Learning & Teaching

Last Week MCC hosted the MIA version of the Diocese Launch of our new TransFORMATIVE Learning Statement.

I was lucky enough to be part of the Development and Implementation Team of Leaders from around the Diocese that collated and constructed the statement and will be part of the team that plans the Diocese wide Professional Learning that Staff will undertake.

I am pleased to say that MCC Staff engaged positively with the new Diocese Learning Statement and were noted as the College of teachers with the most confidence and capacity in being able to understand the key ideas and articulate the ways our School embodies them.

Tomorrow, I will join the Development Team in Wagga for their local launch of the Statement. I look forward to sharing MCC expertise with the Wagga Schools and bringing back some important ideas to share with our College.

In coming weeks we will officially launch the Statement with parents and students, but for now here is a small teaser, the introduction that outlines the contextual background that underpins the document:

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga are committed to providing TransFORMATIVE learning experiences for every student. TransFORMATIVE learning is relevant and challenging, and responds adaptively to the needs and interests of  each student. It supports them to reach their potential by fostering  lifelong learning, and celebrates learners who are critical, creative and curious. It enables students to transfer their learning into new situations. It is distinguished by purpose which is explicit and clearly communicated. It empowers students to be active and informed participants in their communities and the wider world, now and into the future. TransFORMATIVE learning will flourish in the context of genuine partnerships among students, families, school, system and wider community. 

Finally, I wish to remind parents of the upcoming NAPLAN tests. These important diagnostic tests will be undertaken by Year 7 and 9 students next week and Week 9. The earlier test dates have been set by the government to ensure results can be accessed by students, staff and parents at the end of Semester 1, enabling time for interventions and extensions to take place in Semester 2.

Below is the MCC Schedule of tests. On the days of the tests Students must bring:

• Their fully charged and functional laptop
• A set of headphones that have in built volume control (these must be non bluetooth to comply with the NAPLAN platform)
• Books and equipment for the remainder of the day as per normal

Students and parents can access the public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.

Yours in learning,

Damien Herb