Teaching and Learning Report – May 2, 2019

Welcome back to Term 2 and I hope you all enjoyed a restful break! I know that through our ongoing collective efforts to support all aspects of the College’s teaching, learning and wellbeing programs that we will continue to make real difference to the outcomes of our boys.

Co-Headmasters

As previously announced Headmaster, Mr John Crowley, will be on leave until August 16, 2019. Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) has asked myself and Mrs Elizabeth Ryan to trial a model of co-principalship during this time.- –

As Term 2 commences, we will be working through what co-principalship will mean for all members of the St Patrick’s community with the support of EREA. In the interim, anything wellbeing related should continue to be directed to Elizabeth Ryan and all teaching and learning issues directed to myself and/or Mrs Julia Petrov (Acting Deputy Headmaster -“ Teaching and Learning). If you are unsure as to who to direct your concern to please email the Headmaster’s Executive Assistant, Mrs Jo McKee (JMckee@stpats.vic.edu.au), and Jo will work with myself and Elizabeth to ensure that you get a reply as soon as possible.- – –

Term 2 staff changes

We start the term with a number of staff changes:

Teaching:

Mrs Nadeera Jayasinghe finished her contract at the end of Term 1 for Mrs Ursula Bridges who recommenced at the start of Term 2.

Mr Steve Biggin commences as his role as a Year 8 Co-ordinator. Mrs Nadeera Jayasinghe will be continuing with the College for the remainder of the 2019 school year as a member of the Year 9 team to cover the changes to Mr Biggin’s teaching load. Mr Chris Gleeson stepped down the Year 8 Co-ordinator role and returns to classroom teaching.

Mr David Carpenter returns to the classroom after an extended absence during Term 1.

Enhanced Learning:

Mr Brendan Champness finished his contract at the end of Term 1 and Mrs Julie Johns recommenced at the start of Term 2. – Mr Peter O’Loughlan commenced as a Learning Support Officer at the start of Term 2 replacing Mr Garry Fitzsimons.

Administration:

Mrs Kathryn Mundy finished her contract as Registrar at the end of Term 1 for Ms Caitlin Bennett who returned to this role on April 8. Kathryn will continue at the College in the Development Officer (Reception) role.

Ms Louise Power commenced as ICT Technician replacing Ms Elie Rowe who is on maternity leave.

We welcome all new and returning staff to St Patrick’s and wish them well!

2019 NAPLAN for Year 7 and Year 9 students

The 2019 National Assessment Program -“ Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 7 and 9 students will be held on Tuesday May 14, Wednesday May 15 and Thursday May 16. Friday May 17 will be used as a -‘catch-up’ day for boys who were absent for tests held earlier in the week. Further details regarding the NAPLAN are included within this edition of the Crest.

Years 7-12 Mid Semester Reports

The 2019 mid semester reports for all Years 7-12 students have been available via PAM since the end of last term. These reports provide you with an insight into a range of classroom work habits for each subject studied by your son, including a general statement of his overall academic progress to-date. Any parent yet to access these reports is asked to do so as a matter of priority.

Term 2 will continue to provide the boys with a multitude of opportunities to further and extend all aspects of their learning. The boys are now all very familiar with the expectations of their respective year levels and have been well prepared to embrace every moment of learning that this term will provide them.