Teaching & Learning 

Maths News

It has been a year like no other. We all began the year with energy and enthusiasm then suddenly we were thrust into managing a crisis that for us would be an educational revolution. When I look at how the staff responded to new teaching challenges as we moved into a remote schooling model, the words that come to mind are amazement, pride, relief, and gratitude.

I never thought I would be teaching improper fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals through the lens of a computer screen. We forget how quickly children adapt. They were engaging in online Numeracy sessions, following explicit teaching on Screencastify and doing collaborative group work, all from the comfort of their own home. I will not claim it was perfect all the time, but it was certainly impressive! 

I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all parents. Without your support, many children would have not been able to learn in the manner that they did. 

So I look forward to 2021, in my new role of Deputy Principal but also so very happy to be continuing to support students, teachers and parents in my Numeracy Leader role.

Bernie Turner

Library News

Reading and Learning 

Term 4 has been a short but very intense one for everyone at St Brendan’s especially after we made the transition back to a very busy end of year timetable. I was very happy when classes once again came to visit the library each week to listen to and discuss more great stories with their teachers, before borrowing books once more. 

Regardless of the book formats used these days, noticeably a lot more graphic novels were borrowed this year, any type of reading is reading and still remains an integral part of the learning process. Even during online learning at home, students were reading and learning and I have no doubt they benefitted from being read to a lot more by their parents.

Encouraging and supporting children's and young people's reading is a major part of my role at school. At home even earlier access to books and reading to a child from birth is integral to their language and literacy development well before they start school. So, this Christmas why not give the gift of a book to someone you love or to a child who is in need?

Support your local library and bookshops

Over the holidays, don’t forget to visit and join your local library for free. Both Mornington and Frankston Libraries have summer reading programs as well as various events. Also support our local bookstores and visit Farrell’s in Mornington, Robinsons in Frankston and Petersen’s Bookshop in Hastings. Check their websites for upcoming events and opening hours.

If you are travelling into the city and are able to visit, I recommend 309 & 315 Lygon Street Carlton, where Readings has two stores, Readings for teens and adults and Readings for Kids. There is also the Little Bookroom at 759 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Remember to check their websites for opening hours.

Lastly, regional towns have great bookshops and would welcome out of town visitors too.

Have a wonderful summer break everyone!

Gillian Francis

Librarian