Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
W.B. Yates
At St John’s we are committed to educating the whole child. We aim to, in partnership with our families, support our children in the development of their mind, body and soul within a Catholic context.
Our educational journey is a constant process of refinement driven by research and innovation, drawing inspiration from the experiences in schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy and from researchers around the world. We are continually exploring and reimagining applications to our Australian educational context.
We offer educational experiences that are informed by the Victorian F-10 Curriculum. We ensure all areas of the curriculum are designed with a concept based approach and ‘immersed’ in our ‘place’ of being – Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Within this design, the Wurundjeri, Woi Wurrung and the Bunurong peoples and clans of the Kulin Nation are always acknowledged. Their stories are woven into the essence of our school.
At all times, our learning is designed by qualified educators who are supported by leaders who have higher qualifications within a specific field such as Educational Leadership, Wellbeing, Literacy or Numeracy Masters. Literacy and Numeracy is predominantly taught through small groups known as Target Groups, as well as reinforced in larger groups. All Target Groups are informed and designed by ongoing, weekly analysis of data.
Our learning spaces are purposefully designed to welcome and foster children’s curiosity. We believe that the physical space acts as a ‘third educator’, where the children’s thinking and learning is valued and made visible. We believe in creating spaces where noisy learning happens, quiet contemplation, small group reflection and indoor/outdoor investigations occur.
At St John’s we offer a range of experiences to ensure we illuminate joy and love within children’s learning.
Our children engage in:
Questioning, research and design, which they express through many languages, such as the language of artistry, construction and photography.
Learning about connection to place and how they can care for the land by tending to our Farm by planting, growing, harvesting and cooking the produce, as well as ensuring our chickens are well looked after.
Tuning into their bodies, and learning about nourishment and wellness. This includes Physical Education sessions, Termly sports days, swimming program and Cross Country competitions.
Learning about different cultures and connecting with our global community through learning the language of Japanese and by engaging in cultural incursions and excursions.
An exploration of The Arts through weekly Performing Arts and Visual Arts sessions, and an opportunity to learn the instruments of keyboard or guitar through external services.
Innovation and creativity as they explore the digital world through coding, Tinkercad, Makey-Makeys, Beebots and much more.
Opportunities to build and strengthen their independence through excursions and developmentally appropriate camp experiences:
Year Prep Breakfast
Year One/Two dinner
Year Three/Four one night school sleepover/camp
Year Five/Six two night camp.
At St. John’s, we believe that children flourish when they are placed at the centre of all that we do. This is enacted through our Community Project and Discovery learning.
Community Projects:
Our Community Project offers educators possibilities to make the invisible, visible. It provides children with an opportunity to create an identity for concepts and ideas we cannot yet see. Together, educators and children construct theories through interactions with materials and others, and rely on the collective experiences and perspectives that we share.
At St. John’s, we believe that our children have a right to learn and experience our Footscray context, and to use it as a vehicle to engage with:
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Humanities curriculum
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Science curriculum
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Health curriculum
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Technologies curriculum
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Economics curriculum
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Capabilities curriculums
Discovery Play/Projects:
Discovery offers a unique opportunity to see a child in a new light, as they express themselves through many languages. For us, as educators, It is a privilege to enter this space and to learn about how children communicate about their world. This connection has the potential to transform and create shifts in the relationships that we share.
Through Discovery, we offer new possibilities and create space for children to respond to their wonderings and curiosities. When children explore and investigate their own interests and passions, they interweave their emotions, dispositions and motivations with learning. This engagement through play fosters empowerment and deep, transferable connections with knowledge and understanding.