The Learning Doctor
Serving neurodiverse students and fostering creative connections on the Central Coast.
Melanie McDonald
Melanie McDonald, an Australian educator and artist, brings a rich background across all education sectors, from early childhood and primary to secondary, vocational, tertiary, private tutoring, environmental, and art education. Committed to fostering meaningful growth in diverse learning environments, Melanie is dedicated to championing strength-based support for neurodiverse students during their compulsory schooling years, helping them navigate challenges and unlock their true potential.
In the realm of fine arts, Melanie's doctoral thesis themes continue to shape her creative practice. Her research into critical realism, metaReality, and flow experience explores how these concepts help us understand the processes of both making art and learning new things, leading to profound personal and creative fulfillment.
Join Melanie on an adventure where education, research, and the arts converge, creating an empowering and inclusive future. Discover how Melanie's unique blend of expertise and passion can inspire and transform your learning journey.
In the realm of fine arts, Melanie's doctoral thesis themes continue to shape her creative practice. Her research into critical realism, metaReality, and flow experience explores how these concepts help us understand the processes of both making art and learning new things, leading to profound personal and creative fulfillment.
Join Melanie on an adventure where education, research, and the arts converge, creating an empowering and inclusive future. Discover how Melanie's unique blend of expertise and passion can inspire and transform your learning journey.
Literacy Instruction
At The Learning Doctor, we are dedicated to helping students master the written word through comprehensive, personalised tutoring services. Led by Melanie McDonald, our business director and lead educator, we employ evidence-based methods such as diagnostic testing, targeted instruction, explicit teaching, direct instruction, guided practice, immediate feedback, and structured word inquiry to ensure effective learning.
Understanding that motivation is crucial for learners who struggle, Melanie combines her professional expertise with personal experience as a mother of twice-exceptional children with specific learning difficulties. This unique perspective allows her to use a variety of teaching strategies to keep students engaged and inspired.
By creating individualised learning plans, The Learning Doctor helps each student improve their literacy skills, build confidence, and achieve academic success. Our mission is to empower students to become confident, capable writers, ready to excel in their academic journeys and beyond.
Understanding that motivation is crucial for learners who struggle, Melanie combines her professional expertise with personal experience as a mother of twice-exceptional children with specific learning difficulties. This unique perspective allows her to use a variety of teaching strategies to keep students engaged and inspired.
By creating individualised learning plans, The Learning Doctor helps each student improve their literacy skills, build confidence, and achieve academic success. Our mission is to empower students to become confident, capable writers, ready to excel in their academic journeys and beyond.
Reading Focus
Tuition with a focus on reading provides personalised support for students of all ages and abilities.
Melanie uses evidence-based strategies to improve reading skills, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, as well as confidence, ensuring each student reaches their full potential.
Melanie uses evidence-based strategies to improve reading skills, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, as well as confidence, ensuring each student reaches their full potential.
Spelling Focus
Tuition with a focus on spelling reveals the logic behind word formation, enhancing student's spelling skills and vocabulary in a meaningful and engaging way.
For students needing intensive phonic-based spelling instruction, Melanie uses a direct instruction program called Spelling Mastery.
For students who are motivated by understanding the meaning of words, Melanie uses a Structured Word Inquiry approach to reveal the relationship between word meaning and spelling patterns.
For students needing intensive phonic-based spelling instruction, Melanie uses a direct instruction program called Spelling Mastery.
For students who are motivated by understanding the meaning of words, Melanie uses a Structured Word Inquiry approach to reveal the relationship between word meaning and spelling patterns.
Writing Focus
Tuition with a focus on writing unpacks the structure of powerful sentences.
Enhance your writing skills by mastering syntax and punctuation, allowing you to craft clear sentences that effectively communicate your ideas.
The Learning Doctor incorporates the proven methods of William van Cleave and The Writing Revolution to elevate student's writing abilities.
Enhance your writing skills by mastering syntax and punctuation, allowing you to craft clear sentences that effectively communicate your ideas.
