Monday’s Data Day across SCEA was busy for our school staff, with each school choosing specific areas to focus on in order to enhance their classroom learning experiences across SCEA.
A number of staff from Kalamunda Christian School (KCS) made the trek north for the day to meet with their counterparts at Northshore Christian Grammar School (NCGS) and delve into the ‘Talk for Writing’ initiative. Northshore’s College Principal, Mr Stuart Chisholm, explained the concept of this program despite wearing a robotic splint on his leg from a recent hockey-induced operation:
“The Talk for Writing approach enables children to read and write independently for various audiences and purposes within different subjects. Students internalise the language structures needed to write through ‘talking the text’ and close reading. The approach moves from dependence towards independence, and that is a key feature in our approach to contemporary education.”
At Ellenbrook Christian College (ECC), the Early Learning Team welcomed staff from other SCEA schools to join them in an AISWA Professional Learning session highlighting the importance of Mathematics in the early years. In the foundation years, it was an excellent opportunity to network and have robust collegial discussions about teaching and learning.
Beechboro Christian School (BCS) staff took time out to focus on NAPLAN (National Assessment Program) and review their School Improvement Plans (SIPs) as a team. The recent Community Surveys across SCEA (Parent, Staff & Student) also play a part in informing each of our individual SCEA schools where we seek to partner with our communities across Perth.
At Mundaring Christian College (MCC), the Primary staff welcomed Ms Deb Martin from AISWA, who spoke about her research into how and why children behave as they do. Staff took time to redesign and develop their new behaviour management plans based on student and parent feedback. The post-it notes incorporated wellness, restorative practices and discipleship.
