At St Mary’s Primary School, all teaching and learning is grounded in evidence-based practice and aligned with the Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement outlined in the position statements of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS).
We believe that every child can learn and succeed when high expectations, explicit instruction, meaningful engagement, and strong relationships are consistently enacted across classrooms. Teaching at St Mary’s is intentional, reflective, and responsive, guided by research, data, and our shared moral purpose as a Catholic learning community.
Evidence-Based Instruction
At St Mary’s, teachers use high-impact, evidence-based instructional practices that are known to improve student outcomes. These practices include:
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Explicit instruction with clear learning intentions and success criteria
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Daily review and structured practice
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Guided instruction and timely feedback
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Use of formative assessment to inform next steps
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Differentiation based on learner needs
As articulated in the MACS Vision for Instruction:
“Effective teaching is intentional, explicit, and grounded in evidence, enabling all students to make strong learning progress.”
Research consistently shows that clarity, structure, and feedback have a significant impact on student learning (Hattie, 2018). At St Mary’s, these principles are embedded in planning, classroom practice, and professional learning.
Engagement Through Relationships and Belonging
Learning at St Mary’s is underpinned by the belief that students learn best when they feel safe, known, and valued. Our approach aligns with the MACS Vision for Engagement, which emphasises student voice, wellbeing, and connection.
“Engagement flourishes when students experience belonging, purpose, and agency in their learning.”
— MACS Vision for Engagement
Teachers intentionally foster positive learning environments by:
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Building strong, respectful relationships
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Creating inclusive classrooms where diversity is valued
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Encouraging student voice and agency
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Supporting social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing
This relational approach reflects both contemporary research and our Catholic identity, recognising the dignity and worth of every learner.
Our Catholic Identity
Our Learning and Teaching Philosophy is deeply connected to our Catholic mission. Teaching at St Mary’s is an act of service, grounded in Gospel values of respect, compassion, justice, and hope.
We are committed to educating the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually — so that every student is empowered to flourish and contribute positively to their community.
“Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.”
At St Mary’s, we see learning as a sacred partnership between students, families, and educators. We encourage students to be curious, to wonder, to explore, and to think deeply about the world around them—developing meaning and understanding that connects learning to life.
Our approach is guided by the MACS Vision for Instruction, which centres on:
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Challenging all learners through high expectations and purposeful tasks
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Explicitly teaching with clarity, modelling, and timely feedback
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Deliberate practice to deepen knowledge and skill over time
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Knowing our impact, using evidence and data to guide improvement
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Creating classrooms where every student is engaged, empowered, and achieving
Through the consistent use of explicit instruction, combined with rich learning experiences and inquiry, our students build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. We are committed to ensuring every child can achieve success and flourish in their learning.
We believe in:
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Promoting access and equity so that all learners are supported
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Developing students as active participants and leaders in their learning
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Providing the Know, Do, and Be of learning so our students grow as confident, creative, and compassionate contributors to their world
At St Mary’s, learning is a journey of growth—shaped by faith, guided by excellence, and lived in community.