Newsletter - 5th September 2025

I had hoped that your students in Years 7–12 might have shared some insights into what’s been happening in their classrooms this term. But then I remembered that extracting information from teenagers can sometimes feel like trying to squeeze juice from a brick. So, in case your dinner table conversations have been light on school info, here’s a quick update of the progress we’ve made in implementing the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework at St John’s. 

This year, our focus is on Tier One implementation, which is the foundation of MTSS. Tier One strategies are evidence-based practices designed to support all students. When implemented effectively, these strategies should enable at least 80% of students to thrive without the need for additional interventions. It’s about creating consistent, high-quality learning environments where every student can succeed. 

Where Did We Begin? 

During Term Two, our school underwent the School Renewal and Improvement Process (SRIP), led by the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. One key finding was the lack of consistency in classroom practices and expectations, particularly across classes in Years 7-10. So, that’s where we started. 

On the first pupil-free day of Term Three, our staff came together to establish a shared understanding of the essential tools and routines for teaching at St John’s. Routines like how we enter and exit classrooms, how we begin lessons, how we capture student attention, etc. While these routines are tailored to suit different age groups, the core expectations remain consistent. The goal is simple - get students engaged quickly and maintain a productive classroom throughout the lesson. 

Already, we’re seeing positive results. The consistent application of these routines has led to a noticeable reduction in low-level disruptive behaviours, helping teachers and students make the most of every learning moment. 

Some elements of Tier One were already well established. For example, our school values are clearly defined and widely known by staff and students. We’ve also begun reviewing our practices to ensure they are culturally responsive, and we will work closely with our EALD and First Nations families to further strengthen this area. 

What’s Next? 

We’re currently developing a P–12 Student Expectations Matrix, which aligns with our school values and outlines the behaviours we expect in various settings. These expectations are positively worded. For example, in the classroom, students demonstrate the value of compassion by meeting the expectation: 
“We support and include our peers.” 

These expectations will be explicitly taught and modelled to students in 2026, ensuring that every student understands what it means to be part of the St John’s community. 

In parallel, we’ve also created a Staff Expectations Matrix, which outlines how our staff embody our school values in their daily interactions and professional practice. These matrices are nearly complete, and I look forward to sharing them with you in an upcoming newsletter. 

The journey toward full implementation of MTSS is well underway, and we’ve made good progress. Thank you for your continued support.  

Cheers,

Mark