- The Department of Education
Transcription
- The Department of Education
Edition 11 – December 2009 Celebrating excellence in teaching Premier’s Teacher of the Year Page 5 Focus on the WA Education Awards P14-15 Two win WA Science Awards P17 WA shines in NEiTA Awards P5-13 Don’t risk being out pocket! Don’tofrisk being out of pocket! Teachers Health provides extensive cover fo Western Australian private hospitals. Teachers Health provides extensive cover for Western Australian private hospitals. When it comes comestotohealth health insurance, When it insurance, we’re thepick pickofofthe the pack. we’re the pack. WADET 0809 Visit www.teachershealth.com.au www.teachershealth.com.au Visit or call call 1300 1300 728 to find out more or 728188 188(EST) (EST) to find out more WADET 3 Contents Awards features From the Director General.................................................................4 Focus on WA Education Awards 2009....................................... 5–13 Mark the mad scientist.............................................................. 14–15 The world tunes in...........................................................................17 Cunderdin wins national training award again.............................18 News Vacswim looking for instructors.....................................................19 Children’s forest impresses Gillard..................................................19 Regulars Make a note......................................................................................18 Honour Roll.................................................................................20–21 School Matters is published monthly from February by the Department of Education for all staff. It is available on request to anyone interested in public education in Western Australia. It is also online at det.wa.edu.au/education/schoolmatters. Editorial Articles and suggestions for articles may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by telephone to 9264 4910 (Maria D’Agostino) or 9264 4239 (Len Horne). All submissions are subject to editing and there is no guarantee of inclusion in the next or subsequent editions of School Matters. Advertising Please telephone Faye McIntosh on 9381 7999 or email macwrite@ iinet.net.au for advertising rates and deadlines. The Department of Education does not endorse nor take responsibility for the accuracy of information or claims made in the advertisements carried in School Matters, including the PD Diary and Noticeboard. PD Diary, Noticeboard and Dates to Remember These are now online only. Go to http://apps.det.wa.edu.au/ smclassifieds/public/index.jsp to see what is on offer or to add events and diary items. All entries will be edited for space and style considerations. Entries to Noticeboard are restricted to Department staff with a current ID number. SCIS no. 981675 ISSN 1323-5710 Cover photo Julie Boston of John Curtin College of the Arts, this year’s Premier’s Teacher of the Year. Thank you A big thank you to our sponsors for the WA Education Awards 2009: Teachers Credit Union, Exxon Mobil and Edith Cowan University. Salary packaging School Matters carries a number of advertisements relating to salary packaging and novated leases. Readers who are staff of the Department should consult the Salary Packaging Information Guide on Our Policies and note that the Department has appointed two salary packaging providers: Maxxia Australia, and Selectus Employee Relations. Licenced for NEALS 4 From the Director General WELCOME to the final edition of School Matters for the year, an edition in which we celebrate excellence in public education. Congratulations to the winners of the WA Education Awards 2009, WA Science Awards, National Excellence in Teaching Awards (the NEiTA awards), and to a host of student and staff successes – all of them justly earning headlines in this magazine. Winners become ambassadors of public education, the exemplars to which others can aspire and from whom we can all learn. by the notes of thanks and online messages from parents. This is what I mean when I talk in Classroom First about every school being a good school, every teacher being an effective teacher, and every student being a successful student. Our award winners and finalists are the tip of the iceberg and are representative of the great things happening in our schools. We want all teachers to inspire in their students a love of learning. We want all students to leave school well prepared for their future. We want all schools to be well led and well run. Awards also bring our high quality teachers and excellent schools to the attention of the public. Last year’s WA Education Awards resulted in print and broadcast coverage to 1.6 million people. We even had Portuguese newspapers reporting on the Australian life of Portuguese born Rosinda Seara as the 2008 Premier’s Teacher of the Year. Every teacher, every leader, every staff member contributes to this strategy which is helping to build a strong public school system in Western Australia. There are many, many more people who perform excellent work day in and day out. They are acknowledged and valued by a student whose face lights up with a breakthrough of understanding, by appreciation from their principal or a colleague, and I wish you all a safe and relaxing time with your families during the holidays. For that, I and my executive team thank you all: those who win the big awards and those who gain the smaller rewards. SHARYN O’NEILL SAVE MONEY SALARY PACKAGE YOUR NEXT VEHICLE Mention you saw this advert prior to completing your initial contract and we’ll give you a $200 fuel voucher when your new vehicle is delivered. † To qualify for this offer you must mention this flyer to Fleet Network, prior to completion of your initial contract. The offer is subject to Fleet Network’s terms and conditions. Check our website for details. Fleet Network Pty Ltd D/L No. 20462 33 Action Road, Malaga WA 6090 WA Education Awards Julie Boston in her John Curtin College of the Arts classroom. Quality teaching means flexibility To make every teacher an effective teacher is one of the platforms of Classroom First. Maria D’Agostino talks with the WA Education Awards 2009 winning teachers and schools about strategies that work in and out of the classroom. Q uality teaching is about flexible lessons. That’s the view of Julie Boston, this year’s Premier’s Teacher of the Year. It’s a view echoed by her fellow finalists and by the leaders and teachers of all the schools winning literacy, numeracy and science school awards. There are common themes, too, to incorporate technology, involve parents, and respond to young people’s concerns and care for the environment. “We all learn differently so I create flexible lessons to tap into my students’ learning styles and individually tailor programs that meet their learning needs,” says Julie, who was a latecomer to teaching having first worked in human resources. Her potential as a teacher was quickly recognised when she graduated in 2003 and was awarded the Australian College of Education Award from Curtin University, which is given to the student who best fulfils The winners Premier’s Teacher of the Year Julie Boston, John Curtin College of the Arts WA Science School of the Year Sponsored by Exxon Mobil Ardross Primary School WA Numeracy School of the Year Sponsored by Teachers Credit Union Donnybrook District High School WA Literacy School of the Year Sponsored by Edith Cowan University Exmouth District High School 5 6 WA Education Awards the college’s expectations of academic and professional excellence. Last month, she was one of five WA winners of the National Excellence in Teaching Awards. “She creates a classroom environment that enables students to be creative and have input into their own learning,” says head of science Kim Rosenthal, adding that it is a technique that works equally well with all grades of student. As a science teacher and coordinator of the school’s academic extension program in maths, Julie uses technology extensively, in particular interactive whiteboards and data projectors to enhance lesson delivery and student engagement. “Most of our students are visual-spatial learners so we must use visual tools to deliver lesson content to ensure active engagement,” she says. Technology is also a strong motivator at Exmouth DHS, WA Literacy School of the Year. “Students are turned on by technology and we train our teachers in technology so they can get the best from their students,” says deputy principal Ian Fraser. Literacy is a whole of school priority with students continually assessed from when they first enter school. “Testing allows the teacher to gauge what stage students are at. Those with literacy difficulties are identified and no student is left behind,” Ian explains. plan lessons, work with struggling students and demonstrate effective literacy teaching methods to the classroom teacher.” The literacy leader identifies areas of weakness and develops resources to improve those weaknesses. The school also uses a tool called a mastery folder which contains words, letters, spelling and sounds, and students work with this folder until they have mastered it, giving them an opportunity to excel in an area that they may have had difficulty with previously. “Teachers do story writing exercises asking students to write their stories on the computer and then encourage the students to incorporate graphics and animation into their story,” says Ian. A common theme with all winners is to respond to young people’s concern for the environment. For Julie, it’s fundraising to adopt orangutans as one of several ecological projects within the college community planned and implemented by students. For principal Andy Holmes at Ardross PS, WA Science School of the Year, it’s aiming to get as close as possible to being a carbon neutral school so students can know what it means to really reduce their carbon footprint. As a Waterwise school, its water usage has reduced by 77,000 litres despite increased enrolments. Solar cells on the school roof have saved 20 per cent in energy costs. Worm farms produce fertiliser for use on the vegetable gardens and 4000 local species of plants have been nurtured in the school gardens with 1500 donated to Wheatbelt farms for planting as wind breaks. “Our teachers are tailoring programs so they are hands-on, real life “The literacy leader works alongside the classroom teacher to help Literacy is a whole of school priority at Exmouth DHS. WA Education Awards 7 and authentic for the whole school, from Kindergarten to Year 7,” says Andy. Parents like Bruce Ivers (left) get involved with science projects at Ardross PS. “Students aren’t just being waterwise at school but they are going home and preaching sound environmental practice to their families.” A similar whole school approach has helped Donnybrook DHS become WA Numeracy School of the Year. “Maths has had a makeover and it is far more hands-on and fun than ever before,” said deputy principal Martin Spykers. “We have moved away from the traditional way of teaching numeracy. We are taking a risk and making sure that students understand the key concepts before moving on. This takes patience from teachers but greatly improves outcomes for students. “We know that maths is more than just algorithms. We teach numeracy skills through games and physical interaction. Students can Congratulations to the WA Education Awards finalists and winners. We recognise the value in rewarding teachers who are committed to significantly improving student achievement in numeracy. We are proud sponsors of the WA Numeracy School of the Year award. To find out how we reward education community go to teacherscreditunion.com.au rewarding you Teachers Credit Union, a trading division of NSW Teachers Credit Union Ltd. ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL No 238981. A21870911 8 WA Education Awards add with objects, in their head, on paper and verbally. Students are able to demonstrate their understanding in more than one way. “’I can’t’ isn’t an answer any more and when students can demonstrate their understanding they feel more confident. When they feel more confident learning becomes fun not scary.” Numeracy is much more fun now at Donnybrook DHS. Ardross PS teacher Auriol Heary encourages critical thinking in her science programs. Both Donnybrook DHS and Exmouth DHS place great emphasis on involving parents in the education of their children. There are workshops to help parents understand numeracy concepts and take part in classroom lessons, and teachers work closely with parents to help with reading at home. “Maths has had a makeover and it is far more hands-on and fun than ever before.” At John Curtin College, Julie conducted a parent survey, the results of which contributed to the planning, development and management of the academic extension courses. Making a difference in the community as well as in the school, Julie has set up a Roots and Shoots club which is part of a global network run by the Jane Goodall Institute aimed at environmental and humanitarian education. Always challenging the boundaries, Julie says achieving Level 3 Classroom Teacher status this year was a highlight of her career. “It has only served to enhance my desire to keep on searching for the best way of teaching and incorporating them in my own teaching as well as helping to promote them to my peers,” she says. WA Education Awards The winners WA Principal of the Year Carolyn Cook, Hedland Senior High School WA Support Staff Member of the Year Geoff Warren, Dwellingup Primary School tops Team Hedland the pops CAROLYN Cook faced a few problems when she took over Hedland SHS in 2007. T he 700 students reflected a town population of 58 nationalities with a significant turnover because of the transient nature of work. There was an enormous staff shortage, poor student behaviour and attendance, and the first year brought Cyclone George which caused significant damage. “She acted quickly to change things, stating resolutely and often: “I intend to make Hedland Senior High School the best school in the Pilbara.” Two years on and things have changed for the better, the school earning high praise from the region’s biggest employer and sponsor of the Pilbara Education Partnership, BHP Billiton Iron Ore. “The school has developed its standing within the community, leading to greater opportunities for students and giving us continued confidence in investing in regional education,” says the company’s community relations officer, Patrik Melberg. The first steps Carolyn took were to solve the staffing problem – “I harassed staffing unit until I filled the positions I wanted,” she says – and to create a safe and supportive school environment. A whole school planning day saw staff take ownership of a new strategy which included a ban on mobile phones and iPods, zero tolerance to fighting and bullying, and insistence on full school uniform including closed shoes. The school has since increased staff retention rate by improving the teaching environment. Carolyn’s focus on providing professional development to the teaching staff through mentoring has resulted in emerging leaders involving themselves in community-related issues for (Continued on page 11) 9 ECU CONGRATULATES THE WINNER OF THE WA LITERACY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR As a proud supporter of the WA Education Awards, ECU extends its warmest congratulations to Exmouth District High School, winner of the WA Literacy School of the Year Award. Well done also to the other State finalists: Beachlands Primary School, Kalgoorlie Boulder Community High School Awards sponsor ad AWARD and Riverside Primary School. Edith Cowan University has been helping teachers reach their potential for over 100 years. In addition to supporting initiatives like the WA Education Awards, we are actively involved in literacy research and development, through the Fogarty Learning Centre. So it’s fitting we acknowledge a WA school that has significantly improved student achievement in literacy. To find out how we can help you reach your potential, contact ECU on 134 ECU (134 328), email [email protected] or visit reachyourpotential.com.au ECU speaks for itself 303ECU4927 CRICOS IPC 00279B more engineers + more science graduates = more innovative technology ExxonMobil Australia is proud to sponsor the WA Science School of the Year. By 2030 global energy demand will increase by about 35 percent, mostly to support growth and progress in developing countries. Science and technology are critical to solving these energy challenges. ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd ABN 48 091 561 198 Congratulations to the WA Science School of the Year: Ardross Primary School Finalists Applecross Primary School Badgingarra Primary School Esperance Primary School WA Education Awards 11 (Continued from page 9) Paul Leech of Woodvale SHS Neil Hunt also used the instructional strategies of Professor Barry Bennett to devise the Churchlands Art of Teaching (ChArT) program which empowers teachers through their own professional development in a collaborative environment and feeds into the school plan. To model the ChArT program, Neil returned to the classroom teaching maths and in doing so fostered the feedback he considers necessary for his own development. Carolyn did much the same at Hedland SHS when she taught the ‘most difficult’ class of Year 10 students to demonstrate all students can learn – and they did. the greater benefit of the town. Carolyn attributes success to team work. “We are a team and I always spread that message,” she says. “Team Hedland.” Building community confidence in their schools is also at the heart of the leadership strategies of fellow award finalists Neil Hunt, Paul Leech and Lee Musumeci. “I do the rounds of classrooms regularly, popping in and saying hi. Staff and students appreciate this,” says Carolyn. Lee Musumeci of Challis Early Childhood Education Centre Geoff gets everyone involved HIS contribution to the school cannot be captured by his role description as gardener and handyperson, said the judges in selecting Dwellingup PS gardener Geoff Warren as WA Support Staff Member of the Year. Geoff takes care of the school which his children attended and which he attended before them. The driving force behind a number of environmental programs and the beautiful school gardens, Geoff takes his enthusiasm and expertise to students, staff, parents and the whole community. “The best part of my job is opening the minds of students to the importance of sustainability and encouraging a love for, and active participation in, our wonderful environment,” Geoff says. “Fostering a sense of custodianship of the environment is an important aspect of my work at Dwellingup PS.” “If we could clone these four finalists, we would have the most phenomenal system,” said one of the judges, commenting on the difficulty of finding one winner. At Woodvale SHS, Paul Leech places great emphasis on a sound learning environment, backed by instructional design training for all teachers. There are signs outside each classroom reminding students they are entering a ‘learning space’. It’s a technique borrowed from sporting teams that get their players to switch focus by reminding them ‘beyond this point we train’. Lee Musumeci is another leader who knows the value of building a team of quality teachers and staff around her. Lee’s vision is to make Challis Early Childhood Education Centre the specialist in early learning and to staff it with experts. The school has professional learning days at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research about brain development in young children, and Lee introduced a number of individual programs at the school for children aged between birth and three years and their parents. Neil Hunt of Churchlands SHS Decision-making is transparent with all aspects of the school being driven by working parties and committees, including parent, student and teacher representation. This culminated in the opening of the Challis Parenting and Early Learning Centre this year, which is already a multi award winner. Parent and P&C member Catherine Thackrah said Lee had a real grasp of the issues many children face and was consistently trying to improve outcomes. It’s a philosophy that translates into students growing vegetables in the permaculture garden, harvesting produce for the Crunch&Sip program, raising chickens and managing a worm farm, and recycling programs. Geoff has a vast knowledge of horticulture and animals, and his rapport with students is excellent. He organises activities such as minigolf and recycling and is a mentor to students in many ways, such as helping two students who were not getting along to build a fence together. “The students had to design, plan and build a fence with me as a teambuilding exercise,” he said. “It was successful and rewarding for the students and me.” 12 WA Education Awards It’s tough to pick a winner The judging panels were: Premier’s Teacher of the Year Margery Evans, Deputy director general, Department of Education Robert Fry, President, WA Council of State School Organisations Dr Suzanne Parry, Director, Western Australian College of Teaching Rosinda Seara, 2008 Premier’s Teacher of the Year Alison Walker, Principal consultant, Department of Education Mal Wauchope, Commissioner, Public Sector Commission IT’S tough to pick a winner, as the WA Education Awards judging panels discovered when visiting finalist schools. WA Principal of the Year The consensus of judging panels, which included experts in the field under examination and leaders of professional associations as well as senior educators from the Department, was that this year’s nominees strongly reflected the principles of Classroom First – every public school be a good school, every teacher an effective teacher and every student a successful student. Rob Nairn, President, Western Australian Secondary Schools Executives’ Association Judges said they were looking in all categories – whether school or individual – for evidence of adding value for the benefit of students, staff and the community, for initiatives, for professionalism, for dedication and commitment to achieving better outcomes for all students. Looking for evidence that a school should be well led and well run, one judge commented that the four finalists for WA Principal of the Year should be cloned “and we would have a phenomenal system”. Finalists for Premier’s Teacher of the Year were all teachers who create and sustain a challenging learning environment in the classroom, said one judge. “And very often take it beyond the classroom and into the community,” added another. Allan Blagaich, Executive director metropolitan schools, Department of Education Judi Block, Principal consultant, Department of Education Stephen Breen, President, WA Primary Principals’ Association Professor Jan Gray, School of Education, Edith Cowan University Alan Smith, Vice president, WA District High School Administrators’ Association Andrew Wilson, President, WA Education Support Principals’ Association WA School Support Staff Member of the Year Carol Birch, President, WA State Schools Registrars’ Association Colin Payne, President, WA Secondary Teaching Administrators’ Association Christine Porter, Director workforce policy and coordination, Department of Education John Rossi, Human resources consultant, Department of Education WA Literacy School of the Year David Ansell, Executive director Office of Early Childhood Development, Department of Education David Axworthy, Executive director school support programs, Department of Education Vicki Briggs, Curriculum officer literacy, Department of Education Dr Deslea Konza, Associate professor language and literacy, Edith Cowan University Pam Moss, Director schools, Fremantle Education District Diana Rees, Principal education officer primary programs, Department of Education WA Numeracy School of the Year Dr Marian Kemp, Senior lecturer in numeracy, Murdoch University Visionary was a word frequently used for school leaders, and inspiring for teachers. Barry Kissane, Senior lecturer, Murdoch University For support staff, judges said it was wonderful to see recognition for people who are essential components of the success of a school. “Whether a registrar or an education assistant, a gardener or a cleaner or a manager of IT, they bring added value to their positions which helps staff, students and the school,” said one judge. Michelle Ostberg, President, Mathematics Association of WA “These are people often not recognised by the wider school community.” Winners of the individual awards are expected to be ambassadors for public education and to pass on their passion and expertise to others not only in their own school, but throughout the State. The same is true of the school awards where the winner and finalists will be ‘demonstration schools’ for others to see good practice in literacy, numeracy and science. Carolyn Murphy, WA manager, Teachers Credit Union Colin Pettit, Executive director regional and remote schools, Department of Education Glenys Reid, Principal consultant mathematics, Department of Education Dr Len Sparrow, Associate professor primary mathematics, Curtin University Lesley Street, Director schools, West Coast Education District WA Science School of the Year Professor Lyn Beazley, Chief Scientist of WA Chris Booth, Executive principal, Department of Education Neil Milligan, Director schools, Bunbury Education District Louise Nielsen, Principal consultant, Department of Education Professor Michael O’Neill, Dean, School of Education, University of Notre Dame Professor Leonie Rennie, Research professor, Curtin University WA Education Awards 13 Musical talents set the scene at awards PERFORMANCES from John Curtin College of the Arts singer Skye Vargas and a wind ensemble from Rossmoyne SHS set the scene for the 2009 WA Education Awards presentation breakfast. Both schools are in the first intake of Independent Public Schools to start in 2010. Year 11 specialist music student Skye regularly performs a classical, contemporary and music theatre repertoire, but hopes to study jazz singing in the United States when she graduates. Skye played the lead role of Lady Thaing in the college production earlier this year of The King and I and has performed in many music and music theatre concerts and performances. She is also a keen busker and often plays the guitar and sings to crowds in Fremantle. Performing two pieces at the awards event, the 45-member wind orchestra from Rossmoyne SHS demonstrated the strong musical tradition of the school. Music director John Chatfield said the school will next April become the first WA public school to tour Scandinavia. A 61-member tour group of choir, concert band, string orchestra and guitar ensemble will visit Helsinki and Stockholm for two weeks, predominantly with music by Australian composers. “The tour will premiere a commissioned choral and instrumental work by WA composer Laurissa McCarthy which draws inspiration from Indigenous stories and themes and is a truly homegrown piece of Australian music,” said John. Skye Vargas performing in The King and I this year. Solutions as individual as you are. Get an A-Z financial review. Whether you’re saving for a home, planning a big vacation, or looking for ways to invest, we have a flexible solution to complement each and every stage of your life. It’s a personalised service that can help you choose from a range of banking options to meet your lifestyle and financial goals. During your A-Z financial review, an To find out more or to book in your complimentary, noANZ Personal Banker will assess your current banking obligation A-Z financial review, call ANZ Edubank arrangements, together with your goals for the future, to on 1800 800 068 or 9323 8362 today. recommend a banking solution that suits your individual needs. It’s one-on-one banking to suit you, and only you. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 933181 12.2008 W150976 14 WA Science Awards Mark the mad scientist The Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge encourages students from Kindergarten to Year 7 to read over the summer school holidays. It is a great way to keep students interested in reading over the holidays. Research shows that it helps students return to school, ready to learn. Entry forms will be sent to all primary schools in November 2009. Please send an entry form home with every student by 4 December 2009. fi n e i n d e p e n d e n t p u bl i s h i n g det.wa.edu.au/readingchallenge WA Science Awards 15 It’s been a big year for science teaching. Richard Meagher and Mark Pager have won the two teaching awards in the WA Science Awards, making a trifecta with Allan Whittome who recently won the Prime Minister’s Prize for Primary Science Teaching. All were in competition with private schools. M ark Pager’s Mad Scientist club at Cable Beach PS is so successful that even former students who have moved on to secondary school come back for the after school sessions. “It’s testimony to his skills of motivation,” said principal Suzanne Temple. The winner of the primary teaching prize in the WA Science Awards, Mark takes science into the whole school curriculum and the wider community. As well as being the school science specialist, he is also the Kimberley Education District science program coordinator. When he’s not acting the mad scientist, he is involving his students in a range of activities including the Roebuck Bay bird observatory program, Cable Beach PS anti-cane toad squad, or the CSIRO science challenge. Suzanne said it’s a hands-on approach that has really turned on students to science. The same is true for Richard Meagher who takes a passion for using digital technologies in his teaching to help him create a global classroom. The Mount Lawley SHS teacher has developed podcast sites for chemistry and physics students to view experiments, presentations and frequently asked questions. His sites receive 2500-3000 hits each week, with students and teachers across the world making use of the resources. “Even his holiday revision classes were packed,” he said. With a strong interest in astronomy, Richard was earlier this year selected by the Australian Academy of Science to be sponsored to attend the 50th anniversary of Science at the Shine Dome in Canberra where he joined two other WA teachers. “The three day program included many highlights: hearing of cutting edge science from researchers, a visit to Tinbinbilla deep space communications centre and concluding with the annual symposium, this year entitled Evolution of the universe, the planets, life and thought,” said Richard. “I was exposed to the work of more than 20 established and early career scientists, and their presentations gave me lots of ideas to incorporate into my lessons.” David Stalker of Woodvale SHS was a finalist in the secondary teaching category. He links student learning to vocational pathways in science and has developed training courses in mining and veterinary studies. Left and above, Richard Meagher of Mount Lawley SHS. Mark Pager of Cable Beach PS. A finalist last year in the WA Science Awards, he has gone one better this year to win the $10,000 prize for secondary teaching. He was also a finalist this year in the Prime Minister’s prestigious science awards where the teaching prize was won by Allan Whittome of Badgingarra PS. “He’s an enthusiastic teacher whose love for science inspires his students,” said Richard’s principal, Milton Butcher. NOT-TO-BE-MISSED SEMINAR for forward thinking educators… The Brain Science of Language, Reading & Learning To be presented by the internationally renowned neuroscientist Dr Marty Burns 5th March, 2010 at City West Receptions, Perth Early Bird fee $145 (inc. GST) before 5th Feb 2010 Register your interest NOW at [email protected] Limited places! Dr Burns is a truly fascinating and inspiring speaker on the topics of literacy and learning intervention. Previous attendees have hailed Dr Burns’ seminar as one of the most interesting, well informed and useful seminars to be presented in Australia. 2009 Western Australian Science Awards Congratulations to two Western Australian science teachers who have been awarded for their commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the exciting world of science to their students. The Western Australian Science Awards recognise the outstanding and groundbreaking achievements of the State’s scientists, researchers, science teachers and facilitators of science outreach programs. Western Australian 2009 Awards S cienc e The winners were announced at a presentation luncheon held on 2 December 2009, which was attended by the State’s science community. The 2009 Western Australian Science Awards are administered by the Department of Commerce. 2009 Science Educator of the Year Winners Science Educator of the Year: Primary ($10,000) Science Educator of the Year: Secondary ($10,000) Mark Pager Richard Meagher Science Specialist Teacher, Cable Beach Primary School Senior Chemistry and Physics Teacher, Mt Lawley Senior HighSchool As primary science specialist and Kimberley District Science Programme co-ordinator, Mr Pager has implemented science programs throughout Cable Beach Primary School and the wider community to improve science learning in the area. He has also developed a number of useful assessment tools and is committed to using science and literacy to create a successful learning journey. Mr Meagher displays exemplary classroom practice, engages extensively with external agencies and avidly promotes science as a career to his students. His passion for ICT has enabled him to engage students by using a variety of digital technologies in his teaching to deliver positive results. Western Australian 2009 Mark Pager Richard Meagher Awards S cienc e Congratulations 2009 Western Australian Science Awards Winners – Science Educator of the Year 2009 Science Educator of the Year Finalist David Stalker Science Teacher, Woodvale Senior High School For more information on the 2009 Western Australian Science Awards please visit www.commerce.wa.gov.au/scienceawards or email [email protected] Western Australian The world tunes in NEiTA Awards 17 Paul Fuller of Orange Grove PS developed Podkids Australia with his students. FIVE of our teachers received National Excellence in Teaching Awards last month. Maria D’Agostino reports. P aul Fuller is casting his students’ work far and wide in a bid to share it with the world, and the results have been spectacular. The Orange Grove PS teacher and his students have developed Podkids Australia, the most successful school based podcast in the country. It provides a worldwide audience for student writing and has subscribers in more than 50 countries. Students have interviewed the Western Australian Premier, leading authors, Australian Government ministers and famous sports people. Their work has been downloaded more than 60,000 times. “By nurturing the students’ love of learning, I can ignite a fire that will last a life time and, whatever I give to the students, I receive back tenfold,” Paul said. He recently enlisted parent and community support for a one-to-one laptop program – a first for any Western Australia public school. It means that every student from Year 4 to 7 has a laptop. The results are improvements in behaviour, academic achievement and attendance. In a recent survey, 100 per cent of the students said they enjoyed school more now that they had a computer, and 96 per cent believed they learnt more effectively using a computer. At Perth Modern School, where Philip Allen is Head of the English learning area, Year 10 students have a negotiated curriculum which allows them to choose English subjects that appeal to them from a suite of possible units. Subjects are now being taught from the teachers’ own areas of expertise and passion while students are able to select the topics that reflect their interests. Philip has been teaching for 34 years, five