On Monday I was interstate visiting other schools with Catholic Education Canberra-Goulburn on an 'Evidence Forum'. This delegation, consisting of Ross Fox (Director), Angus Tulley (Assistant Director), CE Representatives along with invited Principals and Assistant Principals from across the Archdiocese have spent three days visiting schools across Sydney and Perth. Prior to this trip we spent a day unpacking current educational research.

At present, I should be finishing up my trip to Perth. Unfortunately my father-in-law passed away on Monday night and I had to fly back early to be with family.  I did however start the evidence forum by visiting a school in Sydney and examining current educational research and evidence. 

When the idea of the Evidence forum was conceived, it was all about Principals and school leaders, leading a system-wide move to greater pedagogical conherence. 

As a school and system leader, I am increasingly aware of the many debates that take place concerning evidence and educational research, the what's best for teaching and learning. Whilst the profession of teaching comes under high scrutiny from many stakeholders, it is the profession itself, educators within the system, who need to constantly critique their practice and strive for continual improvement based on the needs of the learner, current research and evidence. 

Since starting this project, I have had many robust and collegial conversations especially centred on evidence that stands up to the scrutiny and the challenges of implementation in a school. 

Educators are very aware of the fads or temporary enthusiasms that are presented often in education and can become a noise of distraction at times. Because the 'noise' will not disappear, it is important for educators and school leaders to know what the essential components of good teaching and learning are and to devote ourselves to their practice and continual refinement.

This Evidence Forum project is providing a clarity regarding moving forward for our system, and more personally, for myself leading St Michael's. I will continue to keep you all posted.

Thank you to Damien Webb for stepping up during my absence and the staff at St Michael's who continue to demonstrate professionalism and passion each and every day. 

Year 5/6 Camp

On Monday we will farewell our Year 5/6 teachers and students as they embark on their Leadership Camp to Cooba. I know our students are very much looking forward to the time away from school, to connect, to learn and to have fun. Damien Webb will be attending as a Year 5/6 teacher and Executive member who will assume leadership of the 3 days. Shannon Blakey, Jane McKeough and Jess Figura will also be attending. 

Autumn Fete - Saturday 16 March (10-2pm)

We are full steam ahead for our upcoming fete. A huge thank you goes out to Anna Lutz as Fete Coordinator, the Community Council and the fete committee for their tireless work behind the scenes to make sure this event is a massive success. Thank you to the whole community for your support of donations over the last few months. Please spread the word among your networks and invite everyone along to the fete on Saturday 16 March.

Community Council

Community Council roles were nominated and accepted last Tuesday night. 

Chair - Esther Coghlan

Deputy Chair - Fiona Scherl

Treasurer - Gabriel Walsh

Secretary - Claire Carton (Semester 1) & Serae Love (Semester 2)

Promotions - Emma Bickley

Staff Rep - Jessica Lewis

Parish Rep - Fr Loi (Pat Ellis in his absence)

Principal - Pat Ellis

Assistant Principal - Damien Webb

Parent Representative Network

PRNs have been finalised. Fiona Scadden is our PRN Coordinator along with the school support from Damien Webb. The PRN role is one to build social networks among the parent body. Information will come home in the coming fortnight regarding this, but essentially the role is to promote class social events (perhaps a family BBQ during the holidays etc), celebrating the teacher's birthday, celebrating and acknowledging special events in families such as births and supporting each other in the tougher times. Information regarding school events will still be circulated through school platforms such as the newsletter, SZ app and Facebook. 

I have been recently made aware of a feeling in previous years that some families felt overwhelmed with information coming home from PRNs when this information had already been sent home through the class teacher or school. We will move to shift focus of PRNs to the promotion of the social aspect of school.

We welcome any feedback regarding this as we move forward. 

Enjoy the week ahead.

Be Kind.

Regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal