We have just finished reading this issue of McAuley News and we are so very proud. May you enjoy reading about the wonderful learning that is taking place as much as we did. The depth and diverse learning opportunities provided to the learners here is designed to help them think critically, collaborate with others and be creative.  We recognise they are living in a global world and we want our learners to thrive.

Last issue we showed you literacy in action across the school and may I recommend you read our Leader of Learning, Nicole Tropeano’s article this issue, on the Word Study program in our whole school approach to literacy. 

A point of difference at McAuley is our outstanding Music, PE, Ecology and Visual Art & Design program. On top of the daily curriculum, these learning areas provide opportunities for a range of extra-curricular activities based here at McAuley and at venues such as the Adelaide Festival Theatre, Priceline Stadium, Marion Aquatic Centre and so much more.

The depth of learning we offer is extraordinary and this requires high-quality educators and staff. We are blessed to have experienced staff who are passionate about what they do with a drive to improve learning. We acknowledge our dedicated McAuley team.

With the term break fast approaching, may we thank you for your ongoing support.  It has been lovely to welcome families back on school grounds this term and wonderful to see a full house at our last two assemblies. You are all invited to our final afternoon assembly for the term this coming Monday 3 July, which our capable and competent Year 3/4's are hosting.

We hope all learners and their family and staff, enjoy a well-deserved rest over the term break. It is always nice to be out of routine and even better when you have an opportunity of going away, which we know some families are.

Enjoy this time together and we look forward to welcoming you back refreshed and bright-eyed for Term 3.

On Wednesday 1 June, our school community came together for our first whole school Mass for the year.  We celebrated our 2022 theme of ‘A Place to Discover’ sharing the quote from Catherine McAuley that “We must do ordinary things extraordinarily well”. We also celebrated our school leaders through a blessing ceremony within the mass.

Neighbourhoods have also started celebrating Neighbourhood liturgies and masses. This has been a wonderful opportunity to share and celebrate the learning that they have been undertaking in Religious Education, linking this to the mass and liturgy theme and scripture.

On Friday 3 June, our Year 6 learners joined other Year 6 students from St Martin De Porres, Christ the King, St Bernadette’s and Stella Maris for Day 1 of the Journey to Emmaus Program. This program was led by our Southern Cluster Youth Ministry Team and revolved around the theme of “Jesus Walking With Us”. The theme intended to highlight the fact that our journeys are always shared, both with other people and with Jesus. Getting to know others was also an important focus of the day, emphasising that the journey towards middle school is shared with new friends. Our learners had a great time!

Some of our Year 5/6 learners celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday 10 June with Archbishop O’Regan. This was a wonderful celebration for our learners and their families. The First Holy Communion parent session has been held and group sessions are underway. We look forward to continuing our support and guidance for these learners and their families.

The Reception Neighbourhood has been busy exploring everyday objects as part of its science inquiry. They have been undertaking hands-on activities to understand what things are made of and the properties of the materials used to make them.

Learners began this exploration by selecting an item from a mystery box and using their senses to describe what the materials felt like and looked like, developing their language of properties.

They discussed and made predictions about the texture of materials and tested to see if they would sink or float. They have also been thinking about the different materials used to build homes and how these materials are suited to the local environment.

Through these investigations, learners have been developing their observation, comparison and description skills. 

There was lots of energy in the Year One Neighbourhood as the learners used their STEM skills to design a futuristic toy.  Their educators were impressed with their creativity and problem-solving skills.

This activity was part of their History and Social Sciences (HASS) inquiry unit about toys past and present.  Learners have posed questions, listened to guest speakers and engaged with their families about how toys have changed from the past to now.  This was a wonderful opportunity for the learners to put all their learning and knowledge into action to create exciting futuristic toys.

Learners in the Year Two Neighbourhood were very engaged in their research of an animal for their science study.  The learning intention is to discover how animals grow, change, reproduce and die.  They are participating in guided investigations to explore and answer questions.

