Teaching & Learning in the Senior School
Returning to the classroom
I think it is with a sigh of relief that many parents will be seeing their sons back off to school every day from next week. I say this as a loving parent myself; having been through the highs of sharing some extra time with my children, right through to the lows of… sharing too much extra time with my children! Parents and teachers alike are perhaps enjoying some self-satisfied amusement, let’s admit, at comments like these that our young men made when asked about their online learning experiences:
I'd never thought I'd say this, but I really miss learning at school. Can't wait to get back.
I have been finding myself getting excited for a zoom session or any human interaction. This is because I’m getting bored of being isolated from my friends and school.
It’s just not the same as learning face to face!
It is a little bit less motivating at home compared to what it would be at school.
I like it when the teacher is present so I can ask for help.
I would rather be working at school.
I do miss our class discussions.
Certainly, however, some of our young men found the past two months exceedingly challenging. For them, it is no laughing matter to be returning to their classrooms; it is in fact a matter of great urgency and importance to their well-being. When describing their online learning experiences, they used phrases like “For me, this stuff is really stressful”. For these young men in particular, we are so glad to be resuming nearly-normal operations.
One of the starkest lessons to come out of the isolation period, in terms of teaching and learning, was how important it is that we continue to build our young men as independent learners. Learning online required students to be able to manage their own schedules, and to be capable of knowing where to find information when they needed it. These are life skills that we must further develop for the future successes of St Greg’s learners. This year, one of our College goals is to develop a St Gregory’s College Learner Profile to identify our aspirations for our young people; it is clear that our recent experiences will contribute to informing our thoughts about this.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents and students who contributed to our online learning surveys at the end of last term. Our Leadership Team drew heavily on the feedback we received to inform our approach this term. On that note, I think the last word about online learning should go to our students; I took every word they wrote in their survey feedback and used them to create the following Word Cloud, which organises the words they used most often (larger words) to those used less frequently (smaller words):
Teacher Profile
This Newsletter, I would like to introduce our broader community to Mr Daniel Goodhew, who has arrived at St Greg’s this year to teach PDHPE and to take up the Year 9 Pastoral Coordinator role.
Mr Goodhew kindly answered some questions which may help us get to know him better:
What qualifications have you achieved so far in your own learning?
I graduated from the University of Western Sydney with a Bachelor of Health Science (PDHPE) in 2006. I then went on to study a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Western Sydney University with a focus on PDHPE. I also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Religious Theology at the University of Newcastle: Broken Bay Institute throughout 2013- 2014.
What have been some of your important career experiences?
I have 11 years of teaching experience in the Catholic sector at a Marist high school and have taught across PDHPE and Religious Education faculties. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to hold several leadership positions including Sport Coordinator, Year Coordinator, Assistant Year Coordinator and a Coaching/ Fitness Coordinator. With a passion for technology, I have experience running staff and student training in areas including Google Drive, Google Sites, Google Classroom, QR Coding and iPad boot camp.
Having completed my NESA accreditation at a Proficient Teacher level in 2016, I am scheduled to complete my Maintenance accreditation at the conclusion of 2020. I am an active member of the Marist Association and have been involved in several spiritual formation courses including, ‘Marist Next Generation’ course, the ‘Shining lights’ program and the ‘Marist Footsteps’ program. I feel very blessed to begin working now at St Gregory’s College, which is a true Marist College.
Outside of the classroom, I have played soccer at a representative level for over 20 years and have a passion for fitness and all sporting pursuits. My favourite sporting teams include Arsenal FC, West Tigers, Sydney FC and I hope to follow the Macarthur Bulls when the A-League resumes.
Why did you become a teacher?
During my own high school years, I was fortunate to be blessed with several excellent teachers and role models; some of those teachers I am lucky to teach alongside today! I hope to inspire my students to live a healthy and active lifestyle and make smart, informed decisions. As a teacher, I get the opportunity to engage with young eager minds and I hope to contribute to their growth throughout school, into a career or pathway that they are passionate about.
What are your beliefs about the role of the teacher?
Teaching young minds is a task that cannot be taken lightly. My goal as an educator is to
challenge all students to reach their potential as lifelong learners. I have witnessed the incredible hard work and sacrifices that teachers put into their craft every day. To me, teachers are not solely educators, responsible for the delivery of content. Teachers are also responsible for developing relationships with students under their care. Teachers bring hope, offer guidance, role model, parent, counsel, support, are interested, encourage, redirect and challenge students to grow in all facets of life. A teacher may never really know the impact they have on their students, but they go out of their way to improve the lives of their students anyway.
What has been your favourite teaching success?
This is a tough question for me, as ‘success’ can be a subjective and immeasurable term. What does success look like? Is it receiving straight A’s in a report or is it improving as a human being?
I have had some significant moments which I will cherish and reflect upon one day, which include welcoming students into Year 7, farewelling students in Year 12 as a Year Advisor, running sporting carnivals and assemblies, organising camps and excursion, being involved in student retreats and watching the students grow. I could even mention teaching my first senior and elective classes with like-minded passionate students. I will also cherish the opportunity to be a part of students’ lives and share in their success, whether that be in the playground, coaching a sporting team, or sharing in an achievement or story about something they are proud of. I look forward to getting to know the boys of St Gregory’s college and hope to build positive relationships inside and outside the classroom.
What advice would you give to young people?
A former Principal of mine always used to tell the students, “People always remember how you treat them”. I have found that to be such an important phrase as it can be applied to all areas of life. To put it simply it costs nothing to be kind and people will remember and appreciate the kindness you show. The same can be applied in reverse; we also remember when we are treated poorly or unfairly. A second point is that everyone makes mistakes, but it’s what we learn from our mistakes that helps us to grow. Finally, ask for help; there comes a time in everyone’s life when we all need a little extra help, so don’t be afraid to ask.
We are very fortunate to have had a man of Mr Goodhew’s compassion and experience join our team at St Gregory’s College. I look forward to seeing our young men flourish under his care.
Louise Millar
Director of Teaching and Learning