As part of Sydney Catholic Schools, we employ highly qualified and competent teachers who are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). To continuously improve our practice, teachers also work towards the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, from proficient teacher to lead teacher level.
The delivery of quality curriculum, pedagogy (teaching methods) and assessment is ensured by our system of schools through the provision of contemporary NESA accredited professional learning in a range of modes. Our Centres of Excellence offer online learning and external face-to-face courses, and timely, collaborative and relevant in-situ learning take place within the context of each classroom. Sydney Catholic Schools’ teachers are strongly committed to their ongoing learning, with many having completed, or are currently undertaking, postgraduate studies in areas related to curriculum, student wellbeing, special education, theology, pastoral care and leadership.
At Fr John Therry Catholic Primary School all staff have the opportunity to personalise their professional learning to suit their needs and the needs of their students through a range of means, including post-graduate study. Professional development is adaptive, ongoing and highly valued to ensure that staff are lifelong learners.
All staff actively engage in an annual PGiA. This promotes the idea of developing a growth mindset, which Carol Dweck introduced in her book: ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.’ Dweck explains that the hallmark of a growth mindset is not seeking out the path of least resistance but stretching yourself and sticking to it even if it’s not going well. The PGiA process is collaborative and provides staff with opportunities for reflection on their learning and feedback from others on their strengths and areas for growth.
It is an ongoing process of goal setting and review aimed at the continuing development of leadership/management, teaching and professional practices. It aligns the system’s improvement goals with the employee’s performance goals, enabling continuous growth to fulfil professional aspirations and adapt to emerging priorities.
A highly successful learning environment for our teachers is provided with collaboration and support with the needs of the students at the centre of all that we do.