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Friday, 21 November saw many visitors at St Joseph’s for Dyslexia - Aware Training to better understand what Dyslexia may feel like for students. Dr Neil MacKay led the workshop in an engaging, humorous manner, presenting many practical suggestions of ways to support students on their learning journey.
Neil, an experienced teacher, is known for his ability to bring the classroom into his training. Throughout the day Neil posed many thought provoking opportunities for parents, teachers and teaching assistants who attended the workshop to reflect on and develop through interactive practise of the suggestions that can be implemented both at home and school. He offered simple, workable strategies that can cater to a range of learning needs, including ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and Dyslexia in ways which meet diverse learning needs without affecting the work of the rest of the class, but rather enhancing the learning styles of all children.
Special thanks are extended to Josie Nicolescu, Anna Ruggiero and members of the Parents & Friends Committee who catered for the 100 plus participants. Recurring comments heard throughout the day consisted of accolades to the excellent signage and welcome they received, the marvellous food provided, the clean, well-presented environment, the lovely artwork by our students and Neil’s wonderful, practical ideas.
Four of St Joseph’s teachers were able to access this workshop and have been challenged to try some new ideas. An idea parents may wish to try at home: highlighting the bottom third of the line to help if a child finds it difficult to write on the line; model by writing a sentence on the highlighted section; ask the child to trace the example then ask them to attempt it on their own on another highlighted section.
Neil MacKay’s workshop was evident of a community of parents, teachers and other staff working collaboratively together to achieve a very successful day.
Marie Polvere (KLT/RR/Special Education Coordinator)
Compass Catholic Community in Davoren Park is set to double its capacity, announcing a $9 million expansion project to meet increasing enrolment demand. Since opening in January 2022, the fee-free learning community for young people aged 17-24 has grown rapidly.
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