Professional Learning 2024

St Augustine’s College - Professional Learning Summary Report 2024

In 2024, teachers at St Augustine’s College engaged in diverse professional learning opportunities to enhance their pedagogical skills, technological proficiency, cultural awareness, and overall well-being. The College’s commitment to professional growth was evident through a mix of external and internal professional development (PD) sessions, aligned with NESA’s standards and strategic priorities.

External Professional Development

Throughout the year, teachers participated in:

• 201 external courses — 84 of which were NESA-accredited.
• 3466.80 Total number of External PD hours.
• A cumulative 1,707 hours of professional development.
• 17 Conditional/Provisional teachers attended a compulsory information session on Proficiency.

Internal Professional Development

• 46 Elective PD workshops were offered internally, delivered by experts through formats such as Breakfast Clubs, Lunch and Learn, and Twilight sessions. These accounted for more than 40 hours of additional PD.

NESA-Accredited Courses

As a registered NESA professional development provider, St Augustine’s College conducted seven accredited courses focusing on the following Priority Areas:

• Delivery and assessment of the NSW Curriculum.
• Supporting students with disabilities.

Key Areas of Professional Learning

1. Pedagogical Training:
Teachers enhanced their expertise in instructional strategies, differentiated learning, assessment practices, and classroom management. Notable courses included:

• Professional Learning Summit SLANSW
• Taming the Behaviour Monster – Positive Behaviour Management
• HSC Data Analysis and Feedback Strategies

2. Technology Integration:

Staff developed skills to integrate digital tools, educational software, and online platforms for better student engagement. Courses included:

• Deep Dive into Office 365
• Mindfulness in the AI Era Reimagined
• SEQTA LMS 101

3. Cultural Competence:

Training emphasised inclusivity, understanding diverse perspectives, and addressing implicit biases. Workshops included:

• AISNSW Aboriginal Voice Across the Curriculum
• AHISA Conference

4. Social-Emotional Learning and Well-being:
Focused on fostering resilience, mindfulness, and positive relationships. Key sessions included:

• Raising Resilient Kids
• Wellbeing in the Classroom

5. Learning Enhancement and Inclusion:

Addressed strategies for diverse learning needs, including students with IEPs and gifted learners. Highlighted courses included:

• ADHD in the Classroom
• Ignite the Spark Gifted Education Conference

6. Strategy and Compliance:

Training in ethical standards, child protection, and compliance with legislative requirements. Noteworthy programs included:

• Responding to Child Safety Concerns – Allegations Against Staff
• AISNSW Child Protection Conference
• All staff completed First Aid and CPR requirements.
• All Staff completed the Child Safeguarding Program.

7. Professional Collaboration and Networking:

Teachers engaged in collaborative learning communities and network meetings to share best practices and discuss challenges. Notable collaborations included:

• Northern Beaches School Counsellors Cluster Meeting
• Project Zero (Harvard) Australia Network
• Northern Beaches School Careers Network meetings
• Curriculum Network Meeting
• Project Zero (Harvard) Australia Network
• The Teachers’ Guild of NSW

Conclusion

The multifaceted and comprehensive approach to professional learning adopted in 2024 exemplifies St Augustine’s College’s dedication to continuous improvement, student-centred pedagogies, and the cultivation of inclusive learning environments. Through strategic investment in educators’ professional
development, our educational institution enhances its
capacity to respond effectively to students’ evolving needs,
thereby fostering favourable educational outcomes.