Mater Christi College | Belgrave
College Community Achievements "(The) Internet has contributed to certainly a new kind of communication among us…When we talk about human community, we certainly now have a tool in our hands that enables us to reach out as we never have before. It broadens our sense certainly of what community is and even of our own place in it." Joan Chittister, OSB
We espouse Community as one of the Benedictine values and try to uphold this in all we do. We are deliberate in creating opportunities so that everyone - students, parents and staff - feel that they matter and that they belong. We know that this sense of connection to people and place, where we are known and appreciated for who we are is integral to our sense of self and wellbeing. During the time of online learning, we continued this focus in a number of ways, with the intention of doing what we usually do in a different environment, in a different way but still holding uppermost our connectedness and community. Parents and students participated in year level Welcome and Information meetings at the start of the year. Parent Forums for all year levels provided an opportunity for an exchange of communication directly with parents and carers. While not attended by everyone, there were many useful suggestions made and the College was delighted to acknowledge the work and support of parents and carers for their daughters' learning. So many of the initiatives introduced to provide for remote learning may continue, especially since they were instigated to allow for regular communication and effective participation of all - students, teachers, staff and parents and carers. An example was the Progress Meetings, some onsite, and some online. Many parents appreciated the opportunity to attend via Zoom, where onsite attendance did not always fit with other work commitments. Progress meetings were consistently well attended, and parents continued to enjoy being able to book their appointments online. Parents communicated freely and regularly with school leaders and teachers. Social Media postings highlighted the creative learning activities of students and post-MCC experiences of alumnae. Parents, students and staff joined invited guests and representatives from local schools for breakfast to celebrate the College's regular International Women's Day event, with guest speaker Ally Watson, founder and CEO of Code Like a Girl.
VALUE ADDED
Opportunities for parent engagement occurred through numerous events, celebrating achievements, gathering information, demonstrating new skills, exploring futures, or participating in activities such as: •
College Masses
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International Women's Day Breakfast
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Online Sports Awards
2020 Annual Report to the School Community
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