Learning & Teaching
Curriculum Day
Staff had a fabulous day of Professional Development on Thursday 30 April which was one of the four days dedicated to staff professional development. Education Support Staff worked with experts from the Independent Office of School Dispute Resolution to learning about managing and responding to conflict, and teaching staff continued to build their skills in strategies to cognitively engage students throughout a lesson.
These opportunities are vital to continue to improve the quality of teaching across the College and our most recent NAPLAN results would indicate it is having a very positive impact.
Cognitive Engagement is critical learning and is embedded into our Teaching and Learning Framework. This framework was recently launched to students and staff and makes clear what students are expected to do in each stage of the lesson.
The following Core Learning Skills and Ready to Learn Behaviours are the key to learning success:
Focussed Attention: The ability to tune into what the teacher is saying to the exclusion of all other distractions and maintain this focus.
Right Voice Right Time: Using Silent, Partner, Group and Class Voice when required. Students must understand the volume and tone appropriate to e4ach activity.
Politeness: Basic respect and courtesy shown to others throughout the lesson.
No Opting Out: A commitment to participate in all activities.
It is helpful for parents to talk to their children about how they demonstrate these skills and we ask for parent support to ensure students exhibit Ready to Learn Behaviours by completing home learning, arriving at class on time, and being fully equipped and in full uniform.
Lateness is a behaviour we are targeting across the College this term and we also ask parents for support to reduce the impact that being late to class is having on learning.
Parent Tips: The Engagement Scale
Parenting is a tough gig these days and its hard doing it alone.
On the back of several parent meetings and conversations with parents on the phone, I notice many parents struggling to support their child with their studies or motivation or, at times, their behaviour. This is an opportune moment to remind parents of our Engagement Scale for parents. This resource is packed with professional advice, ideas and links to support agencies and further information, all designed to help move students up the Engagement Scale. This document in located in Compass 'School Documentation'- 'Parents'- 'Wellbeing Resources'
Natalie Manser
Assistant Principal
mar@wantirnacollege.vic.gov.au