| Learning and Teaching In Our Classrooms | | http://www.sansisto.qld.edu.au/latest-news/Pages/Learning-and-Teaching-In-Our-Classrooms.aspx | Learning and Teaching In Our Classrooms | <p>As the school year begins our focus is on identifying the
learning needs of our students and working together to create learning goals in
each subject. At the start of Term 1, in our classrooms, teachers are working on setting
learning goals with students and classes to ensure steady and achievable
improvement throughout the year.</p><p>At home, this would
be an ideal time to review last year’s Semester Two report and talk about
setting realistic and achievable goals for the year. It is important that our
goals are set in the “Goldilocks” zone: not too simple and not too difficult.
Too simple and there is no effort required; too challenging and it is
frustrating. </p><p>The question we ask in the classroom is - what is the next
level for this student and how can we help them to achieve it? In our classrooms teachers will be talking to
students about strategies that help them learn and what they identify as their
challenges. Learning should provide challenge, it does require effort. These
discussions help the teacher choose which combination of strategies will best
suit the needs of the students in their classroom to provide the right amount
of challenge and support.</p><p>Research on learning effectiveness (<a href="http://www.evidencebasedteaching.org.au/hatties-2017-updated-list/">Hattie, 2017</a>) states
that two of the most effective impacts on student improvement are: the
teacher’s estimate of the student’s achievement potential; and the
self-reported grade prediction from the student. This is a powerful combination
so it is vital that we start the year in alignment. If we strengthen this
with support from home, we have already begun to achieve our college theme for
the year: Seeking Connectedness by working together towards clearly defined and
achievable learning goals.</p><p>Looking forward, the
end of the year should bring a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only
progress, but the effort it takes to make it happen. Proud moments for our
students are earned through hard work.
We can celebrate the effort and guide through the challenges when we
have a shared understanding of what progressing through learning looks like for
each student.</p>
<font face="Calibri"></font><font size="3"></font><font color="#000000"></font><font face="Times New Roman"></font><p>Mrs Cara Robinson-Taylor<br>Academic
Leader: Learning and Teaching</p><p></p> | | | | | | | | | |
| STEM | | http://www.sansisto.qld.edu.au/latest-news/Pages/STEM.aspx | STEM | <p>In 2019 we will have two new science laboratories. One of these new labs will be devoted to physics and robotics, two core elements of STEM education at San Sisto. This STEM lab will boast an open plan floor which will enable students to explore expansive hands on learning experiences in a multitude of flexible arrangements.<br></p><p>Another addition will be a Teaching Wall which enhances the use of space on the wall of a classroom. There will be floor to ceiling space for multiple visual displays, white boards, projectors and storage all at the front of the room, this will enhance the students experience and add to an atmosphere of excellence in learning and teaching.<br></p><p>Science staff have been training this year in several STEM initiatives and together with our hydroponics, chemical titration, microbiology, engineering and traditional physics, chemistry and biology courses, STEM at San Sisto will be growing significantly in 2019.<br></p> | | | | | | | | | |
| Integrity 2018 with Griffith University | | http://www.sansisto.qld.edu.au/latest-news/Pages/Integrity-2018-with-Griffith-University.aspx | Integrity 2018 with Griffith University | <p>A group of Year 10 girls from San Sisto’s Salamanca Program for Gifted and Talented students recently took the opportunity to participate in a program called Integrity 2018, run by Griffith University. The aim of the day is to bring together students from around Brisbane to listen to numerous guest speakers and converse about some of today’s ‘big picture’ topics. </p><p>The day started off with a spiritual performance by the band Big Law. This was followed by a welcome by Griffith University’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Paul Mazerolle, who introduced ‘Lightning Talks’, an hour of listening to inspirational people from all over the world giving students a brief overview of who they were, what they do and why they do it. These speakers included Clare Press, an ethical fashion activist, advocating for the recycling of fabrics in the fashion industry; Zimbabwean Evan Mawarire, the founder of the hashtag #ThisFlag movement; Jodie Ginsberg, challenging views on censorship; Julian Baggini, who educated students on different philosophical beliefs around the world; Victor Perton, the founder of the Australian Leadership Project; and Jean Lee, an expert on media representations of North Korea. </p><p>After these intriguing talks, students were divided up and allocated a member of the panel to delve further into their expertise. Our San Sisto students were lucky enough to be put with Julian Baggini, who helped them to wrap their heads around some of the world’s big moral questions. The group spoke about what factors may affect the answers to these questions and what makes something a moral issue. <br></p><p>Following these sessions, a keynote was delivered by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a former Google Data Scientist. Seth gave students the inside scoop on what Google can find out about us based on internet activities … even going as far as saying that whether someone likes a picture of curly fries or not is linked to that person’s IQ! </p><p>The last session of the day was a panel discussion of memes, selfies and cyberhate. The panel, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, Joanne Orlando and Matt Beard, educated students on the internet’s moral compass which was incredibly thought-provoking. </p> | | | | | | | | | |
