2022 Class Structure

As mentioned at the end of 2021, we have a new class structure for 2022. This year we have three classroom environments, with Debra Owens teaching Foundation, Grade 1 and Grade 2, Anthony Sheedy teaching Grade 3 and 4 and Hope Haughie teaching Grades 5 and 6.

Every Wednesday, Hope, Anthony and Deb will be replaced in their classrooms by Sue Benc (Foundation, Grades 1 & 2), Maria Moore (Grade 3 and 4) and Heather Flynn (Grade  5 and 6) for their planning and leadership release. This year our teaching staff will again be supported by our Education Support Officers, Tracey Richards (Foundation, Grade 1 and 2 ), Jo Griffiths (Grade 3 and 4) and Sharon Garland (Grade 5 and 6).

Our Education Support Officers will work closely with those students who need extra support in a variety of areas of the curriculum. This year we are also pleased to have Sue Benc in a Literacy Support role. Sue will work closely with a select group of students, from all three classrooms, targeting their individual needs in reading, writing and oral language. This will have a significant impact on improving these essential Literacy skills.

The Curriculum

St Mary’s uses the Victorian Curriculum to enable teachers to plan, monitor, assess and report on the learning achievements of every student. We provide an engaging curriculum that supports students who are experiencing learning difficulties, whilst also extending those students that have demonstrated success.

Reading, writing and oral language development is a high priority at St Mary’s. All students are individually assessed and monitored in this area, which allows teachers to target their teaching to meet the individual needs of all students. Mathematics is another key learning area, where students are individually assessed and taught according to their needs. Mathematics aims to develop proficiency in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Religious Education is also an integral part of the curriculum, which aims to deepen the students understanding of the Christian Story and Catholic Tradition.

Specialist Classes

In 2022 St Mary’s has also altered the structure of its specialist classes. This year all students will be involved in our ‘Specialist Day’ each Tuesday. On this day, students will participate in 45-minute lessons in Visual/Performing Arts, Physical Education and Indonesian. Visual Arts and Performing Arts will be taught by Hope Haughie. Visual Arts allows students to create visual artworks that communicate and express their ideas through varied mediums, whilst Performing Arts will support students to develop knowledge and skills in a broad range of art forms, including dance, drama and music.

Physical Education will be taught by Anthony Sheedy and will provide students with the opportunity to learn a wide range of sport skills, with the aim of developing an enthusiasm for sport.

Indonesian will be taught by Deb Owens and will focus on communication skills and developing an understanding of the role of language and culture in communication.

The specialist program has provided great variety to our school curriculum since it's implementation and we are happy that we are able to continue the program.

The St Mary’s Community

St Mary’s prides itself on its community atmosphere and welcomes all families and friends to be involved in day-to-day school life. Whilst COVID-19 is still presenting its challenges in this regard, we are endeavouring to involve and inform parents as much as we can. With many COVID-19 protocols and safety measures still in place to ensure everyone’s safety, your support in these areas is essential when participating in school-based activities.