Junior School

Importance of Engaging Teaching

The results of a significant educational study were recently released. The headline read, “Landmark study reveals number one factor impacting student learning”. Before reading on, I challenge you to think about what that might be!

The study was conducted by the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education and was led by Emeritus Professor John Hattie. The data reflects the information gleaned from a number of researchers who synthesised more than 2,100 meta-analyses conducted over 40 years, drawing from more than 1,300 studies and involving more than 400 million students. I’m sure you will agree that those numbers are certainly not insignificant! 

It may not come as any surprise to some that the number one factor which impacts student learning is actually engaging teaching.

Many people may be surprised that factors such as homework (including tutoring), class size, or the length of the school day do not have a significant influence on learning outcomes. So, why is it that we achieve the excellent results we do in the Junior School? It is because of the quality of our teachers, and their engagement in, and excitement for, their craft of teaching. It is due to their commitment to student learning and their willingness to teach each boy what he is ready to learn next; with clear purpose, with enthusiasm, and with an understanding that our boys need to know what they’re aiming for…and that they need to aim high! Our staff also understand that aiming high means something different for every boy.

Professor Hattie says that “We want students to trust their teachers and know what they are learning, why they are learning, and to know their progress in their learning.” Trust is vital, though, not only between students and teachers, but between all members of our school community. Hattie notes that trust also involves mistakes being seen as a vital part of the learning process. As educators, we are certainly grateful for the trust you show us, in all of our endeavours with your son/s.

On another note, I would like to thank those parents/carers who listened to the particular podcast episode I suggested in my Especean article last week, or who watched the associated YouTube video recording. I am most grateful to those parents/carers who also personally reached out to me during the week and highlighted the benefits they took from thinking deeply about their practice as parents. Parenting (now a verb) is hard. It’s hard to get it ‘right’; it’s hard to even know what ‘right’ is! However, few can argue that while parenting is incredibly rewarding, it is also very much something we all need to work hard at, to help our children be ready for the world they will inhabit as they get older. 

CyberHound

The College has a strong policy in relation to the appropriate use of ICT and boys are also reminded of the school’s CyberHound internet security system which generates daily reports on search terms that have been flagged as inappropriate. It is important for students to remember the responsibility they have as digital citizens and to uphold the expected values of the College at all times, not to mention their own, which are hopefully closely aligned! 

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School

Lenten Fundraising in the Junior School

As part of the whole school effort to fundraise during Lent, St Patrick’s College will be supporting the Edmund Rice Foundation, and in particular the Ruben Centre in Kenya. More information can be found here Home - Edmund Rice Foundation (erf.org.au).

What does this mean for us? 

• Classes will be considering different ways to raise money
• Stalls, competition, raffles etc will be occurring regularly through the rest of term
• The boys may ask for some extra coins to participate in these initiatives
• Perhaps you can match them, $2 from you for $2 from their pocket money

Cross Country 

This is one of our major fundraising events for the year and is well supported in the Junior School. It is important to note that all of this money goes to our fundraising partners, it does not go to St Patrick’s College.

Invitation to Mass

One part of our Lenten observances is prayer. The best way to have any meaningful relationship is when we are in regular contact. It is the same for our faith, so I encourage you this Lent to attend a weekend Mass in your local parish. Your son may not be the one to bring up the idea of going to Mass, so you will need to take the lead.

There is also Mass each Friday morning in the College Chapel at 8:10 AM. All parents/carers are welcome to attend with your son and the College community. 

Stephen Cooper

Junior School Religious Education Coordinator