LIBERATING EDUCATION 112 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 DIVERSE LEARNING Ms A Metua Head of Diverse Learning As Catholic educators we see each student as a sacred creation – ‘made in the image of God’ (Genesis 1:27) Inclusive education at St Patrick’s College is everyone learning, growing and flourishing – together – in all our diversity. It recognises the right of every student – without exception – to be included in all aspects of their schooling. It involves adapting the environment and teaching approaches to ensure genuine and valued full participation of all. At the College this year we have continued our work in supporting teachers to meet the needs of all learners, so that every student experiences success. Our focus has been on enacting a truly inclusive pedagogy and a commitment to uphold the rights of all to be welcomed, valued, acknowledged, and actively engaged in education. We have expanded and refined our Personalised Learning and Gifted Education plans and led effective collaborative curriculum planning for well over 400 students, in consultation with students, parents, teachers, Year Coordinators and counsellors. Re-structuring the Diverse Learning Centre to focus on the unique needs of students in each of the 4 stages of learning has been a great success and meant more support for our boys and their families. I thank the Learning Support officers and the Learning Support teachers, Ms Meagan Compton, Ms Karen Spires, Ms Victoria Klados and Ms Maryanne Roberts for their tireless dedication in this space. Our intervention practices are underpinned by evidence-based research, specifically the Universal Design for Learning methodology, and a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) which guides our work in curriculum design through: • effective multistage screening • monitoring of student progress • data-driven decision-making processes using a multi-levelled prevention/intervention approach In our endeavours to support all students to flourish, we have intervened as early as possible to meet the individual needs and abilities of each student. The MacqLit programme, our flagship Literacy intervention programme, delivered excellent results for our students with many graduating from the programme as they transition into Year 7 next year. In line with growth, we have expanded the number of Learning Support Officers at the College, and this has greatly benefited our learning community, with 64% of in-class support directed towards Year 7 and Year 8 classes, and increased support in Stage 3. We celebrated Teachers’ Aide Appreciation week with morning tea to thank our much valued, hard-working and dedicated team of Learning Support officers. Their work across the school underpins our success in encouraging every boy to let his light shine, and truly embodies our ethos in inclusivity and excellence in learning. This year has seen substantial growth in both participation and results in our key external enrichment opportunities, Ethics Olympiad and da Vinci Decathlon. In the Ethics Olympiad Senior and Middle school competitions we obtained much-prized honourable mentions. We performed strongly in the coveted and hotly contested da Vinci Decathlon competition with the Year 10 team placing first in the Ideation discipline and 14th overall. Our Year 5 team also had great success, placing 3rd in Ideation and in the top 10 for Art and Poetry, and Code Breaking. In this calibre of competition, this result is a major cause for celebration, and I extend my warm congratulations to the team, and the teachers who work so hard to prepare the boys in these competitive fields. We successfully entered teams in the Ethical Explorations, ‘Write a Book in a Day’ and Future Problem Solving competitions, where our boys enjoyed the experience of being challenged to think critically and creatively, to develop and test their knowledge, and hone their teamwork skills. I am pleased to report that we have continued to build our Gifted and Talented Student Mentor programme with both younger students and their older mentors reporting the benefits of the programme, including increased confidence and a stronger sense of belonging and purpose from the experience of working with a peer who has walked the path. Finally, building on Dr. Lavorato’s vision, we have worked hard to refine and streamline our support of Gifted and Talented and High Potential students, showcasing the incredible work of our teachers in this space. This has culminated in the F. Gleeson Enrichment programme which we look forward to launching in 2025. I acknowledge and thank Ms Felicia Ho for her dedicated work coordinating Enrichment for most of the year and thank Ms Heidi Viney and Ms Alison Mazoudier for their excellent support of our students and teachers in this important area. Ms Heidi Viney, Michael Atra, Christopher Costa, Xavier Antunes, William Ters, and Matthew Badran Year 7 And 8 Da Vinci Decathlon Teams Year 9 And 10 Da Vinci Decathlon Teams Isaac Tannous, Arthur Haddad, Michael De Vitis, Aiden Park, Christopher Mok, Denzel Tan, and Ms Heidi Viney
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