| Excellence in Science | | http://www.sansisto.qld.edu.au/latest-news/Pages/San-Sisto’s-Excellent-Science.aspx | Excellence in Science | <p>Recently, twelve Year 11 and 12 Chemistry students once again competed as four teams in the Australian National Titration Competition organised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus.</p><p>San Sisto is developing a rich tradition of excellence in this competition. </p><p><span style="color:#1d2129;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:helvetica,arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;word-spacing:0px;display:inline !important;white-space:normal;orphans:2;widows:2;float:none;background-color:#ffffff;"><span style="color:#1d2129;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:helvetica,arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;word-spacing:0px;display:inline !important;white-space:normal;orphans:2;widows:2;float:none;background-color:#ffffff;"></span><span style="color:#1d2129;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:helvetica,arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;word-spacing:0px;display:inline !important;white-space:normal;orphans:2;widows:2;float:none;background-color:#ffffff;">The competition involves an extremely accurate analysis of the concentrations of solutions of acid and base. There is a high level of skill involved both at the practical and theoretical levels. Students must be dedicated and be committed to many hours of training in the laboratory to obtain the skill levels required for this competition.</span> Of our four teams, one won third place, as well as one individual Gold and two individual Silver awards.</span></p><p><span style="color:#1d2129;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:helvetica,arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;word-spacing:0px;display:inline !important;white-space:normal;orphans:2;widows:2;float:none;background-color:#ffffff;"></span>In total over one-hundred and forty teams competed in the South East Queensland competition with three San Sisto students plaing in the top five overall in our South East Region. What skill! This enabled them to participate in the National Finals at the University of Queensland again this year.</p><p>Congratulations to all girls involved and our sincere thanks to Mr Gillett for his support and encouragement and to Dr Belinda Todd for her support from the Laboratory prep room.</p><p></p> | | | | | | | | | |
| Register for a College Tour 2019 | | http://www.sansisto.qld.edu.au/latest-news/Pages/Register for Open Day.aspx | Register for a College Tour 2019 | <p>The College hosts a number of events throughout the year enabling families the opportunity to explore what a San Sisto College high school education has to offer. </p><p><span>Experience first-hand our holistic learning environment that drives academic achievement and a rich co-curricular program which ensures an engaging and balanced education.</span></p><h1 class="ms-rteElement-H1"><span>College <span>Tours 2019</span></span></h1><div><p class="ms-rteElement-P"><br>College tours are conducted during a normal college day to provide you and your family with a true sense of our San Sisto community. All members of the family are welcome to attend. </p><div><p class="ms-rteElement-P">Term 1: Thursday 14 March from 9 am until 10.30 am</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">Term 3: Tuesday 26 July from 9 am until 10.30 am</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">Term 3: Tuesday 17 September from 9 am until 10.30 am</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">Term 4: Thursday 24 October from 9 am until 10.30 am</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P"><a href="/Pages/college-tours.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;">Click here to register.</span></a></p></div></div><p><span><span></span></span><span>Nothing replaces a visit to our college to appreciate how much we love our school for experiencing our passion for learning.</span></p><h1>Open Day 2019</h1><p><br>Our next Open Day will be on Sunday 19 May 2019.</p><p><a href="/Pages/Open-Day.aspx"><span style="font-size:16px;">Click here to register.</span></a></p><p>Each Open Day we have a wide range of subject talks and displays delivered by academic staff to give you a real taste of the subjects on offer. Teachers and students are on hand at the key locations across our campus to answer your questions.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Our Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for families to experience first-hand our holistic learning environment that supports our academic and co-curricular programs, and ensures an engaging and balanced education," said Principal, Mrs Shelley Hamilton.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Mrs Hamilton added, “We provide our students an education and the skills to engage with and lead their communities, whilst arming them with the tools and resources to confidently shape their circumstances – they are women of integrity shaping the future."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Various activities and displays are organised for visitors of all ages at Open Day. These provide a unique snapshot of what it feels like to join the San Sisto community. Displays including those from English, Maths, Languages – Japanese and Italian, HPE – Sport and Physical Enrichment, Drama, Textiles, Art, Humanities and Science are always popular, and there will be dress-ups in the Rose Retail Shop. Our café, coffee cart and barbeque provides refreshments for those keen to take a rest and enjoy the Cecilia Square student entertainment activities. Music and voice presentations of all kinds will be on offer, from ensembles to busking. With the smell of food and the sound of music in the air, there will be plenty to see, experience, do, taste and listen to at Open Day 2019.</p><a href="/Pages/Open-Day.aspx"></a><h1 class="ms-rteElement-H1"><span>Buddy Day</span></h1><p><br>Once you have toured our college facilities, to help you and your daughter with the final decision to choose our college, we offer pre-enrolled students the opportunity to spend a day with us through our San Sisto College Buddy Day Program.</p><div>This program offers prospective students the perfect opportunity to share in the excitement of the college day, have fun meeting new friends and teachers, and experience our programs and our beautiful college.<br></div> | | | | | | | | | |
| National Computer Science School Competition | | http://www.sansisto.qld.edu.au/latest-news/Pages/National-Computer-Science-School-Competition.aspx | National Computer Science School Competition | <p>For the first time, San Sisto has entered a small group of students in Years 7, 8 & 10 in the annual National Computer Science School (NCSS) Challenge (coding challenge), which is run by the Australian Computer Academy at the University of Sydney. Over five weeks, the girls were presented with a number of exciting real-world problems during which time they were required to design and create computer-coded solutions.Their solutions were assessed and awarded points, all while being given the opportunity to compete against school students from around the world.</p><p>Our participants worked with limited teacher assistance, with many of them choosing to participate in more than one level of competition at the same time. They received some very impressive results, with many being awarded a High Distinction, and a special congratulations goes to one student, who competed in two strands of the competition, and was awarded a High Distinction in one section and a Perfect Score, in the other.</p> | | | | | | | | | |
