Effective Professional Learning enables educators to develop their skills to effectively meet the needs of their students. Ongoing professional learning for staff is an essential aspect of work at Williamstown High School. A range of Professional Learning activities are available to staff that meet the needs of individuals and teams and are complimentary to the WHS Whole School Priorities and the requirements of the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
All staff are able to access onsite professional learning at WHS via Curriculum Days, Professional Learning Communities, Professional Learning Week (termly) and the regular meeting structure. Staff are able to apply for external Professional Learning throughout each year.
New staff undertake an extensive induction program that supports them into the school and enables them to perform their duties to the highest standards.
Graduate Teachers are welcomed into the profession via an assigned experienced member of staff that acts as a mentor to guide them through the first year of their careers. They are supported through the VIT registration process in moving from provisionally registered to fully registered teacher status.
Currently Williamstown High School has a major focus on the development of staff capacity in Developmental Rubric writing and use, Growth Ladders, School Wide Positive Behaviour Support and Professional Learning Communities. Collaborative practice is a key factor for staff at Williamstown High School and the Professional Learning Program aims to provide opportunity for teachers to regularly meet, work and learn together.
Daniel Pearce
Assistant Principal – Strategic