SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AGENDA 2015 FROM THE PRINCIPAL Welcome to the second year of our School Improvement Plan 2014-2016. As you would be aware, our overarching goal at Mater Maria Catholic College is to develop Engaged, Positive, Independent and Connected (EPIC) learners. Our principal directions in 2015 are summed up in our School Improvement Plan 2014-2016 in three key statements focused on mission; teaching and learning and pastoral care. These are: •
Strengthen students’ understanding and commitment to being disciples of Jesus through prayer; service to others and active reflection on the College values
•
Effective data and resource use by staff, students and parents to optimise each student’s learning outcomes
•
Provide a positive, safe learning environment that celebrates each student’s success within a connected learning community.
In 2015, our annual School Improvement agenda is drawn from these principal directions. As well, the community will be focused on articulating and promoting the College value of Hospitality; enhancing the use of student data to inform teaching and track student performance; improving literacy skills with a focus on writing; and implementing the 1:1 iPad program and increasing parent engagement in their children’s learning. I invite all members of the Mater Maria Catholic College community to join in the implementation of this agenda as we work together to develop students who are EPIC learners. Marc Reicher Principal
MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE COMMUNITY • FORMATION • SUCCESS 5 FOREST ROAD WARRIEWOOD NSW 2102 AUSTRALIA TELEPHONE 02 9997 7044 FACSIMILE 02 9997 6042 WEBSITE www.matermaria.nsw.edu.au
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AGENDA 2015 In 2015, the community of Mater Maria Catholic College will be committed to: Articulating and promoting the College value of Hospitality Enhancing the use of student data to inform teaching and track student performance Improving literacy skills with a focus on writing Implementing the 1:1 iPad program Increasing parent engagement in their children’s learning
KEY DOMAIN 1:
Strengthen students’ understanding and commitment to being disciples of Jesus through prayer; service to others and active reflection on the College values
By the end of 2015 we will have: •
Provided the community with a variety of experiences to achieve a deeper understanding of the College value of Hospitality and Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium - The Joy of the Gospel
•
Inducted all Year 7 students into a program designed to increase their understanding of the Mass
•
Implemented the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) program for interested Year 9 and Year 10 students
•
Developed Mission Team meetings to formalise communications for mission, liturgy, and ministry activities
•
Deepened ministry links and opportunities for students and staff with the Catholic Parish of Pittwater and the Lakes Catholic Parish
•
Offered staff twilight retreats to strengthen faith formation
•
Supported new staff in the Mission accreditation induction program
•
Acknowledged all students who have served the College and wider community through the House Cup system
KEY DOMAIN 2:
Effective data and resource use by staff, students and parents to optimise each student’s learning outcomes
By the end of 2015 we will have: •
Continued the implementation of the Australian Curriculum through effective teaching strategies
•
Implemented a whole College literacy approach with a focus on student writing skills
•
Facilitated the student 1:1 iPad program to support and enhance students’ learning experiences
•
Utilised student learning data to inform teachers’ pedagogy
•
Initiated staff professional learning teams to self-evaluate, collaborate and gain colleague feedback
•
Enhanced the student 1:1 iPad program through ongoing teacher professional learning
KEY DOMAIN 3:
Provide a positive, safe learning environment that celebrates each student’s success within a connected learning community
By the end of 2015 we will have: •
Implemented the eSmart framework to support students as smart, safe and responsible users of technology
•
Launched the Edumate student portal to enable students to track their own learning goals, assessment, attendance, pastoral care and well-being
•
Enhanced parental engagement of their child’s learning and well-being through the Edumate Parent Portal
•
Facilitated the College Board and P&F to host parent evenings for parent nominated topics