Diverse Learning – Gemma Mahoney
Diverse Learning Update: Term 1, 2026
Welcome to the 2026 school year.
I would like to introduce myself, my name is Gemma Mahoney and I am excited to be leading the Diverse Learning Team at OLM this year. We are hitting the ground running with new initiatives designed to help every student reach her potential.
This year sees the launch of our Tier 2 Intervention Workshops for Literacy and Numeracy. These workshops provide intensive focus for the small percentage of students who require targeted support to bridge learning gaps. If your daughter fits the criteria for this program, we will be in touch with you shortly.
We are also enhancing our pastoral care with targeted HR Support for students needing help with organisation and anxiety, working closely with the Wellbeing team. Additionally, we will be meeting with students accessing examination provisions to clarify expectations and ensure they are ready for the assessment period.
Personalised Learning Plans (PLP) and Year 7 Consultation
Current Families: We have commenced the review of Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) from Term 4, 2025, and will continue contacting relevant families to ensure information is current.
Year 7 Families: Please note that you will be contacted specifically during Term 1 for consultation regarding your daughter’s needs.
Exam Provisions
We often receive queries regarding special provisions for examinations. It is important to note that provisions are granted on a strict case-by-case basis.
A diagnosis alone does not automatically guarantee exam provisions. Most importantly, a student must demonstrate that the functional impact of their condition is impeding their ability to access skills and information. Provisions are designed to remove this barrier, not to provide an advantage, and must be supported by evidence.
We will meet with all students receiving provisions early this term to outline the guidelines, expectations, and procedures.
To ensure support measures reflect current needs, provisions that are not actively accessed by the student may be discontinued
Year 7: Term 1, we use this transition period to gather baseline data, conduct observations, and meet with families to ensure Personal Learning Plans are accurately tailored to each student. Students will complete their in class tasks with their class teacher.
Free Parent Workshops
We believe support works best as a partnership between home and school. In Term 1, our staff are undertaking professional learning specifically on Dyslexia, Specific Learning Disorder and ADHD. We are pleased to offer you access to similar training.
OLT International offers two free online courses for parents
Click here to access these free parent courses
- Understanding Autism
- Understanding ADHD
Streamlined Communication Process
To ensure your daughter’s reports and updates are actioned efficiently, we have updated our communication channels for 2026.
If you are sending reports, medical updates, or general information, please email me directly:
To: kathy.swan@syd.catholic.edu.au
Please also CC the Learning Support Officer (LSO) for your daughter’s Stage:
| Year Group | Stage | Learning Support Officer | Email Contact |
| Year 7 & 8 | Stage 4 | Sophie Havers | sophie.havers@syd.catholic.edu.au |
| Year 9 & 10 | Stage 5 | Allison Dutton | allison.dutton@syd.catholic.edu.au |
| Year 11 & 12 | Stage 6 | Kathy Swan | kathy.swan@syd.catholic.edu.au |
I look forward to building a strong partnership with you and your daughter in 2026.
Kind regards,
Gemma Mahoney & Learning Support Team