From the College Principal 

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of the St Gregory’s College Community,

As we move closer to the end of the 2020 academic year, I am very conscious of what we have achieved as a College throughout this very challenging year, and even more conscious of what we still need to achieve to ensure we finish the year positively. We want to finish the academic year on Thursday 10 December, with ‘wind in our sails’ not with a whimper.

Our students need to approach the ‘finish line’ for the year knowing that their efforts right up to the very last day will be rewarded as they move through school, further education and life in general. Resilience is built when they meet the challenges head-on, rather than finding the low bar to climb over or avoid altogether.

Learning is a continuous activity and has great benefits when it is not punctuated by days off and mini holiday breaks during term time. We look forward to finishing 2020 in a positive manner, knowing that we have all gone the full distance.

THE INFLUENCE OF OUR TEACHERS – Over the past decade, much has been written about the importance of teacher quality as a key determinant of a students’ experiences and their outcomes for schooling. Academics such as Dr Ken Rowe and Dr John Hattie have written extensively about this matter. According to Dr Rowe, “… the quality of teaching and learning provision are by far the most salient influences on students’ cognitive, affective, and behavioural outcomes of schooling – regardless of their gender or backgrounds. Indeed, findings from the related local and international evidence-based research indicate that ‘what matters most’ is quality teachers and teaching, supported by strategic teacher professional development.”

We have just completed two days of staff professional learning. I have witnessed our teaching staff over the two days keen to learn to ensure they are the best teachers they can be for our students. 

In terms of improving educational outcomes for the young men and women at St Gregory’s, there is no higher priority than ensuring that we have quality teachers. 

Evidence cited in the NSW Report of the Review of Teacher Education way back in 2000 (Ramsay) indicates that students want their teachers to: 

• Know and understand their subject(s).
• Treat each student as an individual. 
• Make learning the core of what happens in the classroom.
• Manage distractions that disrupt and prevent learning. 

The work of Rowe, Slade and Trent, conclude that students consistently report that ‘good’ teachers are those who: 

• “Care about me and encourage me.” 
• “Are enthusiastic about what they teach and want me to share in their enjoyment of learning.” 
• “Are fair.” 

So, what makes a good teacher? Back in 1996, UNESCO published a book entitled “What makes a Good Teacher?” Over 500 children from some 50 countries contributed their opinions. What the respondents had to say nearly twenty-five years ago still stands the test of time. Here are some of their responses: -

• A good teacher interacts with the child (physically, and mentally) 
• A good teacher makes students understand what emotion is. 
• A good teacher smiles to his/her students. 
• A good teacher teaches not only textbook materials but also the truth that is happening outside - practice balanced with theory. 
• A good teacher dedicates him/herself to the job. They have made a commitment to their profession. 
• A good teacher is someone who teaches not only with mind, but also with heart. 
• A good teacher has three essential qualities - background knowledge; professional skills; and personal qualities. 
• A good teacher makes him/herself available to all students, however, knows which students need extra assistance. 
• A good teacher is an effective communicator, knowing when to change their communicating techniques to be sure students can grasp instructional concepts. 
• A good teacher allows students to ask questions, however, does not answer questions without drawing from other students' learning experience first. 
• A good teacher has classroom rules and procedures which help students know what is expected from them and how the students can help themselves. 
• A good teacher encourages cooperation and sets an example with other students. 
• A good teacher is flexible and able to change lessons in order to accommodate the needs of the students. 
• A good teacher respects all students and encourages good performance. 
• A good teacher is someone who can learn from their students, who can learn with them, and for them.
• A good teacher is someone who is also a learner. 

The teachers at St Gregory’s College continue to strive to be the best they can be. I am very proud of their commitment and dedication to their profession and their willingness to continue to learn and grow.

EXAM PREPARATION TIME – Our Year 7 – 10 students are only one week away from commencing their final Semester 2 Examination block. It has been very pleasing to see the engagement of the students in their classes and the extra efforts many of our students have been putting into their exam preparation through the organised study sessions and by using the advice provided by our Academic Coordinators and teaching staff. We want our students over the upcoming examination block to ‘B’ the Best They Can Be.’

Some tips to succeed in the upcoming exams so our students can reach their potential and ‘B’ the Best They Can Be.’ Students: -

• ‘B’ confident of your own ability.  You have worked all year for this. Reflect on the work you have done to get this far. 
• ‘B’ organised.  Know everything you need to know about the exam.  Have all you need to take prepared the night before. 
• ‘B’ with the right people. Surround yourself with people with positive attitudes. Feed on the group energy and go in on a ‘high’.
• ‘B’ positive.  Go in telling yourself you can do well.  Make that thought a self-fulfilling prophesy. Don’t talk yourself down.

Remember this famous quote from Henry Ford, “If you think you can do it or you think you can't do it, you're right.

CONGRATULATIONS - Recently we have been informed by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) and ARTEXPRESS that three of our Year 12 students (2020) have had their Visual Art Body of Work art pieces chosen for inclusion in the prestigious ARTEXPRESS exhibitions. The students are as follows: -

• Jodi Weisz 
• Phlynn Grohala 
• Max Clissold 

We are very proud of these fine young men and congratulate them on this outstanding achievement. I also congratulate their Year 11 and 12 Visual Art Teacher, Mrs Elissa Ferenc and thank her for her dedication and mentoring of our young men.

Thank you, parents and carers for your friendship and the healthy respect you have for what we try to do here at St Gregory’s. Our work is always in partnership. The support you provide assists me greatly. My door is always open to you!

I wish you God’s blessings always. May Mary, our Good Mother, Saint Marcellin Champagnat and Saint Gregory continue to guide us and inspire us on our journey.

Quae Seminaveris Metes – “You will reap what you sow."

Lee MacMaster 

College Principal (K-12)