Reading Improvement Strategy

Most of our Junior school students will be assessed in their reading using either the PM or PROBE assessment tools before the end of next week.  This occurs with a Week 6 deadline on a termly basis so we can confirm the movement of our students’ reading capabilities and determine the best way forward to see their improvement continue.  As an educational institution, we expect that every child makes a years progress for a year of education, and with reading as the primary indicator of life outcomes, it’s the most critical aspect we assess. 

In reading there are a few key aspects which vary depending on the reading age of the child.  These range from oral language and phonemic and phonological awareness for our pre-readers, phonics, fluency and vocabulary for our early readers, and fluency, vocabulary and comprehension for those working towards becoming an independent reader.

As reading is so critical, make sure that at least every week you are talking to your child about their progress and goals in reading, as well as how they feel about reading. Reading should be enjoyable as a tool to access the world of the unknown – it becomes enjoyable by being both purposeful and also by being good at it – we become good at reading through practice (at least 20 minutes every day – no excuses) and also by creating a positive culture around reading from a young age. Make reading a fun time in your household, not just part of a bedtime routine.  Recently I’ve been mixing up my reading to my kids with Bush Verse and Ballads and have found that my boys just love it!

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards Nominees

This year, the Toowoomba Catholic Schools hosted their first ever Excellence Awards and our College was proudly represented with 4 nominations.  Mrs Julie Nimmo and Mr Steve Gillespie were both nominated for the Spirit Of Catholic Education Award.  Julie has been an outstanding contributor to the College for many years and tirelessly goes out of her way, without recognition, reward or praise to support our College and make opportunities for our students.  Steve has instigated and developed the Confraternity program at our College which doesn’t only go about allowing our boys to play in a football carnival, but to develop the values that our young men need to enter a world as positive contributors to society.

The Prep Team was nominated as Professional Learning Community of the Year for their outstanding work in transitioning children from kindy to active learners and readers ready for the future years of schooling.  This team includes Mrs Morgan, Mrs Gormley, Mrs Walton and Mrs Gleeson as well as all of their wonderful support.

Mrs Kristen Joyce was nominated as Primary Expert Teacher due to her excellence in the day to day teaching of her class, as well as her additional contribution to things like the STEM fair. Her ability to progress students in their reading ability is not only reflective of her skills as a reading recovery teacher in the past, but also of her professionalism and dedication to her students.

Although we didn’t win any awards on the evening, it was wonderful to be there to acknowledge and celebrate the collective excellence in Toowoomba Catholic Schools. 

Leadership Forum

What a week of learning we have had in Roma already this week!  We are being educated in many aspects of our roles as Principals in our Diocese, from administrative duties to strategic planning, leadership, policy documents, enrolments, senior schooling agendas, Reading Improvement Strategy, Planning for Personalised Learning and today is the focus day on Leading Learning (everyone’s favourite!).  Although its never favourable to be away from our great College for a week, the intensive learning is certainly effective and leaves us in no uncertain terms regarding the direction of our Diocese.  See you all on Monday!

Peter Cuskelly

Principal