Canberra girls’ school St. Clare’s College will be celebrating 50 years of quality education in 2015. Principal Paul Carroll joined the school’s roster of dedicated professionals in 2012, continuing their tradition of providing students with the life, leadership, and learning opportunities that will help them become confident and contributing members of their communities.
7SR: You encourage your teachers to continue their own professional development, giving their educational needs the same attention as the students’ needs. Do the students see this process, and learn to recognize the importance of lifelong learning?
Yes the students are very aware of the process. When a staff member is away on professional development a relief teacher is employed for their normal class so they are reminded immediately that the teacher is on professional development. Teaching programs and classroom activities are often adjusted as a result of the PD. Our focus over the last eighteen months has been on “Visible Learning”, the research by John Hattie and part of the process is to involve students in requesting feedback on how learning is occurring in the classroom. This data has been invaluable in having the dialogue amongst the teaching staff on what quality teaching and learning looks like in the classroom. There are lists of students displayed in the College who are undergoing alternative programs, such as an Australian School Based Apprenticeships, as well as those previous students who have accepted University pathways or have undertaken post school opportunities. Some of these students return to school to speak to the current students about options beyond school.
7SR: Approximately 25% of the people living in Canberra were not born in Australia, and there are many immigrants from Vietnam and China. Are all of your new students fluent English speakers when they arrive on their first day of class?
There is a very small minority that arrive without being fluent English speakers. Depending on their circumstances they might attend an intensive language program at the Language School, participate in specialised language classes provided by community organisations or benefit from the support given by the College.
7SR: While all students get a thorough education in core areas like mathematics, science, and English literacy, there is also a strong emphasis on what some educators regard as “soft” subjects like visual arts, music, and drama. What do students gain from these classes?
I do not agree with the label “soft” applied to the subjects in creative and practical arts. Educators are well aware of the need to cater for multiple intelligences. All of the subjects across the curriculum complement each other and provide the opportunity for the students to experience many facets of learning that will develop their potential and enhance their gifts and talents.
7SR: Your school’s motto is “Seek Wisdom.” What does this motto mean to you personally?
“Seek Wisdom” is a timeless pursuit that encourages us to be open to the acquisition of an enlightened mind. As teachers we strive to bring knowledge and truth to the students and we present this through the life and teachings of Jesus and inspired by the example of St Clare. The students are encouraged and supported in making wise decisions as they grow to maturity and prepare to take their place in society.
7SR: You’ve got quite a few events planned for next year’s celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary. What are some of your ideas for making sure that the school enjoys the same success in the next 50 years?
The main focus will be to ensure the College remains relevant, vibrant and contemporary in providing the best possible education to the students that join the community. The College must maintain an authentic Catholic identity that is welcoming, open to all and witnessing to teachings of Jesus. There will be a continuing emphasis and commitment to ensuring quality teaching and learning experiences are made available for the students with a special emphasis on girls’ education. Extra-curricular activities will be supported to complement the students’ classroom learning and the governance of the College focusing on the aim to maintain and upgrade the facilities as funds become available.
Cross-posted on the Ultimate Vocabulary blog.
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