ACHIEVEMENTS AGAINST GOALS 2013 MISSION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT At Xavier Catholic College we will develop a dynamic faith community with a shared vision, striving to be responsive to the needs of all our members in our changing and complex educational and social context. This dynamic faith community will be clearly identified as a Catholic Christian Community within an Ignatian tradition. As a response to Catholic Social Teaching, we will actively work to build community, acknowledging the dignity of each person, displaying tolerance and respect to all, promoting a Faith that does Justice and the need for love and compassion to be the basis of all endeavours. At Xavier there will be a cohesive and integrated approach for the spiritual formation of all in our community (students, parents and staff) and for the professional learning of staff in religious education and theology. Ash Wednesday Liturgy MISSION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STRATEGIC INTENTS Policies, programmes and practices which explicitly articulate the nature and purpose of Catholic schooling within the broader evangelising mission of the Church. A religious education curriculum that promotes knowledge, deep understanding and skills about the Catholic and broader Christian tradition. A cohesive and integrated approach to nurturing and promoting the religious life of the school, the faith formation of students and participation in the worshipping community. A cohesive and integrated approach for the spiritual formation of staff. A cohesive and integrated approach for the professional learning of staff in religious education and theology. A shared understanding of and practical responses to Catholic Social Teaching. MISSION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GOALS Design and implement a P-12 Personal Social Development Education program aligned to BCE review of Guidelines. Design and implement a spiritual formation program for staff, students and parents. Design and implement a P-12 Religious Education program based on 2012/2013 Archdiocesan Guidelines.
MISSION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENTS 5 members of College Middle Management completed the Australian Provence of the Society of Jesus, Ignis 1, An introduction to Ignatian Spirituality and the work of the Jesuits in Australia. Current members of Leadership Team have completed Ignis 1, with 3 members of College Leadership Team having completed Ignis 2. Tasting the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola. (Principal Kerry Swann, Head of School Brian Forbes and APRE Adam Weier). Completed audit Personal Social Development Education (PSDE) opportunities across P-12 as part of a joint Griffith University Post Transitioning project. Data from the project will be used to ensure to redevelop and update our current PSDE program. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Graduation at the Cathedral of St. Stephen Delivered preventative and awareness programs: Bully Bulldozer in Year 2; Friends program in Year 8 and 4; Daniel Morcombe Foundation to Preps to year 9; Protective Behaviours across P-12; I can program Year 1; Stress Awareness Year 11 Health class; Anxiety Awareness Year 11 Health class; Protective Behaviours Year 10 Childcare; ACMA Cybersafety P-10, Sexuality and personal growth programs to yr. 10 s and 12 s, and in year 9 Physical Education; Brainstorm productions for years 7-10; Motivational Media on perseverance and goal setting for years 8-11. Commenced implementation of new Religious Education Program based on the new Archdiocesan Guidelines. Developed a process for recording student participation in extracurricular college and wider community activities in school diary, with transition to school portal version to be rolled out in 2014. Students provided with the opportunity to participate in Community Service during sport times and Religious Education lessons in years 7-10. Elements of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP) have been incorporated into the College unit plans, to provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the teaching and the learning in their class. Marine Studies Completed review of Year 12 Graduation Week Activities with only minor timing issues recommended. Have had greater community involvement in our College this year. Having a number of cultural events and celebrating NAIDOC week explicitly.
LEARNING AND TEACHING POLICY STATEMENT The curriculum at Xavier will meet BCE and Government requirements and be responsive to the changing needs of students and the community. It will be holistic in approach, providing comprehensive whole school response to the individual academic, vocational and pastoral needs of all students. Improved outcomes for all students will be achieved through pedagogical practices that are data informed and evidence-based with targeted strategies for specific diverse student populations. Information, communication and learning technologies will be deployed to improve teaching and learning. LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIC INTENTS Enhanced pedagogical practice that is data-informed and evidence-based. Implementation of the Australian Curriculum within the context of the BCE Learning Framework as a means of realising equity and excellence. Improved literacy and numeracy standards. Learning and teaching environments are adaptive and responsive to the changing structure of schooling e.g. school based kindergarten and year 7 to secondary. French Students at Xavier Metro Station Comprehensive whole-school approaches provide pastoral care, protection of students, student behaviour support and foster social and emotional well-being. Targeted strategies that ensure the identification, monitoring and improved education outcomes for specific diverse student populations. Career education and creative curriculum planning that improves student access to pathways and maximises school and post school options. School leadership teams and classroom teachers have well developed capacities to utilise information, communication and learning technologies to improve learning and teaching. LEARNING AND TEACHING GOALS To provide professional development for improved classroom teaching practices focussed on student learning outcomes. Develop and implement strategies to improve literacy and numeracy standards across P-12. Review and implement changes to our Middle Years Program to ensure that it is meeting the needs of students and that there is pedagogical alignment and appropriate transition from Junior years and to Senior years. LEARNING AND TEACHING ACHIEVEMENTS Science Continued the implementation of the Pedagogical Framework The Dimensions of Learning.