After choosing their animal of interest, they used the National Geographic app on their devices to research characteristics of its life cycle.  They made notes in their Inquiry book to prepare for their presentation which could be a poster, speech, stop motion or green screen video.

Learners were given the opportunity to come up with their own rubric to measure their efforts.

The Year Two educators are looking forward to seeing their presentations based on the enthusiasm of learners for this project.

This term, the Year 3/4 Neighbourhood has been busy researching, designing and planting a stir-fry garden plot. 

Our Sustainability Educator, Ms Danielle Carr organised the delivery of premium soil suitable for vegetables for the ‘veggie beds’ located near Mary’s Way, in the shaded nature play area.

Spring onions, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and greens are being planted by the learners.  It is also their responsibility to water, weed and care for the ‘veggie beds’. Next term they will source additional ingredients to prepare a stir-fry in our Canteen kitchen using the freshly grown produce.  

We hope this experience fosters a better understanding of fresh produce, healthy eating and maybe even helping prepare the vegetables for dinner at home. Stir-fry anyone?

This term the 5/6 Neighbourhood has been busy integrating their Health and Digital Technologies learning.

The learners have focused on healthy living by learning about nutrition, physical activity, sleep and social health and how they contribute to a healthy lifestyle. To showcase their learning, they have created their very own Wix Website about their healthy habits.

In an ever-changing technological world, it is important for learners to be empowered by having the knowledge, skills and confidence in ICT and Digital Technologies. Throughout this unit of work, learners have developed the skills to design and create, as well as apply decision-making strategies to successfully create their own website.

In Visual Art & Design this term, learners are exploring the life and work of Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama.

Learners are either developing their understanding of form through plaster sculpting or exploring colour and tone through still-life painting to represent significant memories of their own with an understanding of how Kusama’s own mind and memory have always played a central role in her subject matter.

Learners have really invested personal meaning into their work and our Visual Art & Design Educator Miss McGowan cannot wait for the learners and their families to walk through the ‘Garden of Memories’ at our Gallery Evening in Term 4.

It has also been another inspiring term designing Tiff-Manuell-inspired accessories in McAuley’s After School Art Club. Our four classes this term have seen the young artists create some incredibly beautiful bags and device cases.

As we continue to build our whole school approach to literacy, Word Study is becoming an embedded component of our literacy programs at McAuley Community School.

It includes an evidence-based, structured synthetic phonics program to support reading and spelling development. Word Study is taught within each PC group and is differentiated; with targeted instruction for small groups of learners with similar learning needs. 

Word study occurs daily as part of our literacy programs. The structure of a word study lesson includes:

•    Revision – Phonic concepts already covered are revised. Regular revision supports the consolidation of concepts and transfer to long term memory
•    Explicit Teaching – The phonics-based word list of each group is read, sounded out and discussed with the whole PC group.  This enables exposure to future concepts for some learners and ongoing revision for others.
•    Learning task (collaborative) – Learning tasks are explicitly demonstrated. The learning intention and success criteria are explained to Learners.
•    Learning task (independent) – Learners complete the task using their own word list.  Educators support independent and small groups of Learners.

Assessment in Word Study is completed at the end of each term (week 10) and provides Educators with the data to:
•    Identify Learners’ current skills, knowledge and understandings
•    Monitor growth and progress
•    Inform next steps in teaching and learning

It has been wonderful to hear from Educators the positive learning outcomes because of our Word Study program, including:
•    Growth in skills to decode and encode words
•    Higher engagement in literacy learning
•    Increased learner confidence when reading and spelling

In Term 3 we will be further enriching our literacy programs to include Reader’s Workshop.  Further information about Reader’s Workshop will be communicated through Skoolbag at the beginning of next term.

We look forward to each learner experiencing continued growth and success through our literacy programs. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning, you are very welcome to contact me nicole.tropeano@mcs.catholic.edu.au 
 

Over the past couple of weeks, it has been my privilege to be involved in a number of PPL (Personalised Plan for Learning) review meetings held with families and educators.

These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to reflect on progress and reassess how we are supporting our learners with a range of needs, to access the curriculum on the same basis as their peers. This shared responsibility in ensuring the growth and progress of our learners, sees them thrive and is a true example of the importance we place on partnership with our families. 

Our educators work tirelessly to create experiences and learning environments that cater to the individual needs of all learners. They are committed to developing strong relationships with learners, offering agency in decision making.   

The Year 3–6 learners here at McAuley have enjoyed the unique opportunity to be involved in Entrepreneurial Education in Terms One and Two. During this time learners have developed a deep understanding of their character strengths, using the VIA Character Strengths Survey. They have also explored the values that resonate most with them and have created an art piece and shield depicting these character strengths and values. 
 
Learners are now developing an understanding of Social Entrepreneurship and are excitedly planning how they will use their entrepreneurial skills to plan, develop and implement a stall for our school’s Mercy Day celebrations in Term 3. This real-world experience in utilising their creativity, collaboration and marketing skills is a wonderful opportunity to practise entrepreneurship, whilst raising much needed funds for Catholic Charities and genuinely impacting the lives of others.   

As always, if I may be of any assistance, please email me: yalinda.allen@mcs.catholic.edu.au

The McAuley Gym was jumping on the first Friday in June.  The whole school was entertained by the talent of the Just Add Music (JAM) Band performing live.

Their 90 minute show had something for everyone with lots of audience participation. We danced, sang, jumped and laughed during this action packed show with the emphasis on fun through music.

Giant Pikachus moved through the audience and there were bicycle races too.  Nearly every number had a dress up element with foam planet costumes and giant Uno Cards. ‘Sheets’ of water passed over the seated learners during the “In an Octopus’ Garden” song.

It was funny when JAM performed a set of Queen songs, they praised the parents of the learners who knew all the words to the songs and were enthusiastically singing along! 

Of course, “Let it Go” from Frozen made an appearance and the excitement and singing from the audience (educators too!) as they joined in, was amazing.  We hope to welcome them back to McAuley next year.

Learners in the Years 3-6 Neighbourhoods who are interested in competitive running, have started training for the annual South Australian Catholic Primary Schools Sports Association (SACPSSA) Cross Country event which is being held on Thursday 11 August at Prince Alfred College Oval.

Runners are attending training sessions on Tuesday mornings at 8am and Thursday afternoons to improve their fitness and endurance for the 2km Carnival.

To qualify, they need to attend at least 4 training sessions with the roll marked by PE educator, Mr Tom Siinmaa, demonstrating their commitment to being there.  Training will continue in Term 3 for the selected runners which will be posted on SkoolBag before the end of Term 2.

McAuley has had great success at previous SACPSSA Cross Country Carnivals including the Year 3 boys winning the Championship Banner in 2021. Thank you to the learners who are taking part in this opportunity.

The level of concentration was amazing from the Reception Neighbourhood during their music technology-based lesson with Music Educator, Mr Ryan Mifsud.

Learners discovered the various functions of the Garageband program, including the loop library, recognising and using the different instruments and recording their own song.

The ICT learning combined with the creative decision-making when creating a song developed the aural and musical capability of all Reception learners this term.   They loved finding their favourite beats, melodies and sounds, then sharing them with each other.

PE educator, Mr Tom Siinmaa has been engaging learners in discussions and the implementation of ‘invasion game’ strategies used in sports such as soccer, basketball and hockey. 

Through adapted netball games, learners have been investigating how to find and defend space, call for the ball and transition from defense to offence.  These strategies are vital when supporting peers to effectively give and receive passes, intercept the ball and work collaboratively as a team.

The photos show some of the Year 5/6 Neighbourhood in their lesson though Mr Siinmaa has been working with learners in Years 3-6 on these skills during their PE lessons this term.

