“I live now. No. It is not I that live. It is Christ who lives in me.”   Galatians

“Organisations should be of a size that promotes a sense of community and belonging among their members.  Where necessary, sub-units should be created to ensure that individuals are provided with the opportunity to form cohesive groups and to participate in a base unit that will be meaningful and within which productive relationships can be generated.”  (“In The Middle. Schooling for Young Adolescents”, 1993)

a)      a team approach for both students, teachers and families

b)      an emphasis on learning co-operatively and collaboratively

c)      the gradual increase in the number of teachers with whom a student relates especially during the Middle Years through to Year 12 (to reflect the developmental continuum of curriculum described in 5.2)

d)      pastoral care processes and groupings of students

e)      community liaison and partnerships of care with community members who can assist with student development

    Community of Learners 

The challenge of the classroom is to “build wholeness and unity in a way that also preserves uniqueness and human differences.” (Dalton J., I Teach, 1992)The classrooms and learning facilities at St Teresa's College will be communities of active learners.  Features include: 

     Spiritual Dimensions  

§         a commitment to spiritual development of all

§        explicit and communicated beliefs and values founded in the Catholic Christian tradition and respectful of other faith traditions 

Teaching and Learning  

      Partnerships  

§         involving members of the wider community and the world of work

§         consistent implementation of policy and procedures

§         genuine partnerships with carers/parents/families

§         participation and collaboration

§         respect for the pastoral care of all school partners

        Structures 

§         risk-taking in a supportive environment

§         flexibility of classroom equipment, furniture, inclusions

§         a learning that is active not passive

§         learning technologies utilized to expand students’ horizons

            Goal Setting and Reflection 

Reflection is essential and integral to the learning process. The community of learners will: 

a)     base new learning on prior knowledge/experience

b)     be provided with opportunities to think, reason and share

c)      make connections in their learning

d)     be provided with frameworks for goal-setting

e)     establish and monitor their own goals

f)        learn how to reflect

g)     have reflection modelled

h)      evaluate individually and collectively

i)        be provided with the environment and space to reflect.