From the Assistant Principal.
Dear Parents,
Last year Mr Heelis, Mrs Oliver, Mrs Casaceli and I were fortunate to attend a four-day professional learning course with the Berry Street Education Model. Understanding the positive impact that this approach has on student wellbeing and achievement we were very excited to share this professional learning with all of the staff at St Patrick’s.
What is the Berry Street Education Model?
The Berry Street Education Model is based on classroom strategies informed by approaches to trauma-informed learning and the science of wellbeing.
This model is broken down into five domains and focuses on using student-centred strategies, recognising the importance of strategies which are consistent across the entire school. These strategies provide teachers with the knowledge of how to foster student wellbeing, willingness and capacity for academic achievement.
Body Domain
On Monday, staff participated in ‘Body Domain’ workshop which explored ways teachers can buildschool-wide routines and body-regulation through a focus on physical and emotional regulation and de-escalation in the classroom and playground.Staff also focused on ways which we can offer opportunities for students to co-regulate and self-regulate emotions, reactivity and impulses.
Morning Circles
Following our staff development day, teachers from K-6 have begun to implement ‘Morning Circles’, one of the Berry Street strategies into their class' daily routine. This routine aims to support student engagement, wellbeing and develop a positive classroom community through a sense of belonging, a predictable routine and positive experience.
The Morning Circle Consists of:
GREETING - Students sit or stand in a circle shape. Once students are in position, the circle routine begins with greeting. For example, students go around the circle and say good morning to each other in turn.
VALUES- The teacher asks students what the value will be for the day connecting students to the classroom community and working towards a common goal.
EXPECTATIONS- The teacher explains the events that are happening during the day. For example, what lesson is occurring and when.
ANNOUNCEMENTS- The teacher asks the students to share any class news and announcements such as birthdays.
POSITIVE PRIMER- The students engage in a positive, short game which allows students to experience positive emotions and success.
WHAT WENT WELL- The circle routine finishes with a reflection on ‘what went well’ (www). This further promotes reflection and gratitude towards the positive experiences.
As we move into Term 2, teachers will continue to build students understanding of emotions, self- regulation strategies and mindfulness through our Health curriculum.
Kind regards,
Ellen Dorrough
Acting Assistant Principal