at Perth Modern School, and has been very innovative, introducing new information and communication technologies to the school. “I was inspired to enter teaching because of my love for literature. What maintains my enthusiasm is the quality of the relationships that I have with students, colleagues and wider school community as well as the opportunity to develop richly innovative programs that stretch gifted students,” Philip said. Julie Boston has been teaching for five and a half years at John Curtin College of the Arts, switching to science teaching from human resources. “Introducing my students to the wonderful world of science is a pleasure and I feel it is a privilege to work with young people,” she said. She has worked for the Curriculum Council to develop science curriculum for all Western Australia schools and has been asked to speak about her teaching practices at The University of Western Australia. Fiona Farren has been teaching at South Bunbury PS for 10 years and has developed the Linking Education and Families (LEAF) program. The program aims to help each student’s transition to school as well as raise parental awareness of the importance of the early years of learning. “Early in my teaching career, I met a pre-primary teacher who was retiring. She had the happiest face. I decided then that, if being around young children gave me smiley wrinkles like hers, I would like the job,” Fiona said. LEAF includes play cafes in the kindergarten where parents can relax, share information and develop a support network while their children take part in modelled play and learning activities. Fiona has invited members of the community to visit the café including child health staff, speech pathologists and occupational therapists. Gooseberry Hill PS music teacher Lynda Smyth always felt she was destined to teach. “I spent my childhood teaching neighbourhood children and my dolls,” she said. “In nine years, my passion for this profession has continued due to the sincere joy I gain from working with children.” Lynda’s music students learn through a variety of games, song writing, performance and lessons. All students are encouraged to take part in the school’s music program and Lynda runs three choirs through the program. Students perform at many events and local community centres, and Lynda recently wrote a school song which will be recorded professionally by the performance choir. Students from Years 6 and 7 contributed to the lyrics, gaining ownership of their school anthem. Gooseberry Hills PS’s successful music program has led many students to perform at the WA Schools Make Music festival. “I believe it is a great blessing to be able to get up each day and feel enthusiastic and inspired by your career,” said Lynda. WAESPAA awards 2009 EDUCATION assistants Kristy Wicher, Loryn Tozer and Jenny Cooper from Westminster ESC and librarian Christa Coleman from Koorana ESC shared this year’s award for school support staff in the recent 2009 Western Australian Education Support Principals’ and Administrators’ Association awards. Other winners were: Early childhood teacher Patricia Deubert, East Victoria Park ESC; primary teacher Melinda Davies, Carson Street School; secondary teacher Katherine Athanasiou, Cannington Community ESC; Linda Lane, principal, Cloverdale ESC. Cunderdin principal Bernard Beatty with the Australian Training Award for VET in Schools Excellence. Make a note... 18 News Positive Image Award SECONDARY schools are invited to nominate individuals, groups or even the whole school who have made a significant contribution to improving the image of youth in their community. Examples include improving young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing, drug and alcohol abuse awareness, enhancing positive community perceptions of young people, improving the lives of young people with disabilities, recognising and supporting young carers, or addressing youth homelessness. Nominations close on 12 March 2010 with winners announced during National Youth Week, 10 to 18 April 2010. W: www.det.wa.edu.au/oneclassroom T: Megan Sadler on 6217 8531. Statewide Specialist Services PD CHECK the website calendar for professional learning for teachers and education assistants with students who have disabilities and special educational needs. Courses in 2010 are provided by the Department’s Statewide Specialist Services. W: www.det.wa.edu.au/oneclassroom W: http://www.apps.det.a.edu.au/pd/hs/ public/courseCalendar.do Schools Clean Up Day CLEAN UP marks 20 years next year with the aim to have every person in Australia pick up at least one item of rubbish. Register now for Schools Clean Up Day on Friday 5 March 2010. Registered schools receive a clean up kit to help plan the day and a link to the online teaching resource, the schools climate kit. W: events.cleanup.org.au Cunderdin wins national training award again ALREADY the only WA school to win an Australian Training Award, the WA College of Agriculture – Cunderdin has done it again. It is now the only school in Australia to win the national title twice. The college last month added the VET in Schools Excellence award to its previous win in 2006. “We’re over the moon,” said principal Bernard Beatty. “The finalist schools included impressive entries from the Northern Territory and the ACT, but it seems the judges were swayed by our overall education successes. “We are more than a vocational training college, offering a sound grounding in literacy and numeracy which enables our students to hold their options open for university entrance.” The judges noted that the college achieved a 100 per cent graduation in 2008 with students gaining employment or further education and training after completing the minimum Certificate II in Agriculture. W: australiantrainingawards.gov.au ǯ $YDLODEOH)5((WRDOO'HSDUWPHQWWHDFKHUVDQGVWXGHQWVLQ<HDUV 7KLV$XVWUDOLDQRQOLQHUHVRXUFHIRUVFKRROVLQFOXGHVHQF\FORSDHGLDVERRNVLPDJHV GLFWLRQDULHVFXUUHQWQHZVIHHGVIHDWXUHDUWLFOHVLQWHUDFWLYHPDSVDQGWKH,QWHUDFWLYH 0DFTXDULH$WODVRI,QGLJHQRXV$XVWUDOLD ZZZPDFTXDULHQHWFRPDX )XUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQZZZGHWZDHGXDXFXUULFXOXPVXSSRUWRFV News 19 VacSwim looking for instructors TEACHERS looking for a summer activity are encouraged to become VacSwim instructors. VacSwim runs from late December to the end of January and instructors can become qualified after completing an Austswim course plus practicum hours, which can vary with previous experience and competency. Appointments are available for two week or one week programs at more than 200 pool and beach venues across the State. A minimum of four hours work is usually available each day. Swimming and Water Safety manager Les Lazarakis said teachers made excellent swimming instructors and generally worked through their practicum hours in the minimum amount of time. He said positions were also available for the Interm swimming program which would suit part time teachers, parents of school aged children and tertiary students or new graduates. T: 9344 0999 W: det.wa.edu.au/swimming Children’s forest impresses Gillard AUSTRALIAN Government Education Minister Julia Gillard and Environment Minister Peter Garrett debated environmental issues with students from Baldivis PS during the school’s visit to Canberra for the 2009 International River Health Conference. The two ministers and local member Gary Gray were presented with a student petition that focused on the withdrawal of Government funding from the Ribbons of Blue project which for 20 years has worked with schools to monitor wetlands, rivers and coastal areas. A second petition urged Government funding to supplement BHP Billiton sponsorship for the multi-award winning Baldivis Children’s Forest. reinforces that children can make a difference – which was the theme of the conference. Arriving back in WA, John was notified that Baldivis PS was the winner of the Western Australian Landcare Awards 2009 and will now run for the national awards in 2010. The State award was for the Baldivis Children’s Forest project which began in 2000 when students wanted to save the very endangered tuart woodland from urban development. Judith Hill, founder of the Baldivis Children’s Forest, with husband Geoff and Landcare’s Rex Edmondson. Teacher Judith Hill said presentations and workshops on both themes were made to the conference which attracted more than 2000 students from Australia and New Zealand to debate climate change and environmental issues. Judith said both Julia Gillard and Peter Garrett were very impressed by the student presentations and particularly by the students’ ability to answer questions in a competent and thoughtful manner. The meeting with Julia Gillard, who was at the time acting Prime Minister, opened with the students singing one of the songs which was part of their conference presentation, led by the school’s music specialist Diana Triscari. Principal John Worthy said meeting high profile people like ministers was not only memorable but Today, Baldivis Children’s Forest is an environmental study centre serving more than 20 schools and 2000 students in 2009. It offers schools a rounded practical educational experience in bushland rehabilitation of flora and fauna habitats as well as studies in birds, insects, fungi, mammals and reptiles. There are also Indigenous cultural studies and bush survival while, for the wider community, a variety of events includes the popular nightstalks with the bat enthusiast, Joe Tonga. Reporting to Parents SIS Curriculum website www.det.wa.edu.au/sis Your One Stop Shop for all your reporting to parents needs! > > > > > Training Videos (simulations) on setting up and use of Curriculum Manager Reporting to parents manuals and summary sheets Remote Reporting (SIS) manuals and summary sheets Latest news updates with helpful information from SIS Curriculum Links to useful DOE websites including Curriculum Support If you do need further help, call the ICT Customer Service Centre Normal Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am - 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm Peak Reporting Hours from Week 5 to 10 of Term 2 and 4: Monday to Friday 7.30am - 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday 10.00am - 8.00pm Metro: 9264 5555 Regional: 1800 012 828 Email: [email protected] Online Curriculum Services 20 Honour Roll pages carry news of school, student and teacher successes in State, national and international competitions and awards. Send your news to [email protected]. Honour Roll Boddington DHS, Carnamah DHS, Katanning SHS, Kelmscott SHS, Shenton College SHENTON College featured strongly in State awards for the National History Challenge but Daniel Jauk of Kelmscott SHS picked up the big one as WA Young Historian of the Year. He was also the category winner of War and Peace. Country online successes COUNTRY students in the Selective Academic Program Online have had considerable success this year in a number of competitions. Emma Snell from Northcliffe DHS is selected for the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour while Amy Dickerson from Boddington DHS was a finalist. Teacher Cathy Baron said student participation in competitions like this was vital for their engagement. “Competing gives them a chance to apply their knowledge to a real task,” she said. “They can be creative and use their skills, and it gives them something to strive towards.” Amy was also a State category winner in the National History Challenge, together with Tarryn Haas from Boddington DHS and Mia Ridzuan from Katanning SHS. They are pictured with their medals. Stacy Stanley from Wagin DHS was highly commended in the same competition. As online students, they are taught society and environment by Sue Thomson who is based at Kelmscott SHS. Tessa Freeman from Kununurra DHS won the State best regional project in the Maths Talent Quest. In the Australian Brain Bee WA finals, Karen Bromley from Bunbury SHS won second place in the individual category. Two teams at Bunbury SHS were awarded second place in ScienceIQ competitions during the year and a number of students performed extremely well in the Australian Geography competition, achieving seven high distinctions and three distinctions. creative entries that reflected the spirit of giving at Christmas. The competition is held in conjunction with the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, Australia’s largest Christmas gift appeal. Principal Barbara Bromley said the prize will fund an artist in residence to help create a clay tile mural for the school’s entrance. Caitlin’s entry will compete for a national prize of $10,000 for the school. Rossmoyne SHS MOVE over Hollywood, move over Bollywood, says teacher Henk de Jonge. He is congratulating his Year 8 gifted and talented education students for winning third prize in the German School Film Festival in South Australia. There were 45 entries in the festival sponsored by the Goethe Institut from Germany. Category winners at State level were Tayla Read, Carnamah DHS; Kristan Teasdale, Shenton College; Nick Singer, Shenton College; Siti (Mia) Riduzuan, Katanning SHS; Tarryn Haas, Boddington DHS; and Amy Dickerson, Boddington DHS. Highly commended in various categories were: Nellie Wetherspoon, Anupama Bharadwaj, Sam Dowd, Kate Dores, Kristin Teasdale, Isabelle Campbell and Matthew Beard, all of Shenton College; Sophie Prober and Stephanie Cotnair, both of Mt Lawley SHS; Marqueeta Hill, Narrogin PS; Sarah Desmond, Marmion PS; Andrew Cullen, Carnamah DHS; Amber Blackburn, Esperance SHS; and Stacy Stanley, Wagin DHS. Clarkson PS YEAR 4 student Caitlin Northorpe has won $2500 for her school in the inaugural Kmart Art of Giving competition which called for Pictured are students Kelly, Isabella, Ruwani, Ben, Derek, Ming Zhao, Aswin and Bermond who produced a four-minute film, Klasse Ohne Grenzen (Classroom Without Borders) which showcased both their command of the German language and their acting prowess. It was, says Henk, shot entirely in an exotic location – the classroom – and with a budget of $0. THE MISSING PIECE TO ACHIEVING YOUR DREAM For sound financial advice on salary packaging, contact Les Mumme & Associates We’ll put the pieces together to make sure you achieve your dream. (08) 9327 6438 21 Swan View SHS A SHORT film entitled Techno Freak won the national secondary schools division in the Kid Witness News (KWN) vision awards in Sydney and sparked a flurry