Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

Our theme for Catholic Schools Week was Mission Learn Care. This theme will be carried through to our System Conference next Tuesday and Wednesday in Tamworth. The Conference will bring together staff from across our Diocese. Below I have set out some of the great learning that we will do together as a system and I look forward to exploring some of the topics in following newsletters.

The theme Mission Learn Care fits so well with our annual improvement plan. Our goals for 2019 are set around the three pillars of Faith Learning Collaboration.

Our faith goals fit well with the Mission component of the theme. We will have two Keynote presentations for this area. The first is ‘Living With Joy In A ‘Change Of Era’’ presented by Philomena Billington Past Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Sandhurst, Victoria. During this presentation we will explore God’s invitation that ‘all may live life to the full’ (John 10:10) as we encounter our daily lives in family, in our schools and offices as contributing members to our broader Church and civic communities. How do we discover and share our talents in the midst of a ‘change of era’? (Pope Francis)

The second entitled ‘Humanity’s Hidden Potential’ presented by Peter Sharp.  Peter Sharp is a World Peace Leader who strives to unlock humanity's hidden potential by organising collaborative global flashmob events that involve the world inspiring acts of unity. Peter combines his heart-warming life stories with explosive insight that is relevant to all businesses & inspires authentic trust and human connection to flourish in the workplace. He passionately speaks to audiences around the world about becoming the change they wish to see and the way simple shifts in perspective can lead to powerful influence. Peter has started two social movements for peace that have both inspired global change.

The core of the conference centres on wellbeing for our whole community. The main presenters are Peter Turner and Andrew May (not our Andrew May!)

Peter Turner, Director, Diocese of Wollongong will present on ‘Pastoral Care and Wellbeing: The privilege and the challenge’. Catholic education in Australia was founded on the desire to address the significant levels of educational and welfare disadvantage that existed for poorer families in the colony. Built on the tradition, Catholic Schools continue to enjoy the privilege that this presents, but at the same time they face significant challenges in terms of a now very complex Australian society. Against this background, how will Catholic schools manage both the privilege and the challenge of an ever-changing ‘wellbeing agenda’ in the future?

Andrew May began his career as an elite middle distance athlete before studying exercise physiology and sports coaching, recently completing a Masters in Coaching Psychology. He has worked with the NSW and Australian Cricket teams as their Physical Performance Manager, as well as with the Sydney Swans and many Olympic athletes. Andrew delivers energetic and inspiring keynote presentations and workshops around the world. The way you think affects the way you feel, and the way you feel affects the way you behave. Learning to manage your thoughts has a direct impact on your mood, behaviour and energy.

In the area of Learn, I will be attending a session entitled - ‘An Introduction to Neuro-developmental Differentiation.’ by Dr Andrew Fuller. Neurodevelopmental differentiation (NDD) involves parents and teachers helping students to increase the effectiveness of each of their brain system areas and finding ways to have students succeed by compensating for areas that are taking longer to develop. This may require teachers making small but significant changes to their teaching practice. For example, using flexible groupings or giving visual prompts to students who struggle to follow verbal instructions. It also involves teaching students about their brains and how they learn so they can use their strengths to overcome obstacles to learning. Catering for these differences is what we call “neurodevelopmental differentiation” (NDD).

I am really looking forward to the conference and learning with colleagues from across our system of schools with a keen focus on how to work together to help our communities be the best they can.

Pupil Free Days

A reminder that our System Conference for all staff of our Diocese will be held on Tuesday 11th June and Wednesday 12th June. These days are pupil free and the school will be closed during this time.

What new learning will you undertake this week?

Thank you

Regina Menz