Recently Parade teaching staff participated in our annual Teaching and Learning Professional Learning Day, focused on upskilling our teaching staff on aspects of the College’s Instructional Model based on Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Vision for Instruction. This approach involves teachers breaking down complex skills into manageable steps, providing clear explanations and demonstrations before guiding students through practice opportunities with feedback. Research in cognitive science supports this method, showing that students learn more effectively when instruction is structured to avoid cognitive overload. At Parade, teachers are implementing a gradual release model, beginning with teacher guided instruction and progressively shifting responsibility to students as their foundational knowledge strengthens. Families can support this approach at home by encouraging practice, creating structured learning environments, reading together, promoting critical thinking through discussion, and modelling a positive attitude toward learning.

Mid-Semester Reports

Mid-semester reports will be released on the afternoon of 26 March on PAM. The report provides valuable insights into your child's learning behaviours in the classroom. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, this report highlights the habits and attitudes that contribute to successful learning. Teachers evaluate four key areas of learning behaviour:

• Preparation for Learning: Arrives on time with necessary materials and ready to engage in the lessons learning activities.
• Engagement with Learning: Willingness to seek help and clarification when needed, actively participates in discussions, engages with content, and responds to feedback.
• Effective Use of Class Time: Uses class time to work on assigned tasks and makes progress toward completing work during lessons.
• Respect for the Learning Environment: Adherence to classroom expectations, following teacher instructions, and maintaining positive relationships with teachers and peers.

Semester 1 Student Progress Interviews – Year 7 to 12

There will be two opportunities for Student Progress Interviews in Semester 1 on the following dates:

• Tuesday 1 April – In Person (Term 1 – 3:45pm to 5:45pm and 6:30pm to 8:30pm)
  • All interviews will be held at the Bundoora Campus (including those for students who are based at the Preston Campus).
• Wednesday 23 April – Online (Term 2 – 4:15pm to 6:00pm and 6:45pm to 8:30pm)

Further information on how bookings can be made on PAM were emailed to families on 14 March.

Study Support Sessions

Study Support Sessions for students who have not completed set homework have been occurring throughout this term. There has been a positive uptake of staff referring students to these lunchtime sessions to complete outstanding work. Similarly, students have indicated the merit of these sessions in offering the opportunity to complete their assigned work. Parents receive an email notification when their child is allocated a session. If a student does not attend their assigned session, it will be rescheduled. After two missed sessions, an academic after school detention will be issued. We appreciate parent’s support in encouraging their children to complete homework assignments on time. Together, we can help students develop stronger study habits and greater ownership of their own responsibilities.

Holiday Homework

Families should be aware that students in Years 7- 9 are not given set work during the upcoming school holidays. However, students in Years 10 - 12 must continue their home studies. For all students, regular revision including the reading of set novels and revision of work during the holiday period is strongly encouraged.

Pi Day

On 14 March, the Academic Committee hosted an International Pi Day Recitation Challenge to support our College charity, Good Samaritan Inn. Students tested their memory skills by reciting as many digits of π as possible. Year 12 student, Lachlan Elia H06, claimed victory with an impressive 122 decimal places!