Message from the Director

Dear Colleagues,

Living Well, Learning Well recognises the connection between learning, wellbeing and behaviour domains. At its centre, Living Well, Learning Well expresses: 

A universal and unconditional positive regard for children and young people, 

coupled with a high regard for the collective capacity of a school staff team to increase learning, wellbeing and life-opportunity outcomes for children and young people.

On Monday, Catholic Schools NSW, hosted a presentation from Tom Bennett, OBE, focused on Classroom Behaviour. Tom Bennett is the lead behaviour advisor to the United Kingdom Department for Education (DfE) and the author of 4 books. I had the opportunity to present our Living Well Learning Well framework as one of two case studies. The Living Well Learning Well philosophy and structure was very well received, and Tom expressed interest in visiting our Diocese.  

Our evidence that it is making a difference is shown through key metrics including

• Learning Growth - NAPLAN year on year growth in reading
• Reduction in behaviour chronicles
• Increase in the number of students in ‘no risk’ category of attendance (95% and above).
• Students consistently report through Living Well Learning Well surveys that they feel valued, respected and cared for. 

These results are only possible through a strong team approach focused on creating calm, productive learning environments. Thank you for your work every day in supporting our young people to realise a hope-filled future.

Attendance Workshops

Last week workshops were run in Armidale, Tamworth, and Narrabri for staff from all our schools in relation to attendance. My thanks to John O’Connor, Leah Jones, Alana Hatch, and Briony Martin for organising and presenting these workshops. The work in this space really matters and it was great to have the opportunity to speak with the staff who attended. As the data above shows we are making a real difference in this area with more students in the no risk category for attendance. By attending school, students' learning, faith and wellbeing outcomes are enhanced. 

Congratulations - Graduation

It is graduation season, and a big congratulations to the many staff who are graduating this year. I would love to recognise your achievement so please let me know if this is you (or principals can you let me know). I met up with Early Career Teachers in Narrabri last week. Two of the teachers attending graduated last Friday from UNE - a big congratulations to Luci Gerathy and Abbey O'Neill from St Philomena’s.

Regina Menz

Director of Schools