2022 has certainly been a year that has kept us on our toes and is a testament to the adaptability of our staff and students. This was incredibly evident in the teaching space in Term 1 where we entered the year with much uncertainty, knowing that disruptions were likely to occur with the opening of the borders in Tasmania. We had to make some difficult decisions early in the year to postpone, change or cancel a number of events in anticipation of potential issues with COVID-19.
Whilst this uncertainty was challenging, at Marist Regional College we were able to adapt to the situation as it evolved and manage this extremely effectively with the assistance of our Marist e-Learning platform (MEL).
Despite the challenge, our Learning and Teaching teams were also able to put many of our initiatives in place throughout 2022.
The Global Connections program continued its integrated approach with English and HaSS, this year also incorporating our Literacy Programs where each student in Year 7 and 8 were exposed to 25 minutes of a specific literacy program at the start of each Global Connections lessons based on the WINN method “What I Need Now” – for some this was Literacy Intervention with the MacqLit Program, for others it was the Spelling, Reading and Comprehension program, and for some it was the Extended Literacy groups. We have received positive feedback from many families, followed up by data to show that students were able to make progression throughout the year which is very pleasing to see in its first year. We hope the students will continue to benefit from this in the years to come.
Middle Years Maths, headed by Mr Mark Spurr, continued to look into different approaches and resources this year with the trial of a new textbook in Year 7; however, we will be opting to have consistency throughout Years 7 – 10 in 2023, so will continue with Jacaranda Maths Quest. The trial was positive in for Middle Years Science, so students will continue with Edrolo in 2023 where students will be provided an online account for a one-year trial period.
Our Year 10 English trialled an ‘agile’ approach to class grouping which is aimed to assist students with their individual needs as they move into their Senior College needs.
We had many highlights from our Arts learning area with the refurbishment of the Music room into the “Blue Room” creating a modern learning and performance space which we were able to utilise for the Musical Theatre end of year performances. Our musical, Matilda, was an absolute sensation and a credit to the staff, students and families who devoted hours upon hours to polish the production. The feedback was extremely positive and a testament to the talent and work ethic of our community.
Our VET program continues to go from strength to strength, with our offerings in VET Nursing, Baking, Construction, Automotive, Sport Coaching, Hospitality and Cookery. It is great to be able to provide so many diverse opportunities for our students, either alongside their ATAR or TCE pathway.
There have been many great individual and group achievements during 2022 and this cannot happen without the hard work and dedication from the whole MRC staff. It also must be said that Learning and Teaching does not flourish without the support from family and friends, so a big thank you to all who play a part in creating opportunities for our students to thrive and achieve to their potential.
Mrs Emily Sass
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching