Literacy ____________________________________Page

Literacy

Literacy is an active phenomenon. Its power lies not in a perceived ability to read and write, but rather in an individual’s capacity to put those skills to work in shaping the course of his or her own life. - Paulo Freire. The above quote could not be more relevant in 2020 and what a year we have had! Teaching staff rose to the challenge of remote learning and knowing how critical literacy is across all areas of curriculum, they continued to ‘weave’ these skills into all facets of their teaching, encouraging students to continue their individual reading and writing journey whilst learning from home. This was challenging, but also created great opportunities for students to become more independent in their learning. Many staff participated in online literacy webinars - a new way of presenting information to develop knowledge and understanding around reading and writing in secondary schools. It is so heartening to have witnessed the ongoing success of the Levelled Literacy Program offered to Year 7 and 8 students. This program supports the reading process, particularly with comprehension, decoding and reading for meaning. We were excited to conduct these classes from a new working space in the library, specifically designed to accommodate groups of students. During the short time we were at school this year, Waterford English classes visited the library each fortnight. These visits were great opportunities for boys to read silently and to utilise the expertise of our Librarian, Joy Whiteside, who introduced literature, genres and new books to them as well as encouraging the boys to borrow books each time they visited. This successful initiative will continue in 2021. In Term 1, we commenced our next intake of teachers to train in the Literacy for Learning program. By focussing on how students and teachers make meaning across the curriculum, the program promotes an integrated whole-school approach that allows all those participating to become effective teachers of literacy. I am delighted to report that 28 staff graduated from this program – a wonderful result in what has certainly been a difficult year. At St Joseph’s College, we have in place a rigorous and effective approach, which supports continual improvement in literacy. We aim to provide learning with clear purpose and connection to the 21st century as a means of improving student engagement and ownership of their learning. I know 2021 is going to be a great ‘Literacy Year’ for students and staff at St Joseph’s College.

Gemma Gray – Literacy Coordinator