At Iona Presentation College, professional learning is intentionally designed to support staff growth at every stage of their career. Through a cohesive and structured framework, we ensure our staff are supported, challenged and empowered to continually grow in their professional practice and leadership capacity.
Our approach brings together whole-College formation, collaborative learning, leadership development and personalised professional learning, all aligned to the College’s Vision for Learning and Strategic Directions.
College-Wide Professional Learning
Each year, the College designs a comprehensive Professional Learning program that responds to strategic priorities, staff feedback, system requirements and contemporary educational research.
Whole Staff Professional Learning Days
- Across a series of Professional Learning Days throughout the year, all staff engage in shared learning experiences focused on pedagogy, wellbeing, leadership and faith formation. These days provide a balance of keynote input, practical workshops, professional reflection and action planning, ensuring learning is meaningful and applied within everyday practice.
K-12 Professional Learning Meetings
- Twilight Professional Learning meetings are held during the year to strengthen alignment across the College. These sessions support a united Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on curriculum coherence, data-informed improvement, pastoral care and whole-school priorities.
Collaborative and Embedded Professional Learning
At Iona, we believe the most powerful professional growth occurs through authentic, collaborative and ongoing learning.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Staff participate in regular Professional Learning Communities where teams collaborate to inquire into practice, analyse student learning, trial evidence-based strategies and reflect on impact. PLCs operate across both the Junior and Senior Schools and are central to continuous improvement.
Instructional Coaching and Peer Observation
- Teachers are supported through strengths-based instructional coaching and structured peer observation cycles. These non-evaluative processes encourage reflective practice, shared accountability and the celebration of teaching excellence, all aligned with the College’s Vision for Learning.
Role-Specific and Individual Professional Learning
Professional learning at Iona recognises the diverse roles, responsibilities and pathways within our community. Targeted opportunities are provided to support staff to thrive in their current role and prepare for future growth, including:
- Early Career Teachers through structured induction, mentoring and accreditation support
- Classroom Teachers through learning focused on pedagogy, curriculum, wellbeing and digital innovation
- Middle Leaders through development in leading teams, coaching practice and translating strategy into action
- Support Staff through role-specific training, systems capability and service excellence
Staff are also supported to pursue individual professional learning aligned to their role, interests and professional goals.
Leadership Development
Iona is committed to growing leaders who serve with humility, clarity and courage, grounded in the Presentation charism. Leadership development opportunities support staff who are aspiring to leadership, developing leadership capability within their role, or leading teams and initiatives across the College.
Leadership learning focuses on building strategic thinking, relational leadership, coaching skills and the capacity to lead positive and sustainable change. Succession planning is embedded within this framework to support future leadership readiness.
Middle Leaders Development
As a united Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 College, Middle Leaders play a critical role in shaping culture and practice. Targeted Professional Learning supports Middle Leaders to lead high-performing teams, embed the Vision for Learning, use data effectively and contribute to whole-school improvement initiatives.
Catholic Formation, Accreditation and Compliance
Professional learning at Iona is grounded in Catholic identity and faith formation. Staff engage in ongoing formation opportunities, accreditation renewal and mandatory training in line with Catholic Education Western Australia requirements. This ensures staff are well supported to uphold the values, responsibilities and professional standards of Catholic education.
External Professional Learning
The College actively supports staff participation in high-quality external professional learning opportunities, including CEWA programs, conferences, specialist workshops and professional networks. External learning is strategically aligned to College priorities and shared back into the community to maximise collective impact.