Included this week:-
- Co Principalship 2019
- Staffing 2019
- Lunch Order Survey
- Summer Uniform
- Next Assembly
I’m writing this as I’m waiting in Auckland to board a flight to Vancouver, Canada (just had to drop that in) as part of a Ballarat Diocesan Study Group (apologies for any errors, it’s been a long day already). The purpose of the trip is to work with two experts in their field Tom Hierck and Chris Webber to investigate Professional Learning Community (PLC) and Response to Intervention (RTI) schools in Canada and Los Angeles. These are both structures that our school has been implementing over a number of years now, and I think we do an incredible job of this. This trip is looking at possible next steps for us, from schools that have been engaged with this for much longer than ourselves. One of the things I am looking to see is how schools are promoting and supporting student agency. The idea that students are aware of their learning needs and are able to set goals (supported by teachers) to move their learning forward. To take ownership and responsibility (without excusing teachers from their jobs) for their learning growth.
Often we hear about high performing schools. These are normally identified as traditional model schools where students achieve well on high stakes testing (NAPLAN etc.) or we hear about innovative schools that are promoting what are known as core competencies or transdisciplinary schools. That is, things such as, collaboration, creative or critical thinking and problem solving. What we don’t often see are schools that operate within the two worlds. I believe this is something, whilst not entirely unique to St Columba’s is definitely something we can pride ourselves on. We have a strong, committed belief that ALL students can and will learn the essential skills they require whilst also promoting the competencies through things like focus children, ERP’s and investigations that we know to be critical for success in the future. We celebrate the growth in our students learning and work hard to build a culture in which mistakes and errors are seen as learning experiences, not an excuse to avoid the subject.
For those of you who attended or have spoken to your children about the work we have done with the Resilience Project over the last weeks you would have heard the message of failure. Martin’s big question to our parents was, when? When do you want your children to experience failure? It’s not pleasant, it’s not fun, but wouldn’t it be better at this age, when they have strong support around them in the shape of their parents, peers and teachers? We need to be giving our students the opportunity to know, honestly, how they are doing in their learning, what they need to do to meet standard or above and how, with whatever support is needed, the educators in the school will help them get there.
We are also beginning to talk about the idea of standard+, the idea that we don’t just want students to be achieving well academically but using that + to draw in their interests and goals to support their learning. This provides a great opportunity for students to recognise that whilst they may not be their YET, in subtraction, they’re smashing it in reading, or math, or origami, or knitting, or soccer or whatever else they may be passionate about.
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday break and travel safely if you are getting away. I look forward to seeing everyone in Term 4 again and sharing some of the insights I have gained from this trip and reflecting on our school’s journey to here.
Often we hear about high performing schools. These are normally identified as traditional model schools where students achieve well on high stakes testing (NAPLAN etc.) or we hear about innovative schools that are promoting what are known as core competencies or transdisciplinary schools. That is, things such as, collaboration, creative or critical thinking and problem solving. What we don’t often see are schools that operate within the two worlds. I believe this is something, whilst not entirely unique to St Columba’s is definitely something we can pride ourselves on. We have a strong, committed belief that ALL students can and will learn the essential skills they require whilst also promoting the competencies through things like focus children, ERP’s and investigations that we know to be critical for success in the future. We celebrate the growth in our students learning and work hard to build a culture in which mistakes and errors are seen as learning experiences, not an excuse to avoid the subject.
For those of you who attended or have spoken to your children about the work we have done with the Resilience Project over the last weeks you would have heard the message of failure. Martin’s big question to our parents was, when? When do you want your children to experience failure? It’s not pleasant, it’s not fun, but wouldn’t it be better at this age, when they have strong support around them in the shape of their parents, peers and teachers? We need to be giving our students the opportunity to know, honestly, how they are doing in their learning, what they need to do to meet standard or above and how, with whatever support is needed, the educators in the school will help them get there.
We are also beginning to talk about the idea of standard+, the idea that we don’t just want students to be achieving well academically but using that + to draw in their interests and goals to support their learning. This provides a great opportunity for students to recognise that whilst they may not be their YET, in subtraction, they’re smashing it in reading, or math, or origami, or knitting, or soccer or whatever else they may be passionate about.
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday break and travel safely if you are getting away. I look forward to seeing everyone in Term 4 again and sharing some of the insights I have gained from this trip and reflecting on our school’s journey to here.
Co Principalship 2019
Below is an excerpt from a letter Fr Marcello put out to staff earlier this week outlining some changes to our leadership model for 2019. I have been speaking to Kim (when we have phone reception) over the last few weeks about these changes and we are both incredibly excited about the possibilities it offers us and the school in continuing the work already underway.
Initially this model will be a 12 month trial, with the option to continue if we believe it is meeting the best needs of the school. Further details about the actual model will be put out to the community later this year. As part of this announcement I would like to thank all the families and staff who have made the first three terms such an incredible one and personally recognise the hard work and dedication of Julie Cooper, whose continued efforts have made my transition into the Principal role this year a much easier one.
