Mary MacKillop Enhancement Centre “De La Salle College is a Catholic College in the Lasallian tradition, enabling students in a community of faith and excellence to achieve their full potential with integrity and distinction.” (Mission Statement) In 2014, the dedicated staff of the Mary MacKillop Enhancement Centre have worked consistently with students with special learning needs to assist them in accessing the curriculum. St John Baptist de La Salle said, “Know your students individually and be able to understand them.” (Med 33.1) We believe that all students can experience success when learning outcomes are based on realistic and achievable goals. The words of our patron, St Mary of the Cross, echo the attitude and reflect the commitment of the MMEC staff, “We must teach more by example than by word”. (1867) This year, the staff included specialist teachers Mrs Gemma Austin, Mrs Eve McLellan, Mrs Jacinta Ryan, Mrs Carmel Dwyer, Mrs Christine Thompson, Mrs Catherine Loft (Semester 1), and Mrs Courtney Walton/Ms Haylene Peipert (Semester 2) and Learning Support Officers Ms Michele O’Mahoney, Mrs Jackie McKinnon, Ms Muriel West, Mrs Freda Siomos, Mrs Gabrielle Windley, Mrs Melanie Livera and Ms Kerrie Harman. This team of dedicated educators worked with students who have special learning needs, across all year levels from Year 4 to Year 12. This year, 59 students were funded under the CEO LNSLN program, and received in class support from our LSOs. They collaborated with teaching staff and parents to facilitate and support the individual learning needs of these students. Regular Program Support Group (PSG) meetings occur for students where issues of academic planning and pastoral care are discussed with parents. Decisions from these meetings are implemented by MMEC staff, parents and teachers, to enhance student learning and
maximise effective teaching. Many other PSG meetings also occur for other students with additional needs (SWANs) whose conditions are not funded e.g. Dyslexia. Overall some students have modified programs, whilst others qualify for special provisions in class time, during assessment tasks, and in exams. The MMEC facilitate Standing: Eve McLellan, Melanie Livera, Freda Siomos, Muriel West, Jacinta Ryan, Carmel Dwyer, Jackie these throughout McKinnon the year, especially Seated: Michele O’Mahoney, Kerrie Harman, Kathie Holmes, Gemma Austin, Gabrielle Windley, Courtney Walton Absent: Christine Thompson, Catherine Loft, Haylene Peipert at exam time. The Literacy and Mr Luke Kenealy, and all members of the Support classes continued again this year, with four Curriculum Standing Committee. groups at Years 7 and 8, four groups at Year 9 and two groups at Year 10, with a total enrolment of 120 “To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest students. These students have experienced the miracle you can perform.” (Med 139.3—feast of St expertise of the MMEC teaching staff in assisting Peter). them to improve their literacy skills and, in Years 9 Mrs Kathie Holmes and 10, developing knowledge and skills in some MMEC Coordinator Humanities areas. I wish to thank my wonderful team for their caring dedication, perseverance and professionalism as they work to enhance the lives of our students. I also acknowledge the support from our Principal, Mr Peter Houlihan, Deputy Principals, Mr Tom Ryan and Mr Mark Gustincic, Heads of Campus, Mr John McAlroy
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