Professional Culture and Growth
Professional Practice Meetings 2023
Each year, all teaching staff are required to undergo an Appraisal and Recognition Process (ARP) which aims to:
- Demonstrate Professional Practice and Growth in accordance with the AITSL Standards 3, 4 and 5 of Professional Practice of at least the Proficient Level
- Invite discussion to identify and plan for individual professional learning and development that align with the College Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Annual Improvement Plan (AIP)
- Facilitate open and honest conversations to build further trust and respect
- The ARP should highlight areas of excellence as well as areas requiring further development.
As part of this year’s process, teachers at Marist-Sion College will be taking the time to reflect on their Teaching Sprints. For Term 1, 2 and 3, each teacher focused on one improvement in a class to improve in one area of teaching and learning to improve student outcomes. In Term 1, we had a College-Wide focus on Literacy in the classroom. For Term 2 and 3, the focus was teacher choice, where teachers could identify and area of weakness in their practice and work on a small change in their practice or try a different pedagogy to improve on their student’s success for that concept/topic.
The Appraisal and Recognition process is an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their year but also an opportunity to focus on the successes of their students across the year as well as celebrate their growth as educators.
Keeping an eye on our Wellbeing
A large part of my role this year has been a focus on providing staff with strategies and tools to manage and improve their wellbeing. As we know, mental health is as important as physical health and often the two factors are linked. This year we have been working with the Framework “Thrive At Work” which I have previously talked to in Emmaus. Another great resource this year that I came across has been the Podcast “School of Wellbeing” from presenter Meg Durham. Meg has been a teacher and leader across many schools across Australia, both city and regional. Meg’s focus each week is to provide educators with some practical strategies on how to improve and maintain good mental health but also highlights real issues that educators face each day.
One of the highlights of the year was Episode 100- an interview with Ben Crowe. Ben is a professional coach and mentor and has worked with elite athletes to have them find their mojo! Ben spoke about the importance of teachers finding a fresh outlook, looking within, and nurturing self-compassion. From the conversation with Ben, I learnt practical techniques like flipping the phrase “got to” to “get to”, how to use acceptance lists, and so much more. He really championed self-awareness, mindset development, and self-compassion as keys to a more joyful, genuine life.
Whist there is a focus on educators, many of Meg’s episodes are for everyone and if you are interested to listen, the episode that got me hooked was Toni Powell: Meeting Challenges & Noticing The Good | Episode 75. It really made me reflect on my own mental health and my responses and actions to others. The link is here https://open-mind-education.mykajabi.com/podcasts/the-school-of-wellbeing-with-meg-durham/episodes/2147885416
I hope that you find this podcast as a useful tool for yourself and perhaps this can support family and friends as well.
We are lucky enough to have Meg present to our staff in July 2024 and we are looking forward to learning more about improving our wellbeing.
Georgie Erpisimidis
Deputy Principal – Professional Culture and Growth