Excerpt from letter to staff
“I write to advise you that Mrs Kim Butler, who is currently on leave from her position as Principal of St Columba's School, has been granted part-time leave from the principalship for the 2019 school year. This means that she will return to our school in a part-time capacity from January next year.
In accord with the Ballarat Diocesan Schools' Advisory Council Principal Selection and Appointment Policy, when a Principal takes leave, the Deputy Principal is asked to fill the vacant position. As you are aware, Mr Shaun Mohr was appointed to the principalship of St Columba's School for the 2018 school year with the intention that he would return to the role of Deputy Principal on Mrs Butler's return. Since Mrs Butler will be taking part-time leave in 2019, I am pleased to announce that Mr Mohr has agreed to continue as Co-Principal for the 2019 school year. This one-year appointment has been ratified by Bishop Paul Bird.
Mrs Butler and Mr Mohr will work as Co-Principals of St Columba's School from January next year. Both of them will have the same authority and responsibilities as would a single principal, with the intention that they will define any specific areas of responsibility and communicate clearly to the school community how their partnership will work.”
Fr. Marcello Colasante
Staffing 2019
Clare Fuller has advised that she will retire at the end of the 2018 school year, after 24 years at St Columba’s in various roles.
Sharon Marshall will also leave St Columba’s at the end of the school year. Sharon is moving away from the Ballarat area.
We thank both Clare and Sharon for their contributions to St Columba’s and we wish them both well.
We are currently advertising for new staff and will interview early Term 4.
Lunch Order Survey
The Parents & Friends are seeking parent feedback on the possibility of running our own Canteen. If you would like to have your say please complete the below online survey.
https://goo.gl/forms/uJmRW2iZJMWo4Aqk1
Summer Uniform
Term 4 sees the return of our summer uniform, including the school hat.
As we are likely to have a few colder days during the first few weeks of term, children may wear their winter uniform if desired. Please note that by the start of November, all children must be in full summer uniform. As of the start of term, all children must wear a school hat while outdoors.
Next Assembly
Our next assembly will be held this Friday 21st September at the special time of 12.30pm.
At this assembly our final Foundation students Heath and Leo will be introduced and the children who participated in the UNSW (ICAS) English competition will be presented with their certificates.
Back to main
Below is an excerpt from a letter Fr Marcello put out to staff earlier this week outlining some changes to our leadership model for 2019. I have been speaking to Kim (when we have phone reception) over the last few weeks about these changes and we are both incredibly excited about the possibilities it offers us and the school in continuing the work already underway.
Initially this model will be a 12 month trial, with the option to continue if we believe it is meeting the best needs of the school. Further details about the actual model will be put out to the community later this year. As part of this announcement I would like to thank all the families and staff who have made the first three terms such an incredible one and personally recognise the hard work and dedication of Julie Cooper, whose continued efforts have made my transition into the Principal role this year a much easier one.
Excerpt from letter to staff
“I write to advise you that Mrs Kim Butler, who is currently on leave from her position as Principal of St Columba's School, has been granted part-time leave from the principalship for the 2019 school year. This means that she will return to our school in a part-time capacity from January next year.
In accord with the Ballarat Diocesan Schools' Advisory Council Principal Selection and Appointment Policy, when a Principal takes leave, the Deputy Principal is asked to fill the vacant position. As you are aware, Mr Shaun Mohr was appointed to the principalship of St Columba's School for the 2018 school year with the intention that he would return to the role of Deputy Principal on Mrs Butler's return. Since Mrs Butler will be taking part-time leave in 2019, I am pleased to announce that Mr Mohr has agreed to continue as Co-Principal for the 2019 school year. This one-year appointment has been ratified by Bishop Paul Bird.
Mrs Butler and Mr Mohr will work as Co-Principals of St Columba's School from January next year. Both of them will have the same authority and responsibilities as would a single principal, with the intention that they will define any specific areas of responsibility and communicate clearly to the school community how their partnership will work.”
Fr. Marcello Colasante
Staffing 2019
Clare Fuller has advised that she will retire at the end of the 2018 school year, after 24 years at St Columba’s in various roles.
Sharon Marshall will also leave St Columba’s at the end of the school year. Sharon is moving away from the Ballarat area.
We thank both Clare and Sharon for their contributions to St Columba’s and we wish them both well.
We are currently advertising for new staff and will interview early Term 4.
Lunch Order Survey
The Parents & Friends are seeking parent feedback on the possibility of running our own Canteen. If you would like to have your say please complete the below online survey.
https://goo.gl/forms/uJmRW2iZJMWo4Aqk1
Summer Uniform
Term 4 sees the return of our summer uniform, including the school hat.
As we are likely to have a few colder days during the first few weeks of term, children may wear their winter uniform if desired. Please note that by the start of November, all children must be in full summer uniform. As of the start of term, all children must wear a school hat while outdoors.
Next Assembly
Our next assembly will be held this Friday 21st September at the special time of 12.30pm.
At this assembly our final Foundation students Heath and Leo will be introduced and the children who participated in the UNSW (ICAS) English competition will be presented with their certificates.
Back to main
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