Wednesday evening saw the continuation of the Mount Carmel Home-School Literacy Partnership program – a collaborative venture which recognises and values parents as the primary and continuing educators of their children. This week’s Literacy Conversation afforded an opportunity for Year 7 parents, carers, and teachers to come together with the shared intention of maximising the learning outcomes of our young people. 

Wednesday’s gathering saw over seventy parents and carers join with the Year 7 English teachers to discuss the nature of this school term’s teaching and learning focus and view an outline of the learning experiences that will follow in Terms 2, 3 and 4. The importance of reading, writing, and thinking was emphasised along with the privileging of physical books, pen and paper writing, and the enhancement of vocabulary and knowledge of the world. Parents and carers had the opportunity to sit in the refurbished E block classrooms and participate in writing, doodling, and journaling activities similar to those undertaken daily by their children. Questions were asked, suggestions were provided, and over forty popular novels were borrowed by parents to foster the enjoyment of reading the texts set for study in the subject English.

There will be other opportunities throughout the year to come together as a community and support the learning of our students. This week’s encounter came about because of the passion of parents and teachers, the encouragement and support of school staff in the provision of displays and refreshments, and the wonderful contribution of our faithful library staff who consistently give of their time and energy for the education and flourishing of our young people.

Clare Murphy

English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach