Welcome to the Year 5 class at Cornerstone Christian College.

The College takes great pleasure in introducing the class teacher, Miss Brittany Haythornthwaite. Brittany has spent the 2011 school year as an intern in a mentoring program, but to our delight, has returned to her school of origin – Cornerstone!  This former College student holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Edith Cowan University in Bunbury.  Her qualifications, partnered with her delightful and enthusiastic manner,  and her love of the College,  uniquely qualify her for her work at Cornerstone.

Brittany thoroughly enjoys so many aspects of her life in the classroom.  She communicates beautifully her love for her chosen career, and said the following:

‘I just love being around children, they bring me such joy. I love that they always have a story to share with me about their life. I really enjoy forming strong relationships with my students and being able to care for them and provide a safe and loving environment for them to learn in. I love being able to encourage them to be the best person that they can be.’

Brittany particularly enjoys when her students grasp a concept she has been teaching.  ‘I love the confidence that students receive when they can be successful in their work’, she said.

Brittany’s personality is so enthusiastic and delightful, and she has quickly become a popular and well-loved member of the teaching team.  She may be a  new-comer to the other side of a Cornerstone education, but Brittany has a wonderful grasp of the importance of engaging with her students and being concerned about them as unique individuals. ‘ I believe that one of the most important aspects of teaching is building a supportive classroom environment. My aim is that every student in my class will always feel loved, encouraged and important. I believe that being positive and having a good laugh is extremely important for children, so I encourage students to see the positive side of situations’, she continued.

The relationships Brittany will develop within the classroom are extremely important to her.  She loves it when students passionately share with her about learning they are voluntarily doing at home, and having students who are hungry to learn.  She also enjoys seeing students showing care and encouragement to each other.

As with all year groups, the Year 5 class operates within the guidelines of the Curriculum Framework which identifies a number of outcomes which children should demonstrate. Additionally, all students can access the Overdrive Program if extension work is deemed appropriate. Alternatively, the expertise of the Leaning Support Centre is available to assist individual students when necessary.

Year Five is a year of growth where students become more independent and self motivated in their approach to their schooling. Brittany believes that students learn best when they are engaged, and works hard to ensure that each student’s learning styles are catered for.  She endeavours to include both cooperative group work and independent work into her lessons to cater for the different intelligences.  ‘I try to make my lessons purposeful and explain the relevance to my students’, she said.

In conclusion, what can you expect from your child being in the safe hands of Miss Haythornthwaite?  Brittany shared the following outcomes she desires for each of her students;

·         That my students will know that they are each unique and extremely special and that they will feel comfortable to just be themselves.

·         That they will each be encourage to strive to be the best person they can be, and also to work hard to get the best academic results that they can.

·         That each of them will be active members in their local community and find pleasure in serving others.

·         That they will each treat the people around them with love and respect.

·         That they will be passionate about life and realise that they can make a positive change in their world.

·         That they learn that if they work hard now, they will reap the benefits later.

We are absolutely delighted that a young, enthusiastic and passionate educator like Brittany has elected to return to Cornerstone.  She is back home, and will make your child feel that way as well.