Learning and Teaching
AFL Clinics
Footy fever has taken over SMCM this term! We are seeing lots of students bringing footballs to school and enjoying playing during break times.
This term we are fortunate to have coaches from AFL Victoria come to our school to run clinics during our Physical Education classes, starting with some of the Year One and Two classes this week. Students participate in a variety of skills and games and practise their drop punts, teddy bear (chest), zombie (out in front) and superman (overhead) marking.
If your child has expressed interest in having playing footy, it’s not too late to join. Go to https://play.afl/play/auskick to find your nearest Auskick centre.
Word of the Week
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools' (MACS) Vision for Instruction
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality education for your children, we are excited to share with you MACS’ Vision for Instruction. This strategic plan is designed to elevate the standard of learning and teaching across all Catholic schools, with the aim of becoming the benchmark for excellence by 2030. Grounded in robust evidence of effective learning methodologies, this vision aligns closely with the Science of Learning in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
At our school, we have enthusiastically embraced this vision and have already taken significant strides towards its realisation. Through our dedication to evidence-based instruction, our staff are at the forefront of employing pedagogical approaches that have been proven to be most effective for student learning. By incorporating the latest findings from educational research, we are equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
As we strive to provide the best possible education for your children, we also recognise the importance of being lifelong learners ourselves, continuously seeking out new knowledge and refining our teaching practices to ensure that we are always delivering the highest quality education. As we embark on this journey towards excellence in teaching and learning, we are fortunate to have support from various resources. Funding from La Trobe enables us to engage our staff in the SOLAR Lab (Science of Learning and Reading) professional development program, support the Little Learners Love Literacy program, and benefit from the guidance of Literacy Instructional Coach, Ms. Leah Myers, who will dedicate four hours a week across two years to our school. This investment in our staff and students is invaluable, and we are truly grateful for this opportunity to enhance our educational practices.
As partners in your child’s education journey, we are committed to keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. Together, let us continue to foster an environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work towards our collective goal of excellence in teaching and learning.
Rafael
Learning & Teaching and Digital Technologies Leader
Rafael.Fernandez@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Allison
Science of Learning and Literacy Leader
Allison.Luff@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Sawako & Rachel
Mathematics Leaders