All members of Combined Leadership team and Middle Years staff completed Professional development in Dimensions of Learning. Work programs from Prep to Year 9 in English, Maths, Science, and History developed using the Australian Curriculum. Developed a College Vision for Learning. College Vision for Learning incorporated into Staff and Parent Induction Programs. Professional Development provided for staff in the use of classroom teacher aides to assist in differentiation. Established Extension and Enrichment groups for Maths and English for students in the Junior and Middle schools. Provided Professional Development for all staff in using the Brisbane Catholic Education Business Intelligence Tool gather appropriate learning data to enhance student learning. Two lead staff completed AGQTP gifted and talented education program. Successful in accessing grant funding to provide ipads in language classes. Members of College Leadership team completed Brisbane Catholic Education Visible Learning Plus program. We have incorporated aspects of Visible Learning into our College Teaching & Learning Model., to implement the art and science of learning and teaching program. Xavier Teaching and Learning model developed which is underpinned by BCE Pedagogical Framework, DOL, Visible Learning, and the Art and Science of Teaching. Provided Professional Development to staff to investigate the introduction of Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) in 2014. Provided PD for senior/middle management in teacher feedback models. School participated in BCE visible learning project to redevelop the vision for learning, to utilise feedback from students to improve teaching and learning. A teacher of numeracy was appointed to work with staff and students from P-7. School officers in-serviced in the teaching of literacy across all subject areas. Database created to better track students accessing Student Support Services. Preps at play College has participated in Investing in Focus Schools, a whole school initiative with school funding to improve the literacy skills of ATSI students.
Xavier vs Xavier in both Senior and Junior Debating Finals Investing in Focus Schools funding has enabled students to undertake cultural and community visits to remain in touch with the local communities. Implemented whole school literacy programs which is culturally appropriate, such as Reading 2 Learn. College has used an evidence-based program, Coaching Young People for Success to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander middle and senior students. Aboriginal support teacher implemented homework classes for ATSI students 3 days a week. Support teacher and teacher s aide employed to work with ATSI students. ATSI students received QATISF grants to support their senior school studies. This funding in linked to student attendance. Indigenous support teacher trained as Crossing Cultures Hidden Histories facilitator. College has contributed to Closing the Gap initiative by: Monitoring student attendance and achievements and intervening where a need is evident. Keeping parents informed of opportunities for the students to develop new Girl s Ruby Team skills, enhance learning experiences and make connections with the local and wider Indigenous community. Providing greater academic and social support to complete assessable items and develop the student s social and emotional skills. Two staff members were invited to present at the Queensland Catholic Education Council Indigenous Education Conference in Cairns. Accessed BCE funding for members of College Leadership Team to visit established WA middle schools, with a focus on the transitioning of Year 7 s into secondary. Successful in accessing funding from UQ Confucius Foundation for key staff to meet with the Office of Chinese Language Council and Tianjin University Leadership to investigate ongoing funding to promote cultural awareness and the possibility of introducing Chinese as a second LOTE at Xavier. Structured Vocational Education and Training options have been included in the College s PSDE program via the GECKO program, aimed at students in the senior school, or at Level 6 of the ACARA personal and social capabilities. Role of Position of Director of Teaching further developed to incorporate Visible Learning.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS POLICY STATEMENT At Xavier Catholic College we will actively work to build community through collaboration and building of partnerships with students, families, parish, Brisbane Catholic Education and the wider community. Our staff will be committed to the development of a learning community through high professional standards and ongoing and effective professional learning Anzac Day Liturgy We will provide a comprehensive approach to staff well-being and pastoral care. We are committed to developing a safe, healthy and productive school environment for all. As the prime educators of their children, parents are called upon to play an integral part in this learning community. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS STRATEGIC INTENTS Structures, processes and collaboration with clergy and parish bodies to strengthen the shared mission of parish and school. Partnerships that provide for consultation and engagement with parents as the primary educators of their children in the mission of the Catholic school. A comprehensive approach to staff well-being and development including professional learning, professional standards, performance management and pastoral care. Leadership development and succession planning informed by the mission and purpose of Catholic Education. Development of effective professional learning communities both within schools and across the wider BCEO community. Productive links are forged with professional bodies and institutions, the broader community and government agencies. A safe, healthy and productive school environment for students, staff and community. Consultative and collaborative partnerships are evident among schools and between schools and BCEO. Anzac Day March PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS GOALS Develop and implement strategies and processes to further engage parents as the primary educators of their children. Develop and implement strategies to engage staff in professional learning communities.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS ACHIEVEMENTS Members of pastoral care team trained in running conferences as part of our Restorative Practices approach to dealing with pastoral issues. Provision of additional opportunities via induction programs for parents to be further involved in their child s education. Parent Uniform Committee formed to review all aspects of College Uniform with recommendations adopted by College Leadership. Staff provided with Professional Development in research areas of Professional Learning Communities. Following assessment of available programs, the decision was made to Introduce BCE software package Eminerva for roll marking and student absentee notifications to ensure timely tracking of students. Parent Portal established to provide parents with password protected information to College services and documents. Extensive community consultation to develop the College s Outdoor Space Plan. College Weekly Newsletter published on Parent Portal in addition to email distribution to parents. Xavier helping out in East Timor STRATEGIC RESOURCING POLICY STATEMENT Xavier Catholic College is committed to the provision of high quality, affordable, inclusive Catholic education through a responsible, accountable and equitable distribution of resources. In doing so we recognize the complex individual needs of our families, particularly the marginalized, and the importance of the College being an active participant in our local community. Strategic resourcing will align with our College s Mission and Vision. Decisions will be made via transparent planning and renewal processes that are appropriate and accountable and include input from all stakeholders. STRATEGIC RESOURCING STRATEGIC INTENTS College Library The strategic renewal plan informed by the principle of stewardship directs the allocation of school resources. Collaborative processes are in place to develop the budget and to allocate resources. The formation and professional learning of staff is clearly evident in budget priorities.
Resourcing decisions and priorities support financial accessibility for families. Information and learning management systems enhance student and staff engagement with learning, teaching and school operations. Sustainable environmental practices are embedded into the organisational structure and processes of schools. Contemporary learning approaches inform the planning, design and use of facilities. STRATEGIC RESOURCING GOALS Implement Life information and learning management system to enhance student and staff engagement with learning, teaching and school operations. Develop and implement an outdoor space Master Plan to maximise utilisation of available space for student / staff activities. Implement the College ICLT Master Plan to support flexibility in pedagogical practice, improve community communication and provide a technological environment to support College priorities. STRATEGIC RESOURCING ACHIEVEMENTS Landscape architect engaged to provide open space master plan to enhance outdoor student facilities. Following extensive community consultation a detailed masterplan was presented to the college community and a 3-5 year implementation approved with joint funding between College and Parents and Friends Association. Stage 1 of open space master implemented for completion over Christmas vacation. Following ongoing roll out of 1:1 computers, the College completed a plan to decommission computer laboratories returning them to general classroom use. Bring Your Own Computer Device trialled in Year 12 to investigate future deployment of ICLT resources. Continued to work with BCE to roll out BCE Learning Management System LIFE. Received approval from BCE to build two additional classrooms and a Junior Science Laboratory for two additional Year 7 classes in 2015. Architect engaged for Year 7 project, builder appointed following a tender process and work commenced for completion early in 2014. New Year 7 classrooms and secure locker pods Continued to roll out College Preventative Maintenance program to ensure all areas of College plant are appropriately maintained to the highest possible standard. Award Winning Campion Theatre