A learning environment that celebrates collaboration…At Northern Christian School, we seek to create a learning culture that celebrates and utilises collaboration and teamwork, reflecting the nature of the Body of Christ and enhancing learning. Our teachers actively work with and support one another to meet the learning needs of students. We do this by developing teaching and learning sequences, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), buddies, sharing resources, being supportive, moderating work samples, meeting with parents and other key stakeholders, and many additional strategies. We model collaboration and teamwork to our students and emphasise the importance of expressing their creativity and initiative. Circle Time, the arrangement of table groups, letting students have a voice, group projects, sporting teams, rehearsing for Peter Pan, allowing constructive feedback and classes working together on a shared goal are some of the many ways we seek to foster and grow a positive community. We celebrate students’ learning by displaying their work, using their work as exemplars (WAGOLLS), and rejoicing when they achieve their learning goals. At Northern, learning is also not contained in the classroom. We have flexible learning spaces throughout the school, allowing for greater collaboration. Shortly, a roof will be built over the Years 2/3 deck, providing another great outdoor learning space. Situated on 20 acres, with 50 per cent of our property being native bushland, Forest School is one of the many programs we use to provide an outdoor learning experience. With its strong focus on collaboration, Forest School provides students with shared experiences that develop self-confidence, resilience and appropriate risk-taking. As you are aware, Peter Pan is nearly upon us! I have been so rewarding to see students working together, and also, it has been encouraging to see individual students confidently expressing their creativity and personal flair. A musical production takes a lot of teamwork! From the Saturday staff working bee, parents sewing costumes and painting sets, and students sacrificially giving their time to help others with their lines, this production is a wonderful example of rich collaboration. Let us pray that, as a school, we will intentionally strive to have a culture that celebrates and utilises teamwork to enhance students’ learning. We achieve this culture by creating an environment where we foster rich collaboration by learning together, seeking help from others in our areas of weakness, and by reflecting the nature of the Body of Christ. Bethany Armstrong – Principal
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