These newly refined skills will support the more than 80 learners across Years 3-6 who are competing on Wednesday 6 July in the South Australian Catholic Primary Schools Sports Association (SACPSSA) Netball Carnival at Priceline Stadium, Mile End.

“It has been fantastic seeing our learners grow, challenge their thinking and share ideas with their peers during our lessons,” said Mr Siinmaa.

We have always appreciated the wonderful sense of community at McAuley and appreciate your generous donations to our annual Winter Warmer’s Drive.

Our Mini-Vinnie leaders collected the baskets from each Neighbourhood full of new beanies, scarves, socks and gloves. These were collected by the team from Fred’s Van for distribution in the city.

As part of the St Vincent de Paul Society, our Mini-Vinnie leaders volunteer to do good works for people who are vulnerable in our community. They worked together to plan and promote this whole school event.

The Mini-Vinnies model of 'See, Think, Do' encourages young people to connect with their faith and the values of our Catholic school through volunteering, advocacy and fundraising.

Thank you Mrs Emmy Smyk, School Chaplain, for gently guiding our leaders on their social justice journey.

It was a cold and drizzly start to the day though that didn’t dampen our Year 5/6 boys’ enthusiasm.  Cheered on by learners who stopped by with their educators to watch the competition, our boys started strongly and won both soccer games.

McAuley hosted this Statewide Schools Competition Round Robin Tournament (previously called Knock-Out School Sport) and welcomed competing schools, Allenby Gardens Primary and Kidman Park Primary to Mawson Oval.

Thank you to our coaches, parent Andrew Lambourne and co-educator James Budd, for training the team over the last few weeks. The coaches were thrilled how well the boys played together as a team.

It was great to see such strong sportsmanship from all teams and the atmosphere made it feel like we were at an A-league game.

“The games were played in good spirits with everyone cheering each other on.  It was good vibes,” said PE Administrator, Mrs Megan Haddrick.

Final scores:

MCS 8 def AGP 4

MCS 8 def KPP 1

Special mention to Ajak A (Year 5) who scored 7 goals and Patrick L (Year 6) who was instrumental in the Goalkeeper position by stopping numerous attempts.

Naa marni McAuley Community! In honour of Reconciliation Week, Kaurna Elder Uncle Tamaru welcomed us to Country and performed a Smoking Ceremony.

Every learner made a heart as part of our Sea of Hearts initiative together with Alive Early Learning Centre. The hearts represent our commitment to positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.*

Learning opportunities during Reconciliation Week also included reading the book, ‘Sorry Day’ to our early years and the primary years studying the significance of the 1967 Referendum and Mabo Day.

We are grateful to Uncle Tamaru for sharing his family’s story, teaching us the Kaurna language and his insight into the many uses of Lemon Myrtle and Old Man’s Salt Bush growing in our cultural garden.

*On Uncle Tamaru’s advice, this is the correct reference.

It was our pleasure to present an evening with Mark Le Messurier, beginning our Guest Speaker series here at McAuley. Mr Le Messurier is a world-renowned teacher, counsellor, author, public speaker, mentor and parenting coach.

His 90 minute workshop from 7-8:30pm, focused on content from his upcoming book ‘Guiding Children Through the Tough Moments: techniques to build a space where children can thrive.’ The evening was in two parts with ‘Family and Childhood Changes and Challenges’ and then ‘The Parenting Window’.

Discovering our own parenting styles and where we may have inherited these styles was fascinating.  Which quadrant would you sit in: the punitive, the neglectful, permissive or authoritative? 

His insight into the mental health hygiene of our children was so interesting and the outlined principles were practical and easy to implement. Principles such as staying active, kindness and giving to others, the gut and brain connection and the importance of finding inspiring role models. Cognitive and emotional flexibility and sleep were also explored.

These learnings connect with the work McAuley has been implementing through the Berry Street Education Model.

If you would like further information from this workshop, please email our Leader of Diversity & Inclusion, Mrs Yalinda Allen: yalinda.allen@mcs.catholic.edu.au