Snow place like home for high country students

Transcription

Education Times
Volume 16, Number 12
July 31, 2008
PM visits
Maffra
Published fortnightly by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Early Years
literacy
Remembering
Lindsay
5
7
3
Snow place like home for
high country students
You’ve got the white stuff: Falls Creek PS students
Sam, Cara and Sophie enjoy a winter wonderland.
Picture: CHRIS HOCKING
By Tina Luton
ACHIEVING higher education and
mastering the ski slopes is all in a
day’s work for students at the school
perched 1600 metres above sea
level.
Falls Creek Primary School is
Australia’s highest school. Situated
in the Victorian High Country,
350km north-east of Melbourne, the
school services the small but
fluctuating population of Falls
Creek, Victoria’s largest ski resort
and the official training centre of
Australia’s cross-country ski team.
Over winter, this unique alpine
area is blanketed in snow, and with
adverse weather making access
difficult, often impossible, the
students get to school the only way
they can – on skis, snowboards or
skidoos.
“There is no road transport here
in winter; it’s a ski-in-ski-out village
and we are the only year-round
primary school that has a metre of
snow in its playground during
winter,” principal John Ross says.
“We have a wet-day timetable
every day, and the kids spend
lunchtimes making snowmen, igloos
or having snowball fights,” he joked.
During the summer, the school
caters to around 10 local students.
In the winter, numbers swell
dramatically as families from across
the country flock to the mountain
for the ski season.
“We are the only year-round primary
school that has a metre of snow in its
playground during winter”.
“For the past five years the
numbers have been building over the
winter months. Last year we had 54
students; this year we are limiting the
number to 40.
“This is a one-room building that
we can partition off, but because of
the amount of gear the kids have to
bring – boots, skis, poles, jackets and
appropriate indoor footwear – we
just don’t have any more space.”
Downhill and cross-country
skiing, snowboarding and mogul
skiing are major components of the
school’s
physical
education
program during the winter months.
Since 1992, students have taken
part in the Victorian and Australian
Interschool Skiing Championships,
with various successes in team and
individual events.
“The school program focuses on
skill development and prepares the
students to be able to participate in
the sport at a high level,” Mr Ross
says.
“The ultimate goal of most of our
students is to compete at the Winter
Olympics.” Two former students
who have lived the dream are mogul
skier Adrian Costa, a four-time
Olympian, and local identity Steven
Lee, who competed at three Winter
Games.
Environmental studies is also
high on the agenda at Falls Creek.
“The local students are very lucky
to live here out of winter; we do a lot
of revegetation and tree planting,”
the enthusiastic principal adds.
Inside
Literacy leader
Wallan PS commended
3
Flying high
Overseas study
5
Nicely tuned
School of Rock
8
Teaching teachers
Mathematics coaches
13
Movin’ on up
Capital works continue
4
Countdown begins
Schools spectacular
6
Giant squid
Web conferencing
9
The write stuff
Authors in schools
17
Print Post Approved PP336110/00002 ISSN 1323-5915
Young gun
Youngest principal
19
This newspaper can be recycled
News
2
EDUCATION TIMES • JULY 31, 2008
In brief
Speaking in plain English
Keep Australia Beautiful
Good talkers: Plain English Speaking
Award state winner Hannah, from
MacRobertson Girls High School with
Dr Mary-Rose McLaren, the first ever
winner of the competition in 1977.
Over 200 students aged between 15
and 18 years of age took part in this
year’s Plain English Speaking Award,
coordinated in Victoria by the VCAA.
Hannah Gould from MacRobertson
High School took home the trophy at
last week’s Victorian State Final, with
her prepared speech titled Falling in a
well unknowingly, an interesting and
amusing examination of languages.
The adjudicators were most
impressed with all the speakers and
awarded two runner-up places to
Mathew Reiman from Greensborough
Secondary College and Justin Powell
from Brauer College, Warrnambool.
Hannah will now go to Adelaide for the
National Final on August 18 where all
Australian states and territories will be
represented by young people with a
passion for speaking out in Plain
English.
Regular features
Notice Board
6
Q&A
13
eLearning
14
Circulars
Schools can be become an accredited
Water – Learn it! Live it! school by
working through a series of milestones.
More than 100 schools have achieved
accreditation so far, including two
reaching gold level.
To achieve this level schools need to
reduce their water use, incorporate water
conservation lessons across all year
levels and promote water conservation
messages to their local community.
Niddrie Primary School was the first to
achieve gold accreditation. The school
has installed four rainwater tanks to flush
toilets and irrigate the oval and set up a
weekly environmental forum called the
Unwasteables.
For further information or to receive a
free copy of the Water – Learn it! Live it!
program, call 9313 8337.
18
Career Link
19
Professional Learning
20
Classifieds
21
Regional Roundup
22
ICT Expo
The Victorian Information Technology
Teachers Association (VITTA) ICT &
Careers Expo will be held at Melbourne
High School on August 2 as part of the
National ICT Week.
Supported by the Australian Computer
Society and the Victorian Government,
this year’s event will focus on
encouraging girls to get involved with
technology and will see a host of female
speakers discussing diverse fields such
as automotive, multimedia and
programming, and include a special
forum From study to workplace: an ICT
pathway for girls.
Tertiary and industry exhibitors will also
be on hand to chat to students about
course opportunities and graduate
positions.
For further information and to download
free tickets, visit www.vitta.org.au
Water conservation
More than 190 Melbourne schools have
signed up for Water – Learn it! Live it! – a
free education program for primary and
secondary schools developed by
Melbourne’s four water authorities, City
West Water, South East Water, Yarra
Valley Water and Melbourne Water.
Schools are being urged to Score Points
for the Environment during Keep Australia
Beautiful Week, August 25–31, by
logging on to the campaign website and
participating in the 100 point challenge.
By following the list of activities,
classes can earn points towards their
100-point goal and see the positive
environmental contribution they have
made. Examples of activities include
organising a local litter clean-up at school
or in your local community (20 points), or
composting food and green waste at
school (10 points).
Keep Australia Beautiful, together with
Scholastic Book Clubs, is also running a
Design a Sustainable Garden competition
for preschools and primary schools
throughout August and September.
For the chance to win $1000 worth of
native plants and a visit from celebrity
gardener Don Burke to help bring your
design to life, schools must register with
Scholastic Book Clubs on 1800 021 233.
For further information, visit
www.keepaustraliabeautiful.org.au
Gippspell
Now in its fourth year, Gippsland-based
spelling competition Gippspell has
continued to increase its coverage with
the inclusion of the Casey Shire.
Last year, 238 students from 71
schools, including those in the Cardinia
Shire, took part in the competition for
students in Years 5 to 8.
There is no official word list, instead
students draw numbers to decide their
words and compete against other
students in their own level, with
provincial finals held on September 3 this
year.
www.stpaulswgl.vic.edu.au/Gippspell
Electronic dictionary
Franklin Electronic Publishers has
launched an electronic Macquarie
Schools Dictionary.
The portable, interactive device
combines seven reference books in the
Macquarie Dictionary range and includes
phonetic spell correction and a thesaurus
with half a million synonyms to build
word power and confidence, while the
eight built-in word games and spelling
bees make learning fun.
For further information, call 1800 882
588 or visit www.franklin.com/au.
Imagination factory
Students and teachers will let their
imaginations run wild as they explore
Scienceworks’ latest interactive
exhibition, Imagination Factory – Invent
and Play, which lets visitors discover
how basic mechanical tools, such as
gears, pistons, wheels and pulleys, can
be used to create simple machines and
nifty inventions including a spinning
sculpture and a toy dog that jumps for a
ball using cams. Other exhibits let visitors
play rock-paper-scissors using electric
circuits, operate a robotic arm using
pneumatics and lift a friend off the ground
using pulleys and levers.
museumvictoria.com.au/Scienceworks
Education Times
Education Times is published fortnightly by the
Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development (ABN 52 705 101 522). Education
Times, GPO Box 4367, Melbourne 3001.
www.education.vic.gov.
au/about/news/edtimes
Editor
Sarah Oppenheim
Tel: 9637 2914 Fax: 9637 2626
[email protected]
Writer
Tina Luton
Contributors
Fiona Basile, Karen Casey, Matt Davies, Eamon
Evans, Allison Harding, Roslyn Mullins, Rachel
Palmer.
Any use of this publication is welcome with-in
the constraints of the Copyright Act 1968.
Art direction/layout
Alan Wright
Subscriptions
Annual subscription costs $77 (includes GST).
Cheques should be made payable to
‘Newsprinters’ and addressed: Education
North of the Southside
Times, Newsprinters
Tickets are now on sale for Northcote
High School’s futuristic production North
of the Southside – an original play
devised by teacher Alex Madden.
The show, which features 40 actors, 40
dancers and a large ensemble of singers
and musicians, is the final chapter in a
trilogy of plays that combine witty social
commentary with moving local
narratives.
North of the Southside runs at the
Fitzroy Town Hall (cnr Napier and Moor
Streets) from Tuesday 5 August to
Saturday 9 August, with all
performances beginning at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $24 (full) and $18
(concession). To book, call 9488 2300.
PO Box 204, Shepparton Vic 3632.
MS Readathon
include GST)
Over 7600 students in Victorian
government schools have been busy
reading this month for the MS Readathon,
and have so far raised over $107, 058 for
people living with multiple sclerosis.
Teachers are now being encouraged to
help their students are count all the books
they’ve read, and start collecting
sponsorship money from family and
friends, ahead of the final due date on
August 30.
For 29 years, the MS Readathon has
been encouraging children to improve
their reading skills and to learn more
about supporting people with MS.
So far, the top three entrants in the MS
Readathon are Laburnum Primary
School, Blackburn Primary School and
Warragul North Primary School.
For more information, call 1300 677
323 or visit msreadathon.org.au
To advertise, contact Diane Mifsud
Distribution
Education Times is distributed to Victorian
government schools. To change the quantity
received, fax details on 5820 3276.
Publication dates 2008
Paid advertising deadline is 15 days before each
issue.
Term 3: August 14, August 28, September 11.
Advertising
Display ad rate
$19.80 per cm per one column width (5 cm per
column)
Classified ad rate
95 cents a word, minimum charge $28.50 (prices
Tel: 9637 2862 Fax: 9637 2626
Email: [email protected]
Advertisements featured in Education Times
carry no endorsement from the Department of
Education and Early Childhood Development,
either implicit or explicit. Readers should rely on
their own inquiries and investigation. No
responsibility is accepted by the Department of
Education and Early Childhood Development
for the suitability or accuracy of goods,
services or advice contained in advertisements.
Binders
Store each edition
$25 per binder (includes
GST, postage and handling)
Fax orders to
9318 0122 or email orders to
[email protected]
News
3
PM visits Maffra SC
The Bairnsdale Secondary College
community was very pleased that
the Education Times featured our
middle school students’
participation at the recent
International Youth Summit for
Environment in Kobe, Japan.
It is important for rural
communities to know that their
students have both the
opportunities and the abilities to
excel on the international stage.
Philip and Alex have become great
role models for both their school
and local community.
Frances Haldane
Campus Principal
Bairnsdale Secondary College
Tell us what you think about
Education Times.
Email your Letters to the Editor
at [email protected]
Letters may be edited for space.
THE CORRIDORS of Maffra
Secondary College were buzzing
with excitement recently, when the
school received a phone call from
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s
office announcing that the PM
would be paying a visit the
following day.
With only hours to prepare, the
Gippsland school swung into
action: tidying rooms, lining up
chairs and briefing student leaders.
“It was an absolutely wonderful
time for our college and something
that will be talked about for many
years to come,” said assistant
principal Susanne Wilson.
“The Prime Minister arrived
about midday. He spoke with
student leaders from all year levels
and then visited with three classes
where he chatted to students
before making his way to a full
school assembly where he was
greeted with a standing ovation
and loud cheers.”
Mr Rudd delivered a powerful
speech to students about the value
of working hard, and the
importance of respecting their
parents, teachers and themselves.
Ms Wilson said the PM promised
to return to the school in the
future; a promise she believes he
intends to keep.
In good company: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd with Maffra
Secondary College school captains Matt and Annie.
“He said he will return a few years
down the track to see how we have
progressed and I firmly believe that
he will do just that,” she beamed.
The visit came just days after the
school had hosted two other well-
known faces: Premier of Victoria
John Brumby and Minister for
Education Bronwyn Pike.
The pair called in to Maffra SC to
announce that the school had
received a funding windfall of $5.3
million for building upgrades.
“You can imagine the jubilation!”
enthused Ms Wilson.
“The college can now provide
quality education in buildings that
complement our programs.”
School commended for vast improvement
By Allison Harding
THE WALLAN Primary School of
today is virtually unrecognisable
from the place it was in 2003.
Student performance data now
equal or are above Victorian mean
figures, student behaviour has
improved markedly and staff are
more positive than ever.
In June, the hard work of
principal Alan Bentley and his
leadership team was recognised in
Canberra at the National Awards
for Quality Schooling. The school
was Highly Commended for
Excellence in School Improvement
and received $15,000 as part of the
award.
With 660 students and about 60
staff, Wallan Primary School, about
50 kilometres north of Melbourne,
is one of the larger schools in a fastgrowing southern community in the
Hume region. But it needed serious
attention when Mr Bentley arrived
in mid-2003.
“We introduced major strategies,
including a whole school approach
to literacy and numeracy and
professional development for all
teachers,” he said.
In early 2004, the school looked
at student achievement data and
opinions and an external reviewer
assessed and interviewed staff.
Little book worms: Wallan PS principal Alan
Bentley revels in the joys of reading with
students Chloe and Caitlyn.
Picture: SHARON WALKER
Recommendations
included
releasing classroom teachers to be
literacy
coordinators
and
improving communication.
“We realised the school needed
to change its approach and the
reviewer’s report formed the basis
for the new charter,” Mr Bentley
said.
Teaching and learning of literacy
and numeracy was the top priority
and organisational health and staff
wellbeing was priority two.
The school leadership team
introduced regular assessment of
all students and then used the data
to plan for learning needs. Teacher
teams at each year level were
established and compulsory weekly
team meetings focused on the next
week’s curriculum.
“We aimed for 80 per cent of
students to be performing at or
above the expected level in literacy
and numeracy,” Mr Bentley said.
“In 2007 we exceeded this with 90
per cent.”
The school used the Hill and
Crevola Early Years model of
teaching literacy as the key vehicle
for improvement. The success of
the approach was extended to
numeracy.
“We showed teachers how to
know their students through good
assessment and how to use flexible
groupings to focus learning,” Mr
Bentley said. “We also knew that
our curriculum approach would
improve student outcomes, so we
concentrated on establishing a
consistent whole school approach
to behaviour management.”
Student learning results, as
shown by Assessment of Reading
Prep – 2, Year 3 and Year 5 AIM
and teacher judgements of
CSF/VELS,
have
shown
outstanding improvement from
2003 to 2006–07. Staff opinion and
attendance improved markedly as
well.
Assistant principal Ann Stevens
agreed enormous improvements
had been made. It was particularly
useful being able to release staff to
support other teachers in the
teaching of reading, she said.
“We’re doing great things, and it’s
being recognised!” she said.
4
News
Major capital works continue
DANDENONG High School is well
on the way to an impressive
makeover,
as
construction
continues on a new state-of-the-art
learning facility, due for completion
in 2010.
Minister for Education Bronwyn
Pike took a tour of the vast site,
which will soon house specialist
facilities for visual arts, science,
information technology, food
technology and physical education.
A new library resource centre will
also be constructed.
Dandenong High School was
among the first schools to benefit
from the Victorian Government’s
commitment to seeing that every
school in the state is rebuilt,
extended or renovated by 2017.
Ms Pike said that the capital works
in progress at Dandenong High
School were a good example of the
importance of renewal and
transformation.
“Gone are the days when
classrooms could be one-size fits
all,” Ms Pike said.
Lilydale High School is also
welcoming a new learning
environment, with the recent
opening of stage two works on the
school.
The $6 million redevelopment
will include 13 new classrooms, art
and graphics spaces for students to
undertake clay modelling, painting
and drawing, a home economics
area, student locker space and
toilets.
“This
multi-million
dollar
redevelopment is great news for
staff and students who can now
enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and
take advantage of the latest learning
and teaching practices,” Ms Pike
said.
“These new buildings are a real
vote of confidence in the school and
the Lilydale community, and I thank
the school community for their
fundraising efforts.
“The Brumby Government’s
record investment in school
buildings and infrastructure will
help boost the skills and education
of young Victorians and meet the
challenges of the future.”
Picture: JOHN KRUTOP
Movin’ on up: Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike joins Dandenong HS principal Nigel Hutchinson and Year 12 student Jenete
Pomohaci on a tour of the site where the school’s new state-of-the-art learning facility is being built.
School band is Beijing bound
By Tina Luton
WITH the Beijing Olympic Games
only weeks away, young musicians
from Victorian schools are busy
fine-tuning their instruments in
preparation for the performance of
a lifetime.
The
Melbourne-based
Australian Youth Band (AYB) has
the honour of forming the
Victorian contingent of the Beijing
2008 Olympic orchestra.
The 28 musicians, made up from
Victorian
schools
including
Ringwood Secondary College,
Blackburn High, Lilydale High,
Avila College, Patterson River
Secondary College, St Bede’s
College, Nhill College, Ballarat
High School and Newhaven
College, are currently in China and
will
perform
as
the
Australia/Pacific
Hub
with
musicians from New South Wales,
Queensland, Japan and Guam.
The students will join a full
ensemble of 2000 musicians from
around the world for the Olympic
festivities.
AYB musical director and
Pembroke Secondary College
music
coordinator
Richard
O’Toole said the musicians have
been rehearsing since the
beginning of the year and
Tiananmen Square, and will spend
a few days in Shanghai after their
Olympic performances,” he said.
In 2005 the AYB visited China
for the Beijing International Youth
Festival, at the invitation of the
Chinese Government.
“It was the only ensemble invited
to perform on the Great Wall
during the handover of the Athens
Olympic torch to the Beijing
Olympic Committee. They also
performed on a floating stage at
the Beijing Aquarium and
marched in the Festival Street
Parade down Beijing’s main
street,” Mr O’Toole said.
In July 2010, the AYB will fly to
Canada to represent Australia at
the Calgary Stampede, one of the
largest marching band festivals in
the world.
“School musicians of Grade 5
standard are welcome to audition
for the AYB and for this incredible
opportunity to travel to Canada
and other such international
tours,” Mr O’Toole said.
Banding together: The 2005 Australian Youth Band members line the Great Wall of China for a practice session. The 2008 band
will perform at the Beijing Olympic Games this year, led by musical director Richard O’Toole.
practising their all-important
marching.
“They have spent countless
hours in rehearsal and individual
practice learning their parts, as all
music for the orchestra and
marching band must be played
from memory,” Mr O’Toole said.
“They will perform at the
Olympic Centre Stadium in
Melbourne’s sister city, Tianjin,
and at the Olympic Cultural
Square and Olympic ‘Live Site’ in
Beijing. The musicians will also
visit the Great Wall of China and
CONTACT
Richard O’Toole
Musical Director
Australian Youth Band
[email protected]
0402 912 772
News
5
Success for early years literacy trials
CHILDREN at Avondale Primary School were
among many students to trial a suite of literacy tasks
recently, as part of a program to enhance the
assessment of English in the early years of schooling.
Across the state, 100 schools participated in the
initial trial. At each school up to 40 randomly selected
students from Prep to Year 3 worked individually with
their teachers to complete assessment tasks. These
focused on capturing student progress in reading,
writing, listening and speaking.
The assessment materials, prepared by the
Australian Council for Educational Research and
reviewed by an expert panel of practicing teachers and
tertiary specialists, comprised booklets and texts,
including picture books, specifically written for the
project.
Andrea Chalmers, from the Department’s Teaching
and Learning Resources Branch, worked with a
number of students to trial the assessment materials.
“The trial of the material was a pleasure in itself,”
Ms Chalmers said. “The students truly engaged with
the tasks, feeling at ease with the materials.”
Classroom teachers from the schools involved in the
trials were equally pleased with the results. A teacher
survey conducted at the end of the trial revealed
Beaconsfield Upper Primary School teacher
Michelle Gemmell agreed: “All activities were
fantastic and very appropriate to specific grade levels.”
Work on the design of an IT platform to support the
development of learning and assessment materials has
already commenced, and will be available for the
second round of trialling later in the year.
The Assessment of English in the Early Years of
Schooling trial project has been designed to dovetail
with, and complement, the existing online assessment
of mathematics.
It will also include a link to the Australian Early
Development Index (AEDI), which provides a broad
measure of young children’s health, wellbeing, social
competence and emotional maturity, as well as their
language and cognitive skills.
Feedback from teachers, together with formal data
analysis, will provide direction for the second round of
trials. A detailed evaluation of the project will be
prepared early in 2009.
positive feedback about both the process and the materials.
“It would be great for teaching and reporting,” said Specimen Hill
Primary School teacher Jenny Ball. “It is a very comprehensive test of
English skills.”
CONTACT
Dionysios Koutsouvelis
Education Policy and Research Division
9637 2081
Overseas study has students flying high
By Tina Luton
MALAYSIA-bound students
and
teachers
from
Eumemmering Secondary
College were given an
introduction to cultural
awareness recently, when a
crew of Jetstar pilots and
flight attendants paid a visit
to talk about the protocols of
international travel.
The students and teachers
privy to this advice were
among a group who will soon
get the chance to broaden
their horizons with overseas
study, under a new $400,000
Overseas Study Program
(OSP) announced recently by
Minister for Education
Bronwyn Pike.
“Malaysia is relatively laid
back and relaxed, but there
are some customs and
courtesies that people should
try to observe,” explained
Clive Callaway, who manages
the cabin during long-haul
flights.
“Although handshakes are
generally acceptable for both
men and women, some
Muslim
ladies
may
acknowledge introductions
to gentlemen by merely
nodding and smiling; a
handshake should only be
initiated by ladies. It is polite
to remove your shoes when
entering a Malaysian home,
and when you are eating
Wordly travellers: Eumemmering SC students Aaron and Reannah get some important travel tips from Jetstar pilot Cpt. Marc Hooper and
Picture: BRAD MARSELLOS
Customer Services Manager Libby Kinnear.
hand-held food you should
only use your right hand.
“One of the most important
things is pointing,” he told the
students. “In Australia we
tend to use our index finger to
point, but in Malaysia and
other parts of Asia this is an
absolute no-no; you point
with the thumb of your right
hand and with your fingers
folded under,” he said.
More than 80 students and
13 teachers from government
schools across Victoria have
been selected to take part in
the pilot OSP, which will allow
students
to
study
in
California, Malaysia, China,
Japan and Germany for
periods ranging from two
weeks to six months.
“The Overseas Study
Program
provides
opportunities for Victorian
students to live and undertake
school-based
study
in
different countries, allowing
them to develop greater
global
knowledge
and
cultural understanding,” Ms
Pike said.
“They will spend up to three
months in their host countries,
undertaking projects and
cultural activities in local
schools and communities.”
In addition to the group
from
Eumemmering,
teachers and students Boort
Secondary College, Cohuna
Secondary College, East
Loddon P–12 College and
Pyramid Hill College will fly
to California and take part in
projects focusing on land
sustainability and resource
management as they relate to
the State’s current drought.
Students and teachers from
Bright P–12 College and
Wangaratta High School will
visit schools in Germany, and
students and teachers from
Stawell Secondary College,
Ararat Secondary College,
Hawkesbury P–12 College,
Horsham Secondary College
and Mt Clear Secondary
College will engage in schoolbased study and further their
Chinese language skills in
Nanjing, China.
CONTACT
Kate West
International Education Division
[email protected]
6
News
NOTICE BOARD
Dahle Suggett
Deputy Secretary
Office for Policy, Research and Innovation
I had the great privilege of meeting
with many of you during the
recent state wide consultation
forums for the new Blueprint. The
extensive feedback and the
numerous submissions have
provided a sound basis for
development of the final plan. We
anticipate our Ministers will launch
the Blueprint for Education and
Early Childhood Development for
the next five years in the near
future.
The consultation with the
school and early childhood sectors
was very beneficial – and indeed
exciting. It reinforced for me that
Victorian parents, educators and
community members are
passionate about high quality
education for our children. I was
impressed with the generous way
in which you shared your thoughts
and experiences and showed a
willingness to work alongside the
Department to design the process
to improve educational
opportunities for young Victorians.
The big themes in the
consultation forums included
enthusiastic support for the unified
0–18 approach to learning and
development; attracting and
retaining high performing teachers;
new approaches to assist schools
where students are not performing
as well as expected; and for a new
generation of partnerships with
parents and the community.
A particularly strong
endorsement was for recognising
the benefits for all in the
Government sector that can be
gained from leveraging the
attributes of our ‘system’.
As well, we were cautioned
about some potential pitfalls. We
need to ensure performance
measurement serves diagnostic
purposes and avoids a simplistic
league table mentality; we were
reminded about meeting the
urgent needs of the most
disadvantaged; and that our
objectives must not ignore learning
that focuses on social and
emotional development, and
essential attributes for the 21st
Century such as creativity.
Just as we encourage students
and schools to strive for
continuous improvement, so the
education system itself must be
continuously striving to improve.
The Blueprint in 2003 was a
success, with flagship strategies
that energised many teachers and
school leaders.
As we build on this success with
the new Blueprint, it will be
important for you to keep abreast
of latest developments and ideas in
education research and innovation.
We will be giving you regular
updates in Education Times and in
other communication channels.
These updates will include news of
the latest research and innovative
practices from Victoria, Australia
and the global community. I hope
that these updates will stimulate
discussion with your colleagues at
school and beyond. I look forward
to working with you to help every
young Victorian to thrive, learn
and develop.
Countdown begins to
schools spectacular
Picture: SHARON WALKER
THERE was magic in the air when
Minister Bronwyn Pike and former
Victorian State Schools Spectacular
star Erin Hasan – a current
performer in the Melbourne season
of the hit musical Wicked – called in
to the mass choir rehearsal at Dallas
Brooks Hall this week to address the
students rehearsing for this year’s
production.
More than 2000 Victorian
government school students are
now gearing up to take centre stage
at one of Australia’s biggest and
most inspiring theatrical shows – of
which Ms Hasan was a member back
in 2003.
The now-professional singer, who
plays the understudy to Glinda the
Good Witch in Wicked, delivered
some captivating words of
encouragement to her audience of
students.
“Made in Australia”, The
2008 will feature the state’s finest
Backstage antics: Lead performers in the Victorian State
Schools Spectacular Megan, Keagan and James prepare
to dazzle audiences at the launch of this year’s show.
young singers, dancers and
musicians in three dazzling shows at
Hisense Arena (formerly Vodafone
Arena) in Melbourne on September
6 and 7.
Students will take to the stage
under the direction of some of the
best in the entertainment business,
including this year’s creative
director and Australian Idol
performance coach, John Rowe.
Rehearsals are well under way for
the 100-piece orchestra, 960-voice
choir, 1000 dancers, 30 vocalists and
40 specialty performers from 100
government schools.
Celebrations this week included a
sneak preview of the show’s
colourful costumes, a performance
of a Human Nature song by a group
of young men dressed in striking
business suits and a medley of
favourites by a 960-voice choir.
This year’s production is a
celebration of all things Australian –
the people, the land, and the spirit –
as told through song and dance on a
massive scale.
AC/DC’s Jailbreak, Silverchair’s
Straight Lines, Peter Allen’s
Tenterfield Saddler, Kylie Minogue’s
I Should Be So Lucky, and the Rogue
Traders’ hugely popular Voodoo
Child will be among the hits
featured in the show.
Book your tickets now!
“Made in Australia”
The Victorian State School’s
Spectacular 2008
Hisense Arena (formerly Vodafone
Arena), September 6 and 7.
Phone Ticketek on 132 849 or book
online at www.ticketek.com.au
Adult $35
Children (3–16) $25
Visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/
spectacular
News
7
Victorians honour the late Lindsay Thompson
THE
DEPARTMENT
of
Education and Early Childhood
Development joined with the
Victorian community recently in
recognising the passing of one of
the finest and most respected
figures in State education and
politics – The Hon. Lindsay H.S.
Thompson, AO, CMG.
As Victoria’s longest serving
Education Minister, Lindsay
Thompson remained an inspiration
to the education community for
over 50 years, maintaining an active
and colourful role in Departmental
programs and events.
Mr Thompson began his career
as a teacher at Malvern Central
School in 1951, before becoming a
master at Melbourne High School.
In 1955 he left the classroom to
commence what was to become a
long and distinguished political
career, spanning three decades.
Mr Thompson became Victorian
Minister for Education in 1967, and
two years later published a book
titled Looking Ahead in Education,
which
listed
some
65
recommendations concerned with
the future of education in Victoria.
His work was regarded as
visionary, and within two decades
almost
all
of
his
65
recommendations
had
been
implemented.
Mr Thompson held the position
of Education Minister with great
distinction for 12 years in total, and
became known as a man of
integrity, dignity and patience.
By 1972, he had reached the
position of Deputy Premier. It was
during this year that Mr Thompson
was awarded a bravery medal for
his role in the highly publicised
hostage crisis at a small school in
Faraday, near Castlemaine.
His leadership during this
One of Victoria’s finest sons:
(clockwise from left) the Hon.
Lindsay H.S. Thompson, AO, in his
younger days; with his wife Joan
and son David at the Victorian
Education Excellence Awards in
May this year – one of his final
public appearances; and
standing alongside the famous
photograph that was taken
during the Faraday kidnapping
incident in 1972.
situation brought him widespread
acclaim, although colleagues
remember him mostly as a modest
gentleman.
“He was a man who didn’t put on
any airs or graces,” said former
Liberal Minister Alan Hunt. “He
had no great opinion of himself, but
he was a wonderful man.”
Mr Thompson became Premier
of Victoria for a brief period in
1981–82.
Current Premier John Brumby
remembers him as a true
gentleman, who transcended the
political divide.
“A gentleman, a true gentleman
in every sense of the word. If you
met him for the first time you
wouldn’t know if he was a Liberal
politician or a Labor politician,”
he said.
“He was a Minister in a
Government doing his job.”
On July 16 we lost a great Victorian, Lindsay Thompson – the state’s longest service
education Minister and Victoria’s 40th Premier. Lindsay was a fabulous man who remained
dedicated to the education cause long after his tenure in the State Parliament, largely
through his patronage of the prestigious Lindsay Thompson Fellowship.
The $50,000 travel and research fellowship for Government teachers to help them
become their best was a highlight of the annual Education Excellence Awards and so was
Lindsay’s presence.
At this year’s awards – one of his last public appearances – Lindsay overcame his failing
health to again delight the audience with his wit, good humour and integrity, in a stirring
display of his continued commitment to Government education.
Lindsay Thompson is a huge loss to the education sector and to Victoria, however we
are all richer for his significant contribution to the state.
Bronwyn Pike MP
Minister for Education
In 1998, the then Department of
Education
and
Training
established
the
Lindsay
Thompson
Fellowship
to
acknowledge and enhance the
teaching profession in Victoria.
The fellowship honours the
contribution of Mr Thompson by
awarding an annual travel and
research fellowship in his name.
Mr Thompson has presented the
now prestigious award almost
We join so many to mourn the
passing of one of Victoria’s
finest sons. His courage and
humility, great vision and
dedication to the welfare of
others will always be an
inspiration. We are so
privileged to have known him.
Heather Leary
Former recipient of the
Lindsay Thompson Fellowship
Current acting principal of
Benalla Primary School
every year since its inauguration,
and in May of this year presented it
to Loddon Mallee teacher
Heather
Ridge,
for
her
outstanding commitment to
improving literacy.
Lindsay Thompson will be
remembered not only for his
integrity and dedication to both
education and politics, but also for
his enthusiasm and natural
humour. He will be sorely missed.
In recent years the Education Excellence Awards were one of the
highlights of Lindsay’s year. He moved heaven and earth to be in
attendance and present the Lindsay Thompson Fellowship which
was first awarded in 1999.
Each year he followed up the progress each of the successful
Fellows had made and delighted in their achievements.
This year, Lindsay’s health was failing but despite his doctor and
family’s pleas he was determined to present the Award in person. He
did so, and as he had done every year, stole the night with his wit
and passion. With timing better than Bob Hope he could have
succeeded as a stand-up comic had he not turned to politics. His
presence at future Awards will be sorely missed.
Alan Mayberry
Coordinator, Victorian Education Excellence Awards
8
News
School of Rock
nicely tuned
New leadership development courses
EXPRESSIONS of interest are now
open for a suite of new and
improved leadership development
programs for 2009.
All programs are underpinned by
the Developmental Learning
Framework for School Leaders,
which describes the knowledge
base, skills and capabilities of
effective leaders, while the models
of learning on which they are based
are
consistent
with
the
Department’s Seven Principles of
Highly Effective Professional
Learning.
Much emphasis is placed on
participants working collaboratively,
often in peer learning groups, which
may include a mentoring or
shadowing component to provide
ongoing support.
Fiona de Zylva, Senior School
Manager at Cheltenham Secondary
College has greater confidence to
initiate professional conversations
with other teachers as a result of the
collaborative learning experiences
offered in the Master in School
Leadership program.
“This program has given me the
opportunity to reflect on current
and future educational practices,”
Ms de Zyla said.
“My observations and reflections
have provided me with an insight
into my own strengths and
weaknesses as a leader, which has
given me more confidence in the
way I work.”
Through
qualitative
and
quantitative information gained via
participant surveys the Department
has clear evidence that the suite of
leadership development programs
meet the aims of the leadership
professional learning programs.
Teachers and school leaders
noted a significant improvement in
their level of leadership knowledge
and skills as a result of participating
in programs.
They were also more confident in
their ability to contribute to
improved leadership practices in
their school and had increased
motivation to take on an additional
leadership role.
There are currently more than
1500 teachers and school leaders
participating in the Department’s 20
statewide leadership development
programs.
Expressions of Interest for the
2009 Learning to Lead Effective
Schools programs close on October
14. For further details of the
programs, go to www.education.vic.
gov.au/proflearning/schoolleadersh
ip/default.htm
Please contact your regional
office or a School Leadership Unit
officer (9637 2555) if you wish to
discuss the best program for your
learning needs.
Picture: MICHELLE DUNN
By Tina Luton
DYNAMIC bands, choirs and
performance groups from nearly
60 schools in the Northern
Metropolitan
region
came
together recently for the madcap
music experience known as
School of Rock (SoR).
Piero D’Elia, music coordinator
of the highly successfully event,
said the program continues to
grow in size and popularity each
year, with more than 5650
students of all ages taking part in
the SoR since it began four years
ago.
“We started in 2004 with 30
schools and 900 kids and since
then we have nearly doubled the
number of schools and the
number of kids participating,” he
said.
“This year we had 1650 students
from 58 primary and secondary
schools
in
the
Northern
Metropolitan region perform over
four energy-charged days at the
Ivanhoe Centre in Ivanhoe and
the Manor on High, Epping.
“The really exciting news is that
30 per cent of the schools were
new to the SoR, which shows that
this event has really started to take
on a life of its own, and more
schools and music teachers are
hearing about how exciting and
engaging the days are.”
SoR is a non-competitive
program designed to give bands,
choirs and contemporary music
groups a professional arena in
which to perform in front of their
peers. According to Mr D’Elia,
the sound system, back line,
staging and lighting are “second to
none” and the overall quality of
the production remains at a very
high standard.
As Mr D’Elia explained,
everyone who takes part,
including the audience, is the big
winner on the day.
“It’s not about who is the best,
it’s about anyone from Prep to
Year 12 getting on stage
performing with attitude,” he
said.
“Whether it’s your first time
performing or your 20th, it’s about
getting out there and singing,
rapping or playing guitar and just
having fun in front of a live
audience of kids from other
schools.
“The students also get to take
home a bag of music goodies at the
end of the day and that delights
them so much. I love roving
around and asking them music
trivia questions during the set-up
of each act, and giving away prizes.
“It’s
also
professional
development for teachers – giving
them a great chance to meet each
other, swap ideas on music
programs
and
enjoy
the
camaraderie.”
Leadership Development Programs 2009
Who can apply
Master in School Leadership
High potential and current leaders
Leading Professional Learning
Professional learning leaders
Building the Capacity of Professional Learning Leaders (AGQTP)
Professional learning leaders
Literacy Leader Professional Learning
Literacy leaders in primary and secondary schools
Teacher Professional Leave
Teachers, APs and principals with significant classroom teaching responsibilities
Building the Capacity of School Leadership Teams (AGQTP)
School leadership teams
Leading Across Effective Small Schools
Teams of teachers and leaders from small schools
Leading in Effective Schools
Teams of teachers with leadership potential
Preparing for Leadership
Teachers, minimum 5 years experience, who hold or wish to take up a position of
responsibility in their school
Leading for Student Learning(AGQTP)
Minimum of 2 expert and/or leading teachers from a school
Leaders in the Making
School networks who will support the leadership development of a group of highpotential aspirant leaders within the network
Human Leadership: Developing People
LTs, APs and PR1s
Educational Leadership: Shaping Pedagogy
LTs, APs and PR1s
Technical Leadership: Thinking and Planning Strategically
LTs, APs and PR1s
Eleanor Davis School Leadership Program
Female LTs and APs with high potential for future school principalship
Stepping Up to the Principalship
LTs and APs aspiring to a principal position
Mentoring for First Time Principals
All first-time principals
Coaching to Enhance the Capabilities of Experienced Principals
Principals with at least 3 years experience
Building the Capacity of Principals in Small Schools (AGQTP)
Principals of small schools
Development Program for High Performing Principals
Principals
Colour Key:
All individuals
Aspirant leaders, assistant principals and PR1s
Teams
Principals
Aspirant leaders
Networks
Innovation & Next Practice
9
Giant squid dissection goes live
THE FIRST-ever public dissection of a giant
squid by Melbourne Museum scientists was
streamed live into classrooms across Victoria
earlier this month.
The squid, which was accidentally caught in
a fishing trawl off western Victoria in June
this year, was captured at a depth of 550
metres by the crew of the Zeehaan, and was
donated to Museum Victoria by Toberfish of
Portland.
The squid weighs around 245kg, making it
the largest giant squid that Australian
researchers have encountered and just 30kg
lighter than the largest giant squid ever found.
It is estimated that, intact, the animal would
have been over 12m long, including the long
thin pair of feeding tentacles used by the
squid to catch its prey.
“This was the first time the Museum had
done a dissection in a public forum, and we
knew the interest would be enormous,” said
Dr Mark Norman, world-renowned squid
expert from Museum Victoria.
“With this public dissection, we hoped to
achieve greater awareness and understanding
of these little-known and rarely-seen deep-
sea creatures. During the dissection, we
measured and took tissue samples for
ongoing research into giant squid diversity,
age, growth, diet, reproduction and other
aspects of their biology.”
Using video cameras and audio links, the
dissection process was be explained and the
current knowledge of the biology of these
almost mythological creatures was be
discussed.
Results of the dissection will contribute to
the long-term exhibition Marine Life:
Exploring our Seas, currently on display at
Melbourne Museum. The exhibition features
never-before-seen footage and rare
photographs of deep sea creatures, a
preserved giant squid and other rare
specimens, and takes visitors on a journey
through Victoria’s unique underwater
worlds.
Marine Life also showcases the research
activities of Museum Victoria worldrenowned scientists and tells the stories of our
local marine life using rarely seen sea
creatures drawn from the Museum’s
extensive and historical marine collections.
Meet the giant squid expert!
As part of National Science Week, students are invited to take part in a live web conferencing session with squid expert Dr Mark Norman.
Where: Register now at http://knowledgebank.globalteacher.org.au
When: Monday August 18, 9:20am – 10:20am
Build ‘em up, Bunnings
By Tina Luton
FIFTEEN Year 9 students from
Cheltenham Secondary College are now
more than capable of building a picket fence
and installing outdoor paving, after
participating in an eight-week DIY project
at Bunnings hardware centre in Moorabbin.
The hands-on project, developed and
funded by Bunnings and the Regional
Industry Careers Adviser (RICA) Network,
provided great opportunities for the
students. They gained new handyman skills
and explored possible trade and career
options through a series of activities. These
included making and repairing flyscreens,
fitting and installing rainwater tanks,
changing tap washers, creating droughtproof gardens, tiling, building a picket fence
and installing outdoor lighting.
Year 9 coordinator Kathy Anderson said
the students not only acquired new trade
skills during the project, which ran for one
afternoon a week, but developed increased
confidence and communication skills as
well.
“The students took a lot of pride in their
work; they picked up valuable skills in
precision and accuracy and the correct use of
tools,” she said.
“They also enjoyed the sharing aspect of
the project and having side-by-side time with
adults other than teachers in an
environment outside of the classroom.
“As a result of this experience, a few of
them also improved their questioning and
communication skills with adults. They
developed confidence as well, because they
had to sign out from school and make their
own way to Bunnings, either on the bus or by
walking, and then make their way home,” Ms
Anderson added.
A new group of Year 9 students from the
school will commence the DIY program
shortly. Other schools are also encouraged
to take part.
CONTACT
Karl Henderson
RICA Network
0448 852 738
Budding builders: Year 9 students from Cheltenham SC build a
picket fence during a recent DIY course at Bunnings in Moorabbin.
10
Feature
Calm and collected:
Managing anxiety in students
with autism
Many children who suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder are
also highly anxious. Psychologist Kirsty Kerr looks at how we
can help these students in the classroom.
round 10 to 15 per cent of
children suffer from anxiety that
impacts their everyday life to the
extent that it can be considered a
disorder. A high proportion of children
with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
also suffer anxiety, which can compound
their difficulties in the classroom and
hinder social interactions.
Anxiety can present itself in a number
of ways in a student with ASD, many of
which differ from anxiety in a typical
child.
A
Common anxiety behaviours
The following behaviours may indicate
that an ASD child may also be suffering
from anxiety:
• Appearing to be tense or ‘tightly
wound’, as if they could become upset
at any moment
• Appearing to be
frightened (e.g. wide
eyes, high pitched tone
A high proportion of
of voice)
children with Autism
• Pacing the room or
Spectrum Disorder also
playground
• Displaying
suffer anxiety, which can
perfectionism – may
compound their
have trouble starting
school work due to fear
difficulties in the
of making mistakes
classroom and hinder
• Repetitive speech about
a worrying event or
social interactions.
thought
• Seeking reassurance
constantly about something (e.g. “Are
we going to…?”)
Just forget it:
Psychologist Kirsty
Kerr says teachers
and parents should
not expect anxious
children to simply
‘get over’ their
worries, regardless
of how irrational
they may sound.
• Increased self-stimulatory behaviour
(e.g. flapping hands, hair twirling,
hand wringing) or agitated behaviour
(e.g. biting clothes)
• Greater insistence on routines and
rituals (e.g. sharpening all pencils and
putting them in size order before
beginning work)
• Pleading not to have to do something
• Avoidance of tasks
• Complaining of being sick
• Withdrawal from activities in the
classroom
• Crying easily, or displaying a short
fuse; losing control of emotions due to
tension building up
• Appearing tired or complaining of
difficulty sleeping because of thoughts
‘running around in the head’
• Verbalising worries about unusual
things (e.g. buttons, wind-up toys) or
unlikely events (e.g. dying of bird flu or
home invasion)
How to help anxious children
Don’t expect that the child will simply
‘get over’ their worry if you ignore them
or speak to them firmly.
Avoid forcing the child to be exposed
to a situation they find worrying
(otherwise known as ‘flooding’.)
Although this can be successful for a
minority of children, by helping the child
to learn that the worry is unfounded, in
Feature
...if a student with ASD is
highly anxious about [a
word] then being
repeatedly taunted with
the word can cause high
levels of distress.
children with ASD it is likely to make
them generalise their fear to associated
situations, such their teacher, their
parent or coming to school in general.
Don’t allow other children to tease or
make fun of the student with ASD
because of peculiar worries, or peculiar
behaviour in relation to worries.
Although saying a word like
‘thunderstorm’ may not seem like
bullying in traditional school policy, if a
student with ASD is highly anxious about
this concept, then being repeatedly
taunted with the word can cause high
levels of distress.
Above all, remember that anxiety
requires specific teaching about how to
deal with worried thoughts, and
instruction for the student in how to
relax and calm down. If you are
concerned about a student, consider
referral to the school counsellor or
guidance officer.
Case study: The story of Eric
Eric is a Year 2 student who is
functioning above his peers in most
academic areas. Eric becomes anxious
when he sees brown socks, but cannot
explain why this causes him to become
fearful.
Once, Eric’s teacher Mr Smith wore
brown socks, and Eric spent a large part
of the day closing his eyes, so that he
wouldn’t catch a glimpse of the socks,
which made completing his work tasks
very difficult.
During mat-time, Eric always sat at
the front, and this particular day he let
out a cry when part of a sock was exposed
as Mr Smith sat down and his pant leg
rode up.
Eric immediately moved to the back of
the mat and lay on the floor. For the rest
of the day, Eric frequently asked Mr
Smith: “How long until home time?” and
Mr Smith noticed Eric also tapped his
legs under his desk a lot more often than
usual.
Some other boys in the class realised
what had made Eric anxious, and began
to lift the bottom of their pants to show
their socks, which made Eric tense up
and flinch, then sigh with relief when the
socks were always black.
The other boys found it hilarious that
Eric would react this way every time,
11
Sticks and stones:
Experts urge
teachers not to allow
other children to
tease or make light
of ASD students with
peculiar worries or
strange behaviours
in relation to
worries.
despite the fact the black
socks prescribed in the
uniform meant he was
not going to see a brown
sock.
Strategies for
helping Eric
Mr Jones reprimanded
the boys for taunting
Eric. He promised Eric
that he would not wear
the brown socks again,
and explained to the
other children that 2E
would now be a ‘brown
sock free zone’, just as it
was a ‘nut free zone’ for
Frances, another student
with nut allergy. Mr
Jones referred Eric to see
the school counsellor,
who gradually helped
Eric to tolerate different
coloured socks, until he
could be in the same
room as a brown sock,
and even touch one!
Kirsty Kerr is a
psychologist with the
Autism Behaviour
Intervention Association.
Learn more
The Autism Behaviour Intervention
Association (ABIA) runs two programs
to assist students with ASD to manage
anxiety.
How not to lose my cool is a program
for children aged 9–12 years with
Asperger Syndrome, or HighFunctioning Autism. The program
comprises six 2-hour sessions for
children, and two 2-hour sessions for
parents and runs on Monday evenings
from 4.30–6.30pm.
This program is suitable for children
who are able to ‘self-monitor’ or to
recognise that they are worried, and for
those who want help to manage their
anxieties. Strategies are taught to the
children themselves, and reinforced to
parents in the two parent information
sessions.
Serenity Now – Helping you and your
child with ASD manage anxiety is a
program for parents of younger children
aged 5–9 years, or those children who
do not have insight or self-awareness
about anxiety or worries.
The program aims to teach parents
strategies to use with their children.
Serenity Now comprises four 2-hour
sessions for parents, and two children’s
sessions to practice relaxation and
stress reduction techniques.
For more information, contact ABIA
on 9830 0677.
New autism research centre
La Trobe University has opened Australia’s first dedicated autism
research centre at its Bundoora campus, in a joint initiative with
Autism Victoria.
One in 167 Australian children is affected with Autism
Spectrum Disorder and despite the condition becoming more
prevalent, the cause of ASD remains a mystery.
Director of the new Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre,
Cheryl Dissanayake said researchers will focus on increasing
knowledge and awareness about the nature and causes of
autism which would help lift the profile of the disorder in
Australia.
Federal Parliament Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten also
recently announced that a specialist day-care centre for children
with autism would be established in Melbourne. The centre will
have places for 20 children. It’s location is yet to be named.
12
News
New Deputy Secretary Indigenous culture comes to life
By Roslyn Mullins
NEW DEPUTY Secretary of the Office
for Children and Early Childhood
Development, Robert Griew, knows a
bit about social and cultural diversity,
having lived and worked in many
different parts of Australia.
Born in England, Mr Griew didn’t
arrive in Australia until the age of
twelve, and attended schools in
Scotland, New Zealand and Australia.
A believer in the importance of
early influences in life, Mr Griew
counts his history teacher at
Applecross High School in Perth as
one of his most powerful influences.
“He was an extraordinary history
teacher who got me interested in
current affairs. He was very
involved with the community and
encouraged us to participate.
“I grew up in a family where
learning and debating were
absolutely encouraged. It was a
lively, bookish environment. My
parents were very loving but had
Education Times
high expectations of both myself and
my two sisters.”
Mr Grew went on to hold
leadership positions in the Australian
health and welfare system for nearly
twenty years, including four years as
Chief Executive Officer of the
Northern Territory Department of
Health and Community Services.
Most recently, Mr Griew has run
his own successful social policy
consulting business focusing on
Aboriginal health, child development
and organisational change.
In his new role, he sees the Office
for Children and Early Childhood
Development’s role as “bringing
together a range of different service
types and sectors in a way that
really gives meaning to the
Government’s focus on giving all
Victorian children the best start.”
“Sometimes that’s very concrete,
such as service access issues, and
sometimes it’s about advocacy of
children’s issues in policy,” he says.
Speaking of some of the big
issues in early childhood
development today, Mr Griew says
that, “Like everywhere, we have
disparity. Even when there are
increases in services and standards,
inequity and disadvantage continues,
so that is our big challenge, to
address and reduce that disparity.
“In Victoria, where we have good
services and a visionary Government,
we have the opportunity to lead the
nation; this is a very big opportunity.”
By Eamon Evans
BEING a good teacher can be about
finding someone else to teach.
When devising Torquay Primary
School’s award-winning Indigenous
education program, Michael Linde
knew exactly where to turn.
“Rather than an ad hoc approach
to Indigenous education, we wanted
to devote a whole term to it,” Mr
Linde told Education Times.
“I approached Narana Creations,
an Aboriginal cultural centre close
to the school, and the program just
wouldn’t have happened without
their education officer, Norm
Stanley. He was just inspirational,
and made it an awesome experience
for all of us.”
Mr Stanley’s biggest present was
simply his presence. “The classes
were very much about engaging with
Indigenous people, rather than just
learning something and writing it
down on paper,” says Mr Linde.
“It was very different to what you
normally get in the classroom, much
more relaxed and conversational,
but very informative as well. The
main focus was on things that are
common to a lot of different
Indigenous cultures in Australia.
They looked at things like kinship
and rituals, and food hunting and
gathering.”
The students’ experience of
Creative culture: Torquay PS students Jess, Kate
and Harriet with their hand-made puppets.
Indigenous culture wasn’t just
confined to the classroom, however.
Extra-curricular activities included
collecting grasses to weave into
baskets, painting a large mural of a
traditional story, and an end-ofterm corroboree, with Mr Stanley
on the didgeridoo.
“Each class was given a traditional
dance or a short play about a
traditional story,’ Mr Linde recalls,
“and Norm worked with them to put
them together, making costumes
and props and the whole bit. We
invited members of the school
community
and
the
wider
community along and basically
packed out our gymnasium.”
“When the kids put on their
performance, just to see all the
parents come along and really share
in the culture and the excitement
was great,” recalls another teacher,
Lynda Gusbeth. “It was a real
community event.
“The kids loved it. It was a very
physical kind of performance, with
the kids acting as hunters and
animals and stuff like that. It was
lovely to see how the boys – who
normally don’t get into that sort of
thing – were really engaged. I think
that the physicality of it really
appealed to them.
“It was all about celebrating the
culture, and it was very obvious to all
of us that the kids were right into it.
It was really, really quite special.”
Chess makes its move in
Victorian schools
By Devi Abraham
www.education.vic.gov.au/
about/news/edtimes
EVERY Thursday, 70 students
from Year 3 crowd into the
downstairs conference room at
Doncaster Primary School. With
chess boards on tables and smiles
on their faces, they are ready to
master their moves.
Principal Vicki Mackrell says,
“If something happens on a
Thursday, it’s: ‘We’re not going to
miss chess, are we?’”
They are not the only children
who are ardent chess fans. More
and more schools in Victoria are
using chess as part of the
curriculum and as a recreational
activity. How did this 3000-yearold game become so popular
with 21st-century eight-yearolds?
It’s simple, says David
Cordover, founder and owner of
Chess Kids, a chess-coaching
business.
“Chess gets the kids inspired to
think and to learn. If kids leave
school with a passion for
learning, then they’re set up for
anything the world throws at
them,” he said.
Chess Kids primarily coaches
students to become better chess
players and offers educational
programs that teach thinking
skills, using chess in the
classroom.
Doncaster Primary School uses
one of these programs. It means
that once a week a Chess Kids
coach comes to the classroom
and gives the children specialised
chess lessons that delve into the
strategy of chess.
Ms
Mackrell
said,
“Mathematics includes problem
solving and strategy and all that is
Playing games: Students at Doncaster PS have just a little more fun playing chess
by using over-sized pieces that require some extra energy to lift!
part of chess. They are using
mathematics even when they
don’t realise they are.”
Fiona Bull, principal of Foster
Primary School, uses chess as an
extension activity in the
classroom.
“Children like challenges. It’s
not just a game; it’s a valid way of
using their thinking and
mathematical knowledge,” Mrs
Bull said.
Her students participate in
regional and state chess
competitions, qualifying last year
for the State Chess Primary
School
Championships
in
Melbourne.
Chess also doubles as an
excellent recreational activity for
schools. Wodonga Middle Years
College has used it for five years
to give students who are not
interested in physical sports an
intellectual alternative, said
Helen Boulton, integration aide.
The club started with 12
secondary school students and
now has around 30 members.
They hired a coach last year but
couldn’t afford to in 2008.
Instead Ms Boulton uses the
students who were coached last
year to help the younger students.
One of the members, 14-yearold James Oates, can’t get
enough. He attends chess club
once a week and every day he
tries to play a game with students
in the library.
“It helps your mind grow,” he
said.
Q&A
Q&A:
13
Topical questions for our community
How are you helping maths teachers
to improve their classroom practice?
Teaching and Learning Coaches now operate in hundreds of schools across Victoria.
These three coaches from the Southern Metropolitan Region – none of whom are maths specialists themselves – have been
working with maths teachers to help them improve their classroom practice. And the results have been remarkable.
Charmayne Lane
Teaching and Learning Coach
Dandenong/Springvale Network
Long ago when I was a girl at school, I learned to
fear maths. As someone who could hold her own in
other areas of the curriculum, I accepted that I just
didn’t have a ‘maths brain’. There were strings of
algorithms I knew off by heart, just as I knew poems,
irregular French verbs and the periodic table. But for the
most part, maths was a source of anxiety and made
me feel stupid.
So perhaps it was madness to take on the role of
maths coach, especially at secondary level. Years of
curriculum coordination had taught me that secret
maths business was a highly protected area and I was
easily discouraged from questioning teaching strategy
in a subject where I had so little confidence.
The wonderful thing about learning though, is that
mistakes and failure can be as valuable as successes.
Turn a problem around and it becomes an opportunity.
Multiply two negatives and you have a positive. My own
As a teaching and learning coach at Lyndhurst SC,
Hampton Park SC and Cranbourne SC I work with a
team of dedicated teachers who generously give their
time to solve problems, improve learning and make the
maths curriculum more vibrant. Our time together
includes brief corridor conversations, casual planning
conversations in the staffroom, more structured
reflecting and problem solving conversations, and
formal planning or reflecting conferences, built around a
lesson or event.
At first I felt a foreigner; an English teacher treading
upon my maths colleagues’ territory. It has been a long
time since I had taught mathematics and that was only
to Year 7.
My concerns proved unnecessary as I have been
welcomed in their Year 7 and 8 classrooms and they
never fail to generously give up their time for planning
and discussion. Working together has widened both our
negative experiences in mathematics classrooms could
be turned to my advantage. I knew I was not alone in
the fog. Plenty of students lose the plot in maths and,
like me, give it a miss as soon as they have the choice.
“When I was a girl at school, I learned to fear maths.
Maths was a source of anxiety and made me feel
stupid. So perhaps it was madness to take on the
role of maths coach...”
I knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. I knew I had
a lot to learn. What I didn’t know was that my feeble
maths background would actually turn out to be an
advantage. If I’d been coaching in one of the four areas
I was qualified to teach to Year 12, I may have taken a
different approach and missed a lot. As it turned out, I
became a full-time learner.
viewpoints which enable us to explore new ideas along
with existing beliefs and values. We have found a lot of
strategies and ideas that are transferable across
discipline areas.
“At first I felt a foreigner; an English teacher treading
upon my maths colleague’s territory. My concerns
proved unnecessary.”
As coach and teacher we work together to build a
trust that allows us to work in a cooperative relationship
which enables us to experiment with a variety of
teaching and learning strategies to improve student
outcomes in mathematics. Feedback is requested by the
teacher and is data driven, value free and relevant which
allows the teacher, in the words of one of my
colleague’s, opportunities to reflect on how things are
going and plan for improvement.
Certainly there was the odd sceptical look from
secondary maths coordinators but to their credit, most
teachers accepted that my knowledge of teaching and
learning allowed me to be useful as an observer and a
coach.
It is such a pleasure to work with another teacher in
the spirit of inquiry. It is my job to ask the questions
which help us realise that direct instruction and the text
book are two of many strategies we can use to
illuminate the minds of our students. The wealth of
other resources now available to teachers is something
I can also bring to their attention, as the need arises.
Learning is the goal. Teaching is part of the equation
but only part. Sometimes, having stimulated their
interest, we need to get out of our students’ way. If their
minds are engaged, they will learn independently. At
other times they will learn and explore together. Why
should teachers be any different?
Some areas that coaches have chosen to focus on to
improve student learning and engagement have been
fostering self-directed learning strategies, teaching using
inquiry learning methods, developing rich assessments
tasks and planning effective maths lessons.
The gathering and analysing of data to strategically
inform planning for teaching and learning has been
integral to improving student outcomes. Coaches have
conducted On Demand Testing and Scaffolding
Numeracy in the Middle Years Assessment which can
be used in conjunction with topic tests, AIM/NAPLAN
results and VELS reports to help teachers make
consistent, on-balance judgments about student
achievement. Comparing data within schools has
allowed us to better understand student achievement
and monitor student progress. We have found that as
we learn and improve practices, students benefit and
learning increases.
Doreen Wheeler
Cranbourne Network
Marie Littlehales
Dandenong/Springvale Network
It is a privilege to be in classes with teachers who
are open to new ideas and I would find this job
impossible if not for the enthusiasm of the teachers I
work with. I have been teaching maths for many
years and I hope that this experience will be useful to
the teachers I am coaching.
As well as this experience, since being in this role I
have also had the chance to do lots of professional
development regarding new maths resources
available so I can share with teachers. We are all
learning together and I do not try to disguise the fact!
I have also feel very supported in the four schools
I work in. Everyone involved has been very
welcoming and generous with the time they have
spent with me sharing their knowledge and
enthusiasm for their schools. The administrations of
the schools have been supportive of the program
and have provided time and support for teachers
involved in coaching.
“It is a privilege to be in classes with teachers who
are open to new ideas.”
Part of the coaching program has involved the
collection of data to more accurately assess student
achievement. This has been a good focus for
conversations with classroom teachers. The data
collection has also meant that VCAA On-Demand
testing is now in use in all of my four schools, which
is helping to identify student misconceptions in
mathematics, which may in turn help guide
curriculum planning.
Coaching is new to me and all coaches have been
involved in lots of professional development and we
have been given many resources to use in our
coaching role. We are also members of teams and
the support and sharing in these teams is a great
support to me too.
For more information on the work of Teaching and
Learning Coaches, email Team Leader David Burton
on [email protected]
14
eLearning
Student voice on film
THE winners of the Youth
Documentary and Digital Stories
Projects were announced recently as
part of the fifth annual Bayside Film
Festival.
Over 300 students were involved in
the projects, most of whom were
from the Southern Metropolitan
Region. The films covered a diverse
range of subjects including the
experiences of refugees, the
dredging of the bay, eating
disorders, life in a housing estate,
animal cruelty, the teacher’s strike,
cyber safety and the complex idea of
time.
Footscray City College media
teacher Sue Dwyer said the
students’ participation in the Youth
Documentary and Digital Stories
Projects was beneficial to the
students by not only increasing their
ICT skills but also by increasing
their self confidence.
“It was pretty special for the
students to see their work on the big
screen,” Ms Dwyer said.
“Most of my class were very
nervous about having their films
shown to other schools and several
of them commented on the way in
on the train that they didn’t think
their films would be as good as those
from other schools. It was rewarding
to see how good they felt when they
realised their films were as good as
anyone’s!”
