From the Teaching and Learning Deputy

Melbourne Contemporary Learning Tour

Last week, our Deputy Principal: Wellbeing, Miss Jess Robinson, and I had the opportunity to visit a number of schools in Melbourne as part of a Contemporary Learning Tour. These schools are renowned for the innovative and effective strategies they are using to support children’s learning and wellbeing. 

It was fascinating to see different schools, their unique contexts and the different approaches they have taken to explore similar challenges and opportunities. Jess and I have come away with lots of learnings and ideas to strengthen our school.

What was fantastic was that our biggest feeling throughout the tour was affirmation. We saw some amazing work happening in schools and, in many cases, we could draw connections between their practices and what we are doing here at St Paul.

First and foremost was the importance of a strong image of the child and aligning what happens in the school with this image. We have laid a really strong foundation with our image of the child and it was great to be able to see this being valued in other contemporary schools.

Other practices we saw mirrored in these innovative schools included: a commitment to prioritising children's wellbeing; nurturing homely learning environments; children engaging in active inquiry learning; embedding authentic reading and writing opportunities; and developing learning assets that are relevant across subjects and throughout children's entire schooling and life journey.

Each school used a variety of strategies to achieve these goals, some similar to St Paul, some unique. We continue our development journey as a school affirmed that we are aligned with truly contemporary schools, inspired to continue improving and equipped with more examples and ideas with which to do this. 

We look forward to continuing to work with you to make your child's St Paul learning journey the very best experience it can be.