Head of Junior School Junior School
n looking back on the events of 2007 I recall a number of significant decisions that will change and shape the Junior School in years to come. The most notable one is the change to the future structure of the College. This will necessitate a number of modifications to Mr Mark Hackett the Junior School over the Head of Junior School coming years; however, I am confident that these changes will enable the College to provide a more comprehensive education for all our students.
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2007 saw the introduction in the Junior School of a literacy initiative known as RAISe (Raising Achievement In Schools). Ms Ricki Boe has played a pivotal role in implementing this new programme and the results have been very positive. RAISe is an initiative of the Catholic Education Office of Western Australia and its focus is to increase student achievement by improving current practices and working towards enhancing school and classroom structures. We have noted some very pleasing results in the literacy levels of the students and, as the program progresses into a second year, further improvements should be seen, not only in literacy, but across all learning areas. Faith Education underpins all programs in the Junior School. Eucharistic celebrations, led by different classes on alternate weeks, provide an opportunity for the Junior School to come together and pray. Father Michael
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McMahon provides the spiritual nourishment and has a special gift in the way he relates gospel values to our students. Highlighting our liturgical calendar has been our Sacramental celebrations. The First Holy Communion Mass was a very meaningful occasion for both the first communicants and their families. Our Confirmation candidates made us all very proud in the manner in which they prepared for and received the Sacrament. We are fortunate to have supportive parents at the College as they play a very important role in enabling the Junior School to offer a greater diversity of programs. We are very appreciative of the parents who so generously offer their time and expertise assisting us in coaching roles, on camps and tours, excursions and in many other supporting roles at the College. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work done by the staff. The new curriculum programmes introduced this year have realised some very positive results and have challenged the staff to re-evaluate their current teaching practices in order to provide the best possible outcomes for students. Finally, I would like to congratulate the Year 7 students on the outstanding year they have had. The leadership they have shown and the example they have set for the younger students has contributed greatly to the very positive tone that exists in the Junior School.
Mr Mark Hackett Head of Junior School
