Mater Dei Catholic Primary School in Ashgrove West has partnered with the University of Melbourne to form an Early Literacy Professional Learning Partnership.
As part of the partnership, four Mater Dei Catholic Primary school teachers and 95 others from 26 Brisbane Catholic Education schools across South East Queensland are taking part in a seven-day professional learning program to enhance teacher knowledge, skill, and understanding of current evidence-based early years literacy practices.
Mater Dei Principal Donna Jones said the partnership provides invaluable opportunities for teachers to expand their expertise in early literacy practices.
“By collaborating with the University of Melbourne, we can ensure that our educators stay up to date with the latest research and best practices when teaching literacy in the Early Years, meaning better outcomes for our learners now and into the future,” she said.
“So far, the workshops have focused on the fundamental elements of reading, including phonics, vocabulary, fluency, phonological awareness, oral language, and comprehension.
“Our teachers are already taking these elements back to our early years classrooms to promote a love of reading and writing among students.”
BCE Senior Manager School Progress and Performance Trudi Lucas praised the partnership that equips students with the necessary tools they need to become proficient readers, writers, and communicators.
“By utilising current research and evidence of best practice in early literacy instruction, our teachers are able to provide targeted teaching to ensure each student is progressing in their development of fundamental literacy skills,” she said.
“Thanks to the support of the University of Melbourne and our dedicated teachers, we are confident that this partnership will have a lasting impact on our youngest students, opening doors to endless opportunities and creating a better future for our 77,000 students.”
Article originally published by Brisbane Catholic Education.