St Margaret Mary's School Newsletter

Principal's Message

Pauline Dinale

Dear St Margaret Mary’s Parents and Carers,

 

On Tuesday 17 March, countries all around the world celebrate the Feast of St Patrick. Let us work together - here at St Margaret Mary’s - to continue to strengthen our community and pray the words of this ancient Gaelic prayer. 

 

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, 

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, 

Christ on my right, Christ on my left, 

Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height, 

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, 

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, 

Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

 

A few weeks ago I reported the staff would undertake professional learning in the area of Reading Difficulties and Dyslexia as well as English and Mathematics in preparation for the implementation of the new K-2 English and Maths Syllabuses in 2023. This week the focus was on Understanding Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties.

  • the term dyslexia in the context of significant difficulties in reading
  • the main characteristics of dyslexia & other difficulties which may be associated with dyslexia
  • the relationship between phonological awareness & reading ability
  • the role that working memory has in learning to read, write and spell

I was particularly interested to learn that students with dyslexia may exhibit particular strengths and that many students with dyslexia may be exceptionally gifted in one or more of the following areas:

  • thinking “outside-the-box” in terms of problem-solving, creativity, hands-on learning, and sports verbal skills, visual-spatial skills, social skills, memory and music.

Our teachers will complete between sessions homework with session two booked for week 10.

 

COVID UPDATE - Safety Imperative

 

As you may be aware St Margaret Mary’s school community has reported a spike of positive cases of Covid with students, parents and staff as well as close contacts. Please be assured that we are doing our utmost to support safety measures in response to the conditions so that we can be as safe as possible.

 

If you require additional RAHT testing kits please contact the school office. We recommend that students and staff wear masks, however this is not mandatory. The following diagram may be helpful when making a decision about isolation and returning to school.

 

God bless you and your family,

Pauline Dinale

Principal