Newsletter March 2013 - Coolum Beach Christian College

More documents

Recommendations

Info

EDUCATION never ends, not even if you are a teacher Coolum Beach Christian College has been awarded a $15,000 grant for two teachers to take part in an international respected research program that educates teachers, as well the students. Mrs Tracey Shields and Mrs Katrina Vagg have spent many days back in a classroom over the last few months, learning from world experts the intricate details of the Robert Marzano Research Project. In the first week of March, the two teachers were in Brisbane for three days conference on the Art and Science of Teaching. The conference was led by Dr Phil Warrick, the vice President of the Marzano Research Laboratory. Robert Marzano is a well-respected leader in the field of education. Mrs Shields said the aim of his research is to determine “best teacher practice. He looks to improve student outcomes through improving teacher practice,” Mrs Shields said. Mrs Shields has spent many years in education and working with school curriculums, but this new project is one she is most excited about. “The grant was given through Independent Schools Queensland, we had to apply for it. You write a project for your school and if they think it is innovative, they take you on board as a research team. ‘ “We are not the only school doing it, it is a collaborative project involving other schools in the Academy and we all share the results. It is so exciting, I’ve been in education for a long time and this is based on the most effective practice.” When it came to find another teacher in the school who would be best placed to coach all the staff on what was being learnt – she found the perfect participant in Mrs Vagg. The dynamic Prep teacher isn’t just a master at getting the best communication from the adorable Preppies, she is also fantastic at communicating what is being learnt to the other teachers. “Katrina is a superb coach,” Mrs Shields said. The grant has also helped fund relief teachers to allow Mrs Shields and Mrs Vagg the opportunity to attend the conferences and spend time during the school week conveying what they have learnt to the other teachers. It will mean Coolum Beach Christian College students are at the forefront of the best teaching research worldwide. “Most schools involved in the research can only include a couple of their classes,” Mrs Shields said. “We are fortunate in that we are a small school so the whole school can get involved.” “The teachers are using the ‘evidence based strategies’ to implement in the classrooms. This improves teaching and learning,” Mrs Shield said. “It involves reflective teaching practice, where we teach teachers how to not just teach, but monitor if what they are teaching is being learnt.” Mrs Shields said the goal was to ensure the school was able to improve teacher quality. “Of all things that affect learning, teacher quality is the number one factor. It is what produces change in students. We looked at all other Curriculums (before choosing Marzano), but we know this is the way our school is going to change.” Mrs Vagg is equally as excited about the project and says all the other teachers in the school are too. “There is a real excitement in the school about it. It provides so many tools to introduce in the classroom.” Many of Mrs Vagg’s Prep students may not be able to write yet, but they are already benefitting from the skills she has learned in the writer’s workshop. “I have started collecting stories and asking the children how they got there, in their story. I’ll do it again in a couple of terms and see if there are improvements. It will help them become better writers.” Written by Kathy Sundstrom 10 Ph: 5446 4780 * Fax: 5446 4893 * Email: admin@cbcc.qld.edu.au
Sports Mascots At Primary Assembly on Monday, 25 th March we had some very curious visitors. Our Sports Mascots attended in some very unusual costumes. Not sure what the costumes are or where they came from. The Mascots are all ready for some team motivation on Thursday at our annual Cross Country Carnival! A big thank you to Sarah Dwyer and Corinna Nairn for all their work in organising this event. Our Mascots need names, I wonder if you can think of some names for CBCC's newest members. Write them down and email them to Sarah Dwyer. sdwyer@cbcc.qld.edu.au Swimming Fun 11 Ph: 5446 4780 * Fax: 5446 4893 * Email: admin@cbcc.qld.edu.au
Page 1 and 2: From The Principal Coolum Beach Chr
Page 3 and 4: Chappy Chat Term 1 of 2013 has been
Page 5 and 6: Primary School As we are nearing th
Page 7 and 8: YEAR 8 HOME EC. Teen Tucker is the
Page 9: Teacher Profile SARAH DWYER You’v

Newsletter March 2013 - Coolum Beach Christian College

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?