Learning Diversity News

NCCD 2025 Parent Information
Each year, schools participate in the National Consistency Collection of Data (NCCD) on students with disabilities. The NCCD gathers data on the number of students receiving adjustments and the level of support they require to access the curriculum on the same basis as other students.
Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability. The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Schools provide this information to education authorities.
https://www.nccd.edu.au/tools/fact-sheet-parents-guardians-and-carers
For further information, please access the link to the parent fact sheet.
If you have any questions about NCCD please contact Natalie Cromie.
Parent/Carer/Guardian Code of Conduct- YES, every parent needs to do this.
St Columba's Primary School is dedicated to fostering a respectful, safe, and supportive learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors.
Our goal is to provide clear guidelines for parents and visitors regarding expected conduct while on school grounds, participating in school activities, or representing the school.
We expect all parents, guardians, and visitors to uphold the school’s core values at all times, ensuring a positive and inclusive community for everyone. It is a requirement by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) for all parents/guardians/carers to read and sign the Code of Conduct.
Please use the link below to access your COMPASS Insights, where you will be able to read the Code of Conduct and then answer two questions to acknowledge and agree with the code.
The link will direct you to the Compass Web Browser, and you will receive a code; enter the code. You will then see the list of Insight Cycles.
If you require further assistance, I will be available at the gate or please pop into my office- Natalie.
https://stcolumbasprimary-vic.compass.education/Records/User.aspx?displayInsightsCycleId=10
Exploring innovative tools to enhance student learning
This week, staff came together to share the innovative strategies they’ve been using in the classroom, and it was exciting to hear about the successes that have made a real impact. As the Learning Diversity leader, I was especially thrilled to hear Belle (Yr 1 teacher) share the remarkable success she's had using the Handwriting Bot in her classroom. This tool is a game-changer for students who face challenges with handwriting. By integrating it throughout the writing process, students can not only use voice-to-text to bring their ideas to life but also see how letters are formed using the Victorian Handwriting style, enhancing both their skills and confidence.
The results have been incredible! Belle's success inspired Ruby (Yr 3 teacher) to introduce the tool across the Year 3 cohort. Last night, the staff were amazed by the rapid progress one student had made in writing ideas and the formation of their handwriting. It’s inspiring to see how such a simple tool is making a big difference in supporting our students' learning journeys.
What medical management and medication administration documents do you need to give the school?
Please take the time to read the MACS Medical Management and Medication Administration Parent Information regarding the management of your child’s medical needs at school.
Many students have a medical management plan or require medication administration during school hours. The school must have the most up-to-date details and the correct procedures to follow for your child’s care.
While you may feel that some information is being duplicated, MACS requires schools to collect the most current and relevant medical details directly from parents. Some families will receive an email with relevant forms that need to be completed and signed.
If you have any questions or need to update your child’s medical information, please contact Admin or Natalie Cromie.