Dear Parents and Carers

Maths Reflections

Both Sean Rutledge and I are currently reading Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead and Live without Barriers, by Jo Boaler, author of the superb Mathematical Mindsets. https://www.youcubed.org/

Jo Boaler writes primarily about Maths but she also writes persuasively about the power of making and learning from mistakes and brain neuroplasticity. Regarding anxiety to do with Maths, Boaler writes that “Researchers now know that when people with Maths anxiety encounter numbers, a fear centre in the brain is activated – the same fear that lights up when people see snakes or spiders.” I think that the way Maths was taught for many of us encouraged unwittingly an anxiety around numbers. Part of this is because Maths was linked unconsciously to performance, as opposed to learning (for example, the emphasis on speed that often accompanies our definition of people who demonstrate Maths ability). Boaler’s book challenges many notions and encourages schools to adopt a different pedagogy and mindset when teaching Maths. The reflections in the book are as relevant for home as they are for school.

Magician Incursion

COVID-19 has limited our ability to have excursions, so we are trying to find ways to have ‘incursions’. As a mid-term fun day, today the school hosted a magician for the children. Set numbers of classes visited and enjoyed the performance of Michael Webb. The children thoroughly enjoyed the performance.  

ACT Election-Saturday 17 October

There are 8 weeks until the ACT Election and I am sure you are seeing candidates from all parties at shopping centres (or even receiving phone calls from them). I encourage you to approach candidates at the shopping centres and mention or discuss the value of ACT Catholic Schools and ask them about their party’s support for ACT Catholic Schools. 

In the ACT, there are 29 systemic Catholic Schools who educate 15,000 students. In Canberra, Catholic schools are very similar to public schools, with our schools having almost exactly the same average ICSEA score (1077-1076). Our schools are inclusive, support families from all backgrounds, and operate on a modest budget.

When you compare the total funding that Catholic schools in each state/territory receive, the ACT are the second lowest funded Catholic schools in the country. This is particularly impacted by the ACT Government’s low funding of Catholic schools.

Have a talk to the candidates and mention that you are a parent in an ACT Catholic School and funding of Catholic Schools is an important issue for you.

Touch Football

Next Monday we have two teams of children attending the Touch Football gala day. My thanks to Mary de Smet for organising the day and to Luke Gubler and Sarah Walsh for attending and looking after the children. It will provide an invaluable opportunity for children to participate in an organised sport day outside of school.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal