Last week, I had the privilege of visiting St Joseph’s Catholic College, Aberdeen, to participate in the Quality Teaching Professional Development offered by Leader of Growth and Development, Aaron Dent and Pedagogical Mentor, Sarah Paine. The focus of this professional development is based on the Quality Teacher Framework, and teachers were encouraged to collaborate with members of their faculty to look for access to deep understanding, particularly in summative assessment.

The QT Model is an evidence-based framework that supports teachers to understand high quality teaching practice that makes a positive difference to student learning.

By treating teaching holistically, it reflects the complexity of teaching and respects what teachers already know and do in the classroom. The QT Model centres on three key dimensions:

• Intellectual Quality: Developing a deep understanding of important knowledge
• Quality Learning Environment: Ensuring positive classrooms that boost student learning
• Significance: Connecting learning to students’ lives and the wider world

It was a great opportunity to witness great teaching reflection in action, and I thank Aaron and Sarah for the opportunity and Principal Veronica Rolfe and Assistant Principal Joel Bristow for the invitation.

Stage 6 Selection Evening – Catherine McAuley Catholic College

Last week, along with Education Officer Kylie Peattie, I attended Catherine McAuley Catholic College’s Year 10 Subject Selection Evening. Students and their families filled the school hall to hear about the process of HSC subject selection and visit one of the many classrooms to hear about courses offered for 2026.  Students were very excited to learn about the range of courses offered, and I was excited to witness subject experts talking about the variety of learning in Stage 6.

I thank Principal Bernard Burgess, Assistant Principal Claudette Stace, Leader of Curriculum Erin Jordan and the staff of Catherine McAuley for their hospitality on the evening. I can’t wait to go back to see their production of High School Musical very soon!

NESA Reminder: Enter the number of HSC Drama Group Performances is due on Friday 13^th June.

Sincerely,

Liz Stokes