Dear Parents and Carers,

As part of their professional teaching standards https://www.aitsl.edu.au/standards teachers are required to create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments.  In late January, all CECG schools were given the opportunity to hear Dr. Tim McDonald, former Executive Director, Catholic Education WA and Associate Professor, Edith Cowan University. Tim is a classroom management expert and author of Classroom Management (Oxford University Press, 2019). Tim’s work is based around the premise that classroom behaviours and norms require explicit teaching and direction. He aims to help teachers to,

• Create calm and ordered classrooms where learning takes priority.
• Engage students in learning and give them freedom to focus without disruption.
• Instill positive – not punitive – strategies to build belonging, responsibility, and generosity.

Tim’s philosophy sits comfortably with Catalyst initiatives, as it is tried, tested and research based. https://www.classroommastery.com.au/ Teachers have discussed Tim’s approaches and are using some of these to enhance the good practice already in place at St Michael’s.

The beginning of the school year is a particularly important time for all staff and leadership to establish routines and procedures that ensure all students can live and learn safely and effectively. Just as families establish routines e.g. bedtime or meals, we establish school routines e.g. entering classrooms, keeping hands off others, wearing hats. We thank our families who trust and support us in our vision, to live and learn in harmony with others, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus.

Many Blessings

Judy Egan

Principal

NAPLAN 2024