Last week, we welcomed 17 newly appointed MACS principals. Our new principals began their day with a commissioning Mass celebrated by Fr Mark Reynolds, Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Schools, followed by induction activities at Catholic Leadership Centre. While I was not able to attend in person, I am looking forward to meeting with our new principals over the coming months.
Vision for Instruction, one year on
One year ago, we introduced Vision for Instruction, our commitment and roadmap to enable our students to flourish through explicit instruction. Changing our pedagogy is an enormous task, and I am delighted that we are seeing early evidence of system-wide improvement in literacy and numeracy.
On Sunday, an article in The Age featured St Mary’s College in Seymour and Bethany Catholic Primary School in Werribee North, highlighting their success in bringing Vision for Instruction to life for our teachers and students. Thank you for the extensive system-wide commitment and collaboration that have taken place over the past year on this key MACS 2030 initiative.
Register now for the Flourishing Learners Conference, 8–9 September
Ongoing investment in professional learning is vital to advancing explicit instruction in our schools. Our two-day Flourishing Learners Conference at Marvel Stadium in September will present renowned international and local experts, interactive workshops and many opportunities to network.
Delegates will be inspired and equipped with tools and knowledge to achieve enhanced academic outcomes in their classroom. With a capped ticket price of $200 (ex. GST) per person, I strongly encourage you and your school leaders to attend. Please register here.
Principal drop-in session recording
Our recent drop-in session was packed with key insights. Those who missed it can catch up on the discussions here.
This week, I have travelled with Archbishop Peter to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee Year. These past days have been a remarkable and transformative experience for myself and other pilgrims from Melbourne – and I am looking forward to sharing my insights as a ‘pilgrim of hope’ with you on my return.
In this edition
The Archdiocese of Melbourne is blessed to have two new auxiliary bishops. As Education Officer Simon Stevens explains, auxiliary bishops have a vital role in the ministry of teaching in their regions – Bishop Thinh in the east and Bishop Rene in the north.
When sharing news of achievement, innovation or good practice on your school’s social media accounts, please remember to tag MACS. Sharing your stories builds collegiality and enriches our sense of being a Catholic education community.
Dr Edward Simons
Executive Director