Assistant Principal's Message
Sue Gordon
Assistant Principal's Message
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is an ongoing area that we explore in our staff professional learning each year. Traditionally, neuro-diverse would have only referred to individuals diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, dyslexia and other ‘atypical’ presentations. As we learn more about one another and develop a greater understanding of the unique presentations of individuals and support strategies we can see that there is no longer a neurodiverse group that is the minority with neurotypical individuals being the majority.
In a recent staff meeting, we discussed definitions of important terms related to neurodiversity and reflected on neuro affirming practices to benefit the wellbeing of all students, not only the neurodivergent.
Neuro affirming practices - approaches that recognize and embrace the diversity of neurological functioning, valuing the unique strengths and needs of individuals with differences in their brains. It's about creating inclusive and supportive environments that celebrate individuality and avoid the expectation that everyone should conform to a "neurotypical" standard
Bidirectional learning - a learning process where knowledge and understanding are exchanged in both directions, not just from a teacher to a student. Incorporating all neuro-types learning about one another to develop a greater understanding and acceptance.
Neurodivergent - refers to an individual or individuals whose neurotype diverges from the most common neurotype, acknowledging unique variations.
Neurodiverse - refers to a group of diverse neurotypes together. Everyone! How about a mnemonic? Our universe is diverse!
Sally and I recently attended a professional learning day with Dr Connie Buckingham, a Psychologist and the author of Social Stencil. A social emotional neuro affirming curriculum program for Years 3 – 8.
Connie has worked extensively with experts and leaders in neurodiversity to refine and improve her program. Traditionally, social emotional programs have been developed through the lens of neurodivergent students learning about neurotypical presentations with the aim to align themselves with these. Rather than programs that create the opportunity for bidirectional learning, all neurotypes learning about one another and the unique individuality that we all present with. Education is understanding and inclusion!!
We are excited to be exploring the Social Stencil program with our senior classes this year and incorporating core learnings within our practices across all our classrooms. Supporting students to learn social stencils and concepts to support their learning, emotional intelligence, friendships, resolving conflict and developing an understanding of the importance of equity not necessarily equality.
On School TV you will find a great section on neurodiversity. You can navigate your way to the Neurodiversity topic on School TV via the below link or go to our Student Wellbeing tab in the newsletter.
https://middleparkps.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/neurodiversity
Welcome to Linda Doble
We are very pleased to welcome Linda Doble to our MPPS staff and community. Linda is our new Performing Arts teacher who is replacing Ferne whilst she is on family leave. Linda is working Monday to Thursday each week. We’re very excited about the plans Linda has for the Performing Arts program for 2025.
Updated MPPS Policies
Our Policy and Planning subcommittee of School Council have recently updated some of our MPPS policies. You will find the updated versions of these policies on our MPPS website:
- Asthma
- Student Voice Council
- Visitor
- Volunteer
Have a great week!
Kind regards,
Sue Gordon