As part of Sydney Catholic Schools, we employ highly qualified and competent teachers who are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). To continuously improve our practice, teachers also work towards the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, from proficient teacher to lead teacher level.
The delivery of quality curriculum, pedagogy (teaching methods) and assessment is ensured by our system of schools through the provision of contemporary NESA accredited professional learning in a range of modes. Our Centres of Excellence offer online learning and external face-to-face courses, and timely, collaborative and relevant in-situ learning take place within the context of each classroom. Sydney Catholic Schools’ teachers are strongly committed to their ongoing learning, with many having completed, or are currently undertaking, postgraduate studies in areas related to curriculum, student wellbeing, special education, theology, pastoral care and leadership.
Holy Cross College Ryde is committed to providing an environment that encourages our staff in all their professional endeavours, and supports them in achieving a fulfilling and enjoyable career and growing as a learner and teacher.
As a Patrician school, we aspire to shape students to live the Gospel values of Love, Truth, Compassion, Justice and Hospitality. This is achieved through the spirituality and educational approach introduced by Daniel Delany, by seeing the face of Jesus Christ in everyone we encounter. Through the college’s professional learning program, each staff member is encouraged to pursue learning opportunities that are challenging, enriching, and inspiring, and directly enhance learning. Each of these learning opportunities link to our Annual Improvement plan to continually grow the college.
All staff have the opportunity to pursue learning, whether it be a course or conferences relevant to their field or learning from each other. A key aspect of our professional learning is to learn from each other. This is achieved through team teaching and Teach Meets where colleagues present best practice to share experiences and high yield strategies for implementation across the school. Staff are also encouraged to undertake mentoring roles for new staff members and practicum teachers. Formal postgraduate study or other study programs that relate to their profession and career goals are consistently encouraged.
As leaders in our learning our staff are challenged to be open and responsive to influences and like our students, are encouraged to be lifelong learners.