St Margaret Mary's School Newsletter

Assistant Principal

Jacky Guardascione

Gospel Challenge - Sunday 14 September 

On Sunday at Mass, you will hear the passage from John 3:13-17 and is part of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus—a Pharisee (strict and practising Jew) and a member of the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, seeking understanding and what he received was a profound revelation about salvation, rebirth, and the heart of God’s mission. 

 

This passage is a cornerstone of our faith and reminds us of God’s love, the purpose of Jesus’ mission on earth and the invitation to every person that every day we have a chance to be better. This passage reminds us that God’s love is unconditional “For God so loved the world..”

 

The Rosenshine Principles

How teachers are unlocking learning for students and how parents can too?

 

Barak Rosenshine was an American educational psychologist and from his research the ‘Rosenshine Principles’ were created. Rosenshine’s principles are based on how students best absorb and retain information. They combine insights from cognitive science, classroom observations, and successful teaching practices. Below is a summary of these ten principles:

 

  1. Review prior learning

  2. Present new information in small steps

  3. Ask lots of questions

  4. Provide models

  5. Guide student practice

  6. Check for understanding

  7. Obtain a high success rate

  8. Provide scaffolds - support/aids/assistance

  9. Monitor independent practice

  10. Review skills/knowledge weekly and monthly

 

This year, our staff have been unpacking these principles and ensuring that they are applied to their programming and teaching and learning. As parents, you can also help your children using these principles.

 

When parents understand how teachers teach, it creates a powerful partnership between home and school. You don’t need to be an expert in every subject—just knowing how to support the learning process can make a huge difference. On Wednesday 24 September, you are warmly invited to visit our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 Classrooms where many of these principles will be evident - We hope to see you there!

 

Jacky Guardascione

Assistant Principal