And the awards went to:
Achievement Awards
These awards recognise dedication
and insight into the student’s chosen
subject matter.
Dehabo –Berendale School
Safe Havens – Dunkley Avenue
Housing Estate, Highett
Below the Bay – Sandringham
College – Beaumaris Campus
High Rising Tension – Debney Park
Secondary College, Flemington
Do Fish Have Feelings? – St. Bedes
College, Mentone
Fading Away – Sandringham
College, Highett Campus
Dredging – Sandringham College –
Beaumaris Campus
Creating Digital Stories
ePotential has a number of
resources showcasing how
students have used digital stories to
enhance their learning.
Water Saving Advertisements
This resource contains two short
advertisements created by groups
of Year 3/4 students about how to
save water. Students formed
groups and developed storyboards
to plan a 60 second commercial to
persuade infant classes in the
school to conserve water. Students
filmed their movie on a digital video
camera and edited their ads in
iMovie. The movies were later
imported and compressed to
QuickTime.
Community Spirit Award
This award recognises achievement
in filmmaking and commitment to
the community.
A Dog’s Life – Horsham Secondary
College
Third Prize
Awarded to this film for its
originality and investigative
journalism.
Buddy Who? – Horsham Secondary
College
Second Prize
Awarded to this film for its ability to
incorporate a complex issue in a
visually interesting way.
Hard to Understand – Debney Park
Secondary College, Flemington
First Prize
Awarded first prize for its
scriptwriting and the sophisticated
execution of abstract ideas.
Time – Sandringham College –
Beaumaris Campus
Artistic Director’s Award
Awarded to this film for its
sophisticated handling of an
abstract idea in a visually
compelling way.
Listen – Sandringham College –
Beaumaris Campus
For more information on
multimedia festivals
visitwww.education.vic.gov.au/stud
entlearning/teachingresources/ict/
World Wonders TV Show:
Earthquake
ID: L1283
Youthcentral DoE - Digital
Storytelling
Eight digital stories were created by
year 7, 8 and 9 students as part of
the Youthcentral and DEECD Digital
Storytelling workshop at the Ballarat
Learning Exchange. The two day
workshop named ‘Forever Young’
had a strong focus on
collaboration. Rather than focusing
purely on skill acquisition,
the workshop aimed to encourage
students to use ICT to communicate
personal stories.
http://epotential.education.vic.gov.au
/resource.php?res_id=288&isSearc
h=true
That Cooking Show – Footscray City
College, Footscray
Teacher’s Strike Back – Sandringham
College – Beaumaris Campus
The VELS connection
• Discipline-based Learning /
Interpersonal Development
Personal Learning
Civics and Citizenship
English
Science
• Interdisciplinary Learning /
Communication
Design, Creativity & Technology
Information and Communications
Technology (ICT)
Thinking processes
Build a script about earthquakes for a
television show. Help a researcher to
sort facts and pictures. Use a model
structure, sample text and images to
build an explanation. Include sections on causes, processes and effects.
Connect ideas in the script by adding joining words such as ‘however’ and
‘finally’. This learning object is one in a series of two objects. •
abcdefghijklm
Activities at a glance
• Create a podcast that describes the cause and effects of a chosen
natural disaster.
• Design a TV script for a local news broadcast to include local events
and issues
• Develop an advertising campaign about staying safe during a natural
disaster that can be used across various medias including television,
radio and the internet.
• Interview and film people who have experienced a natural or man made
disaster.
The VELS connection
•
•
•
•
Discipline-based learning / Humanities / Geography
Discipline-based learning / English / Speaking and listening
Discipline-based learning / English / Reading
Discipline-based learning / English / Writing
To search for resources go to ePotential:
To search for resources go to DigiLearn:
http://epotential.education.vic.gov.au
www.education.vic.gov.au/digilearn
eLearning Professional
Development Opportunities
Kahootz 3.0 Regional Training
This training will show the range
of exciting new features of
Kahootz 3.0 and how it provides
students with even more ways to
create amazing stories,
inventions, habitats, games,
movies and soundtracks. There
will be one Kahootz 3.0 training
session held in each of the
regions. For dates and venues in
your region please contact Louise
Bowe at bowe.louise.f@edumail.
vic.gov.au
Centre for Strategic Education
Forum:
Developing Responsible, Ethical
and Resilient DIGIZENS (digital
citizens)
8 August 2008
This forum will provide
information to assist school
communities to develop their own
strategic and sustainable
responses to Web 2.0 tools. It
will be relevant for educators
across all sectors P-12 including
teachers, school leaders, school
psychologists and support
services.
Venue: Caulfield Racecourse
Contact: 03 9654 1200 or
[email protected]
Beginners Guide for Aspiring
ICT Leaders
25 August 2008
This workshop is aimed at
teachers who are about to take
on a ICT Coordinator’s position. It
will look at the various
components of educational
technology and how they are
overlaid with the day to day
responsibilities of curriculum
direction and support, network
management, IT technical
support and ICT PD. Pedagogy,
innovation, new technologies and
the role of ICT in the curriculum
now and in the future will be
discussed. Participants will have
the opportunity to share
resources to build up a repertoire
of the “must have toolbox” of
software for Australian schools.
This will include a look at a
number of online resources.
Venue: Xavier College, Kew
Visit:
http://www.vitta.org.au/trainingev
ents/id/31/title/Beginners%20Guid
e%20for%20Aspiring%20ICT%20
Leaders
ACEC’08 Conference
ACT on IcT
29 September – 2 October 2008
The Australian Computers in
Education Conference 2008
(ACEC’08) is the biennial
conference of the Australian
Council for Computers in
Education (ACCE). The theme for
ACEC’08 is “ACT on IcT”,
encouraging delegates to come to
the National Capital to explore the
way ICT is used within both
education and the workplace.
During the conference there will
be time provided for reflection,
networking and learning for the
professional communities of
ACCE and partner organisations.
Venue: Canberra, ACT
Visit:
http://www.acec2008.info/item.as
p?pid=7580
eLearning
Useful sites for ...
15
All sites are available through the Education Channel. Most games require Flash and some require downloads.
Teachers are invited to join a free email service delivering the Education Times
eLearning page PDF each issue for use on their school’s Intranet or library
webpages. Email Russell Blackie (see below left) or call 9637 2034 for details.
Beijing Olympics
Recommended sites from the Victorian Education Channel team can be found
at www.education.vic.gov.au/secondary/themes.htm
To recommend sites, email Russell Blackie at
[email protected]
For free PD related to online curriculum resources and the Victorian Education
Channel email Kerry Rowett at [email protected]
SITE OF THE WEEK
Australia Olympic Games
BK Olympic Zone
Educational activities for primary and middle
years including letter link, student art gallery,
posters, pictograms and fun sheet activities.
www.bkzone.com.au
Profiles of every Olympic sport and its history plus
famous competitors and the national body.
http://tinyurl.com/5mg6st
AFSSSE Beijing Olympics teaching
resources
Units of work in PDF format: environment
education, history and culture, economics and
business, and geography. www.afssse.asn.au
Additional sites to visit
Australia at the games
Centre for learning innovation Sites
2 See
Themed resources across the Olympics
including myths, ceremonies, mascots and
event backgrounds. http://tinyurl.com/6cvb95
ABC Olympics
Beijing 2008
Featured videos, text and audio blogs, feature
stories and drug technology.
http://www.abc.net.au/olympics
Official site with event schedules, news, photo
galléries and local cultural content.
http://en.beijing2008.cn
Olympian search, record breakers, famous
Australians and details of the next winter and
summer games.
http://corporate.olympics.com.au/page/3/Aus
tralia+At+The+Games
Also: http://www.olympics.com.au
Human rights watch
Topical content for teachers wishing to explore
the human rights aspects of international sport.
http://hrw.org
Also: http://china.hrw.org/reports
7 Sport Olympics
Olympic newsletter, photo galleries, team
Australia and previous games information.
http://au.sports.yahoo.com/olympics
Paralympics
Beijing international
Herald Sun Olympics
Official Australian site with disability information,
video archives and talent search program.
www.paralympiceducation.org.au
Cultural highlights from across China plus
essential Beijing information.
http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn
Largely pictorial content plus athlete profiles
and an email news serrvice.
www.news.com.au/heraldsun/beijing_olympics
South China Morning Post
Chinese coverage of social and official aspects
of life surrounding the Beijing Olympics.
http://olympics.scmp.com
16
News
Trentham PS has the write stuff
By Allison Harding
TEACHERS often wonder how to
build students’ enthusiasm for
creative writing. Trentham PS, with
just 70 pupils, seems to have found
the answer in unique “young author
camps”.
The school, an hour north of
Melbourne, has run the year four
program for 10 years. During the
three-day camps, students write, edit
and illustrate their own books, which
are eventually displayed in a café to
be read by locals.
The innovative program, which
builds self-esteem and literacy while
encouraging creativity, is held at a
local church hall.
This year, the visiting author was
Justin D’Ath, who has written 24
books for children and young adults.
On the first day, he explained how he
developed ideas for books and the
benefits of asking quirky “what if”
questions – such as “what if cows
could fly?”
D’Ath also talked about the
development of plots, characters,
settings and dialogue as well as how
drafting and rewriting produced the
best possible story.
Teacher Maria Bruce said the
students spent the next two days
developing,
rewriting
and
illustrating their stories.
“The children think it’s fantastic,”
she said. “They love being able to
focus on their stories and concentrate
on their ideas. Over the years, we’ve
seen it make a big difference to
students’ efficiency and writing
ability. It comes at just the right stage
of their primary education.”
The laminated and spiral-bound
books were officially launched at
Kyneton bookshop Aesop’s Attic.
Every child received an award for an
outstanding aspect of their story.
“The parents attend the book
launch and that’s really affirming for
the children,” Ms Bruce said. “The
books then go to a local café so others
can enjoy the stories. The year fours
also read the books to the younger
students, so it’s something for the
whole school.”
Mr John Holton, senior editor
from
St
Luke’s
Innovative
Resources, which has supported the
program for several years, presented
the awards.
“It’s a terrific celebration of
creativity,” he said. “All the students
leave the launch feeling 10-feet tall
and with something to show for their
hard work. And for many, it’s the
catalyst for further improvement in
literacy.”
Musical tackles bullying in schools
By Matt Davies
PARENTS Phil and Jodi Tweed
are doing their bit to combat
bullying in our schools using
musical theatre. Alarmed by
bullying statistics Australia wide,
these parents of five have created
‘sPlat – a musical that promotes
messages of tolerance, inclusion
and good values.
Developed for primary schoolaged children, ‘sPlat tells the story
of a platypus called Plat who feels
discouraged by the selfishness of
his fellow platypi when they
refuse to help their neighbouring
ducks find a home.
Plat’s journey sees him put the
nine important values set down by
the federal government – care and
compassion, doing your best, fair
go, freedom, honesty and
trustworthiness,
integrity,
respect,
responsibility
and
understanding, tolerance and
inclusion – into action.
‘The feedback from the children
has been tremendous,’ say the
Tweeds.
To purchase a copy of ‘sPlat visit
www.stylemusic.com.au
Advertising
To advertise, call 9637 2868 or fax: 9637 2626
17
18
Circulars
Sent week ending 18 July
S227-2008 Education Foundation
Opportunity Scholarships for 2008
For all schools and principals.
The Education Foundation is offering
grants of up to $1000 to talented,
disadvantaged students. Applications
must be made by teachers on behalf of
nominated students. Second round
applications opened on Monday 7 July
2008 and close on Monday 4 August 2008.
https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2272008_scholarships-clr.doc
S228-2008 Battle for Australia 2008
Commemoration Ceremony
Schools are invited to send groups of
students to the Shrine of Remembrance on
Wednesday 3 September 2008 to
participate in the annual Battle for Australia
Commemoration Ceremony that is
specifically designed for students. This
year marks the sixty-sixth anniversary of
this momentous event in Australia’s history.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2282008_battle-clr.doc
S229-2008 Skill Centres for School
Students Program 2007/2008
For all principals and schools.
Victorian Schools are invited to apply for
funding for the 2007/08 Skill Centres for
School Students Program. The National
Training Infrastructure Program provides
funding for the purchase, construction, fit
out or refurbishment of facilities intended
for the delivery of accredited vocational
education and training. Expressions of
Interest for the program must be with
regions by 29 July 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s229-2008_skillclr.doc
S230-2008 13th Victorian Teachers
Games
For all schools and principals, and central
and regional staff.
The 13th Victorian Teachers Games will be
held in Bairnsdale from 22 to 24 September
2008. Interested participants can register
online now. Entries close on 3 September
2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2302008_games-clr.doc
S231-2008 Translation of Teachers to
E4 - Proposed Victorian Government
Schools Agreement 2008
Principals are asked to advise the
Department of those teachers at
subdivision E-3 for 12 months or more who
have not met the requirements of their most
recent performance assessment.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s231-2008_e4clr.doc
S232-2008 Victoria Police Requests
for School Uniform Photographs
For all principals and schools, central and
regional staff.
Schools contacted by the Transit Safety
Division of Victoria Police are encouraged
to respond to their request for digital
photographs of the school’s uniform.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2322008_uniform-clr.doc
S233-2008 Expressions of Interest
for the 2009 Learning to Lead
Effective Schools Professional
Learning Programs
For all principals, schools, school council
presidents, central and regional staff.
This circular provides information about
the statewide professional learning
programs available in 2009 for aspirant
leaders, assistant principals, principals,
school leadership teams and networks.
Expressions of Interest close on 14
October 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s233-2008_leadclr.doc
S234-2008 Microsoft Statewide
Licensing
The Department has appointed a new
supplier for the distribution of Microsoft
software to schools. The service will now
be provided by Insight Enterprises
Australia Pty Ltd (Insight).
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2342008_microsoft-clr.doc
S235-2008 Processing the Education
Maintenance Allowance
Applications for the Second
Instalment 2008
Principals are requested to notify
Education Maintenance Allowance
administrators that the EMA Web System is
now available to commence processing
instalment two applications. These must
be processed by 8 August 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s235-2008_emaclr.doc
S236-2008 School Compliance
Checklist – Term 3 Reminder
For all principals and schools, business
managers and regional staff.
Schools are reminded that it is mandatory
to self-assess their status on the School
Compliance Checklist. Annual items due in
Term 3 2008 and any outstanding ongoing
compliance items must be completed by
October 6 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2362008_compliance-clr.doc
S237-2008 Victorian Schools’
Garden Awards
Schools are invited to enter this year’s
Victorian Schools’ Garden Awards. The
program provides a great opportunity for
students to explore fresh ideas in the face
of water scarcity and climate change.
Entries close on 25 July 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2372008_garden-clr.doc
S238-2008 National Literacy and
Numeracy Week 2008 – Statewide
Games Day
For all schools, principals and regional
staff. Principals are requested to pass this
information on to literacy/maths
coordinators and teachers.
On Monday 1 September 2008, Victorian
schools are invited to participate in a
Statewide Games Day to highlight National
Literacy and Numeracy Week.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2382008_literacynumeracy-clr.doc
S239-2008 Access Asia Vietnam
Study Tour 2009
The Asia Education Foundation is leading a
study tour to Vietnam from 4 – 16 January,
2009 with an optional extension to
Cambodia 16 – 21 January. Applications
close Friday 1 August, 2008. Joint
applications will be considered. Successful
applicants will be required to pay $2,250
towards the total cost.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2392008_vietnam-clr.doc
S240-2008 Principal For A Day
For all principals and regional directors.
Principal For A Day is a unique program
which enables 100 Victorian
business/community leaders to shadow
100 school principals to gain a first hand
understanding of the strengths and
challenges in government schools. The
2008 event is on Tuesday 2 September and
will be followed by a forum on the theme
"Principal for a Day: a shared leadership
experience” on Tuesday 16 September.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2402008_principal-clr.doc
S241-2008 Principal’s Projected
Enrolments for 2009
The collection of Principal’s Projected
Enrolments for 2009 (run in conjunction
with the CASES21 mid year student
enrolment census) will occur on Friday 1
August, 2008. Schools are advised that
this year’s collection will be web based and
will not require the use of “old” CASES
admin program [7,8,4].
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2412008_enrolments-clr.doc
S242-2008 Public Service Medal
Australia Day Honours List 2009
For all principals, schools, and school
council presidents, central and regional
staff.
Nominations for the Public Service Medal
Australia Day Honours List 2009 are now
being sought. The closing date for
nominations for the Public Service Medal
(Australia Day Honours List 2009) is 15
August 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2422008_publicservice-clr.doc
S243-2008 Relaunching the Tax
Resource Centre, July 2008
S251-2008 Understanding the MultiFaith Classroom in a Secular Society
S259-2008 Australian Trades and
Skills Teacher of the Year Awards
For all principals and schools, business
managers, SSO administrative staff and all
regional directors.
Schools are advised that the Tax Resource
Centre has moved to a new web address.
The Tax Resource Centre is DEECD’s
Financial Services Division website
provided for schools, principals, SSOs and
business managers. It provides
information and resources on taxation
matters and reminders of tax events
affecting schools for reference and further
research.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s243-2008_taxclr.doc
A free one-day professional learning
workshop will be presented at the
Melbourne Museum on Monday 18
August. This event is offered to all teachers
and principals who want to find out more
about the beliefs, rituals and traditions of
Islam, Christianity and Judaism and how
these may impact on classroom dynamics.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2512008_multifaith-clr.doc
For all secondary schools and principals,
trades and skills teachers, VET teachers
and career advisers.
The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence is
awarding prizes of $5000 to outstanding
trades or skills teachers. Nominations are
now open and close on Friday 5
September 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2592008_trades-clr.doc
S245-2008 Williamson Community
Leadership Program 2009
For all principals.
Applications for the Williamson Community
Leadership Program (2009 intake) are now
invited. The closing date for applications is
Monday 13 August 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2452008_williamson-clr.doc
S246-2008 Program for Students
with Disabilities Management
System (PSDMS) – Term Three
Allocation Reminder
For all principals, schools and regional
staff.
Schools are asked to promptly review and
update PSDMS to ensure all students in
receipt of PSD support are listed,
particularly newly enrolled students. All
PSD funded students must be uploaded
and registered on PSDMS prior to the Term
3 2008 critical budget date, Friday 25 July
2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2462008_psdms-clr.doc
S247-2008 SunSmart Shade Awards
For all schools principals and school
council presidents.
The 2008 SunSmart Shade Awards
organised by The Cancer Council Victoria
are now open. The SunSmart Shade
Awards recognise achievements and
innovation in shade provision. It is an
opportunity to demonstrate leadership and
commitment to reducing the risk of skin
cancer through shade provision.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2472008_sunsmart-clr.doc
Direct to Schools
S244-2008 Exclusive Ticket Offer for
all Schools to the Victorian State
Schools Spectacular 2008
For all schools and principals. Principals
are asked to distribute to drama, dance,
music and PE teachers.
All government schools have the first
opportunity to purchase tickets to the
Victorian State Schools Spectacular this
year. Tickets are now available through
Ticketek for performances of the show
entitled “Made in Australia” on Saturday 6
September at 2pm and 7.30pm, and
Sunday 7 September at 2pm at Hisense
Arena (formerly Vodafone Arena).
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2442008_spectacular-clr.doc
Sent week ending 25 July
S249-2008 Supporting Sexual
Diversity in Schools
For all schools, principals, welfare
coordinators, school nurses, school
council presidents, technology
coordinators, HRMS users and central and
regional staff.
Supporting Sexual Diversity in Schools is a
new online booklet available to principals
and school staff. It outlines legal
responsibilities relating to sexual diversity,
the provision of safe and inclusive learning
environments and can be found on the new
sexuality education website.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2492008_diversity-clr.doc
S250-2008 CASES21 Bulletin, Issue
5-2008
For all schools, principals, business
managers, SSO administrative staff and
school technicians.
CASES21 Bulletin for circulation to staff
using CASES21 in your school.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2502008_cases21-clr.doc
S252-2008 Mid-Year LOTE
(Languages Other Than English)
School Census
For all schools, principals, business
managers and SSO administrative staff.
The 2008 Mid-Year LOTE Census will be
held Friday, 1 August 2008. Schools are
reminded that they must complete the
LOTE census online. Schools should
submit their Electronic LOTE Census return
beginning Census day, Friday 1 August
2008, but no later than close of business
Friday 15 August, 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s252-2008_loteclr.doc
S253-2008 Parents Victoria Annual
Conference 27 – 28 August 2008
For all schools and principals, parent
association/club presidents and school
council presidents.
Schools are asked to promote the Parents
Victoria Annual Conference 2008 and
encourage parent participation.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2532008_parents-clr.doc
S254-2008 Parent Opinion Survey –
Full Documentation
For all schools, principals and school
council presidents.
The 2008 Parent Opinion Survey is to be
conducted state-wide during a 2-week
period in Term 3 (25 August to 5 September
2008). This circular contains all the
information schools need to know about
the survey.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2542008_parentopinion-clr.doc
S255-2008 Student Attitudes to
School Survey Reports
The 2008 Student Attitudes to School
Survey reports are now available. This
circular provides information regarding the
download of your school’s report and
where to get assistance interpreting it.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2552008_attitudes-clr.doc
S256-2008 Mid Year School Census
Arrangements
Due to the Big Day Out occurring on 1
August 2008 (census day), schools are
advised that they can commence
submitting their mid year school census
information from Wednesday 30 July 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2562008_census-clr.doc
S257-2008 On Track Survey School
Reports
For all P-12 and secondary schools and
principals, and regional directors.
Individual school reports containing On
Track destination data for students exiting
Years 10-12 in 2007 will be emailed to you
in the week commencing Monday 28 July
2008.
These reports supplement locally based
information and assist schools, both
individually and in networks, to plan
pathways and the provision of career
information and advice for their students.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2572008_ontrack-clr.doc
S260-2008 Mentoring in support of
Beginning Teachers: Day 2 Mentor
Support Program August/September
2008
For all schools, principals and central and
regional staff.
This circular provides details about the Day
2 Teacher Mentor Support Program to be
conducted between 11 August and 4
September 2008. This program is intended
for those teachers who have already
attended the Day 1 Mentor Support
Programs conducted in November 2007
and repeated in February and May 2008.
Details and registration forms are attached.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2602008_mentoring-clr.doc
S261-2008 Thresholds for Tendering
for Public Construction
Changes have been approved to the
thresholds for tendering for public
construction, effective from 1 July 2008.
Different levels apply to works and
consultancies with the consultancies now
being aligned to the revised limits applying
under the Victorian Government
Purchasing Board policies and thresholds,
also updated on 1 July 2008.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2612008_construction-clr.doc
S262-2008 Children’s Capital
Program 2007-2008
For all schools and principals, school
council presidents and business
managers.
The 2007-2008 Children’s Capital Program
funding round has now been completed
with $17 milion allocated across four grant
categories. Schools asked to note that
schools in their area may have received
funding under this program for their
kindergarten or out of school hours
programs.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2622008_capital-clr.doc
REMINDER: S244-2008 Exclusive
Ticket Offer for all Schools to the
2008
For all schools and principals. Principals
are asked to distribute to drama, dance,
music and PE teachers.
All government schools have the first
opportunity to purchase tickets to the
Victorian State Schools Spectacular this
year. Tickets are now available through
Ticketek for performances of the show
entitled “Made in Australia” on Saturday 6
September at 2pm and 7.30pm, and
Sunday 7 September at 2pm at Hisense
Arena (formerly Vodafone Arena).
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2442008_spectacular-clr.doc
Direct to Schools
S248-2008 Ballot Outcome Proposed Victorian Government
Schools Agreement
S258-2008 Engineering as a
Rewarding Career Seminar
For all principals, assistant principals,
leading teachers, teachers and instructors
in schools and regions. The circular is not
relevant to other categories of DEECD
employees.
Principals and teacher class employees
are advised about the ballot outcome for
the proposed workplace agreement.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2482008_ballot-clr.doc
For all secondary schools and principals,
career advisers and parent
association/club presidents.
Teachers, career advisers, students and
parents are invited to attend a free
engineering seminar on Wednesday 6
August 2008. Five young recently
graduated engineers will speak about how
exciting, rewarding and satisfying it is to
contribute to designing and creating
stadiums, railways, roads, bridges,
buildings, etc. to enhance the quality of our
lives.
/Schools/Circulars/2008/s2582008_engineering-clr.doc
Information sent to schools by EduMail is
also published in EduLibrary. Recent
material can be found at
https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/
Schools/Circulars/ or via the Outlook Public
folders under
EduLibrary/Schools/Circulars/. The full
archive of DoE MAIL to schools prior to
2005 is available under
EduLibrary/Schools/Official Memoranda,
Circular & Notices/ (select appropriate
folders under this area
Careers
19
Career Link
Career Link features profiles of educators and school staff appointments. If you have a story suggestion for
our Career Link page, email the editor at [email protected]
Youngest principal takes the helm
At just 29, Ben
Johnstone-McCleod is
the youngest
government secondary
school principal in
Victoria. He talks to
Education Times about
his recent appointment
to Bendigo South West
Secondary College and
his plans for the future.
Photograph courtesy of
the Bendigo Advertiser
Young guns: Bendigo South West Secondary College principal Ben Johnstone-McCleod with Year 10 students (from left) Sheree, Liam, Mat and Amy.
How are you enjoying your new role
as principal of Bendigo South West
Secondary College?
Great! In the first week I made a
point of trying to get out there to
learn as much as I could about the
school, where it has come from and
where it is going. I spoke to
teachers and parents and I did my
best to speak to as many of the
school’s 800-plus students as I
could. I listened and I learned.
There is a lot of history and
knowledge here and it is important
to get to know just how much
people have invested and to
understand their passion.
What are you passionate about?
My passion is really about helping
individual students to realise their
potential.
I had lots of really great teachers
in my life who took an interest and
were involved and made a real
difference, and I wanted the
opportunity to make a difference in
the lives of young people as well. It
is important to give people the
opportunity to be cared about and
to be successful.
You have achieved success in a
relatively short period of time,
what do you think you will bring to
the role of principal?
I don’t think it has anything to do
with my age.
I enjoy working with people and
leading people and I think I was
thrust into leadership positions
early in my career and I felt it was
important to build skills in those
areas.
Yes, I am 29 but I came into this
role having had a variety of
experiences that will hopefully add
to the school. I think I can offer a
different perspective, another set
of eyes and ears.
Where did you teach before coming
to Bendigo South West SC?
I spent four years as a classroom
teacher and year-level coordinator at Broadmeadows
Secondary College and was a team
leader at Fitzroy High School,
which was a pretty innovative
school. We designed our own
timetables, we didn’t teach
subjects, and the kids didn’t have
uniforms.
Fitzroy was a tremendous
school, it was set up to be
innovative and several other
schools in the state adopted the
approach. I also ran professional
development sessions.
After living and working in
Melbourne, how are you enjoying
the move to a regional city?
Actually, I’m reasonably local. My
wife and I both grew up in the area.
I went to Raywood Primary
School, which had 70 students when
I was there, and then I headed out to
East Loddon P-12 College, which
was also pretty small back then with
about 400 students from Prep to
Year 12.
I didn’t deliberately come back to
the area it was just a twist of fate.
I still have family here so coming
‘home’ has been really positive. My
wife and I have very fond memories
of growing up in the country and we
hope that our kids – a four-year-old
son and daughter, aged two – will
have the same positive experience.
It’s really nice for them to be around
uncles and aunties and cousins.
Will you still be involved in
classroom activities?
I think of myself as a teacher first
and I will go into classrooms. It’s
difficult to lead an organisation
without knowing what is
happening within it, and getting
in and working with the teachers
and the kids will give me another
perspective and another
context, which all helps to
develop those vital
relationships.
You’re a principal at 29 – what’s
next?
It’s not what’s next, but what’s
now. My plan at present is to
listen, to talk to people and build
relationships. After all
relationships are the most
important thing in school, it’s
our core business.
20
Careers
The appointments listed below are as a result of vacancies advertised online. The data is that provided by
schools through the Recruitment Online system. This information is published for the purpose of general
interest only.
Appointments
NAME
SCHOOL
CLASSIFICATION
Merrivale PS
Heywood Consolidated School
Camperdown College
Camperdown College
Oberon HS
Lara PS
Western Heights SC
Portarlington PS
Casterton SC
Corio Bay Senior College
CLASS
PR2
CLASS
CLASS
PR5
LEAD2
PR5
PR2
CLASS
CLASS
Koonung SC
Upwey HS
Heathmont College
Mount Evelyn SDS
Boronia Heights College
Kallista PS
Heathmont College
Oakleigh South PS
Hawthorn SC
Warrandyte HS
Hawthorn SC
Solway PS
Brentwood SC
Heatherwood School
Upwey HS
Koonung SC
Kew HS
Pembroke SC
Upper Yarra SC
Mount Waverley PS
Koonung SC
Healesville HS
Ashwood School
Monbulk College
Maroondah SC
Ringwood Heights PS
Boronia Heights College
Camberwell PS
Mulgrave PS
Wattle Park PS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
LEAD2
SSO2-3
CLASS
SSO1-1
GRD
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
SSO1-1
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
AP1
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
SSO1-2
SSO1-1
SSO1-1
LEAD2
PR3
PR2
LEAD1
Neerim South PS
Kurnai College
Lindenow PS
Ellinbank PS
Leongatha SC
Lindenow PS
Mirboo Nth. SC
Bass Valley PS
Lindenow PS
SSO1-1
SSO3-6
CLASS
PR1
CLASS
CLASS
PR4
SSO1-1
CLASS
Barwon South Western
Cherrett,Catherine Anne
Fisher,Greg
Fox,Melissa
Kane,Leaha Maree
Murphy,Alison Kay
O’Brien,Marcia C
Rooney,Kristine F
Simons,Denise Marie
Toma,Keith Victor
Wood,John
Gippsland
Brown,Bronwyn Jane
Coad,Brett
Davies,Danae
Frost,Ian Richard
John,Roy Henry Paul
Keays,Belinda Michelle
Lanyon,Karen Leanne
Murdoch,Claire Bronwyn
Taylor,Leah Katherine
SCHOOL
CLASSIFICATION
Murtoa College
Napoleons PS
Dimboola Memorial SC
Yuille Park P-8 Community College
Ararat PS
PR4
PR2
SSO1-1
PR3
SSO1-1
Wangaratta HS
Tallangatta SC
Alexandra SC
Beechworth SC
Beveridge PS
Wallan SC
SSO1-1
SSO2-4
SSO1-1
CLASS
SSO2-3
CLASS
Beverford District PS
Echuca College
Swan Hill College
Gisborne SC
Bendigo Senior SC
Bendigo Senior SC
Boort SC
Koorlong PS
Bendigo Senior SC
Swan Hill College
Swan Hill College
SSO2-3
CLASS
CLASS
SSO2-4
AP1
AP1
CLASS
PR1
AP1
CLASS
CLASS
Concord School
Wales Street PS
Lakeside SC
Bell PS
Box Forest SC
Wales Street PS
Northcote HS
Brunswick SC
Lakeside SC
Greenvale PS
Lakeside SC
Panton Hill PS
Mickleham PS
Watsonia Heights PS
Heidelberg PS
Meadow Fair North PS
Lalor SC
Thornbury HS
Kismet Park PS
Diamond Valley College
LEAD1
SSO1-2
CLASS
SSO1-1
AP2
SSO3-6
SSO3-6
SSO1-2
CLASS
AP2
CLASS
SSO1-2
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
GRD
SSO1-2
PR4
Pakenham SC
Elisabeth Murdoch College
Middle Park PS
Mount Erin SC
SSO3-7
CLASS
CLASS
SSO1-2
Grampians
Eastern Metropolitan
Anderson,Mark
Barons,Brett Anthony
Bond - Nelms,Jennifer
Cleary,Toni Margaret
Gardiner,Rachel Patricia
Gunn,Andrea Denise
Irwin,Desmond
Konings,Mark Andrew
Lane,Cara Maree
Loupis,Melya
Martin-Killeen,Catherine Lea
Mitchell,Prue Elizabeth
Ng,Mei Yong
Nicholls,Suzanne Marion
Osmond,David
Prato,Anton
Reid,Catherine
Robinson,Jeremy Kelvin
Rosenberg,Benjamin
Schubert,Glenda Joy
Sheehan,Chris
Stevens,Nicole Ann
Swann,Ian Gordon
Szczesny,Adele Rosalie
Szetey,Jenny Aila
Taylor,Annie Duff
Triffett,Judith Lorraine
Warnod,Helen Louise
Watkins,Elizabeth
Wheatley,Kim Ellen
NAME
Day,Joanna Jill
Edwards,Trevor John
Elliott,Julie
Paige,Clete
Turner,Carol Ellen
Hume
Gannon,Sharon L
Lawson,Rosalie A
Leary,Hannah Anne
Marshall,Andrew
Muldoon,Jayne
Norwood,Katherine Rose
Loddon Mallee
Caelli,Lois Dawn
Case,Nicole Maree
Growse,Alan Gurdon
Huke,Ian
Lake,Rosalie
Lau,Mark
Mackley,Elizabeth Sian
McMahon,Ian Roy
Miller,Bronwyn
Stephens,Anthony
Vernon,Barbara Frances
Northern Metropolitan
Bellette,Tony David
Bevilacqua,Arcangela
Brown,Andrew Mark
Campbell,Cheryl Jeanette
Ebbage,Rodney
Fisers,Catherine Frances
Galvin,Donna Maree
Gibbs,Katie Louise
Grandy,Anita Coral
Greig-Hancock,Jane Patricia
Grivas,Ria
Jackson,Jodee
O’Connell,Annemarie
O’Neill,Susan Mary
Potter,Nyree Elizabeth
Reid,Michelle Laraine
Simpson,Chris
Whitehead,Greg
Wight,Deborah
Williams,Greg John
Southern Metropolitan
Allison,Jackie Anne
Barnden,Joanne
Bradley,Pamela
Brown,Joanne Leila
NAME
SCHOOL
CLASSIFICATION
Burgess,Kelly Ann
Carroll,Sarah Jane
Chamberlain,Louise Colette
Cornell,Rachael Melanie
Davies,Fiona Elizabeth
Davies,Lauren Anne
Eilenberg,Benjamin Michael
Evison,Janet
Feher,Alan George
Ferguson,Brigitte Louise
Godkin,Trudi Maree
Gow,Mark
Iles,Wayne Anthony
Isbell,Sharon Anne
Kamer,Robyn Margaret
Katsoulis,Evelyne
Katsoulis,George
Khubbar,Ravinder
Klusik,Alex
Mason,Kellie Louise
McKenzie,Ian G
Mcmaster,Annette June
O’Bree,Meredith Susan
Preston,Elaine Patricia
Ralph,Elizabeth Faye
Ramsay,Stephen Blincow
Ridgeway,Bryan
Rogers,Derek
Rose,Iroshi
Rubinstein,Morry
Sharlassian,Zovinar
Sharp,Kathryn May
Smith,Matthew
Timewell,Michael Henry
Turner,William Stephen
Wandaller,Carole Anne
Watmough,Katie
Watts,Rebecca Louise
Wood,Matthew Kyle
Dandenong HS
Moorabbin PS
Pakenham Springs PS
Dandenong HS
Carwatha College P–12
Hallam Valley PS
Silverton PS
Kunyung PS
Dandenong HS
Lyndale SC
Narre Warren South P–12 College
Dandenong HS
Rowellyn Park PS
Edithvale PS
Dandenong HS
Dandenong HS
Dandenong HS
Narre Warren South P–12 College
Chandler PS
Dandenong HS
Southern Metropolitan Region
Mentone Girls’ SC
Dandenong HS
Kunyung PS
Emerson School
Dandenong HS
Rosebud SC
Emerson School
Port Phillip Specialist School
Frankston PS
Lyndale SC
James Cook PS
Emerson School
Dandenong HS
Springvale PS
Dandenong HS
Elwood PS
LEAD1
CLASS
SSO1-1
LEAD1
SSO1-1
CLASS
CLASS
LEAD1
LEAD1
CLASS
SSO1-1
LEAD2
SSO2-3
CLASS
LEAD2
LEAD2
LEAD2
CLASS
CLASS
LEAD2
PR4
CLASS
LEAD2
PR3
CLASS
LEAD2
PR5
CLASS
CLASS
PR3
SSO3-6
PR3
SSO1-2
CLASS
LEAD2
CLASS
LEAD2
CLASS
SSO1-1
Debney Park SC
Glen Orden PS
Debney Park SC
Little River PS
Taylors Lakes PS
Carlton Gardens PS
Keilor Downs SC
Gilmore College For Girls
Glen Orden PS
Calder Rise PS
Little River PS
Taylors Lakes PS
Footscray City College
Gilmore College For Girls
Taylors Lakes PS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
GRD
LEAD1
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
CLASS
SSO1-1
CLASS
LEAD1
CLASS
LEAD2
AP1
Western Metropolitan
Armatolos,Judith Mary
Borg,Amanda Kylie
Cananzi,Maria
Casey,Jacqueline Rae
Conn,Elizabeth Ann
Corzo,Margaret Alice
Egan,Julie Mary
Harrison,Benne
Holloway,Louis William
Kapodistrias Jr.,Freda Annette
Marozzi,Susan
Newton,Susanne Mary
Sanada,Satoshi
Stocker,Luke
Street,Robyn Elaine
Professional development programs and courses
ARTS
VCE Exam Preparation: Art & Studio Arts
for Students and Teachers
Art Education Victoria
August 16
Art: 10am – 12 noon
Studio Art: 1 – 3 pm
Box Hill Senior Secondary College,
Dunloe Avenue, Box Hill
www.aev.vic.edu.au
August 23
Art: 10 12 noon
Studio Art: 1 – 3 pm
Pascoe Vale Girls SC
Lake Avenue, Pascoe Vale
www.aev.vic.edu.au
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Design & Technology Exam Preparation
Workshop for Teachers
August 14, 1 pm – 4 pm
Statewide Resource Centre, Palmerston
Street, Carlton
www.teav.vic.edu.au
Systems Engineering Exam Preparation
Workshop for Teachers
DATTAVic
August 14, 1 pm – 4 pm
Street, Carlton
www.teav.vic.edu.au
DRAMA
Drama Victoria
Primary Drama Network
August 7, 5 pm – 6.30 pm
Drama Victoria Office
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street
Abbotsford
www.dramavic.vic.edu.au
VCE Drama Solo & Written Exams
Preparation (Repeat)
August 2, 9.30 M – 1.30 pm
Drama Victoria
Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street
Abbotsford
Regional VCE Student Days
July 21 – August 9
Warrnambool/Wodonga/Sale/Bendigo
ECONOMICS, ACCOUNTING,
LEGAL STUDIES, BUSINESS
STUDIES
21st Century Education: Where
Business meets Asia & ICT
VCTA
August 22, 9 am – 3.30 pm
Carringbush Business Centre, 134-136
Cambridge Street, Collingwood
www.vcta.asn.au
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
VAEE Annual Conference 2008
August 22, 9 am – 3.30 pm
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
www.vaee.vic.edu.au
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
HEV Annual Conference 2008
HEV
December 1
(Full details available September)
www.vhetta.com.au
GEOGRAPHY
GTAV Annual Conference: ”Planet
Earth”
GTAV
August 10 – 12, 9 am – 3.30 pm
www.gtav.asn.au
HEALTH & PE
2008 ACHPER Health and Physical
Education Conference
ACHPER (Vic)
November 27–28, 9 am – 4.30 pm
Monash University, Clayton
www.achper.vic.edu.au
HISTORY
HTAV
Renaissance History Unit 4: The Datini
Correspondence
VATE Conference Room
134 – 136 Cambridge Street,
Collingwood
www.htav.asn.au
VCE Australian History Exam Refresher
AEU, 112 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford
www.htav.asn.au
VCE Renaissance History Exam
Refresher
www.htav.asn.au
VCE Revolutions
www.htav.asn.au
ICT EDUCATION
Peer Coaching in ICT
ICTEV
September 22, 9.30 am – 3.30 pm
Street, Carlton
www.ictev.vic.edu.au
LITERACY EDUCATION
Thinking Beyond the Text:
Multiliteracies, Composing,
Connecting, Creating
Australian Literacy Educators
Association Victoria & Curriculum
Corporation
October 24, 9 am – 4.30 pm
ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
www.alea.edu.au/html/states/39/victoria
MEDIA STUDIES
Media Exam: Conference for Teachers
ATOM
September 5, 9 am – 4 pm
Statewide Resource Centre,
Palmerston Street, Carlton
www.atomvic.org
PHILOSOPHY
VCE Philosophy Network
VAPS
Street, Carlton
www.vaps.vic.edu.au
SCIENCE
STAVCON
STAV
November 27 – 28, 9 am – 4 pm
La Trobe University, Bundoora
www.scienevictoria.com.au
SOCIAL EDUCATION
Integrating ICT with Social Education
SEV
Street, Carlton
www.vasst.asn.au
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
ECO8 Annual Conference
Visual Communication Vic
August 30–31, 9 am –-3.30 pm
Lauriston Girls School, Huntingtower
Road, Armadale
www.vcv.asn.au
Classifieds
21
Classifieds
RETIREMENTS
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
BARRY & KATHY LACY
Friends and colleagues of Barry and Kathy are
invited to attend a farewell celebration of their 25
years of service and dedication to Boort. The
function will take place on Friday, 15th August at
7pm at Boort Sports Club, Malone St, Boort.
Finger food provided, drinks at bar prices. A
contribution of $15 will go towards finger food and
gift. RSVP essential 8th August – money paid to
Boort Secondary College. RSVP to Robyn
Pattinson 03 5455 2201 or
[email protected].
MASSAGE IN SCHOOLS
Massage in Schools Program Instructor Training
course Melbourne 17/18 August. Calms the
classroom, creates respectful relationships, helps
develop children’s self esteem, results in less
aggression and bullying. 02 6332 6119,
[email protected],
www.massageinschools.com.au
SWITCHING BOYS ONTO MUSIC…
THROUGH SINGING
Saturday 30 August, Scotch College Junior School,
9:30am – 1:30pm with Presenters Curtis Bayliss
and Christopher Shepard. Visit www.kodaly.org.au
or phone 9535 7035 for bookings.
RETIRING SOON?
Volunteers for Isolated Students' Education
recruits retired teachers to assist isolated families
with their Distance Education Program. Travel and
accommodation provided in return for six weeks
teaching. Register at vise.org.au or ring George
Murdoch 03 9017 5439 or 0421 790 334
REUNIONS
ALPHINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
Alphington Primary School invites interested
former students, parents and staff to join the
Centenary celebrations being conducted from
Monday 18 August to Saturday 23 August. For
details contact Email: [email protected]
Website: www.alphinps.vic.edu.au
CHELSEA HEIGHTS PS
A reunion will be held for students who finished
Grade 6 between the years of 1960 and 1985 and
any teachers who also taught during this period on
Saturday 4th October 2008. The school will be
open for tours between 6.00pm – 7.00pm with
festivities commencing thereafter till 1.00am. For
further information www.chps.vic.edu.au or
contact Debra Beer (nee Searle) on 0404 047 114
or via email [email protected]
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
MAGIC WORKSHOPS:
Fantastic hands on activity. Years 2 to 8. Everything
supplied. “One of the best incursions we’ve ever
had - appealing, fascinating and entertaining”
Footscray West Primary. MAGIC SHOWS: Kinder to
Year 6. Adam Laurance Magic 0409 213 639
POLLIWOG PUPPETS
Hands on and heaps of fun workshops. Puppet
making also, materials supplied. Happy to discuss
your requirements. Suits VELS goals. Public
Liability Insured to $20m. Phone 5625 3104, 0402
483 654, email [email protected]
www.polliwogpuppets.com.au
Two bedroom units three minutes walk to beach,
three bedroom house with lake frontage. Fully self
contained for a comfortable holiday or short break.
Phone 5156 6395, email
[email protected]
FORREST/APOLLO BAY LOCATION
Great Otway National Park. 24 Bed (bunks) Dorm
Style Building. Available Second (2nd) Term
onwards. Access to waterfall walks, Great
mountain bike trails. Exciting flat water canoe
options. Otway Fly Tree Top Walk.Highly useable
for Outdoor Ed and Environment Units. Equipment
provided. Activities run by qualified staff, adhering
to the Adventure Activity Standards. Call us on:
035236 3321 Or email us at: [email protected]
Check out our website: www.gorats.com.au
HAVE A REAL HOLIDAY - RIMINI BY THE
RIVER
Noosaville 15 one bdrm & 3 two bdrm self
contained 4 star apartments. Peaceful, clean,
comfortable & so central you will never want to
leave. 7-15 Edward St Noosaville
Ph 07 5473 0000 www.rimini.com.au
MORUYA, FAR SOUTH COAST, NSW
ENGRAVED GLASSES
One bedroom and two bedroom bush cabins. Open
fires. $400 per week, $150 per weekend. Phone
(02) 4474 2542, 0427 199 156.
Have your reunion or commemorative message
permanently laser engraved on glassware. Contact
Ian Newman, telephone/fax 9645 8699, or PO Box
5164, Middle Park Vic 3206.
WARANGA HOLIDAY CAMP
PARIS
Stay right in central Paris in a beautiful one
bedroom, fully contained apartment. Five minutes
walk to the nearest metro and then on to all the Paris
tourist sites: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elyses.
Sunny, inviting apartment. Bedroom, lounge,
separate kitchen and bathroom. English speaking
owners. Live with the locals, talk with the locals and
experience the traditional Parisian lifestyle.
www.rentaparisflat.com
THE GRANGE P-12 COLLEGE
The Grange P-12 College is celebrating 10 years of
education. Current and former staff can reminisce
at the Lakeside Convention Centre, 65 Melton Hwy,
Taylors Lakes on Friday 5th September, 2008, from
7 – 12 pm. The cost is $50 per person which
includes food platters, beer, wine, soft drink and
entertainment. Dress is semi formal. Cheque or
money order to the The Grange P-12 College, PO
Box 730, Hoppers Crossing 3029. RSVP by 15th
August 2008’.
SCHOOL CAMPS
We are situated 4 kms from Rushworth, a 70
square mud brick complex offered on a catered or
self catered basis to groups of 20–64. Phone for
further details, 5856 1243. Email
[email protected]
TAXATION
PHILLIP ISLAND, SURF BEACH
Cosy two bedroom beach house, sleeps four to six.
100m to surf beach, 10 min drive to Cowes. Quiet
and relaxing spot. Contact Erin at
[email protected]
WESTALL SECONDARY COLLEGE
(Clayton South, Victoria) Is inviting interested
former students, parents and staff to join in the
45th Anniversary celebrations being held on
Saturday 8th November, 2008 (8-11-08). For
details contact the 45th Reunion Secretary:
Barbara Hose - Phone: (03) 9546 3233
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.westallsc.vic.edu.au
Photos and memorabilia would be greatly
appreciated.
GIPPSLAND LAKES, PAYNESVILLE
EMPLOYMENT
MISCELLANEOUS
BLINDS REPAIRED AND NEW
Including audio visual venetians, verticals,
hollands, canvas, heavy duty venetians.
Maintenance service and laundering, GP Blinds,
repairs and sales, telephone 9844 0817, fax 9844
0199. Thirty-five years Department of Education
contracts.
EDUCATIONAL
MATERIALS/SERVICES
TRAVEL
FRANCE - SOUTH WEST
Your choice - renovated 17C, 2B/R apartment in
elegant Figeac “centre ville” or cottage in Lauzerte,
12C romantic hilltop village. Low cost. Teacher
owner, brochure Ph; 03 9877 7513, fax; 03 8677
2516.
FRANCE, PROVENCE
Fully equipped and restored 17th century house in
mediaeval, fortified village of Entrevaux. Sleeps
seven. Close to Nice, Cote d'Azur and Italy. Phone
owner 5258 2798 or (02) 9948 2980. Website
http://www.provencehousestay.com.
WALKING CYCLING BOATING IN EUROPE
FRANCE OR TUSCANY - Spain, UK, Ireland & NZ.
Free brochure 1800 331582 or
www.outdoortravel.com.au
APPLYING FOR A JOB?
CLASSROOM RESOURCES
Special offer to Teachers of Years P-4. Solve
problems of disruptive behaviour, difficult parents,
work overload and much more with 'The Practical
Guide to Classroom Management - Early Grades'
by Jeanette Mollard M. Ed. $39.95 (includes
postage). Order by email at [email protected] or send
cheque/money order to Primary Teacher
Publications, P.O. Box 1641, Runaway Bay, Qld.
4216.
Teachers, principals, support staff: Let us do the
difficult work! Friendly, professional service.
Effective résumés, selection criteria, letters,
interviews, help to apply online. Anywhere in
Victoria. Experienced in schools, staff selection.
Quality guarantee; testimonials. Contact Geoff: 03
9590 0174 or [email protected]
FINANCIAL PLANNING
GRAFFITI REMOVAL
Sparkling Impressions is a specialist graffiti
removal and pressure cleaning business with over
15 years experience. Call Phill Jenkins on 0418
322 689 for prompt service.
LINE MARKING SERVICES
Playground line marking, sports courts and car
parks. Melbourne Line Marking. Phone Barry 0419
315 431, Drew 0419 315 353, fax 9555 7966.
Quality assured.
TIGER TURF
Desperate to get the children playing on lush grass
despite the current drought conditions?
TigerTurf could have the answer. Transform a
bare, bumpy oval into a stimulating, safe and
practical play area usable day in, day out. To learn
more about TigerTurf or to organise your free no
obligation quotation, contact us on 1800 802 570
or [email protected]
22
Regional Roundup
German poetry winners
Year 9 students from Bellarine SC
are helping to raise community
awareness of issues including local
poverty and the ongoing fight
against HIV/AIDS through a
program called Moving Towards the
Community.
Teacher Leesa Saffin said the
students
had
produced
an
informative article to raise the
awareness of HIV/AIDS and a list of
charities that people can donate to.
Other community-based projects
that students are involved in include
the Kidz positive project, a blanket
drive for the homeless, designing
and producing a play emphasising
the issues of poverty and a variety of
fundraisers to support either AIDS
research or reducing poverty.
Eastern Metropolitan
Something to sing about: Healesville
RSL memorabilia officer John Taylor,
welfare officer Dave Powell and senior
vice president Arthur Ford hand over a
$1400 donation to Badger Creek PS
choir leader Chloe.
Students at Badger Creek PS are still
singing the praises of local heroes
after members of Healesville RSL
made a $1400 donation for a music
scholarship and new instruments for
the school’s music program to say
thank you for the children’s support
on Anzac Day.
“It was something we wanted to do
to say thanks to the students for
giving up their time on Anzac Day to
perform for our annual street
march. It’s all about putting another
instrument in the band, while the
scholarship gives a child the chance
to play and be part of it when they
might have missed out,” Healesville
Mossgiel Park PS students Joanna, Lara and Benjamin came first, second and third in the Year 5 category of the recent
German poetry competition.
Southern Metropolitan
Mossgiel Park PS hosted the recent
final of the Association of German
Teachers of Victoria (AGTV) poetry
competition for students in Years 5 to
9 in the southern metropolitan region.
The school’s German LOTE
teacher, and Southern Metropolitan
Regional Network Leader for the
AGTV, Jane Grenfell said 39 students
from eight schools presented poetry
in German before a panel of judges
and an audience of more than 60
people.
“It was a great day, very exciting
and the students had a wonderful
time,” she said.
All competing students were
awarded certificates with the three
place getters in each year level
receiving bronze, silver and gold
medals and a German pocket
dictionary.
Students selected to compete in
the state final include: Joanna
Leucuta and Lara Nguyen, Year 5,
and Chelvi Yogaparan, Year 6,
Mossgiel Park PS; Conner McRae,
Year 6, Carrum PS; Jordan
Sarkissian, Year 7, Eumemmering SC;
Georgie Russell, Year 8, Catherine
Gilford and Jess Smith, Year 9,
Mentone Girls SC.
Gippsland
Project director Sharon Adams; Japanese language assistant Tomoko Hiro; Darnum PS
principal Chris Eeles; and guest speaker Dr Jane Orton.
Gippsland Region recently
celebrated the International
Year of Languages with a gala
dinner in Morwell. Attendees
were addressed by regional
director Michonne van Rees
and guest speaker Dr Jane
Orton.
The evening provided a
worthwhile
networking
opportunity and stimulated
discussion, not only on the
educational
benefits
of
language learning but also on
the provision and priorities for
LOTE in Gippsland schools.
Ms van Rees placed
particular emphasis on ‘real
time,
face
to
face
communication’ in schools
with a Chinese language model
being established in the
Latrobe Valley.
RSL senior vice president Arthur
Ford said.
Mr Ford initially approached
music teacher Jenny Legg to see if
she could arrange a drummer or two
to help out for the march, and was
overwhelmed by her response.
“Jenny responded by asking if we
wanted a 20-piece band and choir to
match. I think my chest grew six
inches and the buttons popped off
my shirt,” he said.
“All the children involved can hold
their heads up high. They did an
amazing job. It makes you proud to
see the younger generations wanting
to take part.”
Gippsland
At 82, Beverley Cook is Victoria’s
oldest primary school teacher. She
taught generations of children in the
High Country and is still working as
a part-time music teacher at Swifts
Creek PS where principal Ros
Mudge has nominated her for a
Pride of Australia role model award.
“She has always had a wonderful
rapport with children. To their
delight, each of her past students has
received a card on their 21st
birthday. Now she’s sending cards
for their 50th birthdays,” Ms Mudge
said.
Northern Metropolitan
It was a purr-fect ending to the tale
of Jack the stray cat who was finally
reunited with his owner after
months of making himself at home
at Moreland PS, where he survived
quite happily on student donated
sandwiches and play lunches.
“At first we thought the cat
belonged to one of our neighbours
because it was wearing a collar with a
Queenscliff flicks
A movie produced by students at
Queenscliff PS has been exhibited at
Federation Square in Melbourne. The
movie, Queenscliff Beaches, was
awarded overall winner of the
Barwon Region’s Sprockets and
Flares multimedia competition, and
accepted by a panel of judges at the
Australian Centre for the Moving
Image to be included in the Memory
Grid as part of their Map Collection.
“For a school with less than 50
students, it is a great
accomplishment to be represented in
the heart of Melbourne at Federation
Square,” principal Adrian Waters
said.
Inspired by The Sea of Words
Festival in Queenscliff, the film
examines how words are used to
communicate. It begins with Auslan
sign language and broadens to
include music, costumes and dance.
Students from Prep to Year 6
worked on the film with help from
two local industry professionals,
including Bruce Towers, a veteran of
blockbusters including The Man From
Snowy River and Mission Impossible
who provided the huge studio screen
and lighting.
Regional Roundup
23
Local author drops in
Grampians
Loddon Mallee
pages in order win a medal: 1000 +
pages for bronze, 1500+ pages for
silver and over 2000 pages for a gold
medal.
Principal John Scobie said the
medals were presented during
assembly and the program has
added a real incentive to help
students capture the winning habit of
reading.
Students at Bendigo Violet Street PS
have competed in a Reading
Olympics and been awarded bronze,
silver or gold medals for their efforts.
Every student in Years 3, 4, 5 and
6 competed in the challenge which
was designed to encourage good
reading habits and required the
students to read a certain number of
tag, but as time went on we
started to become anxious. We
just wanted to know if this cat
was local, abandoned or lost so
we could take the next step to
getting it home,” said principal
John Williams.
A call to Central Animal
Records revealed the cat was
microchipped and registered,
the relieved owner was tracked
down and soon reunited with
Jack who had been catnapped
months before.
Mr Williams said: “The cat
was a source of much discussion
in the Prep/1 classroom, where
he was looked after while waiting
to be reunited with his family.
The children read the story My
Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes and
talked about the importance of
micro-chipping a pet.”
Western Metropolitan
Teachers and Year 1/2 students at
Strathmore North PS recently
participated in ‘wow’ factor tasks for
Cultural
their
Globe
Trotters
Exploration unit, beginning with
Indigenous Australia.
Aboriginal elder and school parent
Annette Sax and Aboriginal performer,
Peter McKay, helped lead and set-up
Aboriginal bush crafts, dance, music,
painting with ochres, traditional games
and story telling.
“Learning is more meaningful when
students
are
stimulated
with
experiences that give first-hand
understanding in authentic learning,”
leading teacher Sofia Xinopoulos said.
“With this immediate motivation, the
children are looking forward to a term
of exploring and valuing the diverse
cultures in our community and
Australia.”
Children’s author Glenda
Millard recently shared the
fruits of her labours with
132 students at
Daylesford PS who are
taking part in the Premier’s
Reading Challenge.
The former
Castlemaine local
delighted the children with
her tales of travelling
though the little town of
Korweinguboora on the
way to the beach for
summer holidays.
Located in the heart of
the Wombat State Forest,
Korweinguboora was
once known for wood
chop events and mud
scrambles and is now
famous for its summer
berries and winter
potatoes. It is also the
setting for Ms Millard’s
latest picture book Mrs
Wiggins Wartymelons.
“Many of the children
travel through
Korweinguboora on their
way to school and they
were quite delighted to
hear about their little
town,” acting assistant
principal Sue Wilson said.
“It was a wonderful
opportunity for them to
meet the author. She told
them that when she was
little her mum used to
get her to spell
Korweinguboora as they
were driving through and
that it was such a small
town that you had to
spell it really quickly or
you had left town before
you finished,” she
laughed.
Fruity fans: Author Glenda Millard with
Daylesford PS students Jordyn and Isabella.
Wrapper-free lunches
Hume
Hume
Wunghnu PS will raffle off a
signed 2008 Collingwood football
jumper this term to raise money
for sports equipment and
resources for the school’s 20
students.
Principal Hayden Beaton said
last year the school raised around
$1800 by auctioning off a signed
Magpies jersey.
“We used the money to help
subsidise the school camp and the
swimming program, and to install
a large chessboard on the asphalt
area,” he said.
The raffle will be drawn at the
end of Term 3, just before the AFL
grand final.
Tickets are on sale for $2 each or
three for $5.
For further information, call
Wunghnu PS 5862 1701.
Year 4 students at
Wangaratta West PS were
selected from 205 primary
schools to test drive
wrapper-free lunchboxes
called Boxy Design after
convincing competition
judges that they were the
ideal class to monitor
waste reduction and the
benefits of buying food in
bulk to save on packaging.
Created by two
Australian mums, the onestop, gear-carrying system
for kids, comes complete
with lunchbox, drink bottle
and a built-in sleeve for the
freezer gel pack.
Foods can be stored in
one of two liquid-proof
containers, saving on
plastic wrap and
packaging.
For further information,
call Tamara Jenkins on
9533 2256 or email
[email protected]
24
News
Funding boost to stem baby boom
FAMILIES in the City of Greater Dandenong
can look forward to new and more integrated
local early childhood services, thanks to a
$100,000 Brumby Government grant.
Visiting the area as part of the Brumby
Government’s EastLink Community Cabinet,
Minister for Children and Early Childhood
Development Maxine Morand said the City of
Greater Dandenong will receive a $100,000
Municipal Wide Infrastructure
Redevelopment grant as stage one of a $1
million commitment.
“The Brumby Government recognises the
importance of quality early childhood services,
especially in light of Victoria’s current baby
boom,’’ Ms Morand said.
“In the City of Greater Dandenong there
were 1981 birth notifications last year, an
increase of 12 per cent compared to five years
ago.
“That is why we are supporting councils to
redevelop and streamline their early
childhood infrastructure to make it easier and
more convenient for busy working families and
new mothers in their communities.’’
Ms Morand said the $1 million commitment
included funding towards the construction of a
children’s hub in the City of Greater
Dandenong.
“These hubs, such as the Paddy O’Donohue
Community Centre in Noble Park, combine a
range of children and community services under
the one roof, which provide better core services
for children and their families,’’ she said.
Committed to learning: Children
from the City of Greater
Dandenong can look forward to
new and more integrated early
childhood services.
“This grant will also assist the council to
redevelop and integrate their early childhood
services such as kindergartens and child care
centres and maternal and child health as well
as create links with local schools.”
The City of Greater Dandenong is one of five
councils to receive the Municipal Wide
Infrastructure Redevelopment grants as part of
the Brumby Government’s investment of $38.56
million in early childhood capital services.
Professional development programs and courses
“By supporting councils to improve their
early childhood services, the Brumby
Government is ensuring that Victorian
children get the best possible start in life,” Ms
Morand said.
(see page 20)

Snow place like home for high country students

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