From the Leadership Team 

Personal Best

Davina McClure, Deputy Principal 

I recently attended a Dean’s Lecture at the University of Melbourne Graduate School of Education that focused on growth goals and the growth mindset in today’s classroom, presented by Professor Andrew Martin from the University of New South Wales. 

Andrew’s message focused on a growth approach to learning that aligns well with Kilvington’s learning philosophy. With a growth approach, students focus on their own personal learning progress to optimise their academic potential. 

Rather than focusing on outperforming others, students focus on outperforming their own previous efforts and achievement. Both Andrew Martin and Carol Dwek’s research in the areas of growth goals and growth mindset point to the positive impact that this has on student accomplishment. 

Teachers at Kilvington embrace and deliver strategies that align with a growth approach to learning. We are committed to using consistent growth mindset language and formative instruction that helps students apply effort and persistence in achieving their personal best. 

This is embedded in our learning culture and students are encouraged to persevere with deep thinking while not shying away from the unknown or difficult. It promotes an understanding that learning is a journey, where the process is valued and learning opportunities are limitless. It takes time, dedication and hard work.

NAPLAN Results

Two weeks ago, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 received this year’s NAPLAN results.  

Once again, these results were consistently high across all year levels. The below table reflects Kilvington’s summary report at Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 for each of the areas tested for NAPLAN 2018: Reading, Writing, Language Conventions – Spelling, Language Conventions – Grammar and Punctuation, and Numeracy. 

We reiterate that while NAPLAN is an important measure, it is one of many and should be considered in the context of each student’s overall experience at School. Such testing assesses students on how they compare with other students, which does not support a personal growth approach to learning. 

Our priority is to provide students with a holistic approach to education, focusing our efforts on supporting each and every individual student to concentrate on ‘personal best’ and ‘personal excellence’ irrespective of comparisons that might be drawn. 

This approach promotes increased resilience, growth in the level of student engagement and motivation, and the belief that it is possible to overcome learning challenges. The ability to be self-aware and reflective is also heightened, as students become more conscious of knowing and owning their learning journey.

Talent Development and Enrichment Program

To cater for the diverse skills and abilities of all students, differentiation is key at Kilvington. To support this key learning philosophy, we have launched our new Kilvington Talent Development and Enrichment Program (TD & E).

The TD & E Program incorporates additional targeted provisions for highly-able students. To facilitate and maximise student growth, these provisions may take place within the classroom, in small groups or individually.

Read more here.

Vigilance When Eating Fruit

As you would be aware from extensive media reports, there is a serious issue with needles and other dangerous objects being found in fruit, particularly strawberries.

While strawberries have been removed from most supermarket shelves, it is important that you remain vigilant when eating all fruit. There has been a recent report of a needle also being found in a banana.

Please ensure that you and your children check all fruit, preferably cutting it up for smaller children.

Student Absences During Term

While we understand that families may need to schedule family holidays during school term, it is not something that is encouraged by the School. This can impact on student learning and involvement in key projects and activities.

If families wish to withdraw their children for family holidays during school term for more than three days, it is essential that the Principal is notified in writing.

Staff Information

Congratulations to Acting House Dean and Science teacher Ms Maree Locco who has been appointed to the role of Academic Dean of Science from the commencement of next year.

We look forward to the contribution of Miss Anna Moore and Mrs Emma Gregg who have been appointed as Junior School teachers commencing 2019. 

We congratulate Mrs Martine Walls on her appointment as Dean of Wellbeing Program Development. This role will see Martine leading a team of staff involved in programs such as the Character Initiative, Outdoor Education, various co-curricular activities and the Year 9 program.  The role will commence next year.  

We welcome Miss Heidi Boer as our new School Nurse. Heidi commenced on Monday 17 September.  She comes from Cabrini Hospital and is enjoying caring for our students.   

Mr Todd Cummins who has been on extended leave for the remainder of this year has submitted his resignation. We are sorry to see him leave but wish him all the best for the future.

Mrs Nicole Moffat will be leaving us at the end of the year. Nicole has taught in the ELC for seven years and is leaving to study full-time next year.  Nicole has been a wonderful contributor to our ELC team.   

Mathematics and Science teacher, Ms Grace MacDonald has resigned to take up a teaching role at Lowther Hall in 2019. Grace’s professionalism and ‘can do approach’ will be missed by staff and students alike.