ST JOSEPH’S Kerang is “ensuring learning for all” and guaranteeing no students get left behind whilst also not letting kids more advanced stagnate.
“At St Joseph’s, we have a strong focus on student learning,” principal Chris Mitchell says.
“Whether that be academic, behavioural or social and emotional, our motto ensures learning for all.”
St Joseph’s has made a commitment to three big ideas.
“As a professional learning community, we strive to have a focus on learning, a focus on collaboration and a focus on results,” Mr Mitchell said.
From those three big ideas come four big questions, according to Mr Mitchell.
These questions are.
• What do we want all students to know and be able to do?
• How will we know if they learn it?
• How will we respond when some students do not understand?
• How will we extend the learning for students who already know it?
“Our staff wrestle with those four key questions in an ongoing way that ensures our students get what they need to support their learning when they need it,” Mr Mitchell said.
“By answering these questions in an ongoing way, our staff are constantly working to meet the needs of our students, whether in an academic, behavioural or social and emotional setting.”
This work is done within the concept of community, where staff are responsible for the students, hence the focus on collaboration in the way they work as a team.
“It is also important to acknowledge the role of parents in that team, and we share those educational responsibilities with parents,” Mr Mitchell said.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have supportive parents who contribute greatly to the life and sense of community at St Joseph’s.”
