Principal Report

Principal’s Message Week 3 Term 4

In September, this year we asked staff, students and parents to participate in the CEMSIS School Improvement Surveys. The data we receive in the School Improvement Survey Report is invaluable for our school. It helps us to identify what is going well and the ways in which we can improve and further develop our school. Thank you to all who took the time to participate in this survey this year.

Recently we received our School Improvement Survey Report for 2019. We are unable to compare this data with previous Insight SRC surveys results as this is a new company and survey for Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM). However, I am pleased to say that our parent data is well above the CEM average in all areas and echo the positive results we received in the survey distributed by the Parish Education Board earlier this year.

The survey for parents looks at Family engagement, Barriers to engagement, School Fit School Climate, Student Safety, Communication and Catholic Identity. Over the past five years we have worked to create an environment which cultivates effective school- parent partnerships. Research and studies clearly show the positive impact of school - parent partnerships and student success. When schools and families work together, children have a far better chance of not only being successful in school but being successful in life as well. There are three R’s that when combined create effective partnerships: Respect, Responsibility and Relationships and our data reflects very positive and significant achievement especially in the areas of family engagement and communication. We have during the year tried to take on the feedback and comments from the PEB Survey with the aim of improving specifically in these areas. Inclusive schools who are successful in their parent and school partnerships share the three qualities mentioned above and it is our aim to continue to work in partnership with you to ensure the best learning outcomes for your child.

The staff survey covered 14 areas and once again we have performed well above the CEM average in all areas. This is very pleasing, as we have worked hard to continue to grow particularly in areas of Collaboration, Feedback and Team work. Our School Improvement Plan, which was written at the end of our last review two years ago, cited these areas as areas for future growth and as such they have played a significant role each year in our Annual Action Plan and formed the basis of our Professional Learning. In response to these areas in particular this term, after consultation and collaboration with staff, we have formally implemented peer to peer observations for all teaching staff.

What is peer to peer observation?

• teachers observing each other’s practice and learning from one another
• focused on teachers’ individual needs and the opportunity to both learn from others’ practice and offer constructive feedback to peers
• aims to support the sharing of practice and building awareness about the impact of own teaching in order to affect change

Why peer observation?

• provides opportunities to discuss challenges and successes with trusted colleagues
• supports sharing of ideas and expertise among teachers
• builds a community of trust through opening classroom practice to a wider audience
• encourages openness and sharing of practice with a focus on improving impact on learning

Research clearly demonstrates that when done well, peer observation, including feedback and reflection, is a high impact approach to improving professional practice and is an important part of a teacher’s professional learning. During peer observation teachers benefit from participating in structured feedback dialogue against a set of agreed criteria with a focus on progressing student learning. Teachers can then evaluate the impact of their practice on student learning growth and identify areas for improvement. Ultimately it provides an opportunity for teachers to focus on improving their knowledge and skills using evidence-based strategies that enhance the precision, the impact of their practice and ultimately maximizing and improving student learning.

This year for the first time our year 4 students also participated along with our Year 5 and 6 students in the school improvement survey. There were 9 categories surveyed including school engagement, school belonging, student voice, student safety and learning dispositions. The data indicates our students feel connected to school, are motivated to learn, have confidence in their ability to learn and are connected to their peers. This data complements our internal surveys and is aligned with the CEM average for students. It reinforces and upholds the emphasis we place on social/emotional learning and engagement in learning within the school.

We are very proud of our school and the education we provide to your children. We are always looking to improve in all areas and we will continue to introduce new initiatives to the school to drive and improve our practice. We value your support and are always more than willing to discuss what is happening at our school in and out of the classroom.

As we reflect on this new data and develop our Annual Action Plan for 2020, I am confident that we will continue to grow in all areas of School Improvement and that our ‘Little School with a Big Heart’ will continue to thrive and flourish in 2020.

Disco Bingo

On Saturday, our school community and alumni came together to enjoy the culmination of many months of careful planning and preparation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for the part you played in making our Disco Bingo Night a wonderful evening for all!

There are a great many individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and it is impossible to list everyone in this. I would like to thank the St Columba’s PFA. What a wonderful team effort. A very big thank you goes to Geraldine Pepper, Marti Cooper, Laura Stevanz, Amara Doolan, Karen Godfrey, Susan Allardyce , Judy Forsyth and Christy Vickerman for leading the PFA in the organization of this event. I know many, many hours of hard work and dedication to the cause went into this evening.

The PFA plays such a vital role in our school. All schools rely on their PFA and this year our PFA has worked tirelessly coordinating all sorts of events. They are a genuine asset to our school and community.

Since starting at St Columba’s there have been many wonderful moments of celebration. I must say that I had a wonderful time sharing in the fun, catching up with past families and dancing, on Saturday night. Once again, our ‘Little School with a Big Heart’ rose to the occasion and put on a fabulous night of entertainment for our families. Congratulations to everyone.

World Teacher's Day

As we celebrate World Teacher's Day I would like to take this opportunity to say to the Staff thank you for your care, professionalism and nurturing of the children. We are so blessed to have such a committed group of educators here at St Columba’s. I couldn’t be more grateful for the support and enthusiasm that you bring with you each day. It is an absolute pleasure to be working alongside you. Happy World Teacher's Day.

Classes 2020

It is that time of year when we begin the process of planning all aspects of school life for 2020. Part of this planning involves placing children into grades for next year. We aim to provide each child with the best possible opportunities to be an active member of the class and to enable maximum learning to occur, while at the same time forming well-balanced classes that take into consideration the social, emotional, academic and physical characteristics of each child.

The staff will soon begin the process of placing children in their classes for 2020.  Although children are assigned a particular teacher, learning and responsibility is shared between all teachers within the level. If you have a concern regarding the placement of your child for next year, you are invited to put your concerns to me, Daniella Maddalena, in writing by Friday 8th November. Concerns must relate to the individual needs of your child and not personal likes and dislikes. Please note; it is school policy not to consider personal requests for a teacher and it is important that you express your concerns to me rather than a classroom teacher.

Parish Education Board

On behalf of the school community I wish to thank Jeremy Smith, Mardi Gorman and Becky Matthews for their time on the Parish Education Board. All have been integral members of the board and we have greatly valued their expertise and insight during their tenure. I would like to thank Jeremy in particular for his time as Chair, he has been a great support to both Fr John and I.

The School Board is an advisory body to the Parish Priest and Principal. The key functions of the St Columba’s Board are to provide advice on education matters.

Parents are nominated to the Board for a term of two years with the option of a second term.

The Board meets seven to eight times a year – usually twice a term. There is an AGM at the end

of each year. When positions become available parents are called upon to nominate.

At the end of this year we will have three vacancies on our Parish Education Board. If you would like to contribute to the school as a member of the Board then I invite you to nominate yourself in writing to me before the AGM which will be held on Tuesday 26th November 7:00pm in the staffroom.

dmaddalena@scelwood.catholic.edu.au

Attendance

Just a reminder that if your child is away you need to inform the school. You can do this either by phoning the office, emailing or FlexiBuzz.

If you are going away on holidays parents are required to inform the school in advance.