Dear Parents, Students and Friends

I hope you have all enjoyed a much-needed break. Despite our optimism for a ‘normal’ Term 3, concern continues to build with the Covid situation in Victoria and an increase in cases in NSW. Regardless of the challenges that may present this term, please be assured that we are focusing on our students and their learning, and keeping everyone safe.

Last week, Mrs Karen Lyttle led the staff in prayer. As a foundation staff member, Mrs Lyttle based her prayer on the early years of the College, finding inspiration in the leadership of founding Principal, Mr Bill Reid. On the rock at the front of the school is a plaque gifted to the College by the Year 12 Students of 2004. I encourage you to take a look next time you are walking past.

A little piece of history is captured below in an address by Mr Reid to the Year 12 student group of 2000. He wrote…

Term 3 Staffing

As previously communicated by Mr John O’Neill, there are staffing adjustments for Term 3 to facilitate some unforeseen changes. Mrs Belle Barling has returned to her role as Faith Formation Coordinator. Miss Rebecca Douglas will be supporting Mrs Barling with her teaching load. Mrs Amy Dalgleish will be continuing in her current role replacing Miss Fran Davis until the end of Term 3.

Welcome

· We welcome back Mrs Emma Kenna who returns part-time from Maternity Leave, working Tuesday – Thursday. Ms Jane Garland returns to her support role Monday – Thursday, and will maintain her teaching role on Fridays.

· Mrs Laura Wales returns in Week 4 and will be replacing Mr Paul Cullen. Mr Cullen is taking long service leave. We hope he enjoys a lovely break.

· We welcome back Mrs Katrina Kerkham who will be returning in Week 5.

· Mrs Julie Wiggins has joined our Learning Support team for Semester 2. Mrs Wiggins is currently on leave from her Classroom Support Assistant role at St Mary’s and will be working at the College Monday – Thursday each week.

· We also welcome Mrs Tania Chalker to the position of Student Welfare Officer. Mrs Chalker will be working in the College from Tuesday – Thursday each week. A warm welcome to our new and returning staff members.

Congratulations

During the holidays, I attended the launch of the newly published Dhurga Dictionary and Learner's Grammar book written by Trish Ellis, Kerry Boyenga and Waine Donovan. This celebration was held at the Moruya Library. Congratulations to Trish and her siblings. This is a wonderful resource that will continue to support and strengthen our connection to our local Aboriginal language and culture. Trish (pictured to the right of Mrs Jo Wain) teaches Dhurga to our Aboriginal students every Friday.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Next Tuesday, 4 August is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances we will be unable to celebrate this day as we would normally. I have included a link below to a documentary that you may find interesting called In My Blood It Runs. A brief overview is included below.

The critically acclaimed documentary told through the eyes of charismatic 10-year-old Arrernte/Garrwa boy, Dujuan and his family, revealing the challenges Dujuan faces both in his school and on the streets of Alice Springs. (2019)

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/in-my-blood-it-runs

Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn Learning Agenda

Recently, Catholic Education presented the Learning Agenda for 2021. There are four main focus areas for next year:

1. High Impact Teaching Practice
2. Instructional Leadership
3. K-2 Literacy
4. Curriculum – Mathematics K-6

All schools across the Archdiocese will be asked to focus on two areas that align with their 2021 Annual Improvement Plan. We are fortunate to be already working in the area of Instructional Leadership. Our second area will focus on High Impact Teaching Practices. Catholic Education are streamlining focus areas to ensure all schools are working towards common goals to improve practice.

Creating a high performing school

Last term, Mr Tim Smith from Catholic Education presented some research to the K-12 South Coast Principals on creating a high performing school. The top ten focus areas included:

1. Strong leadership that is shared, stable, strategic and sustained over time
2. High levels of expectation and teacher efficacy
3. Ensuring an orderly but supportive learning environment
4. A focus on what matters most
5. Building teaching and leadership expertise
6. Structured teaching to ensure all students succeed
7. Using data to drive improvement
8. A staff culture of sharing and responsibility
9. Initiatives tailored to the direction of the school
10. Engender pride in the school

I am pleased to report that we are committed to improving all focus areas outlined above. The first focus area particularly resonates with me - Strong leadership that is shared, stable, strategic and sustained over time. When this area is right, anything is possible within a school context - schools go from good to great!

2020 School Improvement Survey

Annual surveys of Staff, Parents and Students will be undertaken again this year across the Archdiocese. The format is the same as in 2019. Survey links will be sent via email for staff, parents and secondary students.  I will inform you again of this process closer to the date.

I hope all our families are keeping well. Enjoy the weekend ahead and please be in touch if you have any questions regarding the current environment.

Best regards

Jacqueline Heffernan
Principal