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 • International Women's Day Breakfast • Online Sports Awards

• Award Presentation Assemblies • Valedictory Mass & Graduation event, socially distanced at school (students only) • Virtual Tertiary & Subject Webinars • Welcome Events • MYP Information Evening • Face to face & online guest presenters • Online Curriculum Information & Subject Selection Evening • Year 12 Formal • Community Service - Hospitality 'Mater Eats' • House Performing Arts Competition

PARENT SATISFACTION

Parent survey feedback indicated that most parents believe that the school provided challenging educational programs and clear communication between school and home. The survey data showed high levels of confidence in the quality of teaching and the management of student transition. Parent satisfaction is qualitatively demonstrated through the following: • Reports from enrolment interviews of high satisfaction • Strong levels of attendance for school events, especially Progress Meetings, Information

Meetings and College Assemblies • Positive feedback to College leaders for management and support through critical incidents and emergency events, i.e. COVID pandemic • Positive perceptions generally from surveys, especially highlighting the College's handling of online learning during the pandemic