Learning and Teaching

Learning at St Louis has really started well this year. All year levels are engaged in evidence based learning in English and Mathematics which is outlined by the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools in the 'Vision for Instruction.' The two key goals for instruction are 'Excellence' and 'Equity.'  All classes are participating in two hours of literacy following a structured literacy block and one hour of Mathematics. 

Many of our parents have noticed a change in learning this year and are hearing about the implementation of specific programs. This includes Heggerty's ( a phonemic awareness program) and Little Learner's Love Literacy ( reading, writing and spelling program) in the Junior school and a Novel study for our Year 3 - Year 6 classes. In Mathematics a range of strategies are being used including the 'Teach Well' program using OCHRE resources, problem solving exercises and developing and extending number sense.

Each of these curriculum areas are taught using the Explicit Instruction sequence - Explicit Instruction, modelling, guided practice, independent practice, assessment and regular reviews. This reflects best practice to support the brain to learn. 

It is a very exciting time for our teachers and their students as they navigate this learning journey together.

On the 12th of March, NAPLAN commences for our Year 3 and Year 5 students. The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy is a series of tests focused on basic skills. The data is used to monitor and report on student progress in a comparable and consistent way. It measures performance in literacy and numeracy. At St Louis we ensure that our students are ready to participate in the testing period and are familiar with the platform. We work on the premise that 'we can all only do our best.' Small amounts of time have been spent preparing the students so that they are ready to participate in the tests with confidence. Our new vision for learning has also continued in each class.

The NAPLAN schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 12 March

9.00am - Year 3 and Year 5 Writing

Friday 14 March

9.00am - Year 3 and Year 5 Reading

Monday 17 March

9.00am - Year 3 and Year 5 Conventions of Language 

Tuesday 18 March

9.00am - Year 3 and Year 5 Numeracy

We ask that our Year 3 and Year 5 students are on time during this period so that they have the best possible chance to engage in the tests with a positive state of mind. 

“It’s important your child knows that you will remain incredibly proud of them no matter the test results, as long as they tried their best, and they were able to draw upon a series of strategies to help them manage the testing space. For a test should be seen as a celebration of what your child knows, understands and how they can demonstrate their thinking.” Dr Helen Schiele

Happy learning!