Mrs Ryan's Fortnightly Reflections

Congratulations, everyone, on a hugely successful Term Three! It has been nine full weeks of learning, progression, and now celebration. St. Mary’s this term is very grateful to the many parents who continue to show up and partner in the education and nurture the social and emotional development of the children in our community. A strategic focus for us has been to have our parents in as often as possible, educating you also on the ‘what and how’ we teach and learn at St. Mary’s. We recognise that with the programs and changes that Magnify have brought, there has been apprehension and wonder, so what better way to share in the learning than to have you in. Thank you to the parents who came along to the Science of Learning parent session; I hope this learning has resonated with you and you have been able to transfer some aspects into your home. Thank you to the parents who attended our ‘Learning Walk’ on Literacy; a very intimate way to observe the approaches and view the progressive data and achievement we are seeing across the school. We look forward to welcoming many more parents next term to our second Science of Learning parent session as well as our next Learning Walk on Numeracy.

Recently, we have participated in some ‘Pulse Checks’ with CESL, providing us with precise feedback, observations, and suggestions for improvement regarding all things Magnify. It was affirming for staff and learners to be recognized for their explicit effort, engagement, and commitment to our deep understanding of the science and pedagogy involved in effective teaching to ensure our learners succeed. We continue to identify areas for improvement; however, our implementation has been carried out with fidelity, teamwork, and ongoing collaboration with our teachers and leaders to maximize the impact on our learners. Areas of celebration included Multilit, Ochre Numeracy and Literacy, and operational supports to facilitate learning. Areas identified for growth included whole-school attendance data and strengthened connections with parents to support learning. 

This term, the use of our learner toilets has brought some concern. The toilets are often left vandalised and in a state that is not fit for use. As of next term, all learners will be strongly encouraged to use the toilets at designated times during breaks, along with teachers recording classroom visits so that we can better monitor any misuse. If misuse, damage, or vandalism occur moving forward, we will have to close toilets until maintenance and cleaning can occur. Our learners have been regularly made aware of these concerns, and while we are improving, we will implement further measures and checks to support safe and healthy use. 

At the beginning of next term, St. Mary’s welcomes a VRQA review. This review conducts an audit of our policy, practice, and procedures on all elements of our governance, compliance, and child safeguarding. We have been working behind the scenes to self-assess whilst preparing for this visit. Our staff and learners have also been involved in this process and are aware that it is occurring. I will share with our community the areas of strength and improvement upon completion. This term has been very productive, with our Learning Leaders advocating for their peers in presenting thoughts, problems, and solutions. Over the year, we have looked at how we can be a safer school, improve our playgrounds, and bring new ideas to our day-to-day schooling. These Learning Leaders are a very passionate and vocal group and have been very good at consulting with their peers. 

This term, we have seen extra child-safe measures put in place with our SME Well Mail post box, which has been fitted next to our wellbeing hub; a Safe@sme email address that our learners can write to at any time; posters to support how we think and feel in all areas; and a refurbishment of the rock garden to make it safer and more user-friendly for all. 

This week, St. Mary’s opened its sensory room. The sensory room is available to all learners when a break or momentary regulation may be needed. It has become a space where staff relax and reset as well! The voices of the staff and learners were considered in the construction of this space, and we look forward to this space being a well-used resource to support our learners. 

Term Four is always a wonderful term, with the weather providing us longer and warmer days. We begin to ponder that magic and spirit of Christmas, and we enter into the time of year when we have much to celebrate. Term Four for Victorian schools will consist of eleven weeks, and here at St. Mary’s, we will be learning until the end. We understand the extent to which learning impacts tiring the brain and body, so I wish every learner and their family a well-deserved rest before we finish strongly together. 

Stay safe, stay well, and enjoy the spring weather. I look forward to seeing everyone return on Monday, 6th October, for 51 days of learning and fun! 

Take care and God Bless, 

Jasmine Ryan 

Principal