Reflections on the Semester 1 Professional Learning Celebration
On Wednesday, 28 May, Salesian College hosted its Semester 1 Professional Learning Celebration – a vibrant and collegial event that marked the culmination of this semester’s Professional Growth Cycle. Held across the College’s auditorium, classrooms, and staff spaces, the afternoon brought together teaching and support staff to reflect on and share the fruits of their professional inquiry and development.
The Professional Growth Cycle invites all staff to engage deeply in an area of professional interest – ranging from High Impact Teaching Strategies and Data Literacy to emerging areas like Using AI in the Classroom. Staff begin the cycle by identifying an area for growth, reviewing relevant literature, and developing a targeted goal and strategy for building their expertise. Supported by trusted peers and critical friends, many staff participate in classroom observations and feedback conversations, fostering a collaborative culture of trust and reflective practice.
This semester’s celebration began with presentations in the auditorium, showcasing the richness and diversity of our collective learning. From fostering student agency to rethinking assessment design, staff highlighted how theory and practice have been meaningfully aligned to improve student outcomes.
Following this, staff participated in a gallery walk through displays of professional learning posters – each one a visual narrative of inquiry, trial, feedback, and reflection. Workshops running concurrently in classrooms offered live glimpses into new strategies in action, allowing colleagues to learn from one another in real time.
The afternoon served not just as a celebration of individual and collective professional growth, but as a powerful reminder of the strength of a community that learns together. We thank all who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to this cycle and to the Celebration event itself. The work on display exemplified the reflective, research-informed, and mission-aligned professionalism that makes Salesian College Chadstone a learning community in the truest sense.