of awards for students at the school. To view the award-winning short films visit panasonic.com.au/kwn. Swan Education District SCHOOL psychologist Suzie Elias has won the Early Career School Psychologist of the year award from the School Psychologists’ Association of WA Inc. Suzie is pictured with patron and former State premier Carmen Lawrence. Year 10 student Courtney Boyd is off to Japan for two weeks this month after winning a scholarship with the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Scholarship. Courtney also won the Beacon Student Ambassador of the Year award. The Beacon Foundation is a charitable trust which works with schools to address issues of youth unemployment. applied technology, language literature, maths engineering and social sciences – the only school in the history of the event to win all four divisions at national level. More than 60 students from Years 8 to 10 at Esperance SHS auditioned for a spot in one of the school’s three teams for this year’s competition, which is about critical thinking and problem solving. Pictured: Front, Emily Witham; Middle, Annika Helenius, Amber Blackburn, Marley Redding; Back, Katie Beros, Jak Cary, Katelin Cary. Photo courtesy of Cale Hill, Esperance Express. WA College of Agriculture – Narrogin USUALLY recognised for its training programs in agriculture and trades rather than its theatrical talents, the college promoted injury prevention with a play and was highly commended in the Injury Control Council of WA 2009 Awards. Crystal Quartermaine, a Year 11 student, won the Swan Alliance student excellence award for her participation in the Midland Indigenous Youth Project. Crystal has also received a Future Leaders Indigenous Award 2010 of $500 towards school expenses for Year 12. Jaxon White won first prize at the Darlington Arts Festival and sold his artwork on the day. His jewellery was also included in the Young Originals 2009 exhibition. School Matters – December Issue English teacher Melissa Richardson adapted the script and, with the help of Gayelle Reynolds and Heather Naylor, organised and produced the production in Narrogin in September. Students from all areas of the college supported the play by building sets and props, including a scene stealing car, learning about makeup through TAFE, helping in the kitchen and helping with lighting during performances. Esperance SHS A TEAM of seven students has made Tournament of Minds history by winning the applied technology title in the Australasian Pacific final. Principal Cathy Bamblett said the school has won four titles in the past seven years across the competition’s categories of THINKING OF BECOMING AN EDUCATION ASSISTANT OR TEACHER? 303ECU4903 CRICOS IPC 00279B Walpole PS “EVERYONE has a voice, everyone can sing,” says music teacher Trish Crossley. It’s a philosophy which has made the school the WA winner in the ABC 2009 Flame Awards, receiving $1500 to go towards the music program. The judges said the small rural school was the hub for a local community choir and helped get more boys singing. “We were pleased to see a recognition at this school that active music involvement impacts positively on students’ academic achievements and behaviour,” said the judges. Albany SHS and Newton Moore ESC were finalists. ECU HAS AN ENTRY PATHWAY TO HELP YOU GET THERE. Going to university could be just the thing to help revive your career aspirations. That’s because ECU offers an Education Assistant University Preparation Course – and it’s perfect if you are mature aged, looking for a change in career, returning to work after children, or have not previously considered university study and would like to develop your confidence in this area. Free of charge to Australian citizens, this innovative course is ideal for anyone wishing to become an education assistant, or for those looking to complete the course as an entry pathway into a Bachelor of Education degree. Taught over weekends, students have the option to complete the course over a six or twelve month period. Applications are now open for 2010 entry, and close on 24th December for classes commencing mid January 2010. Reach your potential. Call 134 ECU (134 328), email [email protected] or visit reachyourpotential.com.au Look out for the new Special Needs Education Assistant University Preparation Course being offered mid 2010. ECU speaks for itself Coral Bay Ningaloo Reef Adventure Camps is specially designed around interaction with and the protection of the unique Ningaloo Reef and it’s many inhabitants Specialising in… - Environmentally based K-12 Curriculum - Water–based leadership experiences - Youth & Leadership Camps - Outdoor Education - Fun, safe, challenging and motivating camp itinerary. - Developed and run by qualified, experienced DET approved staff (working with children clearances and SLSA certificates held). - All DET water-based, Worksafe and WA snorkelling, diving procedures and policies adhered to. - Accommodates over 35 schools every year. - All accommodation, meals and activities are provided during camp. Phone: 9948 5041 Fax: 9942 5996 Email: [email protected] www.ningalooadventures.com Now Taking bookings for 2010 ASeTTS .org.au Do you have children from refugee backgrounds in your class? 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For more information and/or Expressions of interest, please contact Marise or Sue on: 9364 6400 C C C TOE BY TOE® =DB:AD6C ">XVc]Zaendj### EjgX]VhZndjg;^ghidgCZl=dbZ EjgX]VhZVc>ckZhibZciEgdeZgin GZÒcVcXZVc:m^hi^c\AdVc 8dchda^YViZ:m^hi^c\9ZWi 9^hXdjciZYHZiiaZbZci;ZZh ;gZZ8dchjaiVi^dc De7ffb_YWj_ed<[[Å<h[[H[ZhWmÅ<b[n_Xb[H[fWoc[dji BemZ_iYekdj[ZlWh_WXb[hWj[ÅDecedj^boehWddkWb\[[i 8VaaIdcnBZiXVa[Z[dgV[gZZXdchjaiVi^dc dc%)&&'(''*' :YjXVi^dcBdgi\V\Z7gd`^c\HZgk^XZh <gdjcY;addgHiViZIZVX]ZghJc^dc7j^aY^c\ &*%6YZaV^YZIZggVXZEZgi]L6+%%% Mindfulness Meditation & Learn how to: - Be calm and focused - Enjoy the present - Reduce stress Courses from February 2010 Health care rebates apply Phone - 0407 777 084 Spectrum Mindfulness Spelling & product! New student booklet caters for the One spectrum of abilities in the classroom. & diagnostic tests included in Placement Teacher's Guide. spelling strategies. Emphasises Includes spelling rules. Developed by WA teachers. Meditation For further information contact Email: [email protected] JOONDALUP RECEPTION CENTRE The perfect venue to make your next function a complete success Centrally located, the Joondalup Reception Centre provides the perfect setting for your next conference. Four specifically designed rooms for 20 to 300 people PD facility Flexible room options Choice of affordable menu options or custom designed menu Walking distance to public transport Fully airconditioned Column free rooms Call Robert Phone – 9300 2515 Fax: 9300 2515 Mobile: 0407 446 079 102 Boas Ave, Joondalup (Ground floor, Joondalup Civic Centre) ;7''+* Ningaloo Reef www. Today’s assignment: calculate the sum of twenty years without a nancial plan. BRAND GESA0007 gesb financial advice can help you make sense of your future. WA’s largest local super provider, GESB (that’s pronounced ‘Gezbee’), manages super for a quarter of the state’s workforce. 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