Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

Majella Lennox
I believe GOD is at the centre of all that we are and all that we do.
In our classrooms we live the Gospel values within a compassionate and
caring environment where everyone is welcome and individualism is
celebrated and fostered. We have an open door policy and cherish the time
and talents of visitors in our classroom (grandparents, parents, colleagues,
and children). The students in our classroom are responsible for decorating
the altar and preparing class prayer. In our classrooms, the Religious
Education curriculum is implemented with reverence and grace but a sense
of excitement as we love to use the Arts and Technology so students can
relate to the Gospel messages in a fun and interactive environment.

I believe in INDIVIDUALITY as we are all created uniquely in the image of

God with different gifts and talents.
In our classrooms individuality is celebrated, fostered and encouraged
as each student learns in different ways. We are a facilitator of learning
entrusted with the responsibility of each child achieving to the best of his/her
ability.
In our classrooms you will witness an emotional environment where
students are happy, confident and having fun. We believe laughter is
important. This is embedded through the use of positive language which
develops each childs self-confidence and an atmosphere where it is ok to
make and learn from mistakes.
In our classrooms you will also see a creative physical environment
where students work is displayed with pride in a variety of modes and
mediums (photographic and art displays; music, dance and technology are
used daily).

I believe in EMPOWERMENT where students are prepared for life in the

21st Century.
In our classrooms students are ultimately responsible for their learning
with the teacher guiding each student to achieve to his/her full potential
through facilitating learning in a variety of modes and mediums. We believe
students need to know what they are learning, why they are learning and

how they will achieve their goals. In our classrooms, students are taught a
variety of learning strategies and how to make decisions about their learning.
We believe todays fast paced information society needs citizens who are
empowered to deal with constant change. So, we believe students who are
confident, persistent and resilient will be empowered to make decisions
about their learning when they face difficulties. A democratic classroom
plays a pivotal role in fostering successful learners. This is achieved through
students negotiating their class covenant, rules, reward systems and positive
behavioural management.

I believe in COMPASSION as this creates a loving and caring classroom

environment.
In our classrooms we notice the little things about each other when
someone is happy or sad. The language of our classroom is compassionate
-Im sorry, Thank you and Lets keep trying. We believe compassion
allows you to think of others, to help others and to live the Gospel values of
Jesus Christ.
Compassion is also about caring for others outside of our immediate
classroom. Students in our care participate in excursions to retirement
villages, cooking for families in need and organise donations to St Vincent de
Paul.

Let us always meet each other with a smile,

For the smile is the beginning of love.
Mother Teresa