Dear Parents and Guardians,

On Wednesday, our teachers and Learning Mentors (LSOs) engaged in a professional development day, focused specifically on enhancing the teaching of Maths and English from Prep to Grade 6.

What Happened on Teacher Learning Day?

Our educators participated in a series of workshops and training sessions aimed at improving their instructional practices in Maths and English. The day was dedicated to exploring new teaching strategies and developing cohesive plans to enhance student learning in these areas of learning.

Benefits of the Day:

1. Enhanced Teaching Knowledge and Skill: Teachers built on their knowledge and skills in innovative teaching methods and strategies tailored for Maths and English, which will help them deliver more engaging and effective lessons.

2. Improved Student Engagement: By reflecting on current practice, we discussed ways that we can create more interactive and stimulating learning experiences, keeping students motivated and interested in their work in Maths and English.

3. Data-Driven Instruction: Teachers explored how to use assessment data to inform their teaching practices, allowing them to better address the individual needs of students and ensure everyone is progressing effectively.

4. Collaborative Planning and Strategy: Teachers had the opportunity to collaborate and share best practices, which enables us to continue to foster a supportive, professional staff.

Impact on Students:

• Higher Quality Instruction: From our work, students will benefit from more effective and engaging lessons in Maths and English, leading to better understanding and retention of content.

• Personalised Learning: Teachers continue to develop and tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students, ensuring there are plans to provide every child with the support they need to succeed.

• Increased Achievement: The focus on data-driven instruction and continuous improvement will contribute to higher academic achievements in Maths and English.

At Columba we continue to be committed to providing the best possible education for your children, and professional development days like this are a crucial part of our efforts to achieve that goal. We appreciate your understanding and support in making these days a priority for our staff and the efforts you all went to to find care for your children.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the day, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Take care

Andrew Greco

Principal

Why the Olympics are an AWESOME event to celebrate as a family!

The Olympics officialy start tonight. So why are they so awesome? Well, there are a few reasons, but by celebrating the Olympics as a family, you can foster a sense of global citizenship, inspire personal growth, and create lasting memories, all while enjoying the thrill of world-class athletic competition

1. Global Unity and Diversity:

• Cultural Exposure: The Olympics bring together athletes from all over the world, showcasing diverse cultures, traditions, and languages. Celebrating the event as a family provides a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate global diversity.
• Unity and Peace: The Olympic Games promote a spirit of international unity and peace, demonstrating how countries can come together in a friendly competition despite political and cultural differences.

2. Inspiration and Motivation:

• Role Models: Olympic athletes serve as role models, demonstrating the results of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Their stories can inspire children and adults alike to pursue their own goals with determination.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Watching top athletes compete can motivate family members to engage in physical activities and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

3. Educational Value:

• Learning Opportunities: The Olympics provide a wealth of educational opportunities, from geography and history to physics and nutrition. Families can learn about different countries, historical events related to the Olympics, and the science behind athletic performance.
• Cultural Awareness: Understanding the customs and traditions of different countries enhances cultural awareness and global understanding, which is valuable in today’s interconnected world.

4. Family Bonding:

• Shared Experiences: Watching the Olympics together creates shared experiences and memories, fostering a sense of togetherness and family unity.
• Fun Activities: Families can engage in related activities, such as creating their own mini-Olympics at home, making themed crafts, or cooking international dishes, all of which strengthen family bonds.

5. Values and Sportsmanship:

• Teaching Moments: The Olympics provide numerous teachable moments about values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, fair play, and resilience. These are important life lessons that can be reinforced through discussions and observations during the games.
• Handling Success and Failure: Watching athletes handle victories and defeats gracefully offers an opportunity to discuss how to cope with success and setbacks in everyday life.

6. Tradition and Celebration:

• Historical Significance: The Olympics have a rich history dating back to ancient times, and celebrating them connects families to this long-standing tradition.
• Celebratory Spirit: The excitement and celebratory atmosphere of the Olympics bring joy and enthusiasm, providing a festive occasion that families can look forward to.

7. Promoting Inclusivity:

• Paralympics: Celebrating the Paralympics alongside the Olympics highlights the achievements of athletes with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals regardless of physical abilities.

PULSE SURVEY - Parent Survey to HELP our school

Each term we send out a parent survey which helps us get 'the pulse' of how our parent community. Below is a link to the survey. The surveys will always be brief and will support us in creating the best possible learning environment for your children.

This survey is CONFIDENTIAL and no names or email addresses will be collected unless you provide them for us. The school will not contact you personally to discuss your responses.

This is your best opportunity to let us know how you are feeling, and your best opportunity to let us know what we are doing well and what you know we could do better.

I ask that this survey be completed by Friday 2nd August

HELP US HERE - https://forms.gle/VfGTXamuWcYHctvu9