As we come to the end of another academic year, I’d invite you to reflect with me on the learning growth we have all experienced. At the core of our school philosophy is the aspiration to help every student become a better person and a better learner. In a holistic formative educational setting, we place value on the intellectual rigour we expose our students to in the work we do with them in our classrooms.

To focus on the intellectual rigour in student learning means that students demonstrate the acquisition of Surface learning, that is, knowledge that is essential to understand the basic concepts of a topic and to show basic competence on the development of a skill; students are then able to use that surface knowledge to deepen their understanding and make connections with more complex and sophisticated ideas. This is referred to as Deep learning. Students’ progress, however, does not end there. The next level in this progression is what is referred to as Transfer of learning. At this stage in the learning journey students are expected to apply the acquired learning at Surface and Deep level, to new situations and to come up with solutions to new problems. It is worth noting that Surface and Deep learning are indispensable for students to demonstrate competence at Transfer of learning. Transfer of learning is not possible when students have not gained the basic knowledge and skills and have not been able to make deep connections with complex ideas. Being able to move through these stages of the learning continuum, is what helps students become better learners.

It is at the Deep learning stage, where students are making connections to broad and complex ideas, and at the Transfer of learning stage, where students are applying learning to new situations or challenges, that students are guided to see the ‘practical’ application of their learning to ‘real life’ situations. Better learners learn to better persons by making use of what they learn to be more aware of the world around them, to see a need and know how to respond to it, to be efficacious in exercising their social responsibilities with their friends and the broader society. Better persons learn to develop strong Emotional Balance which means that they have a healthy level of self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. These features of their personality are the foundation through with which they can confront the challenges of the next cycle of learning, new concepts, new knowledge, new connections, greater ability to apply themselves to new situations. This is the cyclical journey we want our students to experience, to become a better learner and a better person. Quality teaching at All Saints Grammar throughout 2024 has involved the deliberate design of learning opportunities and appropriate support to take students through this learning journey.

Semester 2 reports will provide parents with an opportunity to reflect, together with their children, how far they have progressed in their learning. Teachers’ comments and evaluation of students need to be considered as a valuable form of feedback to inform and plan the way forward. Celebrate the successes, identify challenges, in partnership with your child and our teachers continue to take the necessary steps for further growth.

If you are interested in reading more about the research foundations of this conceptual model of learning, I encourage you to have a look at the article John Hattie and Gregory M Donoghue (2016).

On a personal note, as I conclude my time at All Saints Grammar, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to the All Saints community. Throughout my almost 11 years here, I have been granted significant opportunities to grow as a person and as a professional. I have felt the affection and respect from all members of this wonderful community. As I leave my post at All Saints Grammar to embark on a new chapter in my professional journey, I do so with the knowledge and satisfaction that I have served you, your children, our staff, with genuine care and professionalism. I have been blessed to have worked with a wonderful group of colleagues, under the exceptional leadership of our Head of School, Mrs Elfa Lillis, and for that I am very grateful.

Allow me to wish all of you a very blessed Christmas and a New Year full of joy, health, and many successes.

Mr Jaime Rodriguez