Learning and Teaching
Our Graduate Teachers Shine!
Congratulations to Ms Andie Weetman, Ms Ruby Scanlan and Ms Lauren Johnson who successfully completed the panel presentation stage of their VIT (Victorian Institute of Teaching) portfolio and their movement from provisional to full registration. These three graduate teachers inspire us with their passion for improvement and reflection.
Each teacher had to put together a research project – with an inquiry question – that stemmed from some aspect of their teaching that they wished to focus on and improve. Ms Weetman’s inquiry question focused on her use of feedback and the use of feedback techniques on her students’ writing. Ms Scanlan’s inquiry question focused on her use of 3 formative assessment techniques and how she could use those to enhance learning and student understanding. Ms Johnson’s inquiry question focused on her use of learning intentions and success criteria and how these can be used to enhance understanding and engagement. All three demonstrated a level of insight, professionalism and reflectiveness beyond their years. We are very proud of them!
Attitudes to School Survey 2021 – Stage 2
The Teaching and Learning Team – composed of Ms Jo Toone, Ms Cindy Robinson and Ms Joy Carr – recently ran seven student focus groups with students from Years 7 to 10 to better understanding their perceptions of a) Stimulated learning b) Wellbeing – specifically ‘Teacher concern’ and teacher-student relations and c) Student voice.
We framed a range of questions to dig deeper into the students’ perceptions relating to these areas. Our Leadership Team examined the students’ responses and decided on a few initial actions which we’ll discuss with staff in 2022. I’ll share these with you in the new year.
International Day of People with Disability
Friday 3rd December was International Day of People with Disability. This year, the theme for the day was ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.
The opportunity to reflect on this theme comes at an important time, as we continue to improve and expand the support available to our students with disability. This is critical work that must be a strong focus for us all.
https://www.idpwd.com.au/about/
Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR): Empowering Teachers to Enrich Student Learning
In 2022 four of our teachers will be participating in the QTR professional learning program through the University of New South Wales
QTR empowers teachers to boost student learning by collaborating, to analyse and improve their practice. This approach is a proven way of lifting the quality of teaching, as well as the morale and school culture for teachers at any stage in their career.
The study is an initiative of the University of Newcastle in partnership with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
The study will focus on learning outcomes for Year 8 students completing Mathematics and English.
KEY DATES FOR TERM 1, 2022
TERM 1 DATES INFORMATION
TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CARERS WHEN USING COMPASS
If you’re using Compass to look at student progress, teacher feedback etc, use a laptop/computer and not a phone.
Prior to coming to MFG for a Parent-Teacher-Student Conference, do some ‘detective work’ using Compass. You could look at:
· ATTENDANCE – do any absences need to be approved by me?
· TASKS – Are they on-time, over-due or pending?
· FEEDBACK – click on the Learning Task and the Feedback Tab:
Any task in ALL-CAPITALS is a CRLT (Common Reportable Learning Task). These are usually the important assessments. Focusing on how your child performed on these will save you time when looking at their list of Learning Tasks.
ROUTINE: Develop a routine of using Compass in order to be able to have conversations with your child about what they are learning about at school and what’s being expected of them.
Damien Toussaint, Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching
