Learning & Teaching (AP)

Learning Hub

It has been wonderful to see the fantastic utilisation of our teacher-supervised Learning Hub during the second half of lunch. The Learning Hub has become a bustling centre of academic activity, with students eagerly taking advantage of this valuable resource. It is remarkable to witness our students being proactive in their learning, diligently working on their tasks, exam preparation, seeking assistance, and collaborating with peers. This initiative highlights the dedication of our students to their academic success and the supportive environment fostered by our committed teaching staff.

OPALS - Week 5

Our Ongoing Participation and Application Log (OPAL) report will be released at the start of Week 6. As we approach the end-of-semester reports, this serves as a progress indicator.  Students with scores that are below expectation or are of concern are to have conversations with their teachers to discuss ways to improve. Parents are welcome to contact staff to discuss their child's progress and strategies for improvement.

Inappropriate Use of Technology 

As the Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching, I am acutely aware of our students' daily challenges and how they manage their academic responsibilities. A pressing concern is the inappropriate use of technology, specifically the widespread use of games on Chromebooks and the use of earbuds for music at school. Despite clear school policies requiring that phones be switched off once students enter the school grounds, many continue to disregard these rules and use phones to play music, leading to significant distractions that undermine their learning and cause stress on the teachers who are tasked with enforcing the rules. Chromebooks are only used as educational tools under the teacher's direct instruction during class time.

Observations of our student body reveal that many students consistently have ear pods in their ears, even during teacher instruction and class time. While some students assert that listening to music aids their relaxation and concentration, scientific evidence suggests otherwise.

The human brain lacks the cognitive capacity to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. When we attempt to multitask, we merely switch rapidly between tasks, significantly reducing our ability to complete them to our fullest potential. Thus, the music that some students claim helps them concentrate is, in reality, a considerable distraction that impedes their learning.

Gaming during class is not merely a personal issue; it disrupts the entire learning environment. Teachers find it increasingly challenging to maintain students' attention and engagement when the child is more worried about changing the tab at the top of the Chromebook to hide the game they are inappropriately playing than the work they should be engaged in.

McAuley Catholic College aims to cultivate a focused and respectful learning environment where every student can excel. The school rules regarding the use of Chromebooks and the deactivation of phones upon entering the school grounds were created to support this mission.

Students must reserve music and gaming after school, and we appreciate parental support in our policies.

2026 Subject Information Sessions

On Tuesday 17th June, we will be hosting subject information sessions for students entering Year 9 and Year 11 in 2026.

The Year 8 session will begin at 6pm in L4. This session will aim to provide a general overview of the requirements for Stage 5 and outline the elective choices that may be offered to students for study in Stage 5. 

The Year 10 session will begin at 7pm in L4. This session aims to provide information relating to studies in Stage 6 and the requirements for the HSC. 

During both sessions, general information will be provided, followed by the opportunity for parents and students to talk to Leaders of Learning and subject teachers from the various key learning areas. An information note with further details will be emailed to parents and carers in the coming week.

We look forward to welcoming you to the College for this evening.

Margaret Bertalli
A/Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching