Principal News

Dear Parents, Students and Friends

As this is the first newsletter of the term, I welcome everyone back. Over the holidays we gathered as a community for the ANZAC March on 25 April. Once again our students and staff proudly represented the College. We were nearly a 100 strong in  number and made an impressive sight in full winter uniform. I received numerous compliments on how well the students presented in the march and I sincerely thank all parents and students for your support of this important occasion.

Whilst on the topic of uniforms, I  remind everyone that students are in winter uniform until the end of Term 3. Students are to present and leave the College with Blazers on.

Last Friday, I visited a number of classrooms during the final lesson of the week. It was a proud moment to see everyone fully engaged in their learning in such a positive and productive spirit. I often take parents of new enrolments through classes so that they and the new student can see for themselves the classes in operation.  The learning culture at Marian is one that reflects the desire to utilise the time available in the best way and students and staff understand and support this. Each lesson is a continuation of learning no matter what subject proceeds it or what comes after. Building from good teaching and learning with high expectations reinforces a confidence in learning that everyone can learn and we all contribute to  this environment.

Staff have been on a Professional Learning Program that reinforces what makes a successful lesson and learning environment. This was developed further last Monday, our first day of the term. We are looking at the learning needs of every student in our classes and are building profile data on students to see what next must be done to improve their learning. The work of highly respected educationalist, Dr Lyn Sharratt is the catalyst for what we are doing. Her latest book, Clarity, What matters most in learning, teaching and leading , is driving our theory into practice. All schools within the Diocese of Wagga Wagga are engaged in a process of using data on our students to better inform our practice and improve student learning outcomes. Complimenting this approach to learning, staff have been running Persuasive Writing Workshops for Year Nine students to help prepare them for the upcoming NAPLAN online Assessments.

NAPLAN Online commences on Tuesday 14th May and continues until Wednesday  22nd. Parents of Year 7 and Year 9 students should not make appointments for their students during the scheduled NAPLAN Assessments. The times and dates for each assessment is on our public calendar.

Marian Catholic College Feast Day takes place on Friday 24 May. It coincides with the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians and we honour our founders, the Sisters of Mercy and the Marist Brothers. Mass will be at 10am and everyone is invited.

I would like to wish all mums a very Happy Mothers Day.

Peace and best wishes

Principal

Alan Le Brocque