The 2018 Learning Plus

With combined teaching experience of many decades, the Learning Plus Faculty provide expert support for students with learning challenges.

The Faculty’s objectives are to ensure the best possible support is provided to students and teachers to enhance students’ access to the curriculum and achieving their learning potential.

We are proud to be included on the Speech Pathology Australia website as a best practice school utilising the Response to Intervention model, which encompasses differentiating in the classroom, small group targeted provisions and from time to time consultancy with external providers such as Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists.

Meet the Faculty

Mrs Elka Gaensler, Head of Learning Plus

Qualifications: MEd Educational Leadership and Change Management (Monash University), MEd Learning Intervention (Melbourne Graduate School), currently in the last year of an MEd in Gifted Education (UNSW), BA (Monash University), Dip Ed Primary (Melbourne University), Certificate Early Childhood (Bundoora Campus).

Schools: Independent Co-educational schools in Melbourne and Sydney.

Positions Held at St Catherine’ School: Head of Learning Plus, Learning Plus teacher – Years 7 to 9, Facilitator for Future Problem Solving – Years 8 and 9, Year 7 Davis Form Teacher.

Just over 4 years ago, I made the shift from co-educational schools to St Catherine’s School. Working in a girls’ school has been very rewarding. I have watched our young women flourish and grow in an environment that supports their unique talents.

It is exciting to transfer my teaching experience and postgraduate studies into the classroom. I have always enjoyed being at the cutting edge of teaching. By applying evidence-based theories and practice, we know our students will be receiving the best support for their learning needs.

In Years 7 and 8, I work with the girls on consolidating their spelling, reading and writing skills. The Spaulding phonics program, Toe by Toe and Stride Ahead programs are included in our learning program. By utilising these programs, our girls build on the essential skills and strategies required for effective reading, spelling and writing. As student’s self-efficacy is always paramount, often making the difference between a confident learner and one who may flounder, we endeavour to encourage, nurture and support our girls in this area so they have the confidence to believe in themselves.

In Year 9, we work with the girls in their subject areas. It is so gratifying to see their skills transferred across the curriculum. I always enjoy observing their delight in each success they experience and the associated confidence it brings to them.

Mrs Melissa Braddy – Learning Plus teacher, Years 11 and 12

Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at Deakin University, Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) at Deakin University, Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Learning Disabilities) at University of Melbourne.

Schools: St Catherine’s School and Tudor Hall (UK).

Positions Held at St Catherine’s School: Head of Boarding, Dean of Years 11 and 12, Learning Plus-Education Support and Psychology Teacher.

My current roles at St Catherine’s School provide me with great satisfaction. It is a privilege to be teaching and supporting students while they are in their final years of schooling. To know that you can make a difference in a young person’s life is very heartening and satisfying. Every day is different and every day presents new challenges. I adore the young ladies that I teach and I am always looking for new strategies to help them access the VCE curriculum. This we achieve in consultation with their parents, teachers and consult with external providers such as Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists.

Mr Robert Harrod – Learning Plus teacher for Year 10

Qualifications: BA (Monash University) Dip Ed.

Schools: English Team Leader in State and Catholic Schools, VCE Assessor in Australian History.

Positions held at St Catherine’s School: Years 9 and 10 Humanities teacher, Years 11 and 12 History and Year 10 Learning Plus teacher.

The girls in Year 10 Language Support are determined and industrious young women who are trying to better themselves. They show commitment and energy in their attempts to understand how to deal with the individual problems they confront. They ask questions, seek confirmation of what they are undertaking and take ownership of their learning, they are quite inspiring.

As you can see our team is highly experienced and bring a wealth of skills and expert knowledge to the learning Plus Faculty, but more importantly to the students we simply love to teach.