LIBERATING EDUCATION 090 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND INNOVATION In 2025, we welcomed to the College Mrs Jessica Lonard as the Head of Library and Information Services. Mrs Lonard brings years of experience and innovation in library services and is currently the Association of Independent Schools Teacher Librarian Convener. Her energy and enthusiasm, along with her understanding of both the potential and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, will ensure we maintain a focus on high quality research skills and support our teachers and students to further develop critical literacies in this age of rapid change. We continued to focus on quality instruction through building teacher capacity. Given the relative inexperience of many new staff members, and a desire for a different level of challenge expressed by more experienced teachers, our professional learning was delivered in four strands across two semesters. Our 2024 approach included professional learning tailored to different career stages: • Pre-proficient teachers: Essential skills and pedagogy • Experienced teachers: Universal Design for Learning and leadership preparation • Aspiring leaders: Mentorship and AI applications • Existing leaders: Advanced leadership skills and AI integration in education Under the great skill of Mr James Crino, our Professional Growth Coach, all professional learning was developed and delivered by experienced teachers on staff, showcasing the depth of talent we have as a professional learning community. Recognising the need for more sophisticated sentence-level writing skills among students, we commenced implementation of a Middle Years program focused on explicit writing instruction. Our Junior School teachers and all English teachers engaged in a full day of learning how to explicitly teach writing, using a variety of easily adaptable sentence structures such as using appositives, and using conjunctions such as “because, but, so”. I thank Mrs Sarah Tatola, Head of Teaching and Learning – Junior School, for her initiative and leadership in this important area. This year, we piloted TxCel, a teacher evaluation tool designed to bridge the gap between teacher self-assessment and student feedback, fostering reflective teaching practices. Students were able to provide targeted feedback to teacher volunteers who then reflected on the results, worked to improve their practice, and in almost all cases saw improvements reflected in a follow up survey period. Data from the past two years reveals significant growth among students receiving targeted support from our Diverse Learning Team, a testament to their tireless advocacy and in-class interventions. Special thanks to Mrs Amanda Metua, Head of Diverse Learning, and all the teachers and Learning Support Officers for their work with and support of our students with learning needs. The launch of the F. Gleeson Program marks a new chapter in our commitment to extension, enrichment, differentiation, and acceleration for gifted and high-potential students. Led by our Enrichment Team, Mrs Katherine Sinadinos, Ms Heidi Viney, Mrs Alison Mazoudier and Acting Coordinator Ms Felicia Ho, this program underscores our dedication to nurturing excellence. I am also grateful to Mr. Ricky Istifan for his steadfast support through milestones such as the adoption of BYOD, Canvas, and the transition to Microsoft and the challenges of the remote learning period, and to the many Learning and Technology prefects, including this year’s Jeremy Simonetto and Dominic Short, who have used their positions to amplify student voice leading to improved learning opportunities for their peers. As I conclude my final report as Director of Learning and Innovation, I reflect on a decade of shared successes, challenges, and growth. The brilliance of our students and staff has been an enduring source of inspiration. I move into my new role as Instructional Coach – Literacy, with confidence in the College’s continued pursuit of excellence and innovation. Thank you. I have been privileged to work alongside so many brilliant students and staff members over the past ten years. Thank you. Mrs D Lombardo Director of Learning and Innovation Year 8 Students During Book Week
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