Learning and Teaching

Teaching & Learning

As we approach the end of another vibrant year, I’m incredibly proud of the teaching and learning that fills our classrooms each day. From the curiosity in our youngest learners to the independence shown by our senior students, our school continues to thrive because of the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm of our students.

Every lesson, project, and conversation reflects a community that values growth, creativity and high expectations.

With so many wonderful moments to celebrate, I’ve put together my Top Ten Teaching and Learning Highlights—in no particular order but a snapshot of the energy, innovation and joy that make our school such a special place.

Pet Rocks (this was such a popular activity to support Science Week, the joy on the students faces was just infectious)
Chitter Chants (I adore visiting the Foundation classrooms and hearing the students repeat their phonic chants - what a great 'foundation' they are laying for their lifelong reading skills)
St Mary's Feast Day (the most recent of events, but seeing the school covered in blue and the ability for the students to unpack and appreciate our school name and heritage was just empowering)
House Gaga Ball Competition (you may wonder, Mrs Hodgetts, is this teaching and learning ....of course it is ...the students were so engaged and to see them develop not only their physical sporting skills but strategic game play as well as sportsmanship was a true highlight)
Mini Whiteboards (you can walk into any classroom at St Mary's to see ALL students responding to questions from the teachers using their mini whiteboards - it is great to see this Vision for Instruction strategy already embedded into our school culture)
SRC (thanks to the efforts of Mrs Trevaskis, the members of the SRC have really extended their portfolios this year, participating in paraliturgies, assemblies and contributing articles to the fortnightly newsletter)
New Classrooms (it seems like a long time ago ....but we only moved into the new Year 1 & Year 2 classrooms during Term 1 - seeing the flexible writing surfaces and new technologies is a great improvement to the St Mary's learning environment)
House Autumn Photography Competition (this was the highest entered competition that we have run at St Mary's over the past three years and the quality was exceptional)
Book Swap (this activity organised by the PFA and was a huge success - especially in relation to sustainability and encouraging a passion and love of reading)
Little People, Big Dreams Dress Up (Book Week is always a favourite part of my yearly school calendar......but the costumes of the staff to match an inspirational 'being the light' person and then have their photo on the book cover was certainly a fun memory of 2025).

I look forward to another amazing year of teaching and learning in 2026. Have a safe and restful holiday period - doing lots of exploration and memory making with your families.

Olivia Hodgetts