Learning Support
We strongly believe our fundamental responsibility is to nurture students to reach their highest potential. Meeting children at their individual point-of-need therefore underpins our learning approach.
With the many months learning at home through COVID, and children across all classes significantly challenged, the need for early intervention and individualised learning has never been more prevalent.
Our 2022 learning support strategy has been carefully designed to provide every child with access to the dedicated learning tools and attention they need to re-build their skill and confidence as learners, re-ignite their curiosity and re-establish themselves within the school community.
Learning Enhancement Teachers
Learning Enhancement Teachers (LETs) are experienced teachers who work alongside the classroom teacher to provide support to students with their learning, lead small group instruction within the classroom and adapt lessons for students in conjunction with the class teachers.
Learning enhancement teachers work across all classrooms with one LET in Prep, making the student-teacher ratio 1-8. We have one LET working across two classes in our 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 year levels.
Intervention
Early intervention is the best way to ensure any learning challenges are addressed and children practice the skills they need to thrive. Our Intervention program is a bespoke approach to lifting children’s knowledge and ability where they are at risk of falling below standard.
Once a child is identified as needing learning intervention and the program has been parent approved, Intervention is scheduled for 10 weeks. It can be either one-on-one or in small groups and is delivered outside the classroom or inside the room (depending on student need, wellbeing) by our dedicated Intervention Specialists.
Typically once a child has completed 10 weeks of intervention, they have had the practice and attention they need to meet standards. However if they still require additional support, they will continue to be supported.
Some of the key intervention programs offered at our school include: Literacy -MiniLit, MacqLit and Numeracy - LFIN.
School Counsellor
St Margaret Mary’s has an on-site school counsellor working one day a week. Working in partnership with CatholicCare Victoria, the St Margaret Mary’s School Counsellor provides support to students and their families, enhancing student wellbeing, and providing early intervention for mental health and wellbeing issues.
Parents can request this support for their child or the school may suggest counselling to enhance a child’s overall wellbeing.
Each child’s situation is assessed individually by the counsellor and a care plan put in place. The plan may be short or long-term and may include one-off or regular sessions within school hours.
The counsellor communicates regularly with parents as to their child’s progress, while keeping all details confidential.
In addition to these learning supports and allied services, the school works closely with external care providers for any children who have diverse needs. We have a dedicated Learning Diversity Leader who can support children and families. For more information on our Learning Diversity program, please contact the Principal.