As part of Sydney Catholic Schools, we employ highly qualified and competent teachers who are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). To continuously improve our practice, teachers also work towards the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, from proficient teacher to lead teacher level.
The delivery of quality curriculum, pedagogy (teaching methods) and assessment is ensured by our system of schools through the provision of contemporary NESA accredited professional learning in a range of modes. Our Centres of Excellence offer online learning and external face-to-face courses, and timely, collaborative and relevant in-situ learning take place within the context of each classroom. Sydney Catholic Schools’ teachers are strongly committed to their ongoing learning, with many having completed, or are currently undertaking, postgraduate studies in areas related to curriculum, student wellbeing, special education, theology, pastoral care and leadership.
The ongoing professional development of each staff member is highly valued. Professional learning can take many forms including whole school staff days, subject-specific services, meetings and conferences, and a range of professional learning programs provided by Sydney Catholic Schools. The school takes responsibility for planning, implementing, evaluating, and tracking its staff’s professional learning, and individual staff members take responsibility for their ongoing professional development. All teachers have been involved in professional learning opportunities during the year related to improving student outcomes.
Professional learning has been a major focus this year with the learning needs of the students at the centre of all decisions. Quality Literacy Teaching (QLT) with an emphasis on writing enabled staff to work with teachers from the other two parish primary schools to understand and implement well-planned and well-implemented writing sessions.
Mathematics has also been a focus with teachers working collaboratively to engage and challenge students, under the leadership of expert mathematics teachers. We have continued our development in program differentiation.