A Dedicated Daily Literacy Block Students engage in a comprehensive daily literacy block, with approximately two hours devoted to explicit reading and writing instruction. Our teaching follows an evidence-based approach using the I Do, We Do, You Do model, ensuring clear modelling, guided practice and independent application. Learning intentions and success criteria are shared and unpacked with students, strengthening clarity, confidence and student agency. Building Strong Readers In the early years, the focus is on learning to read through a systematic phonics approach, supported by programs such as Get Reading Right, which build strong foundations in decoding, fluency and spelling. As students move through the school, the emphasis shifts to reading to learn. Students develop deeper comprehension skills, including predicting, making connections, visualising and summarising. Contemporary online tools such as STARS and CARS further enhance engagement and support individual growth in comprehension. Writing with Purpose and Voice Writing at St Mary’s is engaging, creative and purposeful. Students explore a range of text types including narratives, persuasive texts, informative writing and poetry. Teachers explicitly teach vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure, equipping students with the tools to express their ideas clearly and confidently. Students are encouraged to develop their voice, reflect on feedback and take ownership of their growth as writers. Differentiated and Responsive Teaching Our literacy program is data-informed and responsive to student needs. Through differentiated instruction, small group teaching and targeted WIN sessions, teachers provide tailored support or extension to ensure every learner is appropriately challenged. Contemporary resources and thoughtful use of technology further personalise learning pathways. The Power of Oral Language Strong oral language underpins success in literacy. Speaking and listening skills are intentionally developed across all year levels, helping students organise their thinking, articulate ideas clearly and engage confidently in discussion and collaborative learning.

At St Mary's Primary School Swan Hill, inquiry is used as a powerful approach to teaching and learning that encourages students to explore real questions, problems, and ideas in depth. Rather than simply memorising facts, students are guided to think critically, investigate meaningfully and construct their own understandings about the world around them. Inquiry learning at St Mary’s is built around big ideas that help students make sense of significant concepts. Teachers use structured inquiry cycles to guide students through learning that moves from the familiar to the unknown. Throughout each unit of study, students engage in purposeful questioning, research, investigation and reflection — culminating in rich outcomes that demonstrate deep understanding. This approach incorporates essential thinking and transferable skills such as problem-solving, analysis, creativity and communication. Teachers also deliberately integrate opportunities for students to show their learning through a variety of summative tasks and real-world applications. At its heart, inquiry learning at St Mary’s fosters curiosity, independence and student agency, enabling learners to pursue questions that matter to them while developing the skills that will support lifelong learning.

At St Mary’s, Mathematics is an essential part of the curriculum and is taught through structured, explicit and engaging lessons designed to build strong numeracy foundations for all students. Teachers plan learning that develops key mathematical understandings, skills and confidence, with a focus on problem-solving, reasoning and fluency. Assessment, including regular check-ins and module reviews informs future instruction and supports targeted learning for each student at their point of need. Mathematics is taught daily across all year levels, with teachers dedicating time to explicit numeracy instruction. Using the Stepping Stones Program, lessons typically begin with a mental mathematics component to strengthen number sense, followed by a main lesson where clear learning intentions are articulated, new concepts are introduced, and students practise skills at their own level.  Focus on Problem Solving Problem-solving skills are developed systematically through tasks that connect mathematics to real-life contexts. This helps students apply their learning to authentic situations and build confidence in using mathematics creatively and critically.

At St Mary’s Primary School, our specialist programs bring energy, creativity and excitement to the school week. These subjects enrich our core curriculum and give students the opportunity to discover new interests, develop hidden talents and build confidence in a wide range of areas. Specialist Programs From Foundation to Year 6, students participate in weekly specialist classes designed to broaden their skills and spark curiosity. Italian introduces students to language and culture in interactive and engaging ways, fostering an appreciation for global perspectives. Visual Arts encourages creativity and self-expression while building skills across a range of media. Students explore artistic techniques, develop their own style and gain an understanding of art history. Performing Arts and Music provide opportunities for students to sing, play instruments, participate in choir, explore drama and build confidence through performance. Physical Education promotes fitness, coordination and teamwork, helping students develop healthy habits and a positive attitude towards physical activity. STEM learning integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in hands-on, inquiry-based ways that inspire curiosity and problem-solving, encouraging students to explore how the world works.

At St Mary’s Primary School in Swan Hill, the approach to student learning is built on the philosophy that "Every Child Matters, Every Day." Intervention and extension are integrated through a school-wide framework known as Response to Intervention (RtI). Intervention: Additional Support (RtI) The school uses the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework to ensure all students receive the specific level of help they need to succeed. This model is generally structured into three tiers: (Universal): High-quality, evidence-based classroom instruction provided to all students. Teachers differentiate their teaching to meet the diverse needs within a single classroom. (Targeted): Small-group, targeted support for students who require additional practice or more explicit instruction in specific areas, particularly in Literacy and Numeracy. (Intensive): Individualized, intensive one-on-one support for students who need more focused intervention beyond what is provided in Tiers 1 and 2. Extension and Enrichment For students who are ready to move beyond the core curriculum, teachers provide opportunities to challenge and deepen their learning. Key Philosophy Emphasis on teaching children at their ‘point of need’. This data-driven approach means the school regularly monitors student progress to move them fluidly between different levels of support or extension as their skills develop.

Religious Education is a foundational element of life at St Mary’s. As a Catholic school grounded in the Josephite tradition of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph, our faith shapes our daily interactions, values and learning. We are proud of our Catholic identity and the strong spiritual foundation it provides for our students. Religious Education Curriculum Our Religious Education program is guided by the Awakenings framework, which invites students to hear, experience and witness the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Through meaningful learning experiences, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of faith, values and their relationship with God and others. Prayer Prayer is woven into the rhythm of each school day. Every classroom has a dedicated prayer table with symbols and resources that reflect the liturgical season, creating reverent and reflective spaces for students. Faith in Action and Community Our Sacramental Program is family-centred and parish-based, supporting students in preparing for Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation in partnership with our Parish community. Students participate in regular school and level liturgies, with each class rostered to help prepare and attend these throughout the year. Families are warmly invited to share in these celebrations. Catholic Social Teaching is central to our curriculum. Students learn to recognise the dignity of every person and to care for those most vulnerable. This commitment is lived out through practical action, including student involvement in community initiatives connecting Gospel values to real-world service. Inclusivity and Respect While St Mary’s is proudly Catholic, we are also a welcoming and inclusive community. We value and respect students and families from all faith backgrounds and cultural traditions. Our school is enriched by this diversity, and we are committed to fostering understanding, respect and belonging for every member of our community. Social Justice Social justice is a core value at St Mary’s and is embedded in both our curriculum and daily life. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, we encourage students to move beyond charity towards a deeper understanding of responsibility, fairness and justice, empowering them to make a positive difference in the world.