The Learning Doctor incorporates the proven methods of William van Cleave and The Writing Revolution to elevate student's writing abilities.
Central Coast Postcard Show
Call for Art - Perspectives of Brisbane Water
Friday 1 November 2024
The Central Coast Postcard Show invites artists of all backgrounds to participate in an exhibition celebrating postcard-sized artworks. This call for art aims to foster creativity, community engagement, and artistic expression, as artists respond to the theme "Perspectives of Brisbane Water."
Submission Guidelines:
• Size: Postcard-sized (approx. 210 x 150 mm – up to 50 mm deep if 3D)
• Medium: All media welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramics, fibre art, and mixed media.
Share your perspectives of Brisbane Water and join our community celebration!
How to Submit:
1. Complete the entry form
2. Deliver or post your submission before 1 November 2024:
Central Coast Postcard Show
c/- The Learning Doctor
8 Priestley Parade, Point Clare NSW 2250
The Central Coast Postcard Show invites artists of all backgrounds to participate in an exhibition celebrating postcard-sized artworks. This call for art aims to foster creativity, community engagement, and artistic expression, as artists respond to the theme "Perspectives of Brisbane Water."
Submission Guidelines:
• Size: Postcard-sized (approx. 210 x 150 mm – up to 50 mm deep if 3D)
• Medium: All media welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramics, fibre art, and mixed media.
Share your perspectives of Brisbane Water and join our community celebration!
How to Submit:
1. Complete the entry form
2. Deliver or post your submission before 1 November 2024:
Central Coast Postcard Show
c/- The Learning Doctor
8 Priestley Parade, Point Clare NSW 2250
Art Exhibition
8-16 November 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
The Central Coast Postcard Show Art Exhibition is a celebration of creativity, community, and the diverse artistic talents of our region. This unique event showcases postcard-sized artworks that capture the theme "Perspectives of Brisbane Water," offering a platform for both local and visiting artists to express their unique visions and connect with a wider audience.
More than just an art exhibition, the Central Coast Postcard Show Art Exhibition brings people together, fosters artistic growth, and celebrates the unique perspectives of Brisbane Water.
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, this exhibition is a must-visit for anyone passionate about art and community.
Discover the beauty of postcard-sized art and be inspired by the creative expressions of our talented artists.
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
The Central Coast Postcard Show Art Exhibition is a celebration of creativity, community, and the diverse artistic talents of our region. This unique event showcases postcard-sized artworks that capture the theme "Perspectives of Brisbane Water," offering a platform for both local and visiting artists to express their unique visions and connect with a wider audience.
More than just an art exhibition, the Central Coast Postcard Show Art Exhibition brings people together, fosters artistic growth, and celebrates the unique perspectives of Brisbane Water.
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, this exhibition is a must-visit for anyone passionate about art and community.
Discover the beauty of postcard-sized art and be inspired by the creative expressions of our talented artists.
Art Workshops
8-16 November 2024
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
Join us for an inspiring series of art workshops at the Central Coast Postcard Show! These hands-on sessions are designed to ignite creativity, foster artistic skills, and provide a deeper connection to the theme "Perspectives of Brisbane Water." Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, our workshops offer something for everyone.
Friday 8 November
• 10:30 AM: Gel Printing with Jo Stanes
Saturday 9 November
• 10:30 AM: Ceramic Tile with Bindi Whight
• 1:30 PM: Plein Air Oil Painting with Jessica Ashton
Sunday 10 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
• 1:30 PM: Ceramic Sculpture with Melinda Arnold
Monday 11 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Tuesday 12 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Wednesday 13 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Thursday 14 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Friday 15 November
• 10:30 AM: Gel Printiing with Jo Stanes
Saturday 16 November
• 10:30 AM: Creative Writing with Alice Yun Chan
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, these workshops are not to be missed.
Immerse yourself in the creative process, learn new techniques, and contribute to the vibrant artistic community of the Central Coast.
Sign up here: booking link to be confirmed
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
Join us for an inspiring series of art workshops at the Central Coast Postcard Show! These hands-on sessions are designed to ignite creativity, foster artistic skills, and provide a deeper connection to the theme "Perspectives of Brisbane Water." Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, our workshops offer something for everyone.
