Principal's Report
Dear Parents/Guardians and friends of Nazareth
Last Wednesday was a Student Free day which gave all staff the opportunity to upskill themselves with some professional learning. Our teaching staff were able to explore our vision for learning and how we can encourage our students and staff to be flourishing learners. Our administrative staff focused on positive relationships and positive work environments. Together we hope that our learning can be utilised in the classroom and with interactions within our Nazareth community.
Our teaching and learning framework (TLF) centres around some key strategies that have been proven to consolidate and engage learning.
Together a lesson can be broken down into 3 key areas;
- Getting started,
- Transitioning between activities,
- Ending lessons.
Together we discussed the importance of establishing routines, establishing a conducive learning environment and clear instructions. It is a proven fact concentration spans are limited and hence a variety of activities to support learning and consolidate concepts are helpful and effective. In ending a class, it is so beneficial to explore and ask students to articulate what they have learnt and how it can be incorporated into real life situations.
Learning at Nazareth is very much experiential and follows a set routine. Strategies such as:
These are all proven strategies that help student engage and understand their learning.
It was wonderful to allow all our staff the opportunity to see learning through this approach. It is our hope that student engagement improves in the coming weeks as our approach becomes part of our practice.
Learning is not simply isolated to the classroom. In the coming week the cast and crew of High School Musical will showcase their talents. I thank all our parents that have patiently waited whilst rehearsals on week nights and weekends have taken place. I know it is a big ask, however all our students gain so much from this experience.
Our Cross Country runners, Volleyball and other sporting teams are also an avenue for students to showcase their talents. Many students progress and are selected for representative teams in their sport. I congratulate our SIS Cross Country team, who competed against all SIS teams. Your efforts and those of staff are appreciated by all.
God Bless.
Mr Sam Cosentino
Principal