Learning and Teaching News

Improving Student Learning Outcomes

The Teaching and Learning Strategic Goal from the 2014- 2018 School Renewal was to improve student learning outcomes.

This has been achieved in a variety of ways and I am always in awe of the incredible variety of opportunities offered at St. Peter’s. Learning outcomes are far more than NAPLAN results and I am proud to highlight some of the extra curricular opportunities that occurred this week.

Over the past two weeks 15 Japanese students from Wako Kokusai High School in Japan, together with two teachers were generously hosted by St. Peter’s families. This cultural exchange is an incredible opportunity to build lifelong friendships, deepen student cultural understandings and promote excellence in language development.

This generosity was further extended with the arrival of 24 students from New Caledonia together with their three teachers. Once again St. Peter’s families opened their doors and generously provided home stay for our New Caledonian neighbours. An experience which students have loved.

If anyone would like to participate in our Japan or New Caledonia Exchange please contact our Exchange Coordinator Ms Yolanda Bonica.

Further Learning opportunities were provided via our Southern Independent Schools Debating. The students won two debates. The Senior team of Darcy Paulka, Ashwin Palani and Kaitlyn Tai won a debate arguing that Australia should have nuclear power. There are some twenty teams in each section so this win should not be underestimated. Best Speakers were Darcy Paulka, Milly Cortese and Josh Bennett. In a world of compliance , arranging such an excursion is no simple task and I thank the staff who consistently take the time to arrange risk assessments, transport and permission forms for students so that alternative learning opportunities are provided to our students .

Chess Challenge – Next week an update on our Chess Competition – Yet another Learning Opportunity for students at St Peter’s.

Mrs Marlene Jorgensen

Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching