Dear Parents and Community, 

A quick thank you to everyone for the work they are doing. I do not know about you, but I have had a real sense of 'lockdown fatigue' at the moment as we continue in this current environment. We are all missing that human contact. The "You Can Do It," program has units of work around for students around the the topic of 'working tough.'  It is about teaching students about grinding it out during tough times.  I think we can all take lessons from that.

I am drawn to the Prayer to St Joseph to inspire and give us hope and love.

Prayer to St Joseph.

You were receptive to God working in your life. Help us by your prayers at this time of trial. You kept Jesus and Mary under your watchful care: may your prayers assist our local Church to respond to those in need.

You taught the Christ Child your trade and prayers: help us to follow his example of love.

You were part of God’s plan for all humanity: assist us to be vigilant and responsible this day.

You spent your life in service: may we be mindful of others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, caring for them in these difficult days.

You trusted in the clear primacy of God over all history and every situation: help us to grow in faith and pray to the Father, Thy will be done.

Amen

Further to our work from Dylan Wiliam around Feedback.  I have added a video from John Hattie. John Hattie is the chair of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (Aitsl)  He is also viewed as one of the leading education researchers in the world. This clip has two sections with the second being on feedback.  Interestingly, he adds that the best feedback in the classroom is not from the teacher, but from the student to the teacher, so they can understand the impact of their lesson.

We are hoping this learning will become a big part of forward planning for 2021 and beyond. Our work around Growth Mindset this year has obviously been very disrupted, however, Dylan speaks of Growth Mindset throughout his work so it works in together quite well. From what we has learnt so far, Growth Mindset, is not about posters on the wall saying, "Keep Going," it is more about setting up the conditions in the school that allow students to be able to grow.

There are two videos, on this John Hattie clip, the second one is on feedback.

Staffing News: Sherralee O'Reilly has been appointed to replace Marilyn Bunting our bursar.  Sherralee will begin soon so she and Marilyn can have a handover before Marilyn goes on leave at the end of the term. Welcome Sherralee.

Congratulations also goes to our teacher, Lucy McCarthy-Hill, who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Finley May, on Friday 14th. Congratulations Lucy.

God Bless and Stay Safe

Anthony