The Beginning

The end of 2019: 
At St Agnes' we, the staff, had heard that other schools in the Diocese had become part of a learning collaborative partnership with Dr. Lyn Sharatt. The opportunity to be a part of this initiative was offered to us. Although the prospect of new 'innovation' was appealing, many felt they needed to learn more about what the collaborative was and how it benefited the school and its students within it, before committing.

The Principal at the time shared the following clip.

Staff then sought the opinions from other schools who had engaged in the project. Responses included 'she's big on data walls' and 'it's a lot of work.' Staff were asked to vote on whether they were happy to join with the first cohort of schools. Staff voted 'not at this time.' But some suggested they would be open to it in the future and would be interested in hearing from cohort one schools.

Towards the end of 2020 we were offered the opportunity again to engage with the learning collaborative. Staff had the following questions:

  • If we are going down this direction, are all our teams/groups going to be moved aside? For example, Action Teams and the Building Cultural Capacity process, etc.
  • If the focus is on writing how does that affect what we have learnt regarding Seven Steps?
  • How does this link in with our BCC learning?
  • Is there a way we can do more learning to make a thorough decision? 
  • Do we have the freedom to say no to other things?
  • Will Lyn be back (especially after Covid) to work with and alongside us? Will there be other opportunities?
  • What happens after the two years?
  • Which parameter would be the school priority?

It was clear we wanted and needed learning and clarity before moving forward in a decision.  

Staff explored clips such as:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL552xRTs4zy1leO1oHVfk5WFfN0Xbwc2o and sought the expertise of our Catholic School Personnel to explain how the work of the learning collaborative aligned with other focuses within the school such as project based learning.

Staff also heard first hand from local school leaders who were engaged with the work.

Through this exploration the Lyn Sharratt Collaborative Partnership became clearer. The parameters were to support school improvement through collective teacher efficacy. We needed to consider its relevance for our school context and whether it would help us to increase the outcome of all our students.




The decision was made and staff responded how they were feeling in light of this learning.



After doing the readings I still feel as before

I have looked into the program and spoken to several people from Lismore Diocese and outside the diocese including a principal regarding the program. Their responses have been varied, but not one person gave in glowing praise. I do not feel dropping everything else and putting all our eggs in one basket is the best option. I am excited to spend further PD on PBL and having time to implement it across several KLA's

If this brings consistency across the school with our literacy based practices then I am happy to give it a go.

I believe in the Leadership of this school, they believe in this process. I think if it can assist in personally making me a better teacher and grow in the way I teach, for this to then translate into success for students I feel would be beneficial.

I believe it will enable us to focus on one area to improve well and as we can apply the learning to other areas of teaching, I believe it could greatly benefit us in the long term..

I believe the collaborative may be very beneficial in improving literacy outcomes. The parameters appear to be very precise and when embedded, should lead to improved student outcomes.

I feel like this process will improve teaching practices and therefore improve student learning and outcomes.

I went through the learning that was provided and now feel like I know what I am committing to.

It is a great opportunity and could result in improved outcomes for students because of a consistent staff approach.

Students will learn by doing and outcomes will increase for all students.

If the program leads to professional development of myself and staff, and impacts positively on student success, I think it's an opportunity to move forward with.

From what I see, it is what is needed.

It should help our teaching.

I feel that we chop and change to different initiatives and would like to just focus on BCC instead of trying to combine the 2.

I think it will be great learning for our school

Having read the information sent to staff, it appears that it is based on parameters which would be most helpful in giving direction for student improvement and may complement many of the directions that are already in place

I value the PD opportunity and am confident it will lead to improved student outcomes

I feel it will align really well to what we already do.

It will stream line and sit well with what we are already doing at school.

As an educator, I am always looking for more learning that can assist me in growing in my learning. I would like to commit to the Lyn Sharratt Collaborative in 2021 as I feel it will help with professional development and growth personally and as a staff. I have recently completed readings in this area, and I feel it will be a good process for our school. I like the tracking and assessment that I discovered when I completed the readings. Thank you

If this learning will align with our school improvement plan and can be prioritized over other agendas I feel it may be of benefit.

I think it will compliment RENEW and fit well within our school, benefiting our students.

Sounds like a great opportunity to consolidate many good practices that are already happening at Aggies

An opportunity for growth as a whole school and as an individual. I like the idea that what this learning offers will be deeper, across other areas of learning and at our own pace.

It supports our work with purpose, alignment and greater precision.

I am happy to commit to this as I think it is good learning and development. As a new staff member I am happy to take on new learning for the good of the whole school.

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