Learning and Teaching
Ms Jodie Connell - Deputy Principal
Traditionally the start of the new school year is met with mixed emotions of joy as we reconnect with friends and colleagues and a tinge of disappointment that the freedom of holidays has come to an end. However, what we have observed over the first three weeks of the 2023 school year has been an extended level of excitement and energy in the classroom, the yard and the community that is our College. Our school is first and foremost a place of learning and our students are settled, active and engaged in their classes. The Year 7 cohort has made a good start to their high school journey and are beginning to settle into the new routines of high school.
One of the privileges I have as the Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching is to visit many different classes. These are great learning experiences for me, not just because of the interesting content being taught but also in observing some excellent teaching.
Achievers Assembly
Following a challenging few years with lockdowns, learning from home, and changes to the study designs, we are exceptionally pleased to see the overall growth of our senior student results trending upwards. A significant note of thanks needs to be extended towards the Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College staff for their hard work and expertise, and also to the parents and caregivers of our graduates for their support and dedication to their child’s academic development.
Last week, we gathered as a school community to recognise and celebrate the success of our 2022 VCE high achievers. In attendance with their families, our 2022 graduates received awards reflecting their outstanding efforts in a variety of subject areas, allowing all students to both acknowledge and be inspired by their predecessors. It also provided an opportunity for the Dux of the College, Liam Smart to offer some words of encouragement and advice.
School – Home Partnership
As a school, we recognise the important role you play in supporting your child's schooling. Achievement in learning is more likely to be fostered when both parents and schools work together to facilitate a supportive learning environment in both the home and the school and as teachers and educators, we are committed to working with you as we work together in the education of your child.
How to help your child at home:
- Check PAM regularly to see what work is coming up
- Provide a routine and clear expectations for study and homework
- Make sure your child has a quiet space to work
- Check-in with them regularly and often to assist them in managing their home learning
- Take interest in what they are learning
- Focus on their individual strengths and praise and encourage student achievement
- Communicate with your child’s teachers and Homeroom Teacher when you have learning concerns.
How to communicate with your child's teachers
The most effective way to communicate with teachers is via email. This will allow teachers time to consider your request and gather any further information required to action this. Teachers will respond to your email in the most appropriate way and as soon as this is practicably possible. Teachers may not be able to respond immediately and it may take a few days to respond.
Edrolo
Edrolo is a comprehensive, premium, interactive online video and exam simulation resource for the VCE, providing our students with the best opportunity to perform to their potential throughout the year. We have assessed the resource and are confident it is an extremely valuable investment for our teaching and learning culture.
You can see Edrolo in action by visiting this link: www.edrolo.com.au/parents
Edrolo is currently used by over 700+ schools and 85,000+ students. Crafted by outstanding VCE teachers (including exam assessors and textbook authors) and built in accordance with VCAA Study Designs, its curriculum-specific and engaging content will provide our students with a differentiated and targeted level of support as they prepare for their most important examinations.
How will our students and teachers use Edrolo?
Our teachers are provided with training on how to best utilise the resource, and you should expect them to guide students to make full use of Edrolo in a range of ways across the year, including:
- holiday homework;
- pre-class work;
- post-class consolidation;
- assessment preparation; and
- exam revision.
Elevate Education Parent Webinar Seminars
Elevate Education are continuing to provide parents of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional Student College exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 1, 2023.
To reserve your spot, you can register for free below,
Wednesday 1st March - Time Management
Click here to register for free
In this webinar Elevate will be showing parents how to:
✅ Align family expectations on homework
✅ Work with your child on managing other activities such as your child's hobbies or sports
✅ Create the best weekly planner tool for your child
Wednesday 15th March Technology &Focus
Wednesday 29th March Memory
The webinars are run live online from 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST) where the presenter will share Elevates key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. If you are unable to make the webinar, don't worry! If you sign up to attend, you'll receive the webinar recording on Thursday morning.
Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly:
✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com