2022 has been a year of wonderful endeavours for Inclusive Education at Merici College. With the ever-growing team of professionals we have seen The Hub, our central location, become a consistent hive of activity for students from across all year groups needing additional support. This space houses many varying aspects of improving learning for students.
CSA’S ROLE
Our CSA’s work tirelessly to support our students both in the classrooms and across many aspects of the curriculum. They are present in the classrooms to work as facilitator to teacher lesson delivery and to provide support for all students based on individual need. The team, consisting of Mrs. Sarah Cusack, Mrs. Karen Williams, Mrs. Gabriella Keane, Mrs. Milanda Roxas, Mrs. Maria Rodden and Mrs. Karen Evans, have supported students through access to quality engagement and learning opportunities consistent with the school’s Principals of Powerful Learning. The team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that necessary additional adjustments were included in every aspect of our girl’s school life to ensure they felt supported and empowered in their learning.
MACQLIT TARGETED READING PROGRAM
This year saw the introduction of the MacqLit program to provide targeted reading intervention for students at risk.
MacqLit is a reading program for children who need some help with their reading. It usually takes place in groups of up to four students and takes up to an hour a day. It has been developed by MultiLit, a research-based initiative of Macquarie University.
Throughout the year, based on evidentiary data captured on students at Merici, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Cusack and Mrs. Evans worked with small groups four times a week, using the carefully structured MacqLit materials. The program assisted teaching students how to read and spell words using appropriate strategies.
CROSS AGE TUTORING
Facilitated by Mrs. Cusack, the Cross-Age Tutoring Program continues to run successfully bringing together Junior and Senior members of the Merici Community. The Program runs during lunchtimes and after school. Currently there are 23 teams of girls participating in this program and their enthusiasm is both visible and audible. The girls work together, with senior students providing learning and insights to junior students, discussing ideas, giving explanations and finding solutions for those challenging problems across a range of subjects. The Program showcases examples of both cooperative learning and supportive learning applications.
EALD SUPPORT
Mrs. Kate Jarvis attends the Hub during the week to work with and foster ongoing learning for students where English is their second language. Together with the classroom teachers she aims to bridge the gap between the curriculum and language barriers to make learning more accessible.
HOMEWORK CLUB
Facilitated by Mrs. Williams, the Homework Club occurs in the IC two afternoons a week and is frequented by students invested in making sure they are up to date with their work.
ORGANISATION SUPPORT SESSIONS
Aside from these activities, the Hub is a space dedicated to students as a place to work and receive support. Merici teaching staff provide targeted workload management sessions to increase student understanding of assessment requirements with focused attention on assisting students to complete classwork.
The Merici community fosters a joy of learning and a shared mindset that inclusivity is more than just the acknowledgement of others. Our team aims to demonstrate, at all times, a sense of collaboration to foster belonging and acceptance for all.
Mrs. Karen Evans
Inclusive Education Coordinator
