Mary MacKillop Enhancement Centre

“De La Salle College is a Catholic College in the Lasallian tradition, enabling students in a community of faith and excellence to achieve their full potential with integrity and distinction.” (Mission Statement) In 2013, the dedicated staff of the Mary MacKillop Enhancement Centre (MMEC) have worked consistently with students with special learning needs to assist them in accessing the curriculum. St John Baptist de la Salle said, “Know your students individually and be able to understand them.” (Med 33.1) We believe that all students can experience success when learning outcomes are based on realistic and achievable goals. The words of our patron, St Mary of the Cross, 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 specialist teachers — Mrs Gemma Austin, Mrs Eve McLellan, Mrs Jacinta Ryan, Mrs Carmel Dwyer, Mrs Christine Thompson, Mr Norm Stewart, and Br Denis Loft, and Learning Support Officers — Mrs Karen Tillotson, Ms Michele O’Mahoney, Mrs Jackie McKinnon, Ms Muriel West, Mrs Freda Siomos, Mrs Gabrielle Windley and Mrs Melanie Livera. This team of dedicated educators works with students who have special learning needs, across all year levels from Primary to Year 12. I wish to thank my wonderful team for their caring dedication, perseverance and professionalism as they work to enhance the lives of our students. Each member of the team collaborates with staff and parents to identify and facilitate 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 with parents. Decisions from these meetings are implemented by MMEC staff, parents and teachers, to enhance student learning and maximize effective teaching. Many other PSG meetings also occur for students who are identified with special needs. The Literacy Support classes continued again this year, with four groups at Years 7 and 8, three groups at Year 9 and two groups at Year 10, with a total enrolment of 98 students. These students have experienced the expertise of the MMEC teaching staff in assisting them to improve their literacy skills. The Numeracy Support Program continued in Years 8 and 9. Students who were nominated by their Maths teacher as needing assistance, and those identified through the Allwell testing, were given the opportunity to withdraw from one period of Religious Education each week to work with Br Denis Loft or Mr Norm Stewart to enhance their Mathematics skills. This program was delivered to 32 students. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the contribution of Mrs Karen Tillotson who is leaving us after 16 years of service to the De La Salle students, especially those under the MMEC umbrella. Every year, she has consistently provided dedicated support to the students in her care. Her concern and empathy for each of them displays her understanding of their learning issues, and a genuine concern to assist them in achieving success. “To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest miracle you can perform.” (Med 139.3—feast of St Peter). Thank you, Karen, for your dedication, support and friendship. We wish you well in your future endeavours!

Mrs Kathie Holmes MMEC Coordinator.

Back Row: Freda Siomos, Michele O’Mahoney, Jackie McKinnon, Gabrielle Windley, Eve McLellan Front Row (from Left to right): Carmel Dwyer, Melanie Livera, Kathie Holmes, Gemma Austin, Karen Tillotson Absent: Jacinta Ryan, Christine Thompson, Muriel West, Norm Stewart, Br Denis Loft