Mary McKillop Enhancement Centre

Mary MacKillop Learning Enhancement Centre

In 2006, the staff of the Mary MacKillop Enhancement Centre [MMEC] have worked tirelessly with students with special needs to assist them in accessing the curriculum. We believe that all students can experience success when learning outcomes are based on realistic and achievable goals. The words of our patron Blessed Mother Mary MacKillop echo the attitude and reflect the commitment of the MMEC staff, “We must teach more by example than by word.” (1867) This year, the staff included teachers: Mrs. Jacinta Ryan, Ms. Clare Needham, Mrs. Maria Zanelli and Mrs. Ruth Hunter; and integration aides: Mrs. Karen Tillotson, Mrs. Eve McLellan, Mrs. Mary Thomas and Ms. Jacqueline Irwin. This team of dedicated educators work individually with students who have intellectual, social, emotional, physical or severe language needs, across all year levels, from Primary to Year 12. Each member of the team collaborates with staff and parents to identify and facilitates the individual learning needs of the students. Regular Program Support Group [PSG] meetings occur for students who qualify for Integration funding, where issues of academic planning and pastoral care are discussed. Decisions from these meetings are implemented by MMEC staff, parents and teachers to enhance the students’ learning and maximise effective teaching. Many other PSGs also occur for students who are identified with special needs. This year, the consolidation of the Literacy Support classes has been realised. Four groups at both Year 7 and Year 8, and one at Year 9, have operated throughout the year with a total enrolment of 42 students. These students have experienced the expertise of the MMEC teaching staff in

Standing: Mrs Eve McLellan, Ms Clare Needham Mrs Kathie Holmes, Mrs Maria Zanelli Seated Mrs Mary Thomas, Mrs Karen Tillotson, Mrs Jacinta Ryan Absent: Mrs Ruth Hunter and Ms Jacqueline Irwin

assisting them to improve their literacy skills. Plans are underway to extend this service through to Year 10 in 2007, resulting in approximately 75 students being enrolled in Literacy Support classes from Years 7-10. The support of Headmaster, Brother Bill Firman, Deputy Headmaster, Peter Riordan, Heads of Campus, Br Adrian Watson and Henry Corcoran, Year Level Co-ordinators and all teaching staff has been invaluable in encouraging the work of the MMEC staff. I wish to thank my fantastic team for their caring dedication, perseverance and professionalism as they continually work to enhance the lives of our students.

Mrs. Kathie Holmes MMEC Cooordinator