Friday 8 November
• 10:30 AM: Gel Printing with Jo Stanes
Saturday 9 November
• 10:30 AM: Ceramic Tile with Bindi Whight
• 1:30 PM: Plein Air Oil Painting with Jessica Ashton
Sunday 10 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
• 1:30 PM: Ceramic Sculpture with Melinda Arnold
Monday 11 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Tuesday 12 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Wednesday 13 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Thursday 14 November
• 10:30 AM: To be confirmed
Friday 15 November
• 10:30 AM: Gel Printiing with Jo Stanes
Saturday 16 November
• 10:30 AM: Creative Writing with Alice Yun Chan
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, these workshops are not to be missed.
Immerse yourself in the creative process, learn new techniques, and contribute to the vibrant artistic community of the Central Coast.
Sign up here: booking link to be confirmed
Celebration
Saturday 16 November 2024
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
Join us for the grand finale of the Central Coast Postcard Show! This celebration marks the culmination of an evolving exhibition that has grown with each workshop, showcasing the creativity and engagement of our community.
Event Highlights:
• Closing ceremony
• Exhibition viewing
• Artist Meet and greet
• Music and refreshments
The Central Coast Postcard Show Celebration is a community gathering that brings people together to appreciate the arts, share experiences, and create lasting memories.
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, this celebration is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.
Don't miss this special afternoon—mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable celebration of art and community!
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
Join us for the grand finale of the Central Coast Postcard Show! This celebration marks the culmination of an evolving exhibition that has grown with each workshop, showcasing the creativity and engagement of our community.
Event Highlights:
• Closing ceremony
• Exhibition viewing
• Artist Meet and greet
• Music and refreshments
The Central Coast Postcard Show Celebration is a community gathering that brings people together to appreciate the arts, share experiences, and create lasting memories.
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, this celebration is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.
Don't miss this special afternoon—mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable celebration of art and community!
Postcard Fair
Sunday 17 November 2024
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
Step into a vibrant marketplace of creativity and community at the Central Coast Postcard Fair, the final act in the Central Coast Postcard Show. This lively event brings together artists, art enthusiasts, and community members to celebrate the joy of postcard-sized artworks in an engaging and interactive setting.
Why Attend?
• Discover and collect postcard-sized art
• Engage with artists
• Take home a souvenir postcard of Brisbane Water
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, the Central Coast Postcard Fair is a celebration of creativity, community, and connection.
Mark your calendar and join us for a day of artistic discovery and community spirit at the Central Coast Postcard Fair.
We can't wait to see you there!
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Woy Woy Environment Hall,
267 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy
Step into a vibrant marketplace of creativity and community at the Central Coast Postcard Fair, the final act in the Central Coast Postcard Show. This lively event brings together artists, art enthusiasts, and community members to celebrate the joy of postcard-sized artworks in an engaging and interactive setting.
Why Attend?
• Discover and collect postcard-sized art
• Engage with artists
• Take home a souvenir postcard of Brisbane Water
Coordinated by The Learning Doctor and proudly supported by the Central Coast Council, the Central Coast Postcard Fair is a celebration of creativity, community, and connection.
Mark your calendar and join us for a day of artistic discovery and community spirit at the Central Coast Postcard Fair.
We can't wait to see you there!
Meet the Team
The Learning Doctor is eternally grateful for the assistance of a creative dedicated team who assist in making the Central Coast Postcard Show possible.
Melanie McDonald
As the business director and lead educator of The Learning Doctor, Melanie brings her extensive background in education and the arts to guide the vision and execution of the Central Coast Postcard Show.
Erica Peach
Erica, our seasoned events coordinator mentor, ensures the postcard show runs smoothly by guiding Melanie in logistics, vendor relations, and coordination.
Anita Allen
Anita, our marketing specialist, mentors Melanie in engaging with local businesses and the community, expanding the show's reach and engaging new participants.
Contact Us
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