Catalyst & High Impact Teaching Practice

On Monday Jordan O’Sullivan from Shaping Minds continued his work coaching our teachers in the implementation of evidenced based practices. Our teachers spent the day observing Jordan teaching direct explicit instruction lessons with a focus on High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP). Jordan observed our teachers and gave them feedback to support their growth. I sincerely thank our teachers for their dedication to personal improvement in classroom teaching. We know that better teaching leads to improved learning outcomes for students who are at the heart of all we do at St Michael’s. Jordan was most impressed with the quality of the instruction he saw and the engagement and learning progress of our students. If you would like to read more about Catalyst and HITP please access information at the following site.

https://catalyst.cg.catholic.edu.au/initiatives/high-impact-teaching-practice/

Spelling Mastery

This year our teachers began delivering ‘Spelling Mastery’, a researched proven program that uses evidenced based Direct Instruction methods to enable teachers to deliver highly interactive, structured lessons that help students develop their spelling skills.

Spelling Mastery approaches spelling through strategies, patterns and rules. The straightforward lessons in Spelling Mastery combine phonemic, morphemic, and whole-word instruction to make spelling easier to learn, leading the way to more effective writing.

Spelling Mastery interweaves these three approaches according to students' skill development and provides lessons to assist teachers efficiently and effectively teach the spelling skills students need to become proficient readers and writers. Explicit instruction, careful selection of spelling words, and repeated and cumulative practice, aid students to master each concept and reinforce and retain key information.

Recently our teachers completed Progressive Assessment Tests (PAT) in Spelling, our students’ performance indicated significant growth overall. We attribute some of this success due to the Spelling Mastery Program and our teachers increased capacity to teach using High Impact Teaching strategies. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and professionalism of our teachers and the dedicated approach of our students to their learning.

Sharing Our Learning

Come along for a relaxed visit after school next Wednesday 20th September 3:15pm- 5:30pm to look at all the wonderful learning that’s been happening at St Michael’s. Be part of your child’s learning and give your child 2 stars and a wish for their future progress.

Aboriginal Artwork

Thank you to Danielle Madsen for organising some fantastic experiences in her role as Aboriginal Education Officer. Last week on Monday, our students completed some artwork led by Katrina Cambridge (CE Education Officer) using dot painting and gum leaves. Danielle is also commissioning new Aboriginal Value Poles for the front of our school building.

Ready2Munch

Tired of making lunches for your kids? Why not try ‘Ready2Munch’ online ordering system this Friday 16th September and next Friday 22nd. Lunch orders will be delivered to the school for lunch time only NOT at recess.

To order please access the site at  https://ready2munch.com.au/

Parents need to select St Michael's School before placing an order. You will need to include your child’s name and class on the order.

Parents will need to place orders by 4pm on a Thursday for delivery on a Friday. 

Thank you for your continued support,

Bridgette McCann (Acting Principal)