School Review Q&A

In 2022, Ave Maria College embarked on an extensive School Review process with the intention of reflecting on the past and discovering how to best prepare for the future of the College. Here is an insight into the process from College Principal Ms Tanya Hutton.

How was the overall experience of this year’s School Review?

The School Review process was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past four years, inclusive of all changes, achievements and challenges faced. The review was a great opportunity for staff, student and parent voices to reflect on their experiences and shape the future of our College.

What is the purpose of a School Review?

The purpose of the School Review process has two dimensions – improvement and compliance. Improvement involves a self-assessment and reflection of performance that informs planning for future growth. Compliance is comprised of an audit and verification process of minimum standards for school registration and other State and Commonwealth requirements for Catholic schools.

What happens during the review process?

The College is assigned two reviewers that look after both dimensions of the process. For the improvement dimension, staff at the College spent two days at the end of 2021 completing a collaborative self-reflection activity using a Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) rubric related to the following five dimensions:

• Religion led by Patrick Jurd and Patrick Hogan, assisted by Marisa D’Astoli

• Learning and Teaching led by Michelle Robertson and

Kate Molony, assisted by Sharon Walsh • Leadership and Management led by Jo Hammer and

Casey Janides, assisted by Garry Whicker

• Student Wellbeing led by Natalie Meddis and Joanne

Thompson, assisted by Tania Stangherlin

• School Community led by Leonie Rushbrook and James

Vella, assisted by Melanie Maki

This was followed by classroom visits, student, staff and parent meetings to gauge their experiences in these areas. For the compliance component, the College is provided with a list of all the policies, procedures and practices to be checked as per the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority check list. The reviewers analyze the documentation prior to their first visit. They then interview staff to verify the College practice reflects the documentation submitted.

What were the strengths of the College highlighted in the School Review?

Clear strengths that were highlighted included our sense of identity and community, staff commitment to students, purposeful teams and structures which are collaborative, and, student appreciation of and respect for their teachers. Further, we have ensured our College environment is conducive to student engagement and have a strong commitment to continuous improvement and openness to ideas.

What are the areas of focus moving forward?

Areas of focus include further professional learning for staff in the areas of spiritual and religious formation; investigating further opportunities for student agency and engagement, with the College community building upon the work already commenced.

Along with this, the College will develop and adopt a clear instructional model for all learning areas as an extension to the AMC Charter for Education. Lastly, there will be a focus on enhancing teacher capacity to use data effectively in order to enhance their ability to differentiate instruction and to continue to meet the learning needs of each student.