From the Principal
Vision for Instruction
The recently launched MACS Vision for Instruction has been designed to support Catholic schools with clear guidance on instructional best practice, ensuring a consistent approach to teaching and learning excellence across the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic School system.
It builds upon established frameworks for school engagement, wellbeing, improvement, and inclusive practices for students with diverse learning needs. Specifically, the focus for the Vision for Instruction is on enhancing cognitive engagement, a crucial aspect for learning.
Drawing from Cognitive Load Theory and the robust evidence base on The Science of Learning, the aim is to implement best practice instruction, curriculum design and planning (evidence-based, knowledge-rich, coherent, and sequenced) and assessment practice.
At St Francis de Sales has been founded on evidence from cognitive science research about how students learn which has guided the practical implications we consistently make for teaching.
This week at our staff meeting led by Madeline Kelly form MACS, our staff had the opportunity to review our current practice in light of this new document. Our staff examined how students learn and engaged in collaborative professional dialogue to reflect on current practices and the implications for instruction at our school.
In my eight years as principal of St Francis de Sale's, I have witnessed remarkable growth and evolution within our school community. The collective engagement and unity of our staff during this professional learning meeting was impressive. Our teachers worked with such cohesion and committed, the dialogue between teams and across the group showed we are completely aligned pedagogically, in values, and beliefs about how children learn. We will continue to work on our priority of enhancing learning and teaching. We have a great foundation to build from as we continue to depth and deliver a knowledge rich, evidence-based teaching and learning program that inspires and enables every students to flourish and enrich the world.
Illness
Winter has hit, with very chilly mornings being bestowed upon us. Currently we have a few students who are suffering with colds and COVID. We ask that if your child is feeling unwell, that you keep them home until they are well.
If your child has COVID, you do not need to report this to the school, however out of courtesy, we ask that you let us know so we are aware and can ensure our preventative strategies are still in place. Children with COVID are recommended to stay at home while they have symptoms and are unwell, and are welcome to return once they are symptom free.
Applications for 2025 are due now.
Interviews for new families wishing to commence school at St Francis de Sales in 2025 will be held on
- Thursday 16th May and
- Wednesday 22 May 2024.
Please inform neighbours and friends who will have a child eligible to start school in 2025 to book a tour. We have tours nearly every morning at 9 am.
Help promote our school and share stories of the great learning and extra curricula opportunities we provide.
Word of mouth stories about our great school community is the BEST promotion.
Enjoy the beautiful colours of autumn.
Christine White
Principal