AMC Programs

VisibleWellbeing

PROFESSOR LEA WATERS

In 2021, the College has been privileged to have Professor Lea Waters work with our staff to introduce and implement the foundations of Visible Wellbeing; an evidence-based framework that Lea describes as making the invisible visible. This framework gives insight into reading the behavior, tone and mood of students in the classroom.

Through various seminars, workshops and discussion our staff were well accustomed with the characteristics of strength, emotional regulation, attention, awareness, relationships, coping, habits and goals all associated with Visible Wellbeing and positive psychology.

Ave Maria College was acknowledged at the 2021 Visible Wellbeing Summit as Secondary School of the Year. In presenting this award, Lea highlighted the dynamic approach of the College in blending student wellbeing with academic growth. As a result of our ongoing professional learning and reflective practice, staff have used the ideas of Visible Wellbeing to ensure that the climate in the classroom or online is purposefully created to maximise the opportunity to engage and learn.

Professional learning at Ave Maria College has been a prominent feature for many years, as it is an important part of any learning community. For teachers it is an expectation that you are continuously building knowledge and understanding both of the theories and practice of teaching, or pedagogy, as well as knowing your students and the school learning environment. What the students fondly refer to as their ‘early finish’ day, on Day 8, is a major part of our program and we are fortunate that time is set aside each fortnight.

In 2021, all teaching staff took part in Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) where small groups of teachers across Domains conducted action research projects centering on one of the principles of our Ave Charter for Education. Each group formulated an investigation question and then set out to collect data with the hope of creating improvement in practice or understanding. Over recent weeks each group has presented their project to staff. It has been wonderful to see such innovative and engaging research being undertaken, and of course we thank our students for their contribution to this process.

In 2022 the Professional Learning Program will include two prominent projects, the continuation of the Visible Wellbeing program, and the introduction of a Whole School Reading focus. The College is excited to embark on this journey whilst continuing to embed the learning from 2021.

Professional Learning

Horizons Program Debating

Among many other activities, the College offers debating as part of our Co-Curricular program. Debating is an invaluable skill for our students to develop through improving their public speaking skills, logical and critical thinking and prompting an interest in current affairs.

Throughout 2021, the College Debating Team participated in many rounds of debates with the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) competition against local schools, both in person at St Bernard’s College and online for the later months of the year.

Across junior, intermediate and senior year levels, our debating teams tackled a variety of issues including education, economics, international relations and cancel culture. Congratulations to all students who participated in debating and won their fair share of debates representing the College throughout 2021. At Ave Maria College, we foster a culture of rigorous academic achievement, underpinned by self-confidence and motivation in our students. This academic support is exemplified through our Horizons Program, which caters to students who require extension or seek a further challenge.

2021 was another busy year with Horizons’ students participating acceleration programs in Mathematics and Science, others completing hundreds of questions in the IXL Maths extension program and some students entering the VATE Creative Writing Competition, exploring the theme of Stories that Change.

Students also engaged in Philosophy Club, both in person and online where there were many lively discussions covering such topics as: What makes something art? or Has technology made us happier? And that classic philosophical conundrum: Do we really have free will?

Our Horizons Program allows students to think more critically, develop stronger communication skills and explore their academic strengths, preparing themselves with the dispositions of their chosen career and workforce of the future.