💫 On Wednesday evening at Melbourne’s Immigration Museum the MACS Executive Director, Dr Edward Simons launched a progressive step forward in MACS 2030 plan with the Vision For Engagement - Flourishing Learners Position Statement.

Mrs Gordon and I were at the launch that was also attended by the Victorian Deputy Premier and Miniter for Education, Honourable Ben Carroll who applauded MACS and Catholic education for being leaders in the classroom and for our holistic approach to educating young minds. Ben was educated in Catholic Schools and knows firsthand the importance of learning, spiritual nurturing and standards.

Dr Edward Simons MACS Executive Director

Vision For Engagement Launch

‘MACS Vision for Engagement will see teaching respectful student behaviour elevated to a core developmental focus across MACS’ almost 300 primary and secondary schools.

This follows MACS’ system-wide switch to explicit teaching of mathematics, reading and writing last year - outlined in its companion statement Vision for Instruction - which is already having a significant impact on teaching and learning in Catholic school classrooms.

Dr Simons said, “We are seeing the green shoots of evidence-backed pedagogy on academic results, particularly for schools further down this path. Now, we are intentionally sharpening our focus on student engagement as a key pillar of how we support student growth - through explicit teaching of respectful behaviour, shared expectations, and consistent reinforcement.’

Dr Simons said that the complex and unprecedented challenges facing students, and their teachers, required decisive action by education systems, ‘by integrating key engagement practices into a whole-school approach, schools can again become the calm, respectful and inclusive environments in which children can learn and thrive, and teachers can focus on the art of teaching.’ Dr Simons said that the weight of evidence shows that when students no longer show up distracted, but instead feel a sense of safety and belonging, learning outcomes lift.’

💫Vision for Engagement and Social Media

‘Over the past year, we have heard, loudly and clearly, from teachers, support staff and parents, that the harm social media causes in and outside classrooms is having a detrimental impact not only on learning but on student behaviour and overall wellbeing.

We must take a much clearer stance against the profit-driven motives of technology companies so that schools do not unintentionally contribute to the harm being caused - harm which is also now becoming evident in emerging global research.

Mobile phones and social media have no role in learning at school, and we are moving beyond words to clear action. Our shift to explicit instruction has already reduced the reliance on screens in our schools, but we are taking that further to minimise the use of technology where it’s not essential as part of learning.

This is especially important in primary school settings where young minds are still forming. We will work in partnership with schools and parents, so more screens go down and more eyes go up. ’Dr Simons is clear that making these changes is not optional.’

💫 Vision for Engagement and Student Behaviour

‘According to OECD PISA results, Australian classrooms are amongst the most disorderly compared to other participating nations (ranking 69 out of 76 countries).

Closer to home, the latest Auditor General report shows Victorian schools are seeing increasing incidents of verbal and physical abuse against teachers. We have to ensure workplaces are safe for teachers and this requires urgent adjustment to improve student behaviour.

Engaging young people in their learning is not an insignificant challenge. We want to create an environment that will allow teachers to focus on what they do best, and ensure our students are making the most of their time in the classroom.

‘Our hope is that high standards, learnt in our classrooms, transcend into everyday life and reflect community expectations of our next generation, whether that’s on school grounds, the footy field or out with friends.’

💫 Vision for Engagement at St Mary’s College Seymour

St Mary’s is well in line with the MACS Vision for Engagement. Our Behaviour Management Policy, Positive Behaviours for Learning Matrix and expectations of standards and values align with MACS Vision for Engagement statement and intention.

Archbishop Peter Comensoli in writing his foreword for Vision for Engagement said, Education for children entrusted in the care of MACs schools is not only one of hope, but it is a privilege and a joy, as well as a witness of tremendous faith. It is our privilege and when parents and staff work together for the common good of the students, there are no limits to the future.

The OECD results on classroom behaviour ranking Australia 69 out of 76 countries is not a proud ranking and highlights even moreso the importance of why at St Mary’s ‘tough love’ is a part of a good and healthy wellbeing approach. The College standard is a lived expectation.

💫 Vision for Engagement – School is better when your child(ren) are here

Absenteeism of students in education has increased post covid. The following chart from the Department of Education 2023 shows that regular nonattendance adds up and has a negative effect on a student’s learning and wellbeing. Please contact the College if need be.

💫 College Uniform

On Friday Year 7-10 were reminded of the policy and that the development of the policy has previously had the College Wellbeing team, Executive, student agency before any changes are discussed and ratified by the College Advisory Council.

When student apply to enrol a child at St Mary’s they sign that they will support the Uniform policy. Please support the policy if you are contacted by a member of the Wellbeing team. We have many students who look delightful in their uniform.

During Thursday‘s Assembly our students received various awards. The Indonesian students entered the Education Perfect Global Languages championship. A competition that has 800,000 participants and 2,500 global schools. The results were outstanding, and Mrs Molinaro reminded all at the assembly that St Mary’s students ‘punch above their weight.’ In other words, our students have the desire and belief to match it with the best.

Year 12 parents will receive a letter next week in regard to the VCE year as our students enter the critical phase of 2025.

Blessings on all farming families that they receive the rain that is needed.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

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