Learning Diversity

Despite the disruptions to onsite learning in 2021, the Learning Diversity team continued to ensure that all students were able to access assistance and were fully supported in the online classroom. The hard work and dedication of the team throughout 2021 is indicative of each team member’s spirit and drive. They ensured that all programs such as intervention, study sessions, homework assistance and Film Club continued to provide students with academic and social support in trying times.

In 2021, we welcomed Miss Georgia Lawrence to the team. At the end of 2021 we will farewell Denise Tam who has worked as a Learning Support officer and tutor, for two years. Denise is graduating as a teacher and we wish her every success as she commences her teaching career in 2022.

Without the team, we would not be able to provide the support and encouragement to such a large number of students at Mazenod College. With gratitude, I acknowledge the work of Shaun Akkermans, Athena Beshir, Christine Boyle, Dominique Crasto, Yavanna Dyson, Edna Flanagan, Georgia Lawrence, Dennis Leong, Brinda Manogaran, Helen Sauer, Denise Tan and Rosie Welsford. Anne Johnson Learning Diversity Coordinator

Year 7 and 8 Literacy Support Program The Literacy Support program is designed to provide students with planned and specific instruction in comprehension and written expression. Additionally, students participating in this program have the opportunity to access assistance with their Homework and subject assignments. The Year 7 and 8 program is facilitated by Learning Diversity teachers, Mrs Edna Flanagan, Mrs Sharon O’Shannassy and Mrs Rosie Welsford.

Year 7 Student Reflections The second you step foot into the colourful Learning Centre, the bright and welcoming teachers are there to assist you. The homework sessions are great because it stops me from overthinking. Literacy sessions give us a great understanding of the work we are doing. It helps us to get started. Literacy Support encourages me and helps me to understand our learnings. It is great to work in small groups because you get to make more friends, support each other and help each other. I can get more help and when I am in a smaller group, I feel more comfortable. I also get to improve my vocabulary and express my enthusiasm for learning. Since I have moved to secondary school, I found that it was a huge change and without Literacy Support, I would not know what to do. It is a great way to learn and get better grades. I have been growing, learning new things and thinking of how I can use these things in life. In conclusion, I recommend giving Literacy Support a try to increase your knowledge and confidence throughout life. Nathaniel Coyne, Ethan Atkinson, Alexander Commarmond-Michel, Samuel Quattrocchi, Max Papadopoulos, Oliver Shalders, Yael Maclou and Will Rodgers (Year 7)

Year 8 Student Reflections The Learning Centre has helped me improve my work. At the start of lockdown I was lazy and was failing in some subjects, but I decided that I have to work hard to achieve great things. I started working harder than before and the Learning Centre has given me opportunities to express myself through my work. It is helpful to have teachers to ask questions. There is always someone to support you, your work and your understanding. The teachers encourage us to read and ask questions to help us understand what we are reading. It takes the stress off. Homework support is great. During lockdown I started to pile up homework as I felt lazy after school and did not want to do my work which let me fall behind a bit. Every time I went to the Learning Centre they motivated me to do my work with encouraging words. I picked up speed and was up to date in every subject. The Learning Centre has helped me improve my reading and writing, using better vocabulary to make my sentences more interesting to the person who reads my work. All in all, the Learning Centre is the best thing I have ever done as I have improved and it has made school easier and more enjoyable. Matthew Setjadiningrat, Joshua Leftley, Daniel Brodie, Tyreece Nichols, Daniel Viavattene, Jack Feeley and Alvin Bouchereau (Year 8)

Film Club In 2021, Film Club continued to provide a forum for students to share a common interest, maintain connections and enjoy movies, keeping students’ spirits up with community connection during lockdown.

Accomplishments in 2021 included Aditya Krishna-Moorthy from Year 9 creating a short film for ‘Mentalicious,’ a short film festival which College Psychologist Andrew Steer advertised, with the aim of the festival to shine a light on mental health issues. Other accomplishments included James Kwan, working on a trilogy of short films, Nicholas Plaza who has been writing film scripts and Kieran Rahilly and Nicholas Plaza who have started a podcast together. This podcast covers any current film news, future movie projects and other aspects of the movie industry. Shaun Akkermans Learning Support Officer