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Principal Message

Dear Parents and Families,

As we journey through week 10, winter is certainly upon us and all children should now be wearing the correct winter school uniform each day.

Throughout the last two weeks, Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll announced a policy mandating that all Victorian government schools will teach the same type of reading lessons based on systematic synthetic phonics. Under the new model, students from prep to grade 2 will be taught using a structured phonics approach, with a minimum of 25 minutes daily of explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness.

Under the plan, the Minister is reported to say ‘there is a clear expectation that all government schools will implement a new teaching and learning model with explicit instruction at its core from next year. Schools that have not yet moved towards the model are expected to show planning for the change over the next three years.’

In line with this announcement, at St Brigid’s we have a strong focus on Learning & Teaching at St Brigid’s with the ultimate aim of collectively shaping our pedagogy of Explicit Direct Instruction. This year we will continue to build our knowledge and experience in the Structured Literacy approach to learning. This approach has become a significant component of our literacy program particularly in the junior area as new components have been implemented in classrooms. This year we will continue to engage in Professional Learning as a staff team and focus on evidence-based practices that support the Structured Literacy approach to learning for all students.

Take care and God bless,

Jayne Bosworth

'Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.'

Excerpt from St Brigid's Prayer