey,
staff, students, and families
that we may continue to walk in faith,
learn with purpose,
and grow together in Your love.
Amen.
School Review – Reflecting, Celebrating, and Setting Direction
This week, we have been engaged in the next stage of our four-yearly School Review — a vital and affirming process led by external reviewers from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). This review supports our ongoing growth by helping us reflect, celebrate, and set direction for the future.
The full review process includes three key components:
- VRQA Compliance Review
- Child Safe Standards Compliance
- School Improvement Reflection and Direction Setting (SIF Rubric)
The compliance elements of the review were completed earlier in the term. This week, we focused on the heart of the process — the School Improvement Framework (SIF) component — across two days of rich engagement with students, staff, and families.
Throughout the SIF review, the team visited classrooms, examined our learning environments, reviewed documentation, and held targeted focus groups. We’re pleased to share that the reviewers’ initial reflections highlighted St Andrew’s as a welcoming and inclusive community, with a strong focus on learning and a genuine sense of care for every student.
Day 1 – A Focus on Learning
Day 1 included classroom observations from Prep to Year 6 and conversations with teaching staff, including both classroom and specialist teachers. These interactions explored how learning is planned, delivered, and experienced in our school, all through the lens of the SIF Rubric.
Day 2 – Listening to Our Community
On Day 2, the focus shifted to student, staff, and parent voice. A Parent Forum, focus groups with learning and teaching, learning diversity and wellbeing teams, and student conversations provided powerful insights into the partnerships and culture we are proud to nurture. A discussion with Father Joe and our RE leaders affirmed our school’s Catholic identity and mission.
The review is still in progress, and the findings and recommendations from the SIF component will be shared with our leadership team early next term. These outcomes will help shape our next School Improvement Plan (SIP) and guide our continued efforts to ensure all students grow, thrive, and succeed.
Sincere thanks to the many students, staff, and families who have contributed to this important process. Your voice and commitment are vital to the growth and future of St Andrew’s.
Regards
Brian Martin
Principal