Leadership Communication

Collaborative Professional Learning: Supporting Inclusion Across Our Schools.

Staff from St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, St Agatha’s Primary School, and St Therese’s Primary School recently came together for a powerful day of professional learning focused on inclusion and learning adjustments. This collaborative session was designed to deepen our understanding of how to ensure all students can access learning at their individual point of need.

Throughout the day, educators explored practical strategies to better support students with diverse learning profiles. One key approach discussed was the 3:5 strategy—a simple yet effective method where teachers dedicate three minutes to active listening, followed by five targeted questions. This strategy encourages meaningful dialogue and helps uncover student needs more clearly.

We also explored specific strategies to assist students with cognitive processing challenges, including the use of short, clear directions and concise instructions. These approaches aim to reduce cognitive load and provide greater clarity, helping students stay focused and engaged.

Importantly, the day reminded us that not all students are able to sit still during explicit instruction, especially those with diagnoses such as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) or ADHD. As educators, we’re learning to adjust our expectations and classroom practices to better accommodate these students—whether through flexible seating, movement breaks, or alternative ways of demonstrating engagement.

This shared learning experience reaffirmed our commitment to inclusive education and the importance of adapting our teaching to meet the diverse needs of our learners. We look forward to continuing this journey together as a learning community.

Kindest regards,

Jen Gulavin 

Deputy Principal - Inclusive Education