Writing Improvement Strategy

On Tuesday afternoon and evening, our staff all engaged in Writing Improvement Strategy professional development.  The intent of this strategy, over the next 2 years, is to develop fluency in writing skills so that our students are able to perform to a higher standard in all of their written work and assessment.  In using the resources of Write That Essay, we can teach students particular ways of communicating to a high standard in all their writing, for a variety of purposes and audiences. The College has secured online licenses to the Writer’s Toolkit (online writing resource) for all staff and Year 3-12 students. This provides stimulus for student writing as well as immediate feedback through the amazing online platform. There are already many teachers that have engaged with Mr Paffey regarding Writing Improvement Strategy, and student improvement in writing has already been significant in their classes. 

Words Out West

Our students have enjoyed a day of literacy today as many attended the Words out West Festival.  We simply love this festival and all the inspiration and ideas that it provides to our students as they continue to explore, create and be curious about all things literacy.  Madonna King is also presenting in the PAC at the College tonight!  We look forward to seeing our wonderful guests come to enjoy the presentation based her most recent text Ten-ager. The cheese van will be here from 4pm and you can contact Megan Cartwright on 0457496460 or mcart178@gmail.com regarding tickets if you haven’t done so already.

Berwick McCullough Shield

Tomorrow (Saturday 13 March) is the annual Matt Hughes Charity Shield.  This is a great celebration of all things football in our town, as well as a significant fundraiser for local charities.  For the first time in 2021, OLSCC will play Dalby State High School at 4:45pm for the first game of the Berwick McCullough Shield.  If you have a free afternoon and would like to support local initiatives, football and the College, come along to the Wheatmen grounds for a great afternoon and evening of football.  Gates open at 3pm.

Facilities

Throughout the rest of the year, we will have some exciting action in the grounds as we build the new grounds shed, Ag shed, fire hydrant upgrade and the Middle Years Plaza at the College.  We have been planning for many of these for some years now and after much red tape and disruption we are looking forward to seeing these new facilities eventuate.  Our first project to begin will be the new grounds and coach shed, located on Aerodrome Road, followed by the new Ag Shed which will be situated off Cooper Street.

Next Week

I will be at St John’s Roma completing their School Review as a peer principal for the majority of next week.  This is a great chance for me to provide support for St John’s, though also a great chance for me to see the great work happening in other schools, and to reflect and consider on the strategic direction of OLSCC.  Just yesterday I was on the panel for a principal summative review and must say that it was a very good use of my time and I learnt a lot from the great work of the staff at St George.  In my absence, Mrs Brennan will deputise and be the officer in charge.  Have a wonderful week everyone!

Peter Cuskelly

Principal