Listen to your heart It`s back to school!

Transcription

Listen to your heart It`s back to school!
Issue 1 ~ February 2011
It’s back to
school!
45,000 Preps start this week
Listen to
your heart
More incentive programs
for early childhood
intervention
Unpacking the draft
framework for career
guidance teachers
Why working with deaf
children can be life-changing
Inside the school where
every Year 7 has an iPad
Bigger and better
school camps
PASCOE VALE SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
SUPPORTING & ENHANCING DIFFERENTIATED LEARNING
“Two years ago we made a decision with our
school community to utilise a wider range of
digital technologies, with the aim of better
supporting and enhancing individual student
learning, and developing greater digital literacy.
Fundamental was our belief that quality learning
tools and experiences would enable our teachers
to better cater for individual student learning
needs, and provide students with learning
experiences more relevant to the world they live in.
We implemented a MacBook laptop program
throughout the school, with an intensive focus in
Years 5 and 6, and regular access in Years 1 to 4.
Our staff were all equipped and familiarised with
the same technology and curriculum.
We have seen many benefits including greater
collaboration, sharing, conversations and
coaching between students, and with their
teachers. There have been greater opportunities
for exploration, creativity, support, extension,
critical thinking and incidental learning.
Our relationship with Connecting Point has been
integral to the planning, implementation and
ongoing maintenance of our laptop program.
Thier understanding, communication and
experience has been invaluable...
...and that’s why we
choose Connecting Point.”
Sue Spurr, Principal
http://www.pvsps.vic.edu.au
Teachers Alison Falzon and Charmaine Lewis exploring MacBook learning with year 5 students.
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HARDWARE l SOFTWARE l SUPPORT l TRAINING l SERVICE l REPAIRS
Suite 55, Level 2, 255 Drummond St, Carlton VIC 3053 l 54 Charter St, Ringwood VIC 3134
FREE CALL: 1300 060 320 l www.connectingpoint.com.au
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FULL AUTHORISED APPLE SERVICE CENTRES AT CARLTON & RINGWOOD
first up
Inspire
To advertise |
Contact Wayne Maxwell or
Diane Mifsud
Ph: 9637 2868 or 9637 2862
ed.advertising@edumail.vic.gov.au
To SUBSCRIBE |
Contact Wayne Maxwell
Ph: 9637 2868
Email: inspire@edumail.vic.gov.au
Inspire is published monthly by the
Communications Division for the
Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development
GPO Box 4367, Melbourne 3001
ABN 52 705 101 522
www.education.vic.gov.au
On the cover |
Photo by Sharon Walker
editor | Sarah Willsher
Phone: 9637 2914
Email: editor@edumail.vic.gov.au
Designer | Alan Wright
Any use of this publication is
welcome within the constraints of
the Copyright Act 1968.
Publication dates 2011 |
March issue published week
beginning February 28.
Inclusion of an advertisement in
Inspire should not be construed
as an endorsement from DEECD.
Readers should rely on their own
investigations to determine the
suitability of advertised products
and services. No responsibility
will be taken by DEECD for
the accuracy or otherwise of
representations, statements
and information contained in
advertisements.
New year, new name!
The dawn of a new school year – and the first term of a new
government – means fresh starts across the board. And so,
we’re proud to welcome you to the first issue of Inspire –
the Department’s monthly magazine for teachers and early
childhood educators.
With up-to-date stories on the latest news in education
and early childhood development, practical tips and advice
for those working at the grass roots, feature articles on
topical issues, and regular personal profiles, Inspire is an
indispensible resource for the education and early childhood
professional.
This year, we’re committed to filling the magazine with more
of what you’d like to read – so keep your story suggestions
coming. Email your contributions to the editor of Inspire at
editor@edumail.vic.gov.au and happy reading!
Some material in Inspire is
opinionative and does not
necessarily reflect the views of
DEECD.
Proudly printed by
Hannanprint Victoria
under ISO 14001
Environmental
Certification.
The paper used
to create this
magazine comes
from certified and
sustainable forests.
Please recycle.
inspire february 2011
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contents
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38
Feature Stories
page 20
Listen to your heart
Early childhood educators looking for a deeper
challenge should consider changing the lives of
children with hearing loss.
page 50
Double Happiness
A fortuituous meeting between two former Education
Excellence Award winners has resulted in a win-win for
the Pavilion School.
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page 52
New framework puts career guidance on the right path
Professor Tony Watts, international consultant on
career guidance, explores the draft Victorian Careers
Curriculum Framework.
Latest News
page 18
An iPad for every child
Starting high school is even more exciting for the
Year 7 students at Mooroolbark College, where each
child is being given their own iPad.
page 24
More incentive programs for intervention professionals
Applications will soon close for participation in a
range of schemes designed to assist early childhood
intervention professionals.
page 34
Early years educator awarded for service
New career challenges are on the horizon for awardwinning early childhood educator Jenny Mayo.
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Regulars
Snapshot................................................................. 17
Where are they now?............................................... 26
eLearning................................................................ 44
Flashback................................................................ 55
Regional Roundup................................................... 76
Professional Development....................................... 88
Staffroom Quiz......................................................... 90
ESSSuper members
Don’t miss out – book your free seminar today!
ESSSuper offers members free seminars and one-on-one personal appointments with our Member Education Consultants who are experts in
your fund and can help provide you with all the information you need to make the right decisions for your situation.
When you attend a free seminar, we’ll provide you with the latest information about your defined benefit fund and answer all your questions.
Here’s our list of seminars available from February through to April 2011.
Places are filling fast! Bookings are essential as places are limited. Call our Member Contact Centre on 1300 732 977 to reserve your place or
make an appointment with a Member Education Consultant.
All seminars are held at Level 16, 140 William Street Melbourne, except where stated.
DAY
DATE
TIME
FUND
SEMINAR TYPE (refer to description below)
Monday
21
10am
New Scheme
Planning for retirement
Tuesday
22
6pm
New Scheme
Boosting your super savings
Thursday
24
10am
All funds
Understanding super and your options Quality Inn Latrobe Convention Centre, 5601 Princes Highway, Traralgon
Monday
28
10am
Revised Scheme
Planning for retirement
Tuesday
1
10am
Revised Scheme
54/11 and beyond
Thursday
3
6pm
Revised Scheme
Boosting your super savings
February
March
Monday
7
10am
Revised Scheme
54/11 and beyond
Tuesday
8
10am
All funds
Understanding super and your options - Dandenong Club, 1579 Heatherton Road, Dandenong
Wednesday
9
10am
All funds
Understanding super and your options - Gateway Hotel, 29-37 Ryley Street, Wangaratta
Thursday
10
10am
New Scheme
Boosting your super savings
Thursday
17
10am
All funds
Understanding super and your options - Buckley’s Entertainment Centre, 54 Fellmongers Road, Geelong
Tuesday
29
10am
Revised Scheme
54/11 and beyond
4
6pm
New Scheme
Planning for retirement
April
Monday
Thursday
7
10am
All funds
Understanding super and your options - Shepparton RSL, 88 Wyndham Street, Shepparton
Friday
8
10am
All funds
Understanding super and your options - Ballarat Golf Club, 1800 Sturt Street, Ballarat
Tuesday
12
10am
Revised Scheme
54/11 and beyond
Wednesday
13
10am
New Scheme
Boosting your super savings
Tuesday
19
10am
Revised Scheme
54/11 and beyond
Thursday
21
10am
Revised Scheme
Boosting your super savings
Friday
29
10am
Revised Scheme
Planning for retirement
Which seminar should you attend?
SEMINAR TYPE
DESCRIPTION
54/11 and beyond
ƒ for Revised Scheme members under age 55 who are eligible for, and approaching, the 54/11 resignation option
Boosting your super savings
ƒ for members that want to know more about their super and the options available to boost their super savings
ƒ specific seminars for Revised Scheme and New Scheme members as the details and options vary for each fund
ƒ targeted to members not planning to retire in the next two years
Planning for retirement
ƒ tailored for members who may want to know more about planning for retirement and their retirement options
ƒ specific seminars for Revised Scheme and New Scheme members as the details and options vary for each fund
ƒ targeted to members planning to retire in the next two years
Understanding super and your options
ƒ the regional seminars will cover topics of a general nature to cater for the various funds
Talk to the people who run your fund.
Bookings are essential as places are limited.
To book call our Member Contact Centre on 1300 732 977.
Proudly serving our members
Briefcase
What’s new this month?
Uncovering ancient Egypt secrets
n A new film for junior
history students will open at
IMAX this month – Egypt 3D:
Secrets of the Pharaohs. The
movie takes students back
thousands of years to explore
the wonders of ancient Egypt
in a modern day forensic
adventure complete with
tomb-raiders and hidden
treasures.
Students will unravel some
of the mysteries enshrouding
the ancient royal mummies,
how they were embalmed,
where they were hidden and
the dramatic story of their
recovery.
Egypt 3D: Secrets of the
Pharaohs opens on 17
February. Films screen daily
from 10:00am.
For session times visit
www.imaxmelbourne.com.au
or call 9663 5454.
Take a peek at Small Worlds
n Young children will delight in the
Small Worlds exhibition at The Ian Potter
Centre: NGV Australia. The exhibition takes
visitors on a shared learning experience
exploring tiny objects from the NGV
Collection. These fascinating and fun miniworlds include teapots in the guise of houses,
a selection of wheeled toys, colourful games,
figurines and intricate miniature illustrations
by guest artist Anna Hoyle. Children can
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participate in self-led
activities that guide
them through the
exhibition and dynamic
interactive multimedia
displays, where animated teapots chime and
virtual snowflakes fall. Small Worlds is on at
NGV Kids Corner until 31 July 2011.
For more information, visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Briefcase
School garden grants
VOX Pop
WHAT’S THE BEST
HOMEWORK EXCUSE
YOU’VE HEARD?
n Since 2008 Coles has been providing School Garden Grants of
up to $1000 to schools to help create gardens in their grounds,
such as bush tucker gardens, water-wise gardens or veggie
gardens. These programs encourage students to learn about
the environment through outdoor learning and interaction in
developing their own school gardens. If your school, kindergarten
or child care centre would like more information about Coles
Garden Grants, visit www.juniorlandcare.com
Be brave and shave
n The Leukaemia Foundation is urging Victorians to register
for the World’s Greatest Shave to help raise money for
patients and families living with leukaemia, lymphoma and
myeloma. Blood cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer
killer. This is why the Leukaemia Foundation needs your
help to raise money in Victoria to help fund free support
services and research into the causes, treatments and cures
of blood cancer. To help, register for the World’s Greatest
Shave – running from March 10 to 12 – today. Participants
are encouraged to shave or colour their hair and fundraise
for their efforts. To register call 1800 500 008 or visit
www.worldsgreatestshave.com
“This is more a class attendance
excuse… Last year the Melbourne
Show Grounds hosted a late-winter
music festival and I was inundated
with notes from ‘parents’ asking for
their Year 12 child to be dismissed
from school for the afternoon in a
sudden rush for the ‘dentist’ or
‘optometrist’.”
Catherine Damon, Year 12 coordinator
Taylors Lakes Secondary College
“I don’t know if they’re the
best excuses, but I’ve been
told: ‘I had better things to
do’ or ‘I didn’t want to add to
your workload’. And the most
common excuse is always: ‘I’ve
done it but I left it at home’.”
Adrian Camm,
Quantum Victoria Centre
“My students don’t use excuses
they just say ‘I didn’t do it’, and
then they get to come for a
walk with me at lunchtime
picking up rubbish.”
Nathan Binks,
teacher Ouyen P–12
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Briefcase
New app predicts sun danger
Letters to
the editor
Put meditation on the curriculum
I have two daughters aged seven and four years old. My
first daughter is going to finish Grade 2 and will soon start
Grade 3. She is studying in our local primary school and is
doing really well. I practice yoga and meditation whenever
I get time and reap their benefits. I was thinking: why can’t
kids also reap the benefits, especially from meditation?
It would be great for the kids to start their day in school
with just 15 minutes of meditation daily. Meditation would
help the kids to focus, be calm and not anxious and resolve
conflicts confidently. These are just some of the benefits of
meditation and the list could go on.
I do try occasionally especially during the weekend to make
my seven-year-old daughter sit with me and meditate for
five minutes or so. Sometimes she cooperates, other times
not so much. But I think if other kids also sit along with her
she may start to enjoy this activity more and it could also be
more fun.
Primary school is such a great opportunity for kids to learn
meditation and incorporate it in their daily life, and it’s
something that could be carried on to their adult life as well.
It would be great if we can have meditation as a part of the
every day routine in Victorian state schools. I believe that
with daily meditation at school, we will pick up much more
happier kids at the end of the day, which would resonate
through at home as well.
L. Shabu (parent)
n The sun’s ultraviolet or UV radiation will reach
extreme levels this term as thousands of students
return to school. Evidence suggests that childhood sun
exposure contributes significantly to the lifetime risk
of skin cancer. SunSmart offers free resources to help
share the sun protection message in 2011 including:
•New VELS appropriate teaching resources focusing on
UV, sun protection and consequences of overexposure,
suitable for Years 7 to 12.
•Online poster maker, which allows students to create
their own SunSmart poster using their image.
• SunSmart UV Alert widget – ask your school’s web
administrator to add this to your website to find out the
sun protection times for each day.
Tell us what you think.
Email editor@edumail.vic.gov.au
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• SunSmart iPhone app – find out when sun protection is
needed in your area. Perfect for PE and sports teachers
and outdoor activities.
For more information visit www.sunsmart.com.au
New app predicts
sun danger
briefcase
A spectacular announcement
n In exciting news for budding performers, the
Victorian State Schools Spectacular will now be an
annual – rather than biennial – event, providing
greater opportunities for schools and students in the
vital performing arts area.
The Victorian State Schools Spectacular is one of the
largest arena-scale, recurring productions in Australia.
It provides performance opportunities for Victorian
government school students, while also showcasing the
enormous talent that exists in our student population;
all in a collaborative, competition-free environment.
With performances scheduled for September, Prep to
Year 12 students from across Victoria will once again
have the opportunity to perform at Hisense Arena,
Melbourne Park, alongside a cast of thousands.
Schools can put up their hand to participate as part
of the dance or choir ensemble, or as a music or
specialty group, such as a marching band, puppeteer
or cheerleading group. Students can also audition
independently from their school as vocalists, musicians
or members of the Victorian State School performance
ensembles. Auditions will commence soon.
For more information, visit the Department’s
Performing Arts Unit website at www.education.vic.
gov.au/about/events/jtc/getinvolved.htm
or call 9663 5454.
Shortlisting begins for 2011 excellence
award winners
n Applications for the 2011 Victorian Education Excellence
Awards, which showcase the outstanding achievements and
practice of early childhood and school teachers, leaders and
education support officers in Victorian Government schools,
have now closed.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with
the selection panel in March, with winners announced at the
Victorian Education Excellence Awards Gala Dinner in May
2011. Winners will receive grants to assist them to undertake
professional development programs and education-based
research projects.
For more information, phone 9637 2287 or email excellence.
awards@edumail.vic.gov.au
10 inspire february 2011
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special feature
Meet the new M
Minister for Education
Martin Dixon
Schools are very different now to the traditional classroom model.
How do you think technology will continue to affect our education
system into the future?
Technology and the rapid changes in technology are here to stay and
will be an integral part of our education system. If used correctly
technology will enhance children’s learning by giving teachers
improved teaching and learning resources and will excite and interest
children in their learning. Our challenge is to manage the balance
between cost, quality, formats, system requirements and allowing
schools to pursue their own areas of expertise and interest.
How have the skills you developed as a principal assisted you as a
politician?
I found the transition from principal to politician very manageable
because skills such as helping individuals, leading teams to resolve
issues, listening, public speaking, communication, planning and a
sense of humour are important to both professions. In March this
year I will reach my 15th year as a politician, the same number
of years I was a principal. I think teachers, principals and the
community underestimate the range and depth of skills they
practise and possess.
Minister for Higher Education and Skills
Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession
Peter Hall
You’re responsible for an entirely new portfolio – the Teaching
Profession. Where do you see the future of teaching in Victoria?
Whether it be our own children, our grandchildren, friends or
students, the greatest joy in life is to see the talents of those with
whom we share our knowledge and skills, blossom. Teaching
gives us a front-row insight into the intrinsic rewards of
educating people. It is a most rewarding profession, but far from
an easy one. Teachers deal with an increasingly complex range
of factors that contribute to learning outcomes. Teachers will
continue to expand their range of skills to meet the challenges
that technology and social circumstances demand.
What do you think are the most important attributes a teacher
can bring to the classroom?
Teaching is most effective when students are engaged, when they
are comfortable and when they feel there is a purpose for their
presence in a classroom. Students best respond when learning
is conducted with order, consistency and in an atmosphere
where students feel comfortable in belonging. This requires
extraordinary skills from teachers working in classrooms of
children.
How do you think the coastal lifestyle has affected your approach
to work and family?
What skills from the football field can you transfer to state
politics? (Minister Hall is a former Carlton player)
Having lived in Rye for 30 years now, I can say authoratively that
coastal living does influence your approach to work and family in
a positive way. Other than summer, you take life at an easier pace,
you experience a real sense of community and you are surrounded
by magnificent scenery and recreational opportunities such as golf,
spas, wineries and all that the bay has to offer. This then refreshes
you and helps you sort out what is really important in life.
Football is a team game, so is politics and so is education.
Achievement is a team outcome rather than an individual one.
So, success, regardless of whether it is football, politics, family
relationships or education relies on the same fundamentals
– preparation, persistence, cooperation, hard work and
maintaining balance between competing demands.
12 inspire february 2011
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special feature
inisters
Election commitments
Early childhood development
Early childhood operational grants; Kindergarten Inclusion
Support Services Improvements; funding boost for the
Victorian Branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association;
Scholarship Program; Small Rural Kindergartens; and
Parenting Strategy (with Department of Human Services).
Infrastructure and resourcing
School capital works management; new schools; schools
refurbishment and renovation (including School
Improvement Program); school maintenance fund; children’s
facilities capital program; Aviation Training Academy*,
TAFE Specialist training equipment*, and additional capital
funding for TAFEs, schools and early years facilities*.
*Inclusion subject to the Treasurer’s approval
Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development
Wendy Lovell
What do you think are the most important influences on children
in the early years?
I believe it has to be the family – parents and carers in
particular – who have the most significant influence. I also
believe that a supportive community is important, as well as
positive interactions between children and early childhood
professionals. The support and guidance provided by these
professionals can play a significant role at vital times in a young
child’s life.
You’ve been tasked with two very different portfolios – children
and early childhood development, and housing. Do you see any
synergies between the two?
Yes, absolutely. A positive childhood and a safe, secure home
are essential foundations for a healthy, happy and rewarding
life. A positive start for children is so important for their future
success and achievement and, similarly, access to suitable
housing is a primary concern for all families. Both portfolios are
close to my heart, and I am really motivated by the importance
they hold for all Victorians.
How does your background in small business help you in the
realm of state politics?
Before becoming a Member of Parliament I operated a family
newsagency in Shepparton. It provided me with firsthand insight
into the challenges and pressures of running a small business
and the importance of small business for a community. It also
prepared me for my current role by exposing me to competing
interests, helping me learn to make effective decisions and, of
course, to multitask!
Curriculum
Languages education; science, maths and enterprise in
schools; investing in maths and science (100 maths and
science specialists and 400 teaching scholarships); sport
in schools; specialisation; improving student retention in
regional schools; National Trade Cadetships (Commonwealth
Government commitment), online diagnostic tools
(Commonwealth Government commitment), and Sister
School Program (Multicultural Policy).
Student engagement and wellbeing
Aboriginal education; children with a disability; autism;
school chaplaincy; additional Primary Welfare Officers;
bullying/cyberbullying; pilot models for disengaged students;
enforcing truancy laws; and combating school violence.
School improvement and governance
School leadership, school workforce; whole school
professional development days; overhauling bureaucracy;
students in specialist schools (SRP funding following
students to specialist schools); safe and caring schools
(funding for student support services going direct to
principals); empowering local schools (Commonwealth
Government commitment) and reward for school
Improvement (Commonwealth Government commitment).
Skills
Access to higher education for regional students; agricultural
education and training; support for Victorian College of the
Arts; aviation skills training; training fee concessions; and
eligibility and International education reforms.
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school news
Spellathon gives students
something to smile about
A school spelling bee is helping to bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged children.
Actions may speak louder than words
but at Bentleigh Secondary College words
are helping to change the face and fate of
underprivileged children in Bangladesh.
Last year students at the college celebrated
National Literacy week by teaming up
with Moorleigh Moorabbin Rotary Club
to conduct ‘Operation Cleft Spellathon’ to
raise community awareness and funds for
underprivileged children in Bangladesh
born with a cleft palate or lip.
Each
year
approximately
150,000
Bangladeshi children are born with this
disfiguring condition, which can prevent
them from being able to eat or talk properly
and can leave them as social outcasts, with
some even abandoned at birth by their
parents. Yet simple surgery can rectify the
problem and change a child’s life forever.
“It costs just $250 to surgically repair and
restore a child’s face through Operation
Cleft Australia, an amazing project run
with the support of Rotary Clubs around
Australia,” says Bentleigh Secondary
College teacher Intha Chetty. “But many
families, particularly in the rural areas,
do not have the money to pay for the
operation.
“Consequently, children grow up with this
debilitating condition and often suffer
serious health problems and malnutrition.
Not only are they shunned by society and
isolated in their own communities, most
are not permitted to attend school because
they have trouble communicating and are
teased by the other children.”
As coordinator for Bentleigh’s literacy and
disability programs, Ms Chetty was keen to
engage students in an activity that would
not only improve their spelling but create
community awareness about the plight of
disadvantaged children and raise muchneeded funds to assist them.
14 inspire February
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Above: Teacher Intha Chetty, junior school
principal Hugh Jones and spellathon winners
Mangala, Thomas, Dane with Rotarian
Yvonne Beadle and community volunteer
Margaret Chegwidden.
“Operation Cleft Spellathon ticks all the
boxes – it teaches our students about
doing something for the greater good of
humanity,” she says. “Last year 400 junior
students participated in the 50-word
spellathon and raised $2652, which will
help 10 babies, children or adults to have
the restorative operation that will change
their lives dramatically and give them the
gift of a smile for life. I am confident that
this year more students will take part in the
spellathon and again raise vital funds for a
very worthy cause.”
For more information, visit www.operationcleft.org.au
Beat the heat this February and get your students down to
the coolest place in town — Medibank Icehouse.
Australia’s biggest ice sports and entertainment venue!
Special February Offer
$7 Ice Skating!
For the entire month of February, students will get the
works for only $7 - skate hire, helmet, group lesson* and
plenty of skate time to have fun with friends on the ice!
An excursion to Medibank Icehouse is a great way to
introduce your students to the fun and excitement of ice
sports in a safe, supervised environment.
So get in quick as this offer is only available for groups
visiting in February and spots are sure to fill up!
Contact Matt Kennedy now on (03) 8631 3998 or
email matt.kennedy@icehouse.com.au
* Limited instructors available, terms and conditions apply.
Medibank Icehouse is located at 105 Pearl Rd Docklands,
Melbourne, Victoria 3008. Melways Ref: 2E D3.
calendar
Your calendar for the month ahead
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It’s back to school for the first day of Term 1 – although this is a student- free day.
Wetlands and Forests is the theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day, especially chosen
because 2011 is the UN International Year of Forests. This is a great opportunity to take a look
at the big picture of forests in our lives. For information on how to protect our wetlands and
forests, visit www.environment.gov.au
International Mother Language Day promotes linguistic diversity and multilingual education.
Activities during the event aim to increase the awareness about linguistic and cultural traditions
throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.
Visit ww.un.org
Head to Melbourne’s Federation Square between 10am and 7pm today to help launch
The Great Australian Sunny Sizzle with live bands, beach games, face painting, guest speakers,
celebrity BBQ chefs and more. This annual event aims to bring people together and get them
talking about disability, Interchange and volunteering. Visit www.vic.interchange.org,au
16 inspire February
february 2011
Kingussie, Scotland: 9am
n “I taught for four years in the UK and came to love Christmas over there. It was
such a contrast to the 40-degree Christmas days I had in Australia. It was like the
movies! A crackling fire, steaming turkey and frost on the windows. This particular
Christmas I spent in Scotland as part of a tour group. It didn’t snow but the frost was
so heavy overnight that we woke to a white Christmas. I took this photo of one of the
people on the tour who dressed up as Santa. We were taking a walk around Ruthven
Barracks near Kingussie at about nine o’clock in the morning. It was such a beautiful
way to spend Christmas Day.”
Words and photo by Melinda Cashen
Bendigo North Primary School
Send us your
snapshot!
Got a great pic? Email your high-resolution
photo to editor@edumail.vic.gov.au
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february 2011 17
Photo by Steven
Tanner, courtesy
of Lilydale
and Yarra
Valley Lead
er
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school
news
An iPad for every child
Starting high school is even more exciting for the Year 7 students at one lucky Melbourne
school, where each child is being given their very own iPad, writes Karen Casey.
Mooroolbark College will bring
its youngest charges into the modern
technology world this year with the
introduction of iPads for every Year 7
student. The iPads will allow students fast,
non-stop access to educational information
and their highly interactive nature is
expected to engage more techno-savvy
students for longer. Assistant principal
Rachel Williams said she experienced such
benefits first-hand when she was called to
run a German class.
“I couldn’t help them in their activities at
all because it was in German and they were
trying to find German words for the quizzes
they were working on,” Ms Williams said.
“I suggested they use their iPads to look
up answers. There were these boys up the
back who were not really engaged and next
thing there were four of them crowded
around finding answers.
18 inspire february
February 2011
“The iPads are quite tactile. The kids can
open an article and they can make notes
on it. It’s like a tablet. You find young kids
engage with that.”
The introduction of iPads in Year 7 is
a natural progression for Mooroolbark
College, which is part of the Yarra Valley
eLearning Community – a project to
integrate ICT as an everyday tool. With
some primary schools also trialling new
technology more children are entering
secondary school with iPad knowledge.
Ms Williams said the college wanted to
prepare students for their futures in the
24/7 global community, with the ability
to access education anywhere, anytime.
“We think education is going there,” Ms
Williams said. “Our students are already
using web 2.0 technology to find and
engage with information relevant to them.
We want to capture this enthusiasm and
make classroom learning relevant to the
real world as well as making their world
relevant in the classroom. Kids can have
access (to education) if they’re sitting in
McDonalds!” she laughed.
Other benefits of the iPad include its
size and weight – both perfect for little
hands. Start-up is instant and numerous
documents can be opened quickly. The
iPad also has a battery life up to 10 hours,
more than enough for the school day and
beyond.
Parents were consulted on the project and
will pay for their children to have iPads.
The college has also made payment plans
available.
To contact Mooroolbark College,
phone 9727 8100
spotlight on
literacy & numeracy
Advice from the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat
Creating confident and involved learners
All children learn in the context
of their families and community.
Throughout the early years, children
acquire knowledge and skills that
form the foundations of their later
achievement. Children broaden
their learning about the world
through connecting with people,
places, technologies and natural
materials. They manipulate objects
to investigate, assemble, invent and
construct.
Children develop dispositions
for learning such as curiosity,
cooperation, confidence, creativity,
commitment, enthusiasm,
peristence, imagination and
reflexivity.
This is developed when students in
their first year of school:
• with encouragement and support,
wonder, question and become
adventurous in their thinking
about familiar contexts
• with support, make links with
their existing experiences and
develop the view that learning is
exploratory, fun and rewarding
• begin to reflect on themselves
as learners, in particular on
their feelings about learning
by responding to open-ended
statements such as ‘I’m proud of
this because …’ and using visual
aids that illustrate their responses
to learning, such as happy and
unhappy faces
• reflect on their thinking, for
example why they think what they
think about a text, and take time
to consider before responding
• with support, learn to manage
their time and resources to
complete short tasks
• use their imagination and curiosity
to generate ideas
• begin to take initiative as learners
by asking questions when needed
and attempting small projects.
This information can be found in the
Victorian Early Years Learning and
Development Framework, Outcome
4 at www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/
edulibrary/public/earlychildhood/
learning/veyldframework.pdf
See also the Victorian Literacy and
Numeracy Secretariat at
www.education.vic.gov.au/vlns
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february 2011 19
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
feature
Listen to your heart
Early childhood educator
Linda Saunders communicates
with her deaf students at the
Aurora School using Auslan
(Australian sign language).
20 inspire february 2011
Early childhood educators looking for a deeper
challenge are urged to consider further study to
change the lives of children with hearing loss,
writes Tina Luton.
Linda Saunders has been teaching
kindergarten children for more than 30
years. As a qualified teacher of the deaf and
fluent in Auslan (Australian sign language),
she has been working in early intervention
for young deaf children for the past 12 years
and wants more early childhood educators
to follow her lead.
“Many teachers of the deaf working in
early intervention and with preschool deaf
children are primary or secondary trained.
Children can start in Auslan from the age of
three – and we need more early childhood
teachers.
“I encourage those who are looking for
a challenge to consider further study to
work in early intervention and to become a
teacher of the deaf,” she says.
“Our day may begin by driving to a
community hall or kindergarten in
country Victoria or suburban Melbourne,
unpacking the station wagon and setting
up age-appropriate, interesting and
inviting play experiences for deaf children
and their siblings.
“Singing and signing favourite songs and
rhymes, music and Auslan storytelling
are part of our playgroup day as well as
listening to and providing support to
parents.
“Then it’s back to the office in the afternoon
to prepare for the following day or to meet
with colleagues in our multi-disciplinary
team of speech therapists, psychologists,
social workers and deaf educators.
Ms Saunders currently works at the Aurora
School with the Department’s statewide
early intervention program. “We have
about 160 families on our service, which
is unique because we start from birth. I
teach a weekly three-year-old bilingual
kindergarten group for deaf and hearing
children in St Albans.
“My co-worker, Jina, is deaf and Auslan
is her first language, so this is quite a
special program. Many children travel long
distances to access it,” she says.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARON WALKER
Like most teachers, Ms Saunders juggles a
variety of roles that include co-coordinating
and leading bilingual playgroups (in
English and Auslan) across Victoria for
families of deaf children. She says her early
childhood background provides the basis
for this rewarding and challenging work.
“Last year, groups were held fortnightly
in Shepparton, Lynbrook, Werribee,
Blackburn and St Albans and monthly in
North Melbourne and Wodonga, so we do
lots of travelling,” she laughs.
inspire february 2011 21
feature
>> continued from previous page
This collegiality brings an added depth
to my work and is an aspect that many
kindergarten teachers do not experience.”
As well as group programs Ms Saunders
works as a teacher of the deaf for a number
of families, providing regular home sessions
to support them in their understanding
of their child’s deafness and to promote
language and communication.
“I love the diversity and richness of my
work,” she smiles. “It’s a fantastic job and
working with families is a real privilege,
there is no question about that. They let
us into their lives and we are a little part
of their journey. To see their children grow
and develop is so wonderful.” S
Upgrade your skills at the
Victorian Deaf Education Institute
The new Victorian Deaf Education Institute is the first
of its kind in Australia and is set to break new ground
in teacher training and education. Co-located with the
Victorian College for the Deaf in Prahran, the institute will
provide opportunities for teachers from across the state
to upgrade their qualifications, hear from experts in the
field or undertake further study, which will be delivered in
conjunction with universities and tertiary providers.
Courses are set to start in March from existing facilities onsite with completion of the new facilities due for completion
by Term 4 of 2011. Visit www.vicdeaf.com.au
For more information on the Aurora School, visit www.auroraschool.vic.edu.au
“The children let us into their lives and
we’re a little part of their journey,” says
Aurora School teacher Linda Saunders.
22 INSPIRE
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february 2011
maths
HOT
interactive maths online
TM
connect. engage. succeed.
TRIAL
Cambridge HOTmaths
with your class for a term!
www.cambridge.edu.au/hotmaths/termtrial
Cambridge HOTmaths is an interactive online maths learning,
teaching and assessment resource that addresses teaching and
learning for understanding as well as knowledge.
Trial Cambridge HOTmaths with your class for a term to
experience the multitude of ways it can...
4 assist your students in undertaking assessments
4 engage and motivate students of all abilities
4 save you time in preparing activities, assessments and reports
4 make use of your school’s available technology to bring online
maths learning to your students.
Put Cambridge
HOTmaths to the
test and simply
register online
today!
www.cambridge.edu.au/hotmaths/termtrial
For more information contact our Cambridge HOTmaths specialist.
Victoria Cook
E: vcook@cambridge.edu.au
P: 03 8671 1495
Cambridge HOTmaths TM ABN 13 094 237 233 • 477 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
inspire february 2011 23
early childhood
More incentive programs for
intervention professionals
Applications will soon close for participation in a range of schemes designed to assist early
childhood intervention professionals.
From rural to graduate schemes, early
childhood intervention (ECI) professionals
are being offered the opportunity to
further develop their skills and knowledge.
In recognising the importance of family
in supporting a child’s learning and
development, ECI services are based on a
partnership approach between parents and
professionals to provide support for children
with a disability or developmental delay,
from birth to school entry.
Early childhood educator and former
Education Excellence Award winner
Glenda Hewitt knows how important
additional training is to keeping
professional skills up-to-date.
In order to ensure ECI services are
available to all Victorian children in need,
the Department has developed a number
of initiatives to support the attraction,
retention and professional development of
the workforce in this vital area. A total of
five scholarship and incentive programs are
being offered.
The Professional Support Scheme
provides financial support of up to
$6000 to help intervention services fund
relevant activities designed to provide new
professionals working in this area with professionals who have commenced professionals to work in rural areas. Each
access to mentoring, clinical supervision and employment in ECI services and the Rural will receive financial supports of up to
professional development.
Incentive Scheme open to professionals $1000 to assist with the costs associated
with travel and living away from home while
Similarly, the Postgraduate Scholarship who have recently commenced employment
undertaking a practicum placement in a
service.
Both
these
schemes
in
a
rural
ECI
Scheme aims to provide financial support
rural ECI service. Each employing service
to current early childhood intervention require successful applicants to work for
also receives a sponsorship incentive of up
professionals and preschool field officers to two years in a service funded by DEECD to
to $500. Applications for this scheme will
meet the costs associated with undertaking deliver ECI services.
open later in 2011, with applications for
relevant postgraduate study.
The Rural Practicum Placement the current round of all the other schemes
Financial support of up to $6000 is also Scheme is designed to encourage ECI closing in mid to late February.
available for educators as part of both the
New Graduate and Rural Incentive Schemes,
For more information, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/careers/earlychildhood/
with applications for the New Graduate
scholarships/intervention.htm
Scheme open to recently graduated
24 inspire
INSPIRE february
February 2011
2011
24
PHOTO BY LES O’ROURKE
Services support families to build programs
around the child’s everyday environment,
with professionals providing education
and developmental programs, counselling,
service
planning
and
coordination,
assistance and support to participate in
community settings including kindergarten
and child care.
school news
Achieving outside the classroom
Year 12 students Emma Lewis (Bendigo Senior Secondary College),
Michael Kurtanjek (University High School) and Erin Arnott
(Dromana Secondary College) were three of the seven 2010 VCE
Achievers recognised by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment
Authority (VCAA) for their leadership and community involvement
last November.
Each year life gets busier as VCE teachers across the state know only
too well. For those students who still find time to become involved
in community activities and take on leadership roles in their school
during these years, the VCAA’s VCE Achiever Award provides
worthy recognition.
Emma, Michael and Erin demonstrated their social awareness
through a range of projects at school and in their home towns.
Mentoring younger students, sitting on student representative
councils and developing resource kits were just some of their
achievements.
Emma was chosen as the overall winner for 2010 and received a
Lenovo Australia Thinkpad as a prize. The other students were given
Netbook computers. The VCAA invites applications from students
in 2011. Application forms are available on the VCAA website.
The 2010 winner of the overall VCE Achiever Award Emma Lewis,
from Bendigo Senior Secondary College, with Michael Perry (Lenovo
Australia) and Professor Adam Shoemaker (VCAA).
For more information, visit www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/
excellenceawards/vceachiever
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february 2011 25
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Where
are they now?
26 INSPIRE
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Beloved children’s book author Hazel Edwards
is an alumna of Ashburton Primary School.
Where are they now?
Hazel Edwards
It’s been 30 years since author Hazel Edwards introduced us
to a very special cake-eating hippo. Since then, she has written
more than 200 books and has been nominated for the 2011 Astrid
Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s richest children’s literary
prize worth almost $800,000, with the winner to be announced
on March 29.
••
Author
Ashburton Primary School 1951–1957
Then ••
An avid reader from childhood, Ms Edwards had her first short story
published in the children’s pages of a local newspaper when she
was in Grade 3 and penned her first ‘novel’ in Grade 6 at Ashburton
Primary School. “It was a mystery about adventurous children
stuck in a mine. It didn’t have a title and I never did anything with
it, but it was my first attempt at writing a book,” she recalls.
High School proved fertile ground for the young writer, with books
and passionate teachers becoming a way into other worlds when
real life got tough. “Because my father was ill we moved a lot,
so I actually went to four secondary schools – Gardiner Central,
Frankston High, Traralgon High and Camberwell High,” she says.
“At the time, always being the new kid and having to make another
group of friends seemed like a problem, but it turned out to be
really good training for a writer. I learnt to observe, to work out
people’s motivations and to find out for myself how to survive even
if I felt different.
Hazel Edwards in Grade 6 in 1957 at Ashburton Primary School.
Now ••
“At school, I would have been considered the quiet outsider, who
was okay at netball, who liked maths and who read a lot,” Ms
Edwards continues. “I remember the love of learning, which was
caught from enthusiastic teachers who loved their subjects. At
Traralgon High, a history and English teacher called Mr Mitchell,
and Mr Terrill who loved his maths, were inspirational.
“So too were the long school-bus rides with all-age country kids
dropped off at different schools,” she laughs. “There were farm
kids, town kids and the ones in-between like me, whose parents
ran the country general store, so I knew all the gossip. It was a great
apprenticeship for an author.”
After graduating from Toorak Teachers’ College, Ms Edwards
taught maths and English at Westall High School. Later, she
lectured in children’s literature and psychology at Toorak Teachers’
College, and the Institute of Early Childhood Development (now
Melbourne University). Her first novel, General Store, was
published in 1977 and is based on her childhood memories of
growing up in a country town. The award-winning picture book
classic There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake was
published in 1980 and has been reprinted annually ever since.
The film will premiere this year, and the sixth book in the series,
Hooray, There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Having a Birthday
Party, was released last year.
The picture book that made Ms Edwards famous has been reprinted
annually since it was first published in 1980.
If you know of a past student who has achieved success, email us at editor@edumail.vic.gov.au
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School news
Volunteer opportunities for teachers
at the Royal Children’s Hospital
More than 300 men and women, all
with different backgrounds, expertise
and qualifications, volunteer at the Royal
Children’s Hospital (RCH). What many
people don’t realise is the important role
of the RCH teacher volunteer. Thirteen
teacher volunteers, all with teaching
experience, work closely with RCH teachers
on the hospital wards to support children
and young people with schoolwork, tutor
in different subjects or conduct learning
activities based on individual interests.
The RCH Education Institute plans to
redesign the teacher volunteer service
to ensure that tutoring and education
support is provided to the children and
young people who need it most. It is also
exploring an online ‘virtual volunteer’
program, which will see teachers from
across Victoria tutoring students whose
education has been disrupted by chronic
illness.
The first RCH teacher volunteer, Greg
Jansen (pictured), retired at the end of
last year after 10 years of volunteering
with young patients. “I have always been
passionate about encouraging and assisting
28 INSPIRE
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Greg Jansen, a long-time volunteer teacher
with the RCH, assists patient Stephanie
with her schoolwork.
young people to keep learning,” Mr Jansen
said. “Another important aspect of the role
is to acknowledge life outside the hospital
and reassure students that education
support is available so they’re not too far
behind when they go back to school.”
A general information session about
volunteering at the RCH will be held on
Tuesday 22 February 2011, from 10.30am
to 11.15am. For more information, visit
www.rch.org.au/volunteers.
For more information about the RCH teacher volunteer service, contact Tony Potas
on 9322 5100 or email tony.potas@rch.org.au
early childhood
Dandy Pals program
popular with kids
Dandenong’s largest community playgroup is also its most
popular, with over 100 enrolments already for the coming year.
The Dandy Pals program was a finalist in the 2009 Early Years
Awards, and is still attracting mums and dads of young children
at a rate of knots.
“Dandenong Primary School has been running a community
playgroup on its premises for several years,” says principal David
Crozier. “The Dandy Pals playgroup offers families an opportunity
to get to know the school and staff before enrolling for Prep.”
The playgroup gives young children the opportunity to socialise
in larger groups, which improves social competencies and eases
the transition into Prep. For many children, it creates valuable
learning pathways into primary school, especially for those newly
arrived from overseas.
Wellbeing officer Elissa Sewell and art teacher Leanne Skaftouros
have been instrumental in building the success of the Dandy Pals
playgroup. “Dandy Pals offers an integrated service,” explains Ms
Sewell. “The playgroup provides children and their families with
a maternal child health nurse on site, a family support officer and
strong involvement from the local library staff who come to visit
regularly to promote early literacy skills.
“The interagency collaboration is a unique feature of Dandy Pals
and contributes to its success as families are able to enjoy seamless
service provision in a friendly, enjoyable and safe environment.”
INSPIRE
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school news
A sight for sore eyes
Learning is in the eye of the beholder at Sunshine Harvester Primary School, writes Karen Casey.
Intense eye examinations at Sunshine
Harvester Primary School have delivered
surprising results that could provide
some answers to student learning
difficulties. The examinations performed
by the Australian College of Optometry
(Melbourne University) found that 30 per
cent of students tested had a vision or eye
health issue. Most students in the school’s
Reading Recovery program for those with
reading difficulties needed glasses.
“We were astounded at what we started
to find,’’ principal Alan Dash said. “About
one in four students had an eye issue. Just
about all of our reading recovery children
had a problem. One child was immediately
sent to the Children’s Hospital with an
infection. We found it very disturbing.”
The examination of almost 400 children
took a month to complete. Lead optometrist
Peter Nixon said the problems identified
ranged from myopia (blurred distance
vision), hyperopia (difficulty focussing
up close) and astigmatism (distortion of
vision) to amblyopia (lazy eye) and allergic
conjunctivitis. The problems are usually
easily corrected with glasses or treatment
from an optometrist. Sunshine City Lions
Club and Victorian Eye Care Service helped
parents fund the necessary treatment.
Mr Dash is expecting to see significant
improvements in the children’s learning
following the treatments. “We think with
a lot of the children where they sit, how
they learn and how we teach them will
improve,” Mr Dash said. “We will know
next year whether some of our children will
learn better as a consequence. It’s a work in
progress.”
A final report on the program will be
completed next year and shared with the
government in hope of improving child
eye care and education. The program was
initiated by Mr Dash, who is a consumer
representative for the Victorian Eye
Care Service. It was funded by Perpetual
Philanthropic Services.
30 inspire february 2011
“Some years ago we had a professional
development session where we had an
optometrist come in and check all us as a
group of teachers and teacher’s aides,” Mr
Dash said.
“He said you assume kids can see what you
think they see but they can’t see what you
think. That got me thinking. If children
have had a problem for a long time they
might be compensating and appear to be
handling it. It’s hard to identify.”
To find out more about the Sunshine Harvester Primary eye testing
program, email principal Alan Dash at dash.alan.a@edumail.vic.gov.au
News bites
John Hattie to lead new
education research centre
The University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of
Education has appointed Professor John Hattie as director
of its Education Research Institute. Professor Hattie’s
work is internationally acclaimed. His influential 2008 book
Visible Learning: A synthesis of over 800 Meta-Analyses
Relating to Achievement is believed to be the world’s
largest evidence-based study into what factors improve
student learning.
Involving more than 80 million students from around the
world and bringing together 50,000 smaller studies, the
study found positive teacher-student interaction is the
most important factor in effective teaching.
Currently a member of the Faculty of Education and
Director of Visible Learning Labs at the University of
Auckland, Professor Hattie regularly advises governments
in New Zealand, Australia and the US.
Law Week poster competition
The 2011 Law Week Poster Competition is now open.
Entries are welcome from all Victorian secondary school
students. The winning design will be used as the official
poster to promote Law Week 2011 throughout Victoria.
There are cash prizes to be won, and students can submit
entries anytime before the closing date of 25 March 2011.
For more information and entry forms, as well as free teacher
notes, visit www.victorialawfoundation.org.au
Schools to assist Queensland
and Victorian flood victims
State Schools’ Relief (SSR) has established the
Queensland Back-to-School Flood Appeal to assist
students in Queensland government schools directly
affected by the current floods by covering the material
costs associated with returning to school.
To kick start
the appeal, SSR has donated $25,000 to provide some
assistance to those in need. SSR has also initiated an
appeal to assist those in Victoria who have been affected
by floods. To donate to either the Queensland or Victorian
Flood Back-to-School Appeal, visit www.ssr.net.au
inspire february 2011 31
school news
Future filmmakers leap for joy
By Myke Bartlett
Victorian government schools have again triumphed
at this year’s Screen It awards, in which students from across
Australia entered short films tackling environmental issues.
The contest, run by the Australian Centre for the Moving
Image (ACMI), asked for entries in categories that included
live action, animation and computer games. ACMI’s Screen
Education Manager Brett McLennan says this year’s theme, ‘The
Environment: Who Cares?’ proved a popular one, with a record
number of entries received.
“Whenever you start a discussion with a student about what’s an
issue for them, what they’re worried about in their current and
future life, the environment figures very heavily,” Mr McLennan
says.
Victorian schools tended to dominate in the top spots, despite
fierce competition from the rest of Australia. Gippsland’s
Poowong Consolidated School won Best Primary Live Action
film and Gleneagles Secondary College was awarded a special
commendation in the secondary category.
Hogging the spotlight, however, was a group of Year five and
six students from Auburn Primary School, whose game ‘Bins vs.
Rubbish’ not only won Best Primary Computer Game, but also
snatched Best Overall Work by a Primary School from the teeth of
some fierce competition.
Teacher Sandra Lake says her students are delighted. “They
couldn’t believe it, they were a bit shocked to start with!” Ms Lake
says. “We all thought it was a very clever game, but we didn’t really
know the calibre of the other entries. They are all really looking
forward to going to the ceremony day and walking up the red
carpet.”
32 INSPIRE
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Top: Poowong Consolidated School won Best Primary Live Action
Film and the Best Primary Computer Game went to a creative group
of young boys (pictured above) from Auburn Primary School.
The winning game, entirely designed and created by the four
students, requires the player to quickly sort through an advancing
tide of rubbish, putting it into recycling, compost and waste bins
before it overruns their house.
Ms Lake says the students voluntarily worked long hours on the
project, which was a great fit for both the school’s enquiry unit and
student interests. “The kids have such a wide range of technology
at home, so it’s really important for us to use opportunities like this
to bring that into the classroom and use it to engage the students.”
For more on the Screen It competition, visit
www.acmi.com.au
explore
engage
discover
Real life offers the greatest kind of learning. Give your students the opportunity to connect with their world during
an unforgettable day outside the classroom. Visit one of our three constantly evolving environments and see
learning come alive.
1300 ZOOS VIC
www.zoo.org.au/learning
early childhood
Early years educator
awarded for service
New career challenges are on the horizon for award-winning early childhood
educator Jenny Mayo.
Sixty teachers received National
Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA)
as part of Australia’s celebration of World
Teachers’ Day on in late October last year.
Among them was Jenny Mayo, an early
years teacher with 32 years of unwavering
commitment to early childhood education.
Ms Mayo says her career has now
culminated in “15 wonderful years” at Box
Hill North Primary Kindergarten, where
she has been a director and teacher since
1996. It also heralds Ms Mayo’s new role as
an early years coordinator and adviser with
Early Childhood Management Services
(ECMS), where she is responsible for 16
kindergartens in different regions.
“The award is very
special because it is
nominated by families
and I am very close
to the families at Box
Hill North,” she says.
“I was at the centre for
15 years, I established
it, and I will definitely
miss teaching but
the opportunity to
pass on the learning
and knowledge that I have gained is very
exciting and I believe it will have a large
impact on teachers, parents and students.
This new role will also stretch and challenge
me in different ways and that professional
learning has always been very critically
important to me,” she adds.
a strong emphasis on social conscience
and community connection. Her many
initiatives include the Walking Respectfully
program, which explores Indigenous
culture in a contemporary context, and an
outreach program that raises funds for a
range of causes that have included victims
of the Black Saturday bushfires, Indigenous
communities, and breast cancer support
groups. Through her guidance, the centre
has also established a connection with
Teachers Across Borders and regularly
donates resources for kindergarten children
in countries such as Cambodia that have
experienced war and genocide.
Ms Mayo’s passion
for early childhood
education has not
gone
unnoticed
or unrewarded: in
2006, she was the
successful recipient
of a NEiTA ASG
Community Merit
Award, and in 2008
she was invited
to participate in
the
Practitioner’s
Reference Group for the Department
of Education and Early Childhood
Development’s Transition: A Positive Start
to School project. She also received a grant
to coordinate a pilot project based on her
kindergarten program, Transition: The
Child’s Perspective. This pilot study has
helped to inform the implementation of the
new Transition Learning and Development
Statements across the whole of Victoria
and has, in part, led to the next phase of Ms
Mayo’s distinguished career.
“I started off doing
a commerce degree
and left that to
pursue kindergarten
teaching – I made the
right choice.”
During her 15 years at Box Hill North
Primary
Kindergarten,
Ms
Mayo
participated
in
many
professional
development
presentations
including
workshops at conferences and practical
sessions at universities for tertiary students.
She established a community partnership
for the centre, and was a facilitator in the
local Regional Early Childhood Education
Association. Importantly, she created
an early childhood learning centre with
34 inspire february 2011
“I started off doing an economic and
commerce degree and left that to pursue
kindergarten teaching – I think I made
the right choice,” she laughs. “It has been
enormously rewarding and I am excited
about what the future holds. The most
Early childhood educator Jenny Mayo
has taught at Box Hill North Primary
Kindergarten for the last 15 years.
Ms Mayo has 32 years of unwavering
commitment to early childhood
education in Victoria.
rewarding part has been the relationships
with the children and their families. It’s a
shared journey and I am lucky to have been
able to live this passion on a daily basis.” S
school news
Dinosaurs come to life in the classroom
A new classroom incursion gives palaeontology greater meaning.
For the past four years Norwood
Secondary College has helped to bring Year
8 geology and palaeontology to life with an
incursion by Australian author, artist and
dinosaur hunter Andrew Plant. In 2004,
Mr Plant travelled to China with a scientific
expedition to study the famed feathered
dinosaurs of Liaoning. His discoveries form
the focus of his classroom visits, which he
can tailor to suit primary and secondary
students from Years 1–10.
During a typical session, Mr Plant presents
a slideshow on some of some of his digs and
provides students with valuable insights
into the habits of dinosaurs and other
prehistoric creatures, while allowing them
to examine his fossil casts and drawings,
with an emphasis on the class creating
their own illustrations or book.
Norwood SC science teacher Alex
Papanotas says these activities are a great
way to inspire students and they also tie in
nicely with the five dinosaur murals that
adorn the walls of the library. “Like Andrew,
I guess you could say we are passionate
about dinosaurs,” Mr Papanotas laughs.
“A few years back Andrew and a group of
students painted the murals over three
months as part of the Scientific Artists in
Students at Norwood Secondary College
practise their dinosaur sketching in class.
Residence program. Since then we get
Andrew back every year. He is very handson and the kids enjoy hearing all about
his digs and discoveries and the life of
dinosaurs. They love the drawing aspect of
his visits because it helps to make a strong
connection with the topic.”
For more information on Andrew Plant visit www.andrewplant.com
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february 2011 35
school news
Guitars for
the stars
Piloting one of the first nationally accredited courses in guitar
making, Northland Secondary College has created a direct job
pathway for its students, writes Caroline Reidy.
Northland Secondary College
(NSC) students are keenly motivated by
the knowledge that John Butler, Tommy
Emmanuel, Diesel or Lee Kernaghan
could one day be playing guitars
created by them. These musicians are
among the staple of stars on the books
of internationally recognised, locally
based guitar manufacturer, Maton. NSC
partnered with the company to develop
a Certificate IV in Instrument Making
and Repair in response to a shortage of
skilled guitar makers and technicians in
the industry.
“We didn’t design a program and then
hope that it would be useful for students,”
explains Bon Nardella, program manager
at the Northland Technology Education
Centre (NTEC) at NSC. “But rather we
went to Maton and enquired as to what
they needed.”
So impressed with the dedication and
ability of the students during industry
placements, Maton now offers employment
to all students who complete the course,
while also providing student scholarship
prizes totalling $4000. Another course
advantage is that students cover a broad
range of subjects, from woodwork skills to
3D modelling and OH&S, explains Mark
Russell, NTEC Guitar Drawing and Design
teacher.
“The absolute best thing about the guitar
making programs as far as I am concerned
is that it is one of the only programs I have
come across that is truly cross-curricular.
That is, it involves the music department,
art and design department and the NTEC
Northland Secondary College now offers
students the opportunity to complete a
Certificate IV in Instrument Making and
Repair. The course came about in response
to a shortage of skilled guitar makers and
technicians in the industry.
manufacturing facility. This is a great
example of applied learning at work.”
Maton guitar maker and former NSC
student David Poulter agrees that guitar
making involves much more than simply
woodwork skills. “I am over the moon that
I got the job at Maton. Without a good
understanding of maths, I would not be
here right now. Maths is critical in the
construction and design of a guitar.”
For more information, visit www.northland.vic.edu.au/guitar/index.htm
36 inspire february 2011
school news
Glen Iris kids win transport award
Glen Iris Primary School has won
a traffic safety award after developing
a program that teaches students how
to act safely around traffic and public
transport. Metlink nominated the school
for the award because of the creative way
they encouraged students to learn about
travelling on Melbourne’s trains, trams
and buses safely and responsibly.
Teacher Meagan Cofield created ‘Beep!
Honk! Zoom!’ after a survey of students
found that all had been on buses but did not
know how to act on trains and trams, and
were used to being dropped off and picked
up at school in cars. ‘Beep! Honk! Zoom!’
is a nine-week program focused on traffic
safety and team work. Ms Cofield said that
the program has been terrific as it enhances
students’ learning through practical
exercises, excursions and discussions.
“Using public transport opened up a great
new discussion about safety and how
public transport can link you with the
community,” Ms Cofield said. “This kind of
knowledge seems basic to us, but it’s new
territory for younger children.
The Traffic Safety Education Awards
were presented in November last year in
conjunction with the Victorian Association
for Traffic Safety Education Teachers.
Visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
inspire february 2011 37
feature
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PISA results indicate room
for improvement
Results from the most recent PISA survey indicate that Victoria is holding its own but that student
performance could be improved.
According to the latest PISA results, girls
achieved at a much higher level than boys
in reading literacy.
Almost half a million students from 65 countries participated
in the 2009 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA),
a standardised test jointly developed by participating economies
and administered to 15-year-olds in a randomised sample of
schools across each country.
PISA is conducted every three years, with tests typically
administered to between 4500 and 10,000 students in each
country. The 2009 Australian sample was 14,251 students from
over 350 schools, including 59 Victorian schools.
While national and Victorian results were well above the OECD
(Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development)
average in reading, mathematical and scientific literacy, the
INSPIRE february
February 2011
38 inspire
performance of Australia’s students is not improving. Average
scores for Australian students in reading literacy and mathematical
literacy have declined significantly since 2003, while some other
countries are improving their levels of performance.
The performance of Victorian students from 2000–2009 has
largely remained static. Analysis of the PISA results by the
Australian Council for Educational Research shows that fewer
Australian students are performing at the higher levels of
achievement. The analysis also confirms the need for continued
investment in support for Koorie students, with Indigenous
students across Australia more than two years of schooling behind
non-Indigenous students and performing similarly to the lowest
performing countries in PISA.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
feature
What is PISA?
PISA – or Program for International Student
Assessment – is designed to determine
how well prepared young adults are to meet
the challenges they will face in their future.
The program aims to determine whether
young people are able to analyse, reason
and communicate their ideas effectively, and
how capable they are at applying their skills
and knowledge to real-life problems and
situations.
Significant levels of educational disadvantage related to
socioeconomic background exist in Australia. The performance
gap between students of the same age from different backgrounds
can be equivalent to up to three years of schooling. There remains
a distinct advantage for students from higher socioeconomic
backgrounds. Other high-performing countries such as Hong
Kong, Canada and Finland have had more success than Australia in
ameliorating the effects of socioeconomic background on student
achievement. Victoria’s work in low socioeconomic communities,
through the investment of National Partnership funds in targeted
schools, is aimed at redressing these performance gaps. S
For more information on PISA
visit www.pisa.oecd.org
The main aim of the PISA study is to measure
the competencies that will equip students to
participate productively and adaptively in their
life beyond school. Rather than assessing
students’ understanding of the curriculum
that has been taught to them, PISA assesses
their ability to apply their skills and knowledge
in real-life situations.
Almost 70,000 students from 65 countries
and economies participated in 2009 PISA.
The Australian sample was 14,251 students
from over 350 schools, including 59 schools
in Victoria: 35 government schools (1279
students), 13 Catholic schools (542 students)
and 12 independent schools (460 students).
The major focus of the 2009 assessment
was reading literacy, with a minor focus on
mathematical and scientific literacy.
How did Australia
perform?
Both Australia’s and Victoria’s results were
well above the OECD average in each of
reading, mathematical and scientific literacy.
In reading literacy, girls achieved at a much
higher level than boys.
In mathematical literacy, boys outperformed
girls. In Victoria, the mathematical literacy gap
between boys and girls was the largest in
Australia.
inspire February
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february 2011 39
l
o
o
h
c
S
r
a
l
u
c
Specta
Be a
Victorian State Schools Spectacular
Hisense Arena, September 2011
Are you a spectacularly talented school or school student?
This is your chance to be part of one of the largest arena-scale, recurring
productions in Australia.
Schools can participate in the:
• Massed choir
• Massed dance
• Or a specialty group (marching bands, puppeteers, cheerleaders etc)
Students can audition independently as:
• Vocalists
• Choir
• Dancers
• Specialty acts
To get involved visit:
www.education.vic.gov.au/about/events/jtc/getinvolved.htm
or contact: the DEECD Performing Arts Unit
Tel: (03) 9415 1700 or email jtc@edumail.vic.gov.au
school news
My kitchen rules for Hamilton kids
Students at the Hamilton Special Developmental School are holding their own in the kitchen,
thanks to a new life skills and cooking program, writes Gene Devereux.
The Hamilton Special Developmental School has been
working in partnership with the Hamilton and District Skills
Centre to develop a life skills and cooking program. The program
has been running for 10 weeks under the guidance of Tony
MacGillivary (skills centre coordinator) who is a qualified chef
and restaurateur.
Each week, two students are selected to cook with Tony to
prepare a two-course lunch for their classmates, teachers and
education support staff – a total of 14 people. The two junior
chefs prepare the food, following simple recipes, then plate
up and serve the meals to the group in the dining room. The
trainee chef’s jobs even include table clearing, washing dishes
and cleaning the workspace and dining room.
The benefits to student who participate in the program are
countless. Students can sample a wide range of foods, practise
eating in a restaurant-type environment and develop valuable
life skills that will assist them in everyday living once they
graduate from school.
The program has another spin-off in terms of developing
student career paths – it offers certificate courses and potential
work experience placements. All staff at the Hamilton Special
Development School are pleased with the development of
student skills and a proud of their new-found confidence in the
kitchen.
INSPIRE
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school news
Asian languages promoted in Doncaster
Doncaster Gardens Primary School
is among a select group of schools to win
funding to promote Asian languages and
culture within their classrooms and school
communities. As part of the national
Becoming Asia Literate: Grants to Schools
(BALGS) initiative, Doncaster Gardens
Primary School, will receive a $17,000
Federal Government grant.
The funding will go towards Animal
Sanctuary – Endanger Asian Animal
Sculptures. This is part of the $62.4 million
National Asian Languages and Studies in
42 inspire february 2011
Schools Program (NALSSP) to support
Asia literacy.
Principal of Doncaster Gardens Primary
School Michele Beal
welcomed the
announcement, saying that the grant
will extend the learning possibilities
across the curriculum. “We are living in
an increasingly globalised world,” Ms
Beal said. “It is more and more vital to
promote Asian languages and culture in
our schools so our students have a better
understanding and knowledge of our near
neighbours.”
Chair of the NALSSP Reference Group Mr
Sid Myer congratulated the 191 schools
successful in the latest round of BALGS
funding. “These schools have created some
very innovative programs to support the
achievement of the NALSSP objectives,” Mr
Myer said. “Their enthusiasm in helping to
prepare Australians for the demands of the
future is to be highly commended.”
NALSSP aims to promote understanding
among young Australians of the cultures
and languages of the target countries:
Japan, China, Indonesia and Korea.
Bogong Outdoor Education
Centre principal Stephen
McMurtrie with Myrrhee
Primary School students at
the school’s new 15 Mile
Creek campus, one of three
additional sites recently
acquired by DEECD.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
school news
Bigger and better school camps
The addition of three new camp facilities is helping provide Victorian schools with a more
streamlined outdoor education system, writes Caroline Reidy.
From surfing, rock-climbing and
abseiling to horse riding, canoeing and
skiing, Victorian schools are now spoilt for
choice when it comes to organising their
school camps, with three existing DEECD
outdoor education centres all recently
becoming multi-campus sites.
“We now provide programs over six
campuses for approx 13,000 students
across the state education system each
year,” explains Stephen McMurtrie,
principal of Bogong Outdoor Education
Centre. “This provides an extra 6,000
students per year with a wide range of
programs in a variety of environmental
settings from the mountains to the sea.”
Bogong Outdoor Education Centre
recently added 15-Mile Creek Campus;
Rubicon Outdoor Centre added Nayook
Campus; and Somers School Camp added
Woorabinda Campus. All are members
of the Residential Outdoor Schools
Association (ROSA).
“Each new campus was already an existing
school camp, but not a ‘residential school’.
Becoming a ROSA school campus has
been a major breakthrough for each site,”
explains Somers School Camp principal
Denise Anthony. Bringing these camps
under the ROSA banner has resulted in
a more streamlined outdoor education
system, says Dean McLean, principal of
Rubicon Outdoor Centre.
“The new sites run complementary to
the existing core campuses so that the
curriculum, standards and processes all
align,” Mr McLean says.
“Schools now know that professional
standards and methods of teaching are
consistent across the sites. We have seen a
shift in the last 10 years with schools now
more focused on what outcomes they want
from camps – and we can tailor to that.”
Rubicon Outdoor Education Centre works
with secondary schools, Somers School
Camp with middle to upper primary
students, and Bogong Outdoor Education
Centre across the Prep to 12 spectrum.
“Across the six campuses we aim for
students to develop connections with
the environment and its relationship to
their home community,” explains Mr
McMurtrie. “Students spend between
three and 21 days learning to live more
sustainably in small learning communities.
During these programs students are able to
extend themselves in mind and body and in
doing so develop confidence, independence
and the ability to be adaptive in shaping
their own futures.
“Developing the social skills and knowledge
to successfully work and learn in teams is
central to all campuses.” S
For more information on school camps, visit www.rosa.vic.edu.au
inspire February
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february 2011 43
eLEArning
Great websites for exploring
Ultranet support
Ultranet EduGATE site
hthttps://edugate.eduweb.vic.gov.au/sc/sites/
Connections2010/ultranet
Support materials for principals and school staff
involved in Ultranet implementation.
Big idea interactive
presentation
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/directions/
ultranet/big_idea.htm
An introduction to the key areas of the Ultranet from the
point of view of a teacher, a parent and a student.
44 INSPIRE
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february 2011
DEECD public website
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ultranet
Refer parents and other members of your school
community to this site for background information
about the Ultranet.
Identity and Access
Management (IDAM)
support site
https://edugate.eduweb.vic.gov.au/olt/idam
User Guides, Fast Cards and FAQs to help principals
and school administrators manage access to the
Ultranet.
elearning
The Ultranet is an online student-centred learning environment that supports
high quality learning and teaching, connects students, teachers and parents and
enables efficient knowledge transfer. It will establish a schools environment for the
future that improves the educational outcomes of all Victorians. The Ultranet is live
in every Victorian government school.
Tools to use the Ultranet
http://goo.gl/HqcfL
Enter this link after logging in to the Ultranet to discover
some fascinating Ultranet tips and tricks.
Ultranet support site
https://ultranet.vic.edu.au/portal/web/support/home
Enter this link after logging in to discover resources
for teachers, students and parents on how to use the
Ultranet.
Other eLearning resources
Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/education/default.mspx
http://support.microsoft.com/?ln=en-au
Apple
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/
Subject Associations
ICTEV
http://www.ictev.vic.edu.au/
VITTA
http://www.vitta.org.au/
eLearning
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/
elearning/default.htm
epotential, eduSTAR, 1-to-1 learning and much more.
Online journals
The Age Digital Life
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/
Wired
http://www.wired.com/
PC Authority
http://www.pcauthority.com.au/
inspire FEBRuary
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february 2011 45
eLEArning
Your professional learning
for
2011
There are a number of professional learning programs and resources available this year
to assist your school to incorporate ICT into its learning and teaching.
Professional Learning –
Interactive Resource
A ‘menu’ of workshop ideas have been developed
around eight themes that can be adopted or adapted
to build a professional learning program for your
staff. Schools can follow one theme, or elements of
the themes presented can be selected as ‘tasters’
and combined to develop a whole-day program.
The types of resources available include websites,
interactives, videos and software. A key element of
this professional learning resource is the focus on
how the Ultranet can be used in your school.
Visit https://edugate.eduweb.vic.gov.au/sc/sites/
Connections2010/ultranet
The ePotential ICT Capabilities
Resource website has been
updated
The ePotential website has been redesigned with improved
functionality and even more classroom resources to support you
in expanding your ICT capabilities. Once you have completed
the online survey and know where you are in the continuum,
the journal and planning features give you focused spaces
to establish and monitor your learning goals. The extensive
bank of resources and showcases provide practical ICT-related
classroom activities, teacher work samples, student work
samples, professional development ideas, rubrics and more.
Visit http://epotential.education.vic.gov.au/
For more information on any of these programs or resources, email Brooke McNamara at
mcnamara.brooke.l@edumail.vic.gov.au
Children stretch out with a good book at the
Northcote Primary School library.
46 INSPIRE february 2011
elearning
New Intel Teach Elements professional learning programs
Are you looking for just-in-time professional development, available at no cost that you can experience now, anytime, or
anywhere? New in 2011 is the Intel Teach Elements program – a series of short courses that provide an opportunity to explore
21st century learning concepts, such as project-based learning, assessment in 21st-century classrooms and collaboration with web
2.0 tools. This program has a flexible delivery format which can range from fully facilitated in a face-to-face setting to an online facilitated
model or a fully individual self-paced model. Participants who complete the five modules and action-plan requirements of the
course receive a certificate of completion.
Visit www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/teachingresources/ict/proflearn
NSCCF implementation and planning days
Three National Secondary School Computer Fund (NSSCF) implementation and
planning days for principals and school leaders have been organised for Monday
21 February (Karralyka Centre Ringwood), Monday 28 February (Crowne Plaza
Torquay) and Tuesday 1 March (CBD venue to be advised). School are encouraged
to send leadership teams to these sessions. Each day will be led by Bruce Dixon from ideaslab, the Department’s eLearning
team and representatives from the Department’s Information and Technology
Division (ITD). Participants will be provided with opportunities to investigate the
21 steps for preparing, planning, implementing and evaluating and work in teams
to produce a skeleton plan for their individual schools.
Schools from the Department’s NSSCF netbook trial will also each provide a short
presentation, highlighting their key recommendations and advice to other schools
in regards to the NSSCF. There are resources for NSSCF implementation and
planning available on the 1-to-1 showcase. For more information about the NSSCF
implementation and planning days, including registering for a session, email
Leanne Compton at compton.leanne.l@edumail.vic.gov.au
Digital learning
resources in FUSE
A range of digital learning resources, with
a focus on web 2.0, has been developed
in conjunction with Victoria cultural and
educational institutions such as Zoos
Victoria, Museum Victoria, the National
Gallery of Victoria, Australian Centre
for Moving Images and Asia Education
Foundation.
These digital learning resources include
Primate Behaviour Research, Don’t Palm
Us Off, Bushfires and Wildlife Project,
Biodiversity Snapshots, Art State Project,
Generator and 21 Lines of Shakespeare.
Visit www.education.vic.gov.au/fusehome
Visit http://epotential.education.vic.gov.au/showcase
inspire february 2011 47
school news
Melbourne High student
wins public speaking award
The Legacy Junior Public Speaking
Award competition – which is aimed at
enhancing oral communication skills of
students aged 12 to 14 years – has continued
to grow in popularity among students in
Victorian schools. Last year, over 380
Victorian schools took part in semi-finals
across Victoria. The Victorian State Final
was held at the ABC Iwaki Auditorium on
11 October 2010, and the national final was
held in Melbourne on 8 November.
The national winner was Julien (Nivashan)
Nithianandan from Melbourne High
School. Julien was up against some
tough competition from the nine finalists
who from other states. He toasted the
competition with his prepared speech.
‘Ductus Exemplo – Lead by Example’.
Julien said that leadership is a big part of
his life and he wanted to get a message out
that one should lead by example and that
you don’t need to be an adult to be a leader.
“I am so excited about winning this
competition,” said Julien. “I feel honoured
as the other contestants spoke so well. It
was totally unexpected that I ended up
48 INSPIRE february 2011
with the Cup, and I feel very proud to have
represented Victoria at the national final.”
The Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award
is a speech advancement programme for
junior secondary students in government
and Independent schools and colleges. It
also seeks to help young people appreciate
the ideals of Legacy; voluntary service,
caring and comradeship and the need for
remembrance. National public speaking champion
Julien Nithianandan from Melbourne High.
Entrants are required to give a five-minute
prepared speech on a subject of their
own choosing followed by a two-minute
impromptu speech.
The impromptu
topic for the 2010 State Final was ‘Traffic
Lights’. The Legacy Junior Public Speaking
Award has been operating since 1988 and
became a national event in 1995. Last year,
over 1600 students were involved in the
program, and organisers hope to see this
number increase as more students realise
the value of sound public speaking skills
for the future careers.
For more information, visit www.legacy.com.au
school news
New program addresses
racism on the goldfields
Racism was a fact of life for the Chinese
diggers who came in their thousands
to seek their fortunes on the Victorian
goldfields. Unlike the hopeful diggers
from across Europe and the Americas, the
Chinese felt the full brunt of racist laws
and taxation designed to deter them from
coming to Australia.
Through a new interpretive theatre
program, Sovereign Hill Education has
developed a powerful look at an attempt in
Ballarat to form an Anti-Chinese League to
ban these “celestials” from the goldfields.
Following trials with students in middle
years to see how they reacted to the piece,
education officer Peter Hoban was excited
to see how successful it was in promoting
thinking on contemporary as well as
historical racism. “It’s a very provocative
piece, and rather than shying away from
a difficult topic, we have used our skills
in interpretive theatre to create a safe
environment for tackling this important
problem,” he said.
“The students are invited to the Victoria
Theatre to participate in a meeting called
to create an Anti-Chinese League on
the Ballarat Goldfields. No such group
existed in Ballarat, but there were calls in
the newspapers to establish one, and this
piece is an exploration of what might have
happened.”
Students later have the chance to question
the cast before a debriefing with education
officers and an exploration of Sovereign
Hill’s Chinese Camp, where the story of
Chinese protest against the unfairness of
the taxes and laws used against them is
discussed.
For more information, phone 5337 1188 or email schoolbookings@sovereignhill.com.au
inspire february 2011 49
Former Excellence Award winners Huong Tran
and Brendan Murray have realised that two
heads are definitely better than one.
Double happiness
A fortuitous meeting between two former Education Excellence Award winners has resulted in a
win-win for the Pavilion School, writes Tina Luton.
Brendan Murray, coordinator of the
Pavilion School, does not believe in fate
but he does believe in opportunity. He says
that it was as a result of winning the 2009
Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award
that he was “fortunate enough to meet
the exceptionally talented Outstanding
Primary Teacher Award recipient Huong
Tran” and took the opportunity to convince
her to join his team of dedicated staff.
“Huong and I sat next to each other at the
awards ceremony and got chatting. I was
very interested in what she was doing and
vice versa, and we formed a professional
friendship that led us to entertain the
idea of working together with arguably
the most disadvantaged students within
the Northern Metropolitan region of our
education system.
“Huong has been with us since July
2010 as Pavilion’s leading teacher-coach
responsible for curriculum development,
50 INSPIRE february 2011
data, assessment and, importantly, the
instructional coaching of our teachers,”
Mr Murray continues. “And the results,
even within the first few months of her
joining our team, have been nothing short
of remarkable.
“As soon as I met
Brendan, I knew
I wanted to work
with him.”
“Absenteeism has decreased and it’s a
professional development situation for
staff all day, every day. She films the
teachers in the classroom and has weekly
one-on-ones with them. The teachers are
very focused on lesson plans and on their
style of delivery and on the collection of
data, so we have not only seen student
improvement but teacher improvement.”
The Pavilion School is an alternative setting
for young people who are disengaged from
education or training. All students are
enrolled at Charles–La Trobe College and
attend off-site Pavilion campuses at either
East Preston or Mill Park, with a third
campus set to open due to overwhelming
demand.
The school is designed as a transition or
reintegration centre for young people of
secondary-school age who wish to access
educational support that is tailored to meet
individual needs. The small staff consists
of student wellbeing officers and teachers
and class sizes are kept to between eight
and 12 students to provide concentrated
one-on-one attention and support.
“This year we will have 55 kids at the Mill
Park campus and 90 kids at East Preston
school news
and that will be our cap,” Mr Murray
explains. “We can’t accommodate anymore
students without compromising the quality
and delivery of our program, and we
generally sit with about 30 or 40 kids on
the waiting list.
“Huong has the academic knowledge
to take it to the next level,” says
Brendan Murray of his collegue,
Huong Tran. “She really knows
teaching. We’re a great combination.”
“With alternative schools like Pavilion you
need a strong program or you can become
a drop-in centre,” he continues. “I have
always aspired to have academic rigour –
it’s what I researched when I went to New
York as part of my award – and now we
have it. I established the high expectations
of staff and students but did not have the
academic knowledge to take it to the next
level. But Huong does. She really knows
teaching. We’re a great combination.”
“These kids are capable and we needed
to find an entry point and build their
strengths from there. The teachers are
great, passionate and very dedicated but
the approach (before I arrived) was a
little patchy. We are now taking a more
structured approach, making it more
relevant and capturing what the kids
offer, giving them feedback and finding
innovative ways that we can motivate them
to push themselves further,” Ms Tran says.
“When you pick out what is good, in a
genuine way, you can see the look of pride
on their faces and that is wonderful,” she
continues. “Some of these children come
from difficult family situations, and while
we can’t control what happens at home or
on weekends, we can control our programs,
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES O’ROURKE
Ms Huong is much more modest about her
achievements but agrees that she and Mr
Murray make a great team and says she
is enjoying the challenge of working with
the troubled teenagers at Pavilion. “As
soon as I met Brendan at the Education
Awards dinner I knew I wanted to work
with him. He is so passionate,” she recalls.
“The Pavilion is a great challenge. It
makes me think differently and be much
more creative in my approach to making
learning more engaging for these kids and
for the teachers to be able to apply certain
ideas and processes.
our teaching and our delivery and pay lots
of attention to make our lessons more
engaging, so that’s what we do.
“I work with the teachers one-on-one with
lesson plans and I run one-hour weekly
professional learning. We research articles
on disengaged students and watch the
lessons that I video so that we can critique
the strengths and the weaknesses. We work
as a very strong team and in the classroom
we work with the student 100 per cent and
they can feel it – they know that we care.
“I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to
work with Brendan and the teachers here,
and with the kids because I love them, I
really do,” she smiles. S
inspire february 2011 51
New framework puts career
guidance on the right path
Professor Tony Watts, international consultant on career guidance, launched the draft
Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework late last year.
The draft Victorian Careers Curriculum
Framework was launched in December
2010 by renowned international career
guidance
and
development
policy
consultant Professor Tony Watts. More
than 350 careers practitioners from
secondary schools and TAFE providers
attended a DEECD forum at the MCG
to roadtest the draft framework and to
further develop their understanding of
international trends and best practice in
career development.
The framework is a new initiative under the
National Partnership on Youth Attainment
and Transitions, a joint initiative of
the Australian, state and territory
governments. It provides a scaffold for the
development of a career education and
counselling program for young people in
Years 7–12 and young learners in the Adult
and Community Education (ACE) and
TAFE sectors. It also supports the work of
teachers, trainers and career practitioners
in the preparation of young people to
make a successful transition into further
education, training and employment.
The focus of Professor Watts’ keynote
address at the forum in which the
draft framework was launched was
52 INSPIRE february 2011
‘Global perspectives in effective career
development practices’. Professor Watts
believes that the Victorian Careers
Framework
potentially
Curriculum
provides a significant step forward in the
career development of young people in
Victoria. “Its purpose is to help young
people to make career decisions not just
now, but also in the future, and thereby
to construct their career,” he said. “It has
a clear developmental structure, explicit
links both to the Australian Blueprint for
Career Development and to the Victorian
Essential Learning Standards (VELS), and
ideas for implementation, with references
to accompanying resources,” he said.*
“It also includes provision for career
development programs in ACE and in
TAFE, recognising that some young people
learn better in these settings than in
schools. It is also closely linked, of course,
with a range of other initiatives, including
mentoring, Managed Individual Pathways
(MIPs), Career Action Plans, the roles of
Local Learning and Employment Networks
(LLENs), and the Youth Connections
program for young people at risk.”
The
Victorian
Careers
Curriculum
Framework starts in Year 7, however
Professor Tony Watts speaking
at the recent DEECD
forum on careers.
Professor Watts said there is a strong
argument for starting earlier. “Perceptions
of self and of work are formed early in
primary school: if we want to intervene
in this process, the interventions must
start early too. In the early years of career
education in the United States in the 1970s,
the concept was viewed as starting in
school news
kindergarten. In the UK, there has recently
been a growth of interest in career-related
learning in primary schools, and a lot
of exciting innovative practice has been
initiated, a report on which is anticipated
shortly,” he said.
Professor Watts added that the framework
is critical in building capacity for lifelong
learning: “Its aim is to help individuals to
develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes
they require in order to make the decisions
and transitions that will determine the
course of their career development – in
other words, to manage their career.”
Professor Watts also noted that the task
of implementing the framework requires
a whole-school approach involving a
number of leaders. Firstly, a careers leader
or a member of the senior leadership
team responsible for providing vision
and strategic leadership for the careers
provision. Secondly, a careers coordinator
– for day-to-day leading and managing
of the careers provision, and a careers
administrator to handle careers resource
centre and work experience programs.
The framework also involves teachers, in
three roles – as subject teachers, teaching
about careers related to their subject
and about how the
skills and attributes
developed
through
the subject prepared
them for adult life;
as tutors, supporting
the
students
in
their
tutor-group;
and possibly also
as teachers of career education lessons,
within the program or course managed by
their school’s careers co-coordinator.
viewed as whole-school programs then all
of these roles need to be given attention
and support. And, if converted into practice
creatively and thoughtfully, the Victorian
Careers Curriculum Framework could
provide a significant advance in supporting
the young people of
Victoria with their
career development.”
advent of the global marketplace and the
decline in job security, we must all take
more responsibility for maintaining our
employability, which includes what we
want to do, what skills we bring to the
marketplace, and what others will pay
us to do. The underlying idea is that ‘my
career is my business’ – in both senses of
the word.”
In addition, Professor
Watts also emphasised
the real importance of
equipping
Victoria’s
young people with the
knowledge, skills and
attitudes to be active agents in lifelong
learning and work and helping them to
construct their career. “An underlying
principle is that security now lies not in
employment but in employability,” he
said. “Individuals who want to maintain
their employability have to be willing
to regularly learn new skills. With the
The
Victorian
Careers
Curriculum
Framework will shortly be available for
implementation in schools, ACE and
TAFE in 2011 and will be supported by
regional briefings. Information on the
online framework and the briefings will be
disseminated to all sectors in Term 1.
“Perceptions of
self and of work
are formed early in
primary school.”
Professor Watts explained: “In some
schools, some of these roles might be
combined with each other or with wider
roles. If career development programs are
*As the new Australian curriculum is
implemented in Victoria, the framework
will be updated as appropriate. For
information about implementation of the
Australian curriculum in Victoria, visit
www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/correspondence/
notices/2010/185.html S
inspire february 2011 53
school news
New crop of teachers ready for the rural regions
Teach for Australia’s latest batch of recruits are rearing to go, writes Tina Luton.
Forty-two beaming graduates will
commence the Teach for Australia (TFA)
program in 2011, with the vast majority
taking up places in Victorian schools.
Victoria was the first state to participate
in TFA in 2010, and this year the program
has expanded into the ACT and the Catholic
sector in Victoria.
Of the 43 associates, five will be working
in the Australian Capital Territory schools,
three have been placed in Victorian Catholic
schools, and 34 associates have been placed
in 17 Victorian government secondary
schools, the majority of which are located in
regional or remote areas. Five schools also
have TFA associates from last year.
The TFA program aims to improve
student outcomes in areas of educational
disadvantage by attracting and supporting
high-potential graduates to teach in affected
schools for two years. Over time, the program
hopes to build a network of committed
alumni who are knowledgeable about
education and social issues, committed to
educational equity and destined to become
exceptional leaders in all fields.
To do this, TFA recruits outstanding, wellrounded graduates from all disciplines
who have the academic performance,
54 inspire february 2011
leadership experience and communication
and empathy skills to succeed in teaching
in disadvantaged schools as TFA associates.
Working in partnership with businesses,
universities and the public sector, TFA
provides the infrastructure and expertise
to facilitate associate development through
strong, evidence-based training, ongoing
support and leadership programs, while
focusing intently on improving student
outcomes in the classroom.
TFA’s senior project officer Peter Godden
says that by attracting more of Australia’s
outstanding graduates into teaching in
disadvantaged schools, TFA also helps to
raise and preserve the status of teaching.
“The classroom experience and the
leadership and business coaching that
associates receive are opportunities for rapid
personal and professional development.
The challenge is huge but the benefits, both
to associates and to the students whose lives
they touch, are very real.”
For more information, visit
www.teachforaustralia.org
flashback
1968
Relief teacher Debra Barnett (nee
Krause) remembers the frivolity of
traditional school picnics.
“Who remembers the good old school
picnics complete with sack races, egg
and spoon races and the main event – the
honeymooners’ race? This is a photo
of the honeymooners’ race taken at the
1968 Sheep Hills State School picnic held
at Halls Gap that year. Sheep Hills is a
small community in the Wimmera region
of Victoria, about 40km north-east of
Horsham. I was one of the enthusiastic
participants (seventh from the left).
“We all looked forward to the school picnic
held annually at the local race course. I
used to love the honeymooners’ race where
each couple would race down to a line
(the boy holding the honeymooners’ case)
and once there the couple would unpack
their case and put on their ‘honeymooners’
outfits’ or ‘going away’ outfits as they were
once known. Once changed, the couple
would race back to the finish line with their
case, holding hands with their partner as
they ran. The first couple over the line won.
“I can remember the excitement before the
day choosing my outfit for the race from
Mum’s dress-ups. Dress, hat, handbag and
shoes for the girls, and trousers, jacket, hat
and shoes for the boys. I was in Grade 5
when this photo was taken and there were
about 24 students in the whole school: a
one-teacher school. I often wonder if other
school picnics featured the honeymooners’
race or if it was unique to our school or
country schools of the past.
“School picnics were an annual event
greatly looked forward to by the small
school community. A chance for busy
farming families to get together for a
day to relax, have some fun and socialise.
Special memories for sure!”
Photo and words by Debra Barnett
Casual relief teacher at Warracknabeal
and Dimboola Primary Schools.
Send us your flashback photo!
Got a great old photo? Email your image to editor@edumail.vic.gov.au
INSPIRE february 2011 55
school news
Reaching new heights
with BER
It may seem strange, but principal of Chelsea Heights Primary
School Jane Satchwell loves walking into her school’s new Building
the Education Revolution (BER) multipurpose centre and being
unable to spot a teacher straight away.
“When we first moved into the building I walked into a class and
couldn’t see the teacher,” Ms Satchwell said. “But then I spotted
her on the floor amongst the students. It was a really great
moment for me. It’s a discipline versus engagement thing. The
teacher didn’t need to be completely visible because the children
were so engaged, and the new building is helping to create that
engagement.”
“I think with this space and the furniture and the technology,
the teachers are feeling more relaxed, they’re reflecting on key
questions about their practice and they’re feeling brave. They’re
teaching more to student interest and they’re arranging the rooms
to suit the students’ learning.”
The new space is also having an extremely positive effect on the
entire school community. “The new building has had a big effect
on the morale – it’s really made everybody incredibly happy.”
The new BER facility has not only provided the school community
at Chelsea Heights with a state-of-the-art learning space – it’s
changing the way students learn and the way teachers teach. “One
thing we didn’t want to do was to bring the old pedagogy into the
new building,” Ms Satchwell said.
Instead, the school is looking at splitting each year level into three
groups of approximately 13 students and allowing them to do a
rotating three-hour block of art, music and physical education
once a week. “This means smaller groups which will offer more
support and differentiated learning and will push the students to
be more accountable for their own learning,” she said.
This new approach to teaching will also allow teachers to have a
three-hour block each week during school hours for professional
development.
Another important factor in the school’s planning for the new
building was the purchase of modern and flexible furniture; the
school wanted a library and reference area that could be mobilised.
“We looked at the book browsers and ottomans and we also have
a portable interactive whiteboard in there, Ms Satchwell explains.
The principal also believes that the BER facility is driving change
and reflection among the teachers.
For more information on Building the Education Revolution in Victoria, call the BER information line on 1800 679 938
or visit www.education.vic.gov.au/buildingrevolution
56 INSPIRE february 2011
school news
Recognising long service
Long serving staff will be recognised at the Victorian Education
Service Awards celebration to be held during Education Week this
year (15¬–21 May). Staff eligible for 35, 40, 45, and 50 year awards
will be advised in writing in the coming weeks. If you believe you
are eligible for an award and have not been notified by the end of
February, email your full name, personal identification number,
current school and number of years service to louey.john.r@edumail.
vic.gov.au. The cut-off for service queries is Friday 25 March 2011.
School principals and school council presidents have the chance
to nominate outstanding community members for the Victorian
Education Community Service Awards. School principals, school
council presidents and parent associations are also invited to
nominate for the Outstanding Parents Awards. Presented at the
same ceremony, these awards recognise the invaluable contribution
parents and community members make to Victorian schools.
Nominations will open in late February.
In first term of the new school year, principals and school council
presidents will be asked to inform the Department of school councillors
who are retiring from council. School councillors who have provided
continuous service for five or more years at the same school, who
retire from their school council positions, will be eligible to receive a
recognition of service award from the Department.
PHOTO BY sharon walker
A circular will be sent to schools this term outlining the nomination
process. Please note that DEECD personnel serving on the school
council where they are employed are not eligible for this award.
For more information, email
community.stakeholders edumail.vic.gov.au
INSPIRE february 2011 57
school news
Students from
Sandringham Primary
School at the launch
of Public Art Teaching
Excellence.
Exploring excellence in
teaching through public art
The Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development, in collaboration with Kaldor Public Art Projects,
has developed an exciting and practical new resource designed
to build teacher capacity. Using the concept of public art as the
focus for student engagement and learning, 10 Victorian primary
art teachers took part in a project recently that incorporated key
components of the e5 Instructional Model, the Arts domain of the
Victorian Essential Learning Standards and digital technology, in
particular, interactive whiteboards.
The project provided an extended professional learning
opportunity for teachers to engage in substantive conversations
about what constitutes high-quality instruction in the visual
arts. A series of six workshops were conducted over a period of
12 months. Each workshop supported the teachers to build their
knowledge and understanding of the key components of the
project. To document the teachers’ experience, the Department
has produced an accompanying publication: Public Art Teaching
Excellence.
As part of the International Society for Education through Art
(InSEA) regional congress, and to mark the development of Public
Art Teaching Excellence, a preview of the publication was held
58 inspire february 2011
at the National Gallery of Victoria, late last year. Marion Strong,
from project partner Art Education Victoria, hosted the event and
a keynote address was given by John Kaldor, whose long history
of patronage to the arts now includes working with education
jurisdictions across Australia.
The support offered by Kaldor Public Art Projects has enabled
teachers to access artworks by some of the contemporary art
world’s most recognisable names: including Christo and JeanneClaude, Richard Long and Jeff Koons. Mr Kaldor spoke of how
his passion for contemporary art and his ambition to “open the
eyes of the young to the wonders of contemporary art” prompted
him to approach the Department to seek a partnership that has
culminated in the publication of Public Art Teaching Excellence.
Sandringham Primary School teacher Sue Storr also spoke at
the launch, on behalf of the 10 teachers involved in the project,
and said she was thrilled with the success her students had
experienced. “Our Kaldor puppy project produced outcomes that
surpassed even my expectations,” she said. “When the students
took their puppies out into various public spaces our creations
became a living, breathing art form. The project thrived due to
student, teacher and parent enthusiasm and collaboration.”
All Victorian government schools will receive a copy of Public
Art Teaching Excellence (and an accompanying publication,
Teacher Professional Leave, from the series A Profession With a
Practice) early this year. To purchase additional copies of Public
Art Teaching Excellence, follow this links on the e5 website at
www.education.vic.gov.au/proflearning/e5 S
For more information, contact Sue Buckley on 9637 2062
Students from Sandringham Primary set up their puppy sculptures
as part of the event to launch Public Art Teaching Excellence.
inspire february 2011 59
sCHOOL NeWs
New school, new year, new
a new college signals new beginnings for young people in Geelong.
norThErn BAY P–12 college is a multicampus school incorporating (for this year)
three Prep–Year 7 campuses, two Prep–
Year 6 campuses, a Year 8/9 campus,
and a Year 10–12 campus. close links and
collaboration with neighbouring children’s
services centres, with a view to eventual
co-locations, is a key component of the
project.
constructed as part of The corio–norlane
regeneration Project, which has provided a
$10 million boost to the region, it involves
the merger of six primary schools and three
secondary schools into one college initially
spread across seven sites and catering to
approximately 2400 students and around
400 staff. Three BEr library learning
neighbourhoods have been constructed in
the Prep–Year 7 campuses, with tenders
currently being let to build three Year 6–8
learning communities, a Year 9 precinct
and a trade training facility.
interim principal Fred clarke admits the
merger has been a mammoth effort that will
reap huge rewards. “We started with nine
schools – rosewall PS, Flinders Peak Sc,
norlane hS, norlane West PS, northshore
NEW
Interim principal of
Northern Bay P–12
College Fred Clarke
with students showing
off their brand new
uniforms.
PS, corio Bay Sc, corio PS, corio West
PS and corio South PS,” he says. “in 2010
we had eight schools. This year we have
seven campuses and by 2013 we will have
consolidated them to five sites, which will
feature four Prep–Year 8 campuses and a
senior secondary campus with a dedicated
Year 9 and a Year 10–12 campus. We are
also hopeful of attaching a kindergarten to
each of the junior sites.
“The challenges of a project of this size is
to do something different and better – we
have to do it better,” he says. “The impetus
is to do things in a different way and cater
for young people in the corio–norlane
area. We want it to be a school of choice
and a good pathway to further education
or employment. in time it will cater for
kindergarten through to Year 12, so we
can take the students right through on a
The Body Investigators
Drama Incursion For Prep - Year 6
Students Become Full Body Investigators (F.B.I agents)
In this new and fun drama workshop children are shrunk down
to investigate an unhealthy body system using costumes,
drama and movement. Students then explore what is required
for a healthy body system and look at the simple connection
between the different systems.
Students discuss and wear costumes representing the brain,
lungs, heart and intestines.
Book
Online
60 inspire february 2011
Workshops run for 1 hour at your school for a max of 30
students per session.
www.thedramatoolbox.com.au
Ph: (03) 9870 1060
SCHOOL NEWS
start
Families in the picturesque regional town
of Geelong will benefit from the opening of
the new Northern Bay P–12 College.
seamless pathway to VCE, VET and VCAL.
We are also developing links with Deakin
University and Gordon TAFE. We want to
build aspirations and reduce the transition
points as well: we can build their career
aspirations right from pre-school to trade
training, TAFE and university,” he says.
Mr Clarke has 30 years of experience
as a school principal and as a senior
education officer within the Barwon
South Western Region. He has served as
principal of Skipton PS, Hamilton North
PS, Warrnambool West PS, Warrnambool
East PS, and more recently as principal of
Corio PS. As well as this, for five years he
served as a senior education officer (SEO)
working in a number of school networks
both in Geelong and in the South West.
This role involved leadership of primary
schools, special schools and secondary
schools.
He is excited about leading the new school
and has a vision built around incorporating
high expectations and working effectively
in flexible learning spaces. “This is an
excellent opportunity for all staff and
students to come together as one large,
multi-campus college and create a worldclass school,” he says.
“There’s a great energy and goodwill across
the whole college, and I am very excited
and so are the staff and parents. There are
real opportunities for teachers to share
best practice and upload their work to the
Ultranet. There is daily collaboration and
professional development and the students
are also very excited about being part of a
new school. Our brand new uniform gives
them the chance to be together as one
school, and that alone will have a positive
impact, increasing their sense of pride
and fostering high expectations and group
effort.” S
INSPIRE february 2011 61
early childhood
New software to assist
with early years framework
A new software program for early
childhood educators looking to incorporate
the Early Years Learning and Development
Framework (EYLF) into their practice
is now available. ClassMon EYLF is a
software program designed specifically for
educators using the Early Years Learning
Framework in Australia.
It allows educators to record observations
of children within the structure of the
EYLF. Transition statements, learning
records, planning documents and digital
portfolios can all be produced from the
observation records.
An ongoing dilemma for many early years
educators is how to document the Early
Years Learning Framework. ClassMon
EYLF guides educators through this
process. For example, educators are able
to link observations to learning outcomes.
Learning outcome examples (from the
‘Being, Belonging & Becoming’ section of
the framework) are also accessible during
the documentation process, providing
teachers with inspiration and EYLF
terminology.
ClassMon EYLF has also helped many early
childhood centre coordinators with time
management, as many educators are able
to get children’s portfolios and transition
statements completed in the allocated
planning time using the new software.
Most importantly, the software makes
documentation of children’s learning an
easier and less time consuming task for
educators, and is a useful tool for educators
in supporting the understanding of the
Early Years Learning Framework.
For more information on the
ClassMon EYLF software
visit www.educatingkids.com.au
62 inspire february 2011
An ongoing dilemma for many early years educators is how to document the Early Years
Learning Framework. Below is an example of the transition statement set-up page on
the ClassMon EYLF software program, which allows eductors to record observations of
children within the structure of the EYLF.
News bites
Glenroy College receives
grant to promote Asian
languages
Glenroy College is among a select group of
schools to win funding to promote Asian languages
and culture within their classrooms and school
communities. As part of the national Becoming Asia
Literate: Grants to Schools (BALGS) initiative, Glenroy
College, will receive a $20,000 Federal Government
grant.
The funding will go towards the Indonesian LOTE
(Languages Other Than English) program. Glenroy
College introduced Indonesian to the school’s
curriculum this year to a selected group of students
after a Year 8 group of students wrote a letter to the
principal asking to study Indonesian. The students
were then involved with the development of the
program and began learning Indonesian in the middle
of this year.
The grant will go towards buying ICT equipment
and will contribute in developing a sister school
relationship with an Indonesian school. Glenroy is
hopeful that in the future students will be involved
in an overseas study trip to immerse themselves in
Indonesian language and culture. The funding will also
assist in offering students real-life cultural experiences
of Indonesia through culture, art and food.
“We’re very excited about receiving the grant,” says
Indonesian teacher Emma Lynch. “It means we can
create a more innovative and engaging curriculum.”
The grant is part of the $62.4 million National Asian
Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP)
to support Asia literacy. Principal of Glenroy College,
Paul Dingle, welcomed the announcement, saying
that the grant will extend the learning possibilities
across the curriculum. “We are living in an increasingly
globalised world,” Mr Dingle said. “It is more and more
vital to promote Asian languages and culture in our
schools so our students have a better understanding
and knowledge of our near neighbours.”
NALSSP aims to promote understanding among
young Australians of the cultures and languages of the
target countries: Japan, China, Indonesia and Korea.
64 INSPIRE february 2011
school news
Jells Park kids best at trivia
A group of Year 6 students from Jells Park Primary School
has won the 2010 National Trivia Challenge Grand Final held in
November last year at Parliament House. The trivia challenge helps
raise epilepsy awareness in schools through a general knowledge
quiz aligned to VELS, with 10 per cent of the questions relating
to epilepsy. Students are provided with epilepsy information, and
research epilepsy and seizure first aid to answer the questions.
The Jells Park Primary School team had been consistently highachieving, placing first or second over the past four years in the
trivia challenge. This year saw team members Conroy Cheers,
Kim Shroer, Tassja Cunico and Brenton Fernigl, supported by
teacher, Josef Burke-Smith, win at the national level. Participating
teams had the chance to observe a parliamentary role play in the
Legislative Assembly, followed by a tour of the Senate Chamber
and information session, before taking the online challenge.
Students from Years 3 to 10 are invited to take part in the trivia
challenge. Approximately 20,000 students from 180 schools
across Victoria participated in 2010.
For more information on the trivia challenge,
email Val Bates vbates@epilepsy.asn.au
INSPIRE february 2011 65
school news
All in the family
Education certainly runs in the blood for the Short family, which boasts four
generations of teachers, writes Karen Casey.
66 INSPIRE february 2011
SCHOOL NEWS
Anyone who crosses paths with
the Short family is guaranteed to
learn something. Four generations of
the family are teachers and another
member is just about to join them.
The family’s teaching history dates
back to the early 1900s when brothers
Leslie and Vernon Brookes became
teachers. Leslie’s daughter, Anne
Short, followed, and then three out of
five of her children joined the industry.
Of those children’s children four have
so far become teachers with the latest
member, Amy Short, about to start
her first year as a teacher at the new
Lyndhurst Primary School.
The family has witnessed many
changes in teaching in this time. “I have
been teaching since 1978,” said Tony
Short, son of Anne, father of Amy and
principal of Rosebud Primary School.
“In those days you were given a grade
of 30-plus kids and let loose. Teachers
did not plan together and each year
you had to rewrite in handwriting your
grade’s course of study.”
For Anne times were tougher again.
Her classes had more than 40 children
and teachers had to beg and borrow
teaching aids. “We went round the
paper factories and butchers after
school to see if they could give us
some paper,” Anne said. “We had
nothing. We used bundles of matches
to count. In the areas I worked they
(the students) left early. We just tried
to get as much information into them
before they turned 14 and left. We got
the basics through so they could cope.”
Today teaching and parenting cross
over often. School is much more than
a place to learn information. Tony said
children need an atmosphere in which
to grow emotionally, intellectually,
physically and socially.
“Teachers are
expected to do so
much more than
provide knowledge
and sound
education.”
“Teachers are expected to do so much
more than provide knowledge and
sound education,” he said. “Teachers
are now parents, counsellors, welfare
agents as well as trying to be creative,
professional educators.”
Anne’s career spanned more than 20
years including a period when the law
required her to resign from full-time
teaching because she began a family.
Anne said in some ways teaching had
become easier with classes reduced
dramatically and teaching aids being
available. But in many other ways it
was a tough job.
“In those days once they (the students)
were in the room, they were mine,”
Anne said. “The parents had them for
the rest of the time. They were solidly
behind what the teachers did. Parents
attitudes have changed. They have
their own ideas now.”
Amy shares her father’s view that
today’s education goes far beyond
intellectual growth. Fresh from
university she will carry on her family’s
talent for teaching, starting with Years
1 and 2 in February. Contrary to her
grandmother’s times, Amy and her
cousins then have the opportunity to
take this fourth generation of Short
teachers as far as they like.
“Beginning my teaching career at
Lyndhurst Primary School, which is a
brand new school opening in 2011, I
have already begun challenging myself
by working in an environment which is
still being constructed,” Amy said. “I
hope to expand my career by teaching
different grade levels and I also have a
passion for physical education.” S
INSPIRE february 2011 67
school news
More international student
ondary
Former Glen Waverley Sec from
Lee
College student Joshua
R of 99.9.
Malaysia achieved an ATA
68 inspire february 2011
Last year more than 785 international
students completed Year 12 in Victorian
government schools. It is expected that
a similar number of students will do the
same in 2011. VCE success stories from
2010 include Joshua Lee, who came to
Australia from Malaysia in 2007 and was
dux of Glen Waverley Secondary College
last year, receiving an ATAR of 99.9.
Mr Lee hopes to undertake a Bachelor
of Commerce degree at the University of
Melbourne with an eye on postgraduate
law. He believes that international
students encourage a two-way exchange
of knowledge and culture that provides
opportunities for both students and
teachers to deepen their internationalmindedness, intercultural understanding
and global citizenship.
“Glen Waverley is a very multicultural
school,” Mr Lee says. “The students and
teachers were friendly and offered lots
of support and assistance and created an
environment where I felt that I belonged
and where I could learn effectively.”
“I think international students bring
a different sense of experience and
perspective into the school,” he explains.
They bring different ideas and knowledge
and it also brings out people’s compassion.
Because most overseas students don’t
SCHOOL NEWS
success stories
speak English that well, it helps them to
learn the language and to assimilate into
the school and the community.”
Essendon Keilor Secondary College student
Pham Truong Thinh Le agrees. He came to
Australia from Vietnam in 2007 and began
Year 10 unable to speak a word of English.
He finished Year 12 with an ATAR of 99.9.
“The language support program was very
good,” Mr Le said. “The teachers gave me
a lot of help in reading and writing and
listening, and I definitely benefited from
this.” Mr Le is keen to study commerce,
engineering or medicine at the University
of Melbourne.
These success stories, along with those of
many other international students, reflect
the high quality education that students
receive in a Victorian government school.
International students enhance the
cultural diversity of the school community
and contribute to the internationalising of
education in Victoria. Each year hundreds
of international students complete their
VCE studies at Victorian government
schools with excellent results.
For more information on the International Student Program, phone 9637 2990 or
email international@edumail.vic.gov.au
Pham Truong Thinh Le als
o
ATAR of 99.9 after arriving achieved an
in
Year 10 with no knowledge Australia at
of English.
inspire february 2011 69
school news
Fitness program a real heartstarter
A pilot fitness program at Heatherwood, a school for students with a mild intellectual disability, has
seen student mobility and confidence increase in leaps and bounds, writes Amber Robertson.
A new exercise initiative for disabled
students is having a positive impact on
cognitive as well as physical ability. The
‘HeartStart’ program, initiated by the
Heartwell Foundation at Heatherwood
late last year, involves two age-appropriate
groups of 15 students, participating in a
weekly physical education session. The
45-minute sessions focus on the repetition
of actions through games to increase the
students’ motor and locomotion skills,
fitness, balance, hand-eye coordination and
spatial awareness.
According to assistant principal Lesley Foster,
the program is a huge success, teaching the
students skills that will benefit them for life.
“For many of the kids it was the first time they
70 inspire february 2011
realised they could improve their motor skills
and could be good at physical education,” Ms
Foster said. “This is really lifelong learning –
what they learnt in the program is going to
benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
Co-founder of the Heartwell Foundation
Scott Taylor said HeartStart was not about
turning the students into athletes but about
building their fitness and self-esteem. “It’s
about giving them confidence in their physical
ability so they get in there and have a go.”
The program is run alongside the school’s
existing physical education curriculum and
each student who participates is chosen
specifically by the school because they
would benefit the most from the program.
According to physical education teacher
Samantha Ditty, this approach is effective as
it allows the students to work at a pace best
suited to their abilities.
“often in PE the students work in a mixed
ability class and may struggle trying to
keep up, but in these classes nobody got
left behind,” she said. Ms Ditty said the
program had been tailored to the students’
needs and there had been an improvement
in the performance of every student who had
participated. “Kids who couldn’t hop are now
hopping, a student who only walked on his
heels is now using his toes as well, students
who couldn’t catch a ball now can and their
balance has improved among other things,”
she said.
Ms Foster said the program had not
only improved the students’ motor skills
dramatically, but was fun, had reinvigorated
the students’ interest in PE and even
improved their social skills. “The kids are
more social and their confidence has really
grown.”
heartStart was so successful that heartwell
will facilitate the program at Monash Special
Development and Ashwood School next
year in addition to a repeat program at
heatherwood. S
For more information on the Heartwell Foundation email info@heartwell.org.au
“Resigningorretiring?
We’llpayupto
$1,000towards
financialadvice.”
Christian Kueng,
ESSSuper Member Education Consultant
Thinkingofresigningorretiring?Needsomefinancial
advice?ESSSupermembers*–talktotheexpertswho
runyourfund.
Our Member Education Consultants are the experts in your fund.
They can discuss your options and provide further information
about your benefits. And through our partnership with Industry
Fund Financial Planning (IFFP)^ you can get all the advice you
need to help secure your financial future.
Upto$1,000rebateforsuperannuationadvice
If you’re an eligible ESSSuper member, when you obtain financial
planning advice and stay with ESSSuper you may be eligible for
a rebate of up to $1,000 to cover part or all of the cost of the
super related advice. Visit www.esssuper.com.au/soundadvice
for all the details.
At ESSSuper, we know as well as you do that you’ve worked hard
for your future. And we’re here to make your super work harder
for you.
Call1300 655 476tomakeafreeappointmentwithoneof
ourMemberEducationConsultantsorafinancialplanner.
ESS2492_(11/10)_A
* Members include teachers who commenced
employment prior to 1994. If you are not already
an ESSSuper member you are not eligible to join.
^ IFFP is a division of Industry Fund Services
Pty Ltd ABN 564007016195, AFSL 232514.
ESS2492_DecemberShine_125X188 ADV_FA.indd 1
18/11/10 6:09 PM
inspire february 2011 71
school news
In her shoes
The Business Manager for a Day program is helping strengthen
relations between central office staff and their school-based
counterparts, writes Caroline Reidy
The Business Manag
program is set to br er for a Day
oa
of central office-ba den the minds
sed finance staff.
Central office finance administrator
Stephanie Peter recently stepped into
the shoes of a real-life school business
manager, when she spent a day shadowing
Joan Mitchell, business manager at
Vermont South Special School.
“It’s really great to see the other side
of what goes on in school, and how the
business processes differ from what we do
here, centrally,” Ms Peter explained. “We
can use this knowledge of how business
managers work to help schools with any
future difficulties they may have.”
This is precisely the motivation behind
the Business Manager for a Day Program.
Modelled on the Principal for a Day
program, first delivered by the Australian
Council for Educational Research (ACER),
the program involves a central office staff
member shadowing a school business
manager for a day, and vice versa.
A key focus for this particular program
is ensuring this reciprocal visit by the
business manager occurs. Joan Mitchell of
Vermont South Special School will visit the
central office early in 2011 in this capacity.
The key objective is to provide central office
and school staff with an overview of how the
other works, thus creating a more streamlined
working relationship for the future.
Importantly, the central office hopes the
simplicity of the model will lend itself
to application by other business areas,
with the aim of improving the working
relationship between school and central
office staff in a range of areas.
At the time of writing, 25 central office
staff had signed up for the program, and
will complete the ‘swap’ before the end
of this year. The school visits focus on
regular day-to-day activities undertaken
72 INSPIRE february 2011
Central office finance administrator Stephanie Peter experienced life on the other side
when she stepped into the shoes of a school business manager at Vermont South Special
School late last year as part of a new program first delivered by ACER.
by the business manager and could include
such things as conversations about school
budgeting operations, school governance
arrangements and reporting. A visit may
also include a tour of the funding at work,
attending a school assembly or class, or
meeting students.
As part of the reciprocal visit, the business
manager will tour the precinct, attend
meetings and meet many of the staff they
deal with regarding school and financial
issues, thereby helping to provide an
understanding of how school finances are
managed in the division.
To find out more about the Business Manager for a Day program, email
ciantar.sharon.z@edumail.vic.gov.au
Clean up
your school!
Registration is now open for the 2011 Schools Clean Up Day,
due to be held on Friday 4 March. Schools and kindergartens are
invited to get in on the action, and tidy their playgrounds and
classrooms on this one, fun-filled day. Last year’s Clean Up involved
more than 470,000 students across 2,100 schools Australia-wide,
and this year organisers are hoping to beat that record.
Clean Up Australia has tailored resources just for schools. Class
groups that create a Schools Clean Up Site are sent a special pack
full of the following free items:
• Schools Clean Up Kit with bags
• Your own unique webpage
• Access to a range of educational resources including the popular
Schools Climate Kit
• Clean Up The River - an Interactive Recycling Game.
To register for the 2011 Schools Clean Up Day, visit
www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
Clean Up tips for
a greener summer
• Take your rubbish home
with you, don’t leave it at
the park or beach.
• Go for a picnic, but bring
reusable utensils, plates and cups.
• Get creative and let students label and design their
own water bottles for class and home!
INSPIRE february 2011 73
sport
School sport
A new school year for sport
Schools affiliated with School Sport Victoria (SSV) now
number in excess of 2300 and include government, Catholic
and independent schools. School sport reaches every corner
of every community within the state. To ensure SSV provides
all Victorian students with access to quality sporting and
physical education opportunities, a number of changes have
been introduced to the delivery of school sport.
These changes include:
l SSV realignment with the Department’s nine regions
l The merger of primary and secondary school sport
l A school sport structure that reflects the Department’s
networks
l Improved career recognition for teachers undertaking
leadership roles in school sport
l Partnership Agreements with State Sporting Organisations
that will provide recognition of the important role school
sport plays and support for schools at state and local level
l Implementation of a research project to identify the link
between quality school sport and improved student
learning outcomes
l The provision of targeted professional development
through ACHPER
l Recognition of schools delivering quality school sport
programs, including the sharing of best practice
l Development of a website that will provide all schools,
students, teachers, parents and the wider community with
access to school sport information relevant to all Victorian
schools
New School Sport Victoria eBulletin
All schools affiliated with SSV will receive a monthly eBulletin.
This will be forwarded from SSV to all schools during the
first week of each month. In most instances the eBulletin
will be emailed to principals only. We ask that principals and
business managers ensure the email is passed on to the staff
member responsible for school sport at your school.
School Sport Region Forums
The following forums have been scheduled for each DEECD
School Sport Region. The times and venues will be confirmed
by regional sports coordinators. Each division and district
should be represented at the relevant School Sport Region
Forum. Visit the SSV website for more details.
74 INSPIRE february 2011
Northern Metropolitan – 21 February; Grampians – 11
February; Eastern Metropolitan – 22 February; Loddon
Mallee – 23 February; Southern Metropolitan – 25 February;
Hume – 24 February; Western Metropolitan – 10 February
Gippsland – 1 March; Barwon South Western – 9 February
Team Vic selection trials
SSV selects state teams to participate in School Sport
Australia National Championships. Opportunities exist for high
achieving athletes in 21 different sports. Teams are selected
to compete in various age groups from 12 years and under
through to 19 years and under.
Changes to the nomination process have been introduced for
2011. All nominations will be registered online. Parents will be
responsible for registering their child and for downloading all
details relating to trial dates, times, venues and costs.
We ask teachers to alert parents to this important change.
All details regarding the nomination process including dates,
venues, times, costs can be found on the SSV website (see
below for link).
Due to the high number of participants trialling 12 years
Australian Football, 12 years Football / Soccer, 12 years
Netball and 12 years Basketball, the existing process of
schools nominating players to attend district trials, followed
by progression to division, region and state trials will continue
in these sports only.
For more information about School Sport Victoria,
visit www.ssv.vic.gov.au
News bites
First Chair of Teacher
Education appointed
Professor Stephen Dinham, Research Director
at the Australian Council for Educational Research,
has recently been appointed as the University of
Melbourne’s first Chair of Teacher Education. He will
commence the new role at the Melbourne Graduate
School of Education (MGSE) this month.
Professor Dinham is recognised as one of Australia’s
foremost experts on teacher education. Over the past
20 years he has won more than 60 grants totalling
almost $4,000,000 and produced more than 260
publications, including the acclaimed 2008 book
How to get your school moving and improving: an
evidence-based approach, a copy of which is given to
every new principal in the NSW government system.
The outgoing Director of Learning and Teaching at the
MGSE, Associate Professor Ray Misson, retired at
the end of 2010 after a distinguished 36-year career
serving education at the University of Melbourne,
starting at the Melbourne College of Educators in
1974.
World Enviro Day Awards
Each year on June 5, the United Nations
Association of Australia seeks to focus world
attention on the environment, and in particular, on
positive programs that work towards protecting or
restoring the world’s natural heritage, as part of World
Environment Day.
The national awards program invites nominations
from schools Australia whose work demonstrates
environmental leadership. The awards play an
important role in raising awareness about key
environmental issues and challenges, inspiring and
motivating individuals to take positive steps towards
sustainability and environmental excellence in their
homes, schools, communities and workplaces.
Nomination opened on 1 February, and the closing
date for entries is Friday 6 May. For information on
the 2011 awards program, including award categories
and entry criteria, visit www.unaavictoria.org.au
INSPIRE february 2011 75
Regional roundup
Good news
from around
the state
Hume
n Bike rides have been popular at Puckapunyal PS
for more than 26 years, and for the past 15 years
the tradition has included inviting other schools
from the Seymour cluster to take part. Year 5 and
6 students from Puckapunyal and Avenel primary
schools recently joined students from the Delatite
Road and Grant Street campuses of Seymour P–12
College (formerly Seymour East and Seymour
primaries) for a three-day ride through the Hume
region. Ninety-one children took part, covering
170 kilometres over the three days and camping at
school grounds across the district along the way.
Puckapunyal PS principal Kevin Warne says in
preparation for this latest two-wheeled adventure,
the students designed a 10-week fitness program
that included group training three times a week
and safe riding practices, in particular how to
ride in formation. “Over the years we have had
one, two, three and sometimes five day bike
rides. All students have to participate in a fully
comprehensive Bike Education program and
receive a ‘Bike Excellence Award’ card,” he says.
n
After almost 50 years at Red Cliffs
Kindergarten much-loved assistant Violet Begg
recently decided to retire but the centre she has
called her second home for so long has not seen
the last of her. “I’ll be back for visits and I will
still continue to do cooking for the children,” she
says. Ms Begg started as a kindergarten assistant
in 1964 after completing Year 12 at Red Cliffs
SC and first trying her hand in hospitality. “I
finished school and moved to Ouyen for a few
months to work in a café but it just wasn’t me, so
I applied for the kindergarten assistant position
in Red Cliffs and got a call a week later to say I
had the job.” In her 47 years with the centre Ms
Begg has seen the kindergarten grow and change.
She has seen four generations of children come
through its doors. “I started with some of the
grandparents of the children who are here now,”
she smiles. “But, I am now 63 and I feel it is time
to let someone younger come in and have a turn.”
76 inspire february 2011
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNRAYSIA DAILY, MILDURA
Loddon Mallee
Regional roundup
Gippsland
n In October last year, 26 Year 10 students
from Kurnai and Lowanna colleges in the
Latrobe Valley took part in a 24-day study
tour to China. The tour was fully funded by the
International Education division and aimed at
students who had not travelled overseas and
were unlikely to do so and the experience has
left a strong impression.
Anne, now in Year 11 at Kurnai College, says
the trip was a great lesson in tolerance: “I
know that I will treat not only Chinese people,
but also people of other nationalities with a
lot more respect,” she said. Fellow student
Billy believes the trip has encouraged him to
approach his VCE years with more dedication.
“Experiencing school life in China has really
made me think about my grades,” he said.
“I have been trying harder because of it. The
trip has certainly made me an all-round better
person.” While on tour the students boarded
with local families and attended classes at
Kou’an Middle School in Taizhou, which is
sister city for Latrobe City. Trip highlights
included a visit to Shanghai Expo, the
Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall, and the
Big Buddha and Ocean Park in Hong Kong.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Powel Photography
Grampians
n More than 300 Year 5 students from 14 schools
across the Grampians region, including Glenorchy,
Concongella, Rupanyup, Rainbow, Haven and
Stawell primaries and Edenhope and Kaniva P–12
colleges, celebrated their achievements in protecting
and enhancing their environment at the seventh
Wimmera Kids Conference. This fun-filled event run
by the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority
each November is jam-packed with informative
and interactive workshops and presentations that
aim to raise awareness of local environmental and
sustainability issues. Big hits during last year’s
conference were the Wotjobaluk dancers, the Birds of
Prey demonstration, and the Reptilebus, which had
snakes, lizards and a saltwater crocodile.
inspire february 2011 77
Regional roundup
Barwon South Western
n Baimbridge College Middle School has
strengthened its community links with the
Hamilton RSL and Legacy by opening a
memorial garden. The design for the garden
was the result of a competition among the Years
5, 6 and 7 students with the winning design
coming from Year 6 student Molly Golding.
Principal Robert Vecchiet says students from
the 2010 VCAL class completed a significant
part of the project including seating, while
all middle school students carried out the
planting of various shrubs and bushes. “The
garden is the culmination of three years of
organisation and fundraising by the middle
school and the official opening ceremony was
attended by parents as well as special guests
representing Hamilton Legacy and Hamilton
RSL,” Mr Vecchiet says. Students from each
year contributed to the opening ceremony
with dramatic and musical performances or
poetry readings. Funding for the project was
made possible through the Advance Program
Community Support Fund.
78 INSPIRE february 2011
Southern Metropolitan
n The City of Casey recently launched a
new book called Celebrating 100 Diverse
Playgroups in 2009 highlighting the unique
learning and play opportunities Casey’s
playgroups provide. DEECD provided $7000
in funding for the book, which will be used
to help to spread the playgroup message and
encourage new families to join in. Each of the
100 participating playgroups has contributed
a page to the book, which features bright,
colourful drawings and information on a wide
range of groups that include children with
special needs, multiple birth families, a variety of
faith groups, support groups for dads, for mums
experiencing
post-natal
depression, and for families
from different cultural and
linguistic backgrounds, to
name a few. The book also
provides a glimpse into the
variety of organisations and
community groups that
provide these opportunities
to children and their families
and careers. For more
information on the book,
call Virginia Lloyd, manager
Children’s Services, City of
Casey, on 9705 5200.
Eastern Metropolitan
n One person’s rubbish is
another’s treasure, and for
the children at Davis Street
Kindergarten in Kew the
bits and pieces salvaged to
create this wonderful fountain
are worth their weight in
gold. “The fountain was the
children’s idea and is really
special because they designed
and built it themselves,” says
coordinator Ruth Wallbridge.
“We talk a lot about recycling
and they wanted to make
something from junk, so they
drew up plans and collected
all the bits, which include
metal balustrade, some bicycle
wheels, a handle and a plastic
bowl and tubing. The only
thing we bought was the pump. They also created a nest on the side in case the
birds want to rest,” she says. The fountain is a major feature of a recent garden
upgrade that includes a bike track, wooden bridge and sandpit. “We also intend
to build a deck, plant a vegetable garden and create a billabong creek bed,” Ms
Wallbridge adds.
Regional roundup
Northern Metropolitan
n Students at Reservoir East PS are
jumping for joy over a partnership
that will see them become one of five
government schools to host satellite
classrooms designed to support
children with intellectual disabilities.
Reservoir East principal Karen
Anthonsen says the schools are very
excited about the partnership that will
enable students from Croxton Special
School to become regular members of
the mainstream school and take part
in its programs and activities. “The
children will have a learning space
within the school and students from
both schools will work together,” she
explains. “It’s great for our kids to be
part of it because they get to interact
with the other children, it will be total
integration and a great professional
development for the teachers.”
Western Metropolitan
n At Coburn PS building billycarts is
an integral part of the school’s Reach
Out and Give Program (ROAG). The
program focuses on fun learning
experiences that include making items
that can be donated to a community
group, charity or organisation. Last
year students worked with mentors
from Melton SC and undertook a tools
safety class run by technical experts
from Bunnings to build a number
of billycarts that they then donated
to Melton Specialist School and to
a new local youth centre called The
Gap. This year the school is looking to
broaden the ROAG program through
an engagement strategy it has set up
with community partners. “The idea
for ROAG was instigated as a critical
step in making our senior students
aware of others in order to instill
a measure of tolerance, empathy
and civic mindedness in them,”
says principal Gail Crane. “It is not
only skill-focused but a team and
leadership building activity involving
trust, initiative and communication
development, and further objectives
include instilling intergenerational
respect and addressing transitional
issues
through
community
involvement,” Ms Crane says.
INSPIRE february 2011 79
appointments
The appointments listed below are as a result of vacancies advertised online. All data, including spelling of names and schools, is as
provided by schools through the Recruitment Online system. This information is published for the purpose of general interest only.
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Barwon South Western
Addicoat, Anne Louise
Barwon Valley SchoolES1-1
Angelovski, Riste (Kris)
Barwon Valley SchoolES1-1
Boadle, Brian FrancisNelson Park School
CLASS
Booth Sr., Andrew Michael Mandama PS
CLASS
Boyer, Ivan FPortland SDS
CLASS
Buck, Mathew Damien
Koroit & District PS
CLASS
Clancey, Catherine
Brauer SC
CLASS
Conn, Jae Leah
Lara Lake PS
GRD
Daff, Barbara
Belmont HS
CLASS
Davie, DebraNelson Park School
CLASS
Dickinson, Amanda
Grovedale CollegeES1-1
Engelman, Belinda Maree
Bellarine SCES1-2
Fenwick, Stephen John
Torquay P-9 College
LEAD
Greskie, Kate
Ocean Grove PS
GRD
Lorne-Aireys Inlet P–12 College LEAD
Grunwald, Heather Joy
Hall, Caroline Natasha
Matthew Flinders Girls’ SC
CLASS
Hannagan, Philippa
Timboon P–12 School
CLASS
Hatherell, Robyn
Baimbridge CollegeES1-2
Hawker, Leah JoanneNelson Park SchoolES2-4
Higgins, Mary TeresaNelson Park SchoolES1-1
Hoiles, Stacey
Montpellier PS
GRD
Jameson, Julie MaryNelson Park School
LEAD
Jansen, Piers Harman
Warrnambool College
GRD
Jobling, Jennifer
Barwon Valley SchoolES1-1
Kariyawasam Mallawithantri, L Brauer SC
CLASS
Keegan, Georgia Clare
Brauer SC
CLASS
Kelly, Timothy Scott
Warrnambool College
CLASS
Kerrigan, Vala Christine
Bellarine SCES1-2
Kinder, Edmund
Truganina South PSES2-3
Langdon, Joanne
Barwon Valley SchoolES1-1
Lourey, Rebecca
Woodford PS
GRD
Mack, Fiona Olivia
Grovedale College
CLASS
Matthews, James Patrick
Warrnambool College
CLASS
May, Jodi LeeannePortland SC
LEAD
McCumber, Scott
Chilwell PS
AP1-1
McGarrigle, Jenny Eleanor Mandama PS
LEAD
McGlade, Brian L
Grovedale CollegeES1-2
Munoz, NuriaNelson Park School
CLASS
Munro, Cassie ElizabethPortland SDS
ACPT
Muschamp, Amanda MargaretNelson Park School
GRD
Nicolson, Aidan Ross
Brauer SC
CLASS
Nyamunduru, Tendai
Hawkesdale P–12 College
CLASS
Powell, Matthew TerencePortland SC
LEAD
Rankin, Wendy Joy
Anglesea PS
GRD
Reynolds, Angela Ann
Lara Lake PS
GRD
Riches, Brock Simon
Montpellier PS
GRD
Samji, Jaiman Khushal
Anglesea PS
GRD
Schmidt, Damien Alan
Lara Lake PS
GRD
Smith, Steven
Moolap PS
GRD
Stevens, Emma
Barwon Valley SchoolES1-1
Thomas, Caroline May
Baimbridge CollegeES1-2
Vine, Christopher John
Montpellier PS
GRD
Walker, Ros
Grovedale CollegeES1-2
Wallace, Sharni
Mandama PS
LEAD
Walter, David AlexanderNelson Park School
CLASS
Eastern Metropolitan
Allen, Naomi Anne
Blackburn PS
CLASS
Barker, Jane
Croydon SDSEXRT
Barnett, Donna
Bulleen Heights SchoolES1-1
Biesek, Michael
Mount View PSES1-1
Black, Debra Lorraine
Blackburn ELS
CLASS
Bligh, Jackie
Cockatoo PSES1-1
Bowen, Jayne Margaret
John Monash Science SchoolES1-2
Kew PS
GRD
Braemar, Kathryn Maree
80 inspire february 2011
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Burch, Steve
Balwyn HS
CLASS
Burgess, Madeline T
Chatham PS
GRD
Busteed, David Martin
Camberwell HS
LEAD
Carter, Deborah
Yawarra PSES1-1
Blackburn ELS
CLASS
Choong, Yan Yao
Coetser, Minnelese
Heatherwood School
CLASS
Cole, Michael Roy
Glenallen School
AP1-1
Cooper, Paul
Belmore SchoolES1-1
Costello, SzilviaParkmore PS
GRD
Croydon SC
CLASS
Cranswick, Philip Harvard
Davies, Melanie Rhonda
Upper Yarra SC
GRD
Boronia West PS
ACPT
Dawson, Claire Elizabeth
Deane, Margaret
Oakleigh South PS
CLASS
Dennehy, Amanda Jane
Waverley Meadows PS
CLASS
Duncan, Emily Jayne
Lilydale HS
CLASS
Dynan, Jennifer Mary
Mount Waverley PS
CLASS
Elliott, Matthew
Tinternvale PS
ACPT
Evans, Debbie Lee
Belmore SchoolES1-1
Favata, Deana
Bulleen Heights SchoolES2-3
Fitzgerald, Geraldine
Templestowe Heights PSEXRT
Fontana, Bianca
Blackburn ELS
CLASS
Forrest, Bridene
Hughesdale PSES2-3
Gillespie, Lindsay Peta
Monash SDS
GRD
Milgate PS
CLASS
Gooding, Karlie Leane
Goodman, Luke John
Monash SDS
CLASS
Gravier, Peter M
Blackburn ELS
CLASS
Hall, Suellen Meredith
Blackburn Lake PS
CLASS
Hargreaves, Ruth Elizabeth Glen Waverley South PSES2-3
Harvey, AlisonRingwood Heights PS
GRD
Hayres, Glen Malcolm
Mount View PS
CLASS
Healy, Jeanette
Mount Waverley PSES1-1
Ashburton PS
CLASS
Hill, David
Hill, Heather
Belmore SchoolES1-1
Hinde, Margaret Joan
Yawarra PS
CLASS
Holt, Megan AlissaSolway PS
CLASS
Hotchin, Rebecca
Monash SDS
GRD
CLASS
Houten, Kristy NSolway PS
Howard, Katharine E
Hughesdale PS
CLASS
Husk, David Jeremy
Billanook PS
GRD
Jamieson, Benn RyderRingwood SC
CLASS
Jenkins, Michael Jeremy
Dorset PS
CLASS
Johnson, Peter Graeme
Bayswater North PS
CLASS
Jubber, Ashlee Brie
Dorset PS
CLASS
Kay, Rebekkah Danielle
Cockatoo PSES1-1
Kelly, Katherine Patricia
Ashwood SCES1-2
Kelman, Joanna Margaret
Blackburn ELS
GRD
Bulleen Heights SchoolES1-1
Kemm, Emma
Blackburn ELS
GRD
Kim, Jiran
Kinnane, Belinda
Balwyn HS
CLASS
Kloprogge, Jennifer Lyn
Croydon SDS
GRD
Knight, Nicola ClareRuskin Park PS
ACPT
Kolovos, Penelope Angelina Milgate PS
GRD
Langford, Jazlyn Irene
Balwyn North PS
GRD
Lanyon, Margaret Chase
Blackburn HSES2-4
Lewis, Linda Maree
Glen Waverley South PSES2-3
Liu, Yang
Balwyn HS
CLASS
Lloyd, Barbara Lynn
Burwood East SDS
CLASS
Louis, Angela Kathryn
Lilydale HS
LEAD
Blackburn Lake PS
CLASS
Lumsden, Philip Antony
Gippsland
Akarana, GlenysNeerim District SCES1-1
Allison, Claire Maree
Morwell Park PS
GRD
Bain, Janet Margaret
Lucknow PS
CLASS
Bartram, Tiffany Candice
Guthridge PS
GRD
Brown, Susan Margaret
Bass Valley PS
CLASS
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Brownrigg, Michelle Janine Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Bush, Marion Kathleen
Orbost North PS
CLASS
Byrne, Donna LesleyNeerim District SC
CLASS
Cairns, Adam Charles
Guthridge PS
GRD
Lucknow PS
GRD
Cameron, Ellen Alexandra
Capes, Ashley
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Charisis, Steven
Bairnsdale SCPR3-5
Clarke, Melissa Lore
Lowanna College
CLASS
Coburn, Helen
Grey Street PS – Traralgon
GRD
Grey Street PS – Traralgon
GRD
Cooney, Ashleigh Maree
Crane, Jennifer Anne
Lucknow PS
CLASS
Deegan, Peter CNeerim District SC
LEAD
Dolman, Catherine Cherie
Drouin PS
CLASS
Duffus, Kaitlin Miranda
Morwell Park PS
GRD
Estcourt, Tammy
Boolarra PS
GRD
Ferguson, John RussellSale CollegeES1-1
Ferguson, Megan Amy
Moe (South St.) PS
GRD
Galea, Teresa Bridget
Bairnsdale West PS
GRD
Hardy, Celeste Nicole
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Harrap, Susan Jayne
Lowanna College
CLASS
Harriman, Colleen Gaye
Grey Street PS – Traralgon
ACPT
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Hayward, Lorena Kaye
Hill, Amy Elizabeth
Athlone PSES1-2
Hill, Amy ElizabethRipplebrook PSES1-2
Kraan, Ruth Sharon
Traralgon CollegeES1-1
Lambourn, Kimley Louise
Maffra PS
CLASS
Leamon, Jo
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Mackey, Carly Narelle
Drouin SCSCH
Neill, Melissa
Korumburra SC
CLASS
CLASS
Nikolajew, Caitlyn ElizabethEast Gippsland Specialist Sch
Pattinson, LeeNeerim District SCES1-2
Porter, Huw Lloyd
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Raybould, StephanieEast Gippsland Specialist Sch
CLASS
Rooks, Janine
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Rose, Astrid M
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Ryan, Kim
Commercial Road PS – MorwellEXRT
Slingsby, Luke William
Lowanna College
CLASS
Smith, Tara
Lucknow PS
CLASS
Sobott, Thea Alexis
Lowanna College
CLASS
Thayer, Michael Hedley
Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Thomson, Andrew
Lucknow PS
GRD
Wilson, Stephanie Kate
Morwell Park PS
GRD
Woodhouse, Amanda Michele Bairnsdale SC
CLASS
Grampians
Barents, Leon William
Chuang, Jessica Ya-chin
Crowe, Clinton Allen
Dargaville, Kim
Dwyer, Sarah L
Findlay, Rebecca Jane
Geary, Jennifer Anne
Hay, Elizabeth Ann
Howard, Noelene Cecilia
Jackson, Meran
Kambouris, Sarah Elizabeth
Kelly, Marion
Lethlean, Alistair Andrew
Madin, Alison Sally Georgina
McIntosh, Michelle
McIver, Samuel Adair
Morrow, Melissa Louise
Murphy, Gaye Louise
Scollary, Brydie
Sims, Joanna M
Slater, Leah Joan
Horsham College
CLASS
Ballarat SC
CLASS
Horsham CollegeES1-1
Buninyong PSES1-1
Ballarat SC
CLASS
Buninyong PSES1-1
Forest Street PS
ACPT
Miners Rest PS
LEAD
Buninyong PSES1-1
Horsham CollegeES1-2
Kaniva College
LEAD
Ballarat SC
CLASS
Ballarat SC
CLASS
Buninyong PSES1-1
Yuille Park P–8 Community CollES1-1
Ballarat SC
CLASS
Ballarat SC
CLASS
Buninyong PSES1-1
Horsham CollegeES1-2
Grampians Region
LEAD
Mount Pleasant PS
CLASS
appointments
NAME
Waddington, Megan Jane
Walsh, Helen Denise
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Ballarat SC
CLASS
Donald HSES1-1
Hume
Abbey, Cynthia Ann
Wanganui Park SC
CLASS
Al-mugotir, Hussam
Mcguire College SheppartonES1-2
Mcguire College SheppartonES2-3
Al-mugotir, Mahir
Gowrie Street PS Shepparton
CLASS
Blair, Erin
Blake, Robert
Bogong Outdoor Education CentreES1-1
Bridgfoot, Narelle
Wangaratta HS
CLASS
Caccianiga, Alysha Margaret Wangaratta District Special Sc
CLASS
Carr, Joshua Brian
Milawa PS
GRD
Carroll, Phillip James
Gowrie Street PS Shepparton
GRD
Chapman, Brent
Murchison PS
GRD
Child, Aleisa DorothySt Georges Road PS Shepparton CLASS
Clayton, Joy Teresa
Yea PS
ACPT
Crawley, Maree AliceSt Georges Road PS SheppartonES1-1
Cribbes, Maree Helen
Wodonga Middle Years College AP1-2
Cross, Michael JohnEdi Upper PSPR1-1
Wilmot Road Ps Shepparton
GRD
Dickson, Theresa
Dodd, John M
Bright P–12 CollegeES1-1
Yea PSES1-1
Dolman, Michelle
Dyminski, DonnaSt Georges Road PS Shepparton CLASS
Wallan SC
CLASS
Ellis, Luke
Guthrie Street PS Shepparton
GRD
Ellis, Nikea Kate
Ennis, Alicia J
Wilmot Road Ps Shepparton
CLASS
Files, Caitlyn Ashlea
Wodonga West PS
GRD
Fillmore, Louise Anne
Yea PS
ACPT
Funston, Amy Elizabeth
Wanganui Park SC
CLASS
Grant, Chloe MareeNathalia PS
GRD
Greenaway, MichaelEuroa PS
CLASS
Grimes, Mikaela
Murchison PS
GRD
Hicks, Robyn Nicole
Cobram SDS
CLASS
Jarvis, Kerryn
Wilmot Road Ps Shepparton
CLASS
Jenner, Linda Thearle
Mcguire College Shepparton
CLASS
Lane, Kim Louise
Mount Beauty SC
CLASS
McCartin, LisaSt Georges Road PS SheppartonES1-1
Wangaratta West PS
CLASS
McGregor, Rachel Anne
McKinnon, Deborah J
Myrtleford P–12 College
LEAD
GRD
McPherson, Jason William Wodonga West PS
Merrick, Adrienne Linda
Wodonga West PSES1-1
Nalder, William Ernest
Mcguire College SheppartonEXRT
Nioa, Tracy Maree
Wodonga Senior SC
CLASS
Beechworth SCES1-1
Norman, Jennifer Kate
CLASS
O’Keeffe, Maria Veneranda Gowrie Street PS Shepparton
Carraragarmungee PS
GRD
Pauljevic, Katrina
Pleydon, William Martin
Wodonga Middle Years College AP1-2
Potesta, Anthony M
Wandong PS
AP1-1
Rizzo, Karen Lynette
Wangaratta West PS
CLASS
Skovdam, Marion Ruth
Wallan SC
CLASS
Wallan SC
CLASS
Slizewski, Paul
Stephens, Gemma
Tatura PS
CLASS
Dookie PS
GRD
Stephenson, Julia
Turvey, Elizabeth
Yea PSES1-1
Mcguire College Shepparton
LEAD
Want, Faye Suzanne
Webster, Amy Melitta
Mcguire College SheppartonES1-2
Whale, Jessica Catherine
Wodonga West PS
GRD
Wilkinson, Jeanette Julie
Mcguire College Shepparton
ACPT
Willaton, StaceyShepparton East PS
LEAD
Woodall, Suzanne JoySt Georges Road PS Shepparton CLASS
Wrigglesworth, Jacqueline Alice Mooroopna Park PS
CLASS
Wright, Melissa
Cobram SDS
CLASS
Yaneff, Cathrine
Wandong PS
GRD
Wodonga Senior SC
CLASS
Yap, Fiona
Zaydi, Aqeel Sayed
Mcguire College SheppartonES1-1
Loddon Mallee
Allshorn, Debra Leigh
Kyneton PSES2-3
Wedderburn College
GRD
Bannister, Lauren
Bettison, Christine Fay
Merbein P-10 College
CLASS
Black, Simon Ian
Mildura PS
CLASS
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Broster, Sarah Jane
Chaffey SC
LEAD
Byrne, Reginald
Chaffey SC
LEAD
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
Byrne, Sherriden Kate
Carter, Leonie Ruth
Werrimull P–12 SchoolES1-1
Kyneton SC
CLASS
Chandra, Ravinesh
Chopra, Nancy
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
Couchman, Suzanne MareeEchuca South PS
CLASS
Crow, Richard AlanSwan Hill College
CLASS
Davies, Melanie Gaye
Mildura South PS
CLASS
Davison, Jerrod KimEchuca South PS
GRD
Dawe, Kathryn
Werrimull P–12 School
CLASS
Digby, Helen
Kyneton SC
CLASS
Emond, Joanne LouiseRomsey PS
LEAD
Evans, Mair Anne
Wedderburn College
CLASS
Ferguson, Andrew McBride Maryborough Education Centre CLASS
Ford, Janet Jordan
Maryborough Education Centre CLASS
Ginn, Allison FayRobinvale P–12 CollegeES1-1
Lake Boga PS
CLASS
Gray, Marty Robert
Gregory, Sara Leona
Kennington PSES1-2
Grumont, Alan Richard
Maryborough Education Centre LEAD
Bendigo SDS
CLASS
Hall, Kate Louise
Henderson, Katrina
Chaffey SC
LEAD
Hilson, Kerri Kay
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
Hodge, Breannon
Weeroona College BendigoES1-2
Hollands, Belinda LouiseNew Gisborne PS
GRD
Holt, Katherine Louise
Wedderburn College
LEAD
Howden, Ayshia
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
Hulme, Heather
Bendigo Sth East 7-10 Sec.
CLASS
Jones, Krystal Nicole
Bendigo SDS
CLASS
Julian, Eva
Maryborough Education Centre LEAD
Levett, Jessica EliseRobinvale P–12 College
CLASS
Lohmann, GeoffreyNichols Point PSES1-1
McClure, NarelleRobinvale P–12 CollegeES2-3
Crusoe 7-10 SC
CLASS
McGurk, Erin L
Misson, Kirstie Anne
Maryborough Education Centre CLASS
Mitchell, Nathan Scott
Murrayville Community College CLASS
Morris, Sharyn MareeRobinvale P–12 CollegeES2-3
Morrison, Leisha BreeEchuca South PS
GRD
Mould, Joshua Todd
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
Mouvet, Natalina Carmel
Chaffey SC
AP1-2
Nicholson, Benjamin Jon
Chaffey SC
LEAD
Paul, Anna LindseyRiddells Creek PS
GRD
Pearce, Lara Louise
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
Piscioneri, Megan Louise
Mildura South PS
CLASS
CLASS
Price, Emma JeanIrymple South PS
Prior, Jan
Kyabram P–12 CollegeES2-5
Rickard, Thomas WilliamRiddells Creek PS
GRD
Roach, Andrew Ross
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
CLASS
Scambler, Stephanie Clare Tyrrell College
Schmidt, Frances RebeccaRobinvale P–12 College
CLASS
Maryborough Education Centre CLASS
Shay, Maree
Simmonds, Roxanne Gai
Ouyen P–12 CollegeES1-1
Spitty, Andrew John
Bendigo Sth East 7-10 Sec.
CLASS
Stephen, Glen Bruce
Mildura Senior College
CLASS
Taggert, Deanne Maree
Merbein P-10 CollegeES1-1
Chaffey SC
LEAD
Topp, Jeffrey Noel
Mildura South PS
CLASS
Tyza, Jana Hilda
Vincent, Kirsten
Kyneton SC
CLASS
Waldron, Jennifer MarySwan Hill College
CLASS
Walsh, Jacquelyn Lee
The Lake PS
LEAD
Weeroona College BendigoES1-1
Walsh, Kyle
Weppner, Geoffrey KeithInglewood PSPR1-1
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
White, Joshua Paul
White, Rebecca
Mildura South PS
CLASS
Wilkinson, Deborah Leigh
Loddon Mallee Region
LEAD
Willsher, Peter John
Kalianna Special School
CLASS
Northern Metropolitan
Adams, Nicole Louise
Coburg West PS
Ahearn, CindyEltham HS
CLASS
CLASS
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Andrea, Daniela
Whittlesea PS
CLASS
Andrews, Elizabeth J
Craigieburn South PS
CLASS
Angelopoulos, HelenReservoir West PS
CLASS
Anstee, Peter EdwardNorthland SC
CLASS
Arvidson, Norman M
Thornbury HSES1-1
Ash, Elizabeth LorraineRoxburgh Homestead PS
LEAD
Balletta, Susan LynnRoxburgh Park PS
CLASS
Banville, Denise Ann
Glenroy Specialist School
GRD
Bloomfield, Hannah Rose
Laurimar PS
GRD
Bowring, JulianRichmond PS
CLASS
Bussey, Chiara Cezanne
Glenroy Specialist School
CLASS
Chapman, Margaret Ann
Diamond Creek East PS
AP1-1
Cole, Tracey
Montmorency South PSlEXRT
Cooney, Kate Louise
Whittlesea PS
CLASS
Corn, Rebecca Jayne
Coburg West PS
CLASS
Cowie, EmmaNorthern School for AutismES2-3
Curwood, Michael T
Hume Valley School
CLASS
D’Costa, Taryn Maree
Brunswick East PS
GRD
Brunswick SDSES1-1
Dang, Ha Thi
Daniele, Jo-ann
Mount Ridley P–12 CollegeES2-3
Daniells, BrianSt Helena SC
CLASS
Dantas, TheoEpping SC
LEAD
David, Wendy
Montmorency SCES1-1
Denison, Patrick
Brunswick SCES1-2
Devlin, Emily
Gladstone Park SC
CLASS
Donaldson, Kellie Ann
Craigieburn SCES1-2
Dow, Alicia
Mount Ridley P–12 College
CLASS
Dow, Amelia Claire
Laurimar PS
ACPT
Doyle, Marita Pauline
Montmorency SCES1-1
Droge, Jennifer Eileen
Thomastown West PS
AP1-1
Dullard, Joel Peter
Gladstone Park SC
CLASS
Fahey, Peter Leslie
Mill Park SC
CLASS
Feruglio, WilliamEltham HS
CLASS
Forni, Pierino
Hume Central SC
CLASS
Frisby, Shane Lawrence
Watsonia North PS
CLASS
Grizelj, Boris
Victorian School Of Languages
CLASS
Hardwick, Garth Nicholas
Mount Ridley P–12 College
CLASS
Harris, Warren
Mount Ridley P–12 College
CLASS
Hart, MarkRoxburgh Park Primar School
CLASS
Heraud, Kahli DanaeReservoir West PS
CLASS
Hodge, Cally
Mount Ridley P–12 College
CLASS
Hodgson, Nerinda Tiffany
Montmorency South PSlEXRT
Horvat, JacquelineRoxburgh Homestead PS
CLASS
Hull, Susan Lee
Greensborough PSES1-1
Jamieson, JeannieNorthcote HS
LEAD
Jones, Sue EIvanhoe PS
LEAD
Jones, Wendy
Mount Ridley P–12 CollegeES1-1
Katsis, NickIvanhoe East PS
ACPT
Kearney, Cynthia
Brunswick SDS
CLASS
Southern Metropolitan
Abell, Richard
Brighton Beach PS
GRD
Ablitt, Ashley Nicole
Chalcot Lodge PS
GRD
Aga, LidaNepean Special SchoolES2-3
Ahern, Belinda
Cranbourne Carlisle PS
CLASS
Anderson, DavidSkye PS
CLASS
Anderson, Tenille Maree
Brighton SC
ACPT
Appleby, Christopher Grant Berwick PS
GRD
CLASS
Archer, TarynSkye PS
Barr, Stephen William
Frankston PS
CLASS
Barrand, Jack TNarre Warren South P–12 College CLASS
Batchelor, Bethany Vienna Balnarring PS
CLASS
Beitz, Richelle
Gardenvale PS
CLASS
Bell, Lorraine Cheryl
Ormond PS
CLASS
Bellofiore, Cara
Bayside SDS
GRD
Bendon, Kelly
Lyndhurst SC
LEAD
Bennett, Allison Maree
Middle Park PS
CLASS
Bentata-Grimm, Karen
Carnegie PS
LEAD
Besley, Sarah Jane
Frankston PS
CLASS
Blamires, Joy LorraineRowellyn Park PS
CLASS
inspire february 2011 81
appointments
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Blanchot, Florence
Dandenong HS
CLASS
Blythman, Katie Anne
Lyndhurst PS
CLASS
Bradford, Julian Kaye
Malvern Central School
LEAD
Broughton, Melanie Lee
Carrum Downs PS
CLASS
Brown, JeniNepean Special SchoolES2-3
Bruerton, Janice Ann
Lynbrook PS
LEAD
Cannell, JuliaNoble Park SDSES2-4
Lyndhurst PS
CLASS
Carey, Matthew Joseph
Cavey, LisaPatterson River SC
LEAD
Chitty, Joanne
Kambrya College
ACPT
GRD
Christofidis, Christopher Peter Bentleigh SC
Clark, Elizabeth Milne
Middle Park PS
CLASS
Collings, Jeremy
Wooranna Park PS
CLASS
Collins, Peter S
Mordialloc College
CLASS
Cook, Ilsa
Gardenvale PS
CLASS
Crawford, Rebecca
Kilberry Valley PS
CLASS
Cray, Amanda Louise
Kananook PSES1-1
Cripps, Damian
Murrumbeena PS
GRD
Crockett, SuzannahElwood PS
CLASS
Curran, Rachel
Lyndhurst SCES2-5
Dalrymple, Karen Andrea
Courtenay Gardens PS
CLASS
Darby, Raelene Nicole
Koo-Wee-Rup SCES1-1
Dawson, AngelaElwood PS
LEAD
de Korte, Gareth
Melbourne HS
CLASS
Delaurier, Stephanie AnnRowellyn Park PS
CLASS
Doherty, Saraid Danielle
Malvern Central School
AP1-1
Lyndale Greens PS
GRD
Dovey, Sandra
Drummond, Vivienne MaryRowellyn Park PS
CLASS
Du, DianaElwood PS
CLASS
Ebery, Sally KateSilverton PS
LEAD
Edwards, Nicole LynneRowellyn Park PS
CLASS
Eilenberg, Benjamin Michael HSilverton PS
CLASS
Elshaug, Cate AnneElwood PS
AP1-1
Lyndale SC
CLASS
Flood, Karen Andrea
Foley, ViviennePort Melbourne PS
CLASS
Fraser, Christine ElizabethSilverton PS
CLASS
Gallagher, Alan George
Malvern Central School
LEAD
Moorooduc PSES1-1
Gallichan, Tracey
Gardner, Kristen Jade
Kilberry Valley PS
CLASS
Gibson, Melissa LeeRowellyn Park PS
CLASS
Grimwade, Alexandra
Melbourne HS
GRD
Grollman, SarahPort Melbourne PS
GRD
Hamer-Smith, Nicholas
Glen Eira College
LEAD
Hardy, Meg
Lyndhurst PS
GRD
Hemmes, Janice BryantStrathaird PS
LEAD
Horton, AmandaParkdale SC
CLASS
Hudson, Sally-Ann
Bentleigh SC
CLASS
Western Metropolitan
Agius, Pauline
Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
CLASS
Andreu, Alice
Buckley Park College
CLASS
Angelico, Daniela Angela
Maribyrnong SC
AP2-3
Angerame, Bree
Wembley PS
GRD
Ash, Myriam Rose
Western Metropolitan Region
CLASS
Auld, Sarah
Deer Park North PS
GRD
Bahadur, RituSeabrook PS
GRD
Battaglia, Dominic
Caroline Springs CollegeES2-3
Brancatisano Sr., FrankSt Albans Meadows PSEXRT
Briggs, Andrew Charles
Wembley PS
GRD
Bruce, Margaret Annabelle Jackson School
CLASS
Butcher, Corrie
Warringa Park School
CLASS
Cacic, Maria
Deer Park North PS
GRD
Footscray City PS
AP1-1
Cain, Aaron
Carlson, Alana IreneSeabrook PS
CLASS
Carlyle, Lachlan David
Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
CLASS
Clare, Dianne
Caroline Springs College
LEAD
Clark, Darren
Maribyrnong SC
LEAD
Clarke, Simon Timothy
Altona PS
CLASS
Climas, Deneal
Warringa Park SchoolES1-1
Cull, Lorelle JayneIramoo PS
CLASS
82 INSPIRE february 2011
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Dallimore, Katy Beth
Footscray North PS
CLASS
Deo, Arvind
Taylors Lakes SC
GRD
Dharmabandu, Ayesha Dilini Baden Powell P-9 College
CLASS
Dupor, Vesna
Footscray North PS
CLASS
Edwards, Jodie
Cambridge PSES1-1
El Souki, RimaSeabrook PS
CLASS
Yarraville SDS
CLASS
Ensor, Georgia
Evans, Sarah Katherine
Deer Park North PS
GRD
Everard, Ralia
Ascot Vale West PS
CLASS
Eyers, Rachel
Caroline Springs College
LEAD
Finlayson, Warren A
Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
CLASS
Franks, Pierre
Melton Specialist School
CLASS
Fry, Karri Arwen
Bellbridge PS
CLASS
Fuser, Genovieve
Bellbridge PS
CLASS
Garmaz, Claire
Werribee SC
CLASS
Geisler, Nathan Neil
Baden Powell P-9 College
CLASS
Gilbert, Melanie Joy
Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
LEAD
Gillard, Naomi JadeEssendon North PS
CLASS
Gillespie, Carla Louise
Caroline Springs College
LEAD
CLASS
Gjoreska, DanielaSydenham-Hillside PS
Glassford, Callum Andrew
Albion North PS
GRD
Gook, Samantha Lea ElwynIramoo PS
CLASS
Gorman, Keely Maree
Bellbridge PS
CLASS
Goulas, John
Jackson School
CLASS
Govender, Ganas
Melton Specialist School
CLASS
Graham, Carol Marie
The Grange P–12 College
LEAD
Grainger, Sheryl
Movelle PSES1-1
Grant, Olivia Rose Mcgregor Maribyrnong SC
CLASS
Grasso, Rebecca
The Grange P–12 College
CLASS
Gray, Caroline Sarah
Monmia PS
CLASS
Gray, TravisSt Albans Heights PS
GRD
Griffith- schofield, Mary anne Maribyrnong SC
LEAD
Gruis, Michael
Caroline Springs College
LEAD
Hallal, Monique Mounira
The Grange P–12 College
CLASS
Hannett, Kate Louise
Wedge Park PSES1-1
Harrington-johnson, Helen Western Metropolitan RegionES2-5
Hartley, Simon
Werribee SC
LEAD
Hayhow, Lee William
Monmia PS
CLASS
Hester, Aaron Paul
Maribyrnong SC
LEAD
Hillbrich, Tom
Monmia PS
CLASS
Hobbs, John Andrew
Manor Lakes P–12 SpecialistES1-1
Holmes, Kristy Ann
Ascot Vale West PS
CLASS
Holt, Alan David
The Grange P–12 College
CLASS
Holt, Gemma
Wembley PS
CLASS
Holt, Gemma
Wembley PS
CLASS
Holt, Gemma
Wembley PS
CLASS
Hood, Phillip Mark
Werribee SC
LEAD
Horvat, Adriana
Kurunjang PS
CLASS
House, Hayley LouiseEssendon PS
CLASS
Italiano, JessicaParkwood Green PS
GRD
Jacobs, Chantelle
Coburn PS
GRD
Truganina South PS
CLASS
James, Christopher Mark
Jek, Alexandra
Cambridge PSES1-1
Jenkins, TimothyParkwood Green PS
CLASS
Jevic, Ronald
Footscray City College
CLASS
Johnson, Adrienne Lee
The Grange P–12 College
CLASS
Johnson, Kayla Joy
Werribee SC
CLASS
Jones, Richard Edward
Buckley Park College
AP1-2
Kaur, ParveenSydenham-Hillside PS
CLASS
Keeling, Emily Jane
Kingsville PS
CLASS
Kelly, Brendan MarkParkwood Green PS
CLASS
Kelly, Emma
Carlton PS
CLASS
Kennedy, Erin EstellePoint Cook Senior Sec College
CLASS
Kerr, Rebekah FrancesSt Albans Meadows PSES2-4
Khan, Zarah ElishaEssendon/East Keilor District C GRD
GRD
Kirik, SenemParkwood Green PS
Knigge, Kate Alexandra
Kororoit Creek PS
CLASS
Koman, Cathy
Carlton PS
CLASS
NAME
SCHOOLCLASSIFICATION
Koren, Finn
Williamstown HS
CLASS
Kougioumtzis, VickiSydenham-Hillside PS
CLASS
Kristof, Thomas AndrewParkwood Green PS
CLASS
Lambrianidis, ChristinePoint Cook Senior Sec College
CLASS
Langdon, Jesse John
Bellbridge PS
CLASS
Latif, YelizParkwood Green PS
CLASS
Le, Minh Bich Ngoc
Cairnlea Park PSES1-1
Legg, Emma KatherineEssendon PS
GRD
Lennard, Louise
University HS
CLASS
Lilly, Sarah JessicaIramoo PS
CLASS
Lis, Jacinta Cheree
Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
CLASS
Luchini, Liliana BeatrizSt Albans East PSES1-1
Luka, Renata
Manor Lakes P–12 SpecialistES1-1
Lumley, Sally Margaret Jean Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
CLASS
Ly, AnkieParkwood Green PS
CLASS
Mackay, Catherine
Manor Lakes P–12 SpecialistES1-1
Magnabosco, Joel
Wembley PS
CLASS
Magnabosco, Joel
Wembley PS
CLASS
Maher, Fran
University HS
CLASS
Mann, Rachel
Altona Green PS
CLASS
Marshall, Sandra Jane
Caroline Springs College
CLASS
Martin, DianeSt Albans North PS
CLASS
Martin, DianeSt Albans North PS
CLASS
Mathews, Jessica Lea
Carlton Gardens PS
CLASS
Mathieson, Kate Elizabeth
Baden Powell P-9 College
CLASS
McAlpine, Shannon
Flemington PS
CLASS
McCoy, Bronwyn Margaret Footscray City College
CLASS
McDonald, Samantha
Caroline Springs CollegeES2-3
McGlone, Suzanne Elizabeth Manor Lakes P–12 SpecialistES1-1
Mejia, Joanne
Kings Park PS
CLASS
Mendes, Paulette
Werribee SC
CLASS
milano, michelle
Keilor Downs SCES1-1
Milesi, Jessika AymieIramoo PS
CLASS
Miller, Ian Hamilton
Bayside P–12 College
CLASS
Millikan, Heather Joan
Laverton P–12 College
CLASS
Mills, Stuart John
Kensington PS
ACPT
Mitrevski, Vineta
Monmia PS
AP1-1
Mladjenovic, Gorica
Baden Powell P-9 College
CLASS
Modica, MichelleSt Albans Meadows PSEXRT
The Grange P–12 College
CLASS
Modica, Nerida
Monteleone, ElizabethStrathmore PS
CLASS
Morelli, Brianna Jade
Truganina South PS
CLASS
Morgan, Katrina Louise
Yarraville SDS
CLASS
Morton, William
Werribee SC
CLASS
Mould, Celia
Keilor Downs SCES1-1
Mountain, Alan
Werribee SC
LEAD
Mountford, David Ross
Yarraville West PS
CLASS
Mugler, KatharineSydenham-Hillside PS
CLASS
Muirhead, Linda Anne
Keilor Downs SC
GRD
Williamstown HS
LEAD
Munro, Christopher John
Murdock, Larissa
Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
CLASS
Murnane, Julie
Cairnlea Park PS
CLASS
Murphy, Anne Louise
Werribee SC
CLASS
Murray, Kirsten
Footscray City PS
GRD
Myers-Rayner, Nicole CSydenham-Hillside PS
CLASS
Nash, Marcus Graeme
Manor Lakes P–12 Specialist
CLASS
Nguyen, Thao Phuong
Kings Park PS
GRD
Nicolaides, Michael
Albion North PS
GRD
Nobbs, Sarah Louise
Williamstown North PS
LEAD
North, Emma Jayne
Coburn PS
CLASS
Nugent, LisaEssendon/East Keilor District C AP1
Carlton Gardens PS
CLASS
O’Connor, Sean Michael
O’Flaherty, Maureen A
Footscray City College
CLASS
O’Keefe, Irene
Truganina South PS
CLASS
O’Sullivan, Ronan
Hoppers Crossing SC
CLASS
Olm, PeterStrathmore PS
LEAD
Orr, David Malcolm
Werribee SC
LEAD
Ouyang, WentingSunshine PS
CLASS
classifieds
Retirements
Children’s Author/Illustrator
Michael Salmon, Children’s Author/Illustrator has
extensively toured Australian Schools over the
past 34 years. His sessions are lots of fun, with
lightning fast cartoons, caricatures, silly prizes
and general encouragement for Students to
develop their own creativity. Contact Michael via
email michael@michaelsalmon.com.au, phone
(03) 9822 7643 or 0408 227 643. Visit our web
site: www.michaelsalmon.com.au and view
School feedback and more.
O’Hara, Suzanne
After many years of dedicated service at
Eaglehawk North Primary School our very
talented and lovely Art teacher Sue is retiring.
After delivering exciting art experiences to
several generations of ENPS students she has
decided to hang up her palette. We are having a
retirement function for her in our Staff Room on
Friday March 4th 2011 commencing at 4.00pm.
If you would like to come along and celebrate her
great career contact the school on 5446 8366.
The cost per head of $20.00 will cover finger
food, drinks and a contribution to a gift for Sue.
RSVP by February 25th 2011.
RETIRING SOON?
Volunteers for Isolated Students’ Education
recruits retired teachers to assist families with
their Distance Education Program. Travel
and accommodation provided in return for
six weeks teaching. Register at vise.org.au or
George Murdoch 03 9017 5439 Ken Weeks
03 9876 2680
Rex Perry
Retiring Principal Rex Perry. Farewell afternoon
Athlone PS 2.30pm Wednesday 9th Feb. Official
Presentation 3.00pm. All friends welcome
Reunions
ENGRAVED GLASSES
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.
Help !!!
A Re-union of past-students and teachers of
Boralma State School No 2574 is to be held
Saturday 12th March 2011. Assistance needed
to locate the following teachers:- John Hossack,
Ian Farmer, Tony Calwell, Ewen McPherson,
Marilyn Webