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Keyword: Professional Learning

Professional Development Day with Natalie Wexler inspires change in writing and literacy education

Written by lenoxhill on . Posted in News.

Natalie Wexler presenting at the CECG and Think Forward Educators Professional Development Day.

On 7 November 2025, Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG), in partnership with Think Forward Educators, proudly hosted by St Mark MacKillop College Canberra for a professional development day dedicated to strengthening writing instruction and supporting student literacy.

CECG was delighted to welcome back renowned American education writer and literacy expert Natalie Wexler, who was joined by CECG’s Jessica Colleu Terradas CF, Senior Teaching & Learning Officer and Instructional Coach, and Think Forward Educator’s Jacinda Vaughan, Co-Chair.

Natalie delivered two insightful sessions:

  • The knowledge gap: What it is and how to narrow it​
  • How writing instruction can revolutionise education

Natalie advocated for schools to implement a content-rich curriculum from the early years. By systematically building students’ knowledge across a wide range of topics, schools can help all learners, including those who may not have access to the same background knowledge, develop the vocabulary and understanding necessary to become confident, capable readers and learners.

“Then they’ll be able to draw on that fund of knowledge that they have stored in long-term memory to read and to write about a range of topics,” she said.

Jessica Colleu Terradas CF, CECG’s Senior Teaching & Learning Officer and Instructional Coach with Natalie Wexler

Natalie also delivered a compelling case for transforming writing instruction to boost not only students’ writing skills but also their reading comprehension, analytical abilities, and overall learning. She said schools needed to be building students’ academic knowledge and vocabulary, beginning in the early grades with reading aloud and, through discussion, introducing them to topics, including history and science.

In addition to Natalie’s sessions, participants also benefited from Jessica Colleu Terradas’ expert guidance on supporting older struggling readers and Jacinda Vaughan’s practical strategies for developing reading fluency in the early years.

The sessions were followed by Q&A, where attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences, and seek practical advice directly from the presenters on implementing effective literacy and writing strategies in their own schools.

CECG would like to extend a thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this professional development day.

If you would like to stay informed on future events like this, follow CECG on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Catalyst’s approach to literacy.

S3|E6: Implementing HITP with St Mary’s War Memorial Primary School

Written by lenoxhill on .

In this episode St Mary’s War Memorial Primary School’s (West Wyalong) assistant principal, Nickey Harland, and classroom teachers, Bree Taylor and Carlie Iverach chat about High Impact Teaching Practices (HITP).

Nickey will unpack for us:

  • Insights from HITP implementation and how to keep momentum.
  • How to embed HITP in daily school life, both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Coaching and Supporting Others
  • The implementation of three Direct Instruction programs – Connecting Maths Concepts, Spelling Mastery and Reading Mastery, includinghow this change was communicated with parents

Bree and Carlie individually discuss how they implement HITP throughout their day and what this looks like, providing plenty of actionable examples that can be applied to your classroom. You’ll also hear how this sounds in their classroom, with snippets from their lessons.

Observing Catalyst in Action: A Visit from Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Schools Network

Written by lenoxhill on . Posted in News.

Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) had the privilege of hosting 24 leaders from the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Schools Network.

Among the visiting delegates were Director – Education Strategy & Performance QLD/ACT, Peter Fullagar, staff from St Edmund’s College Canberra, as well as Principals and Assistant Principals from Queensland Colleges.

Over three days, the group visited four CECG Primary and two CECG Secondary Colleges. Here, they had the opportunity to step into classrooms where they observed High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP) and engaged in rich conversations with teachers and school leaders. The key focus of the visit was to see the impact of Catalyst and witness Explicit Instruction in action. This was supported by opportunities to learn about the change management strategies that support the system’s successful implementation across CECG classrooms.

Visitors observed teaching practices and heard firsthand accounts of how this evidence-based approach are driving improved student outcomes. CECG teachers and leaders shared both the successes and challenges of their journey implementing Catalyst, offering a transparent and authentic look at school improvement in progress.

Jessica Colleu Terradas CF, Senior Teaching & Learning Officer, Literacy and Instructional Coach of CECG reflected on the visits, saying, “it was energising to see how much we can learn from each other when schools open their doors and share their journey, challenges and all. Collaboration like this keeps the momentum for change moving forward,”

Delegates spoke highly of their experience, noting the consistent approach to teaching and learning across the schools. They also commented on the high levels of student engagement and that there was a clear sense of purpose articulated by staff. Many remarked on the evident passion and conviction with which educators described the positive impact of Catalyst on both their teacher practice and student learning.

See more Catalyst in the classroom

Showcasing Catalyst: Welcoming Catholic Education New Zealand

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Last week, Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) had the pleasure of welcoming 30 school leaders and teachers from New Zealand who travelled to engage in three dynamic days of learning and classroom observations of High Impact Teaching Practice (HITP), leadership discussions and exploring how Catalyst has been implemented across our 56 schools.

The visit commenced with a welcome presentation on Catalyst, CECG’s teaching and learning approach, offering insights into implementation across our schools and the impact it has had on leaders, teachers and students.

Over the following days, the group visited a range of classrooms where they observed HITP in action. Each day concluded with leadership discussions and a reflective debrief session, which gave our teachers the opportunity to share their experiences. Here, they discussed any changes to their practice, including the key enablers, the challenges encountered, and the barriers overcome along the way. These reflections underscore CECG’s commitment to teaching and learning, continuing to build a culture of improvement, support, and continuous refinement in teacher practice.

“[The visitors] all shared how positively [teachers] spoke about the system support that has been provided to schools, and they heard from teachers at break times in their informal conversations with them about the positive impact Catalyst has had on their teaching and on student learning.”
Patrick Ellis, Education Lead

One of the key takeaways, as noted by a visiting educator, was witnessing how teachers effectively responded to student needs through differentiated instruction and carefully scaffolded support.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the following schools that welcomed visitors into their classrooms and took time out of their busy schedules to share their practice –

  • Holy Spirit Primary School, Nicholls
  • Holy Family Primary School, Gowrie
  • St Joseph’s Primary School, O’Connor
  • St Mary MacKillop College, Wanniassa
  • Rosary Primary School, Watson
  • Merici College, Braddon
  • St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Kambah
  • St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt
  • St Vincent’s Primary, Aranda
  • Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo

“I can’t express enough how impressed our visitors were after visiting your schools. They were blown away by the leadership and the teaching practice they observed. They were buzzing as we debriefed at the end of each day in the office.”
Patrick Ellis, Education Lead

This visit reinforced the value of collaboration and a shared purpose within Catholic Education. Thank you to all who participated.

Learn more about our approach here.

View our school stories here.

Insights from Tom Bennett – how to create calm and supportive classroom environments to maximise learning

Written by lenoxhill on . Posted in News.

Last week, 148 educators from across the CECG system, including colleagues from Independent and Directorate schools, gathered for a valuable day of professional learning with international classroom behaviour expert Tom Bennett. 

A leading voice in evidence-based teaching, Tom draws on over a decade of classroom experience in London and his ongoing work supporting educators to create calm and effective learning environments. Since founding researchED, he has worked with educators across the world to develop research literacy and practical strategies for improving behaviour in the classroom. In recognition of his contributions to education, Tom was awarded an Order of the British Empire in 2022. 

His workshop, Running the Room, focused on the critical role that behaviour, culture and routines play in creating orderly and productive classrooms. His insights reflected much of Catalyst’s Bold Goal ‘High Impact Teaching Practice is visible in every classroom’ and further highlighted that effective classroom management is key to improving academic outcomes, student wellbeing and lifelong success.  

“Children thrive when we create clear expectations and teach the behaviours we want to see, just as we teach knowledge and skills.” 

Building a positive culture 

Tom reminded participants that every classroom is shaped by its culture, or the “how we do things around here.” He emphasised that teachers lead this work by –  

  • Setting strong norms: Establishing and reinforcing the behaviours that are expected and celebrated. 
  • Embedding consistent routines: Practicing key behaviours until they become automatic, helping students focus on learning. 
  • Building positive relationships: Holding high expectations and showing a genuine interest for every student.

Behaviour management 

Rather than reacting to misbehaviour, Tom emphasised the importance of explicitly teaching and practicing the behaviours we want to see. From how students enter a classroom to how they transition between activities, these routines provide the structure that supports learning. 

He also reinforced the role of consequences as feedback, helping students understand that their actions have meaning and impact. While intrinsic motivation is the goal, extrinsic support is often needed to build the habits that lead to lasting change. 

A shared commitment 

This professional learning session reinforced to our CECG attendees that behaviour is not a separate agenda but an essential part of effective teaching. By setting clear expectations, embedding consistent routines and nurturing strong relationships, we create the conditions for every student to learn, grow and succeed. 

Learn more about High Impact Teaching Practice or explore our Resources 

S3|E2 High Impact Instruction with Dr Greg Ashman

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In this episode, Greg Ashman talks about: 

  • Clarendon College’s consistent record of high academic achievement 
  • The role of homework and study methods in supporting student success 
  • Insights into Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction 
  • How Cognitive Load Theory can inform classroom practice 
  • ‘Differentiation or Differentiated Instruction’ 
  • His PhD research in Instructional Design 
  • Inquiry Learning

Greg is Deputy Principal at Ballarat Clarendon College in Victoria, and the author of three books, including The Power of Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction. He also writes a popular Substack newsletter, Filling the Pail. This conversation offers practical insights for educators keen to apply evidence-informed strategies and deepen their understanding of how students learn best. 

Catalyst Knowledge Pack 4.0

Written by lenoxhill on .

Explore a carefully compiled set of articles, podcasts, books, and resources to strengthen your knowledge of instructional coaching models and structures, guiding you toward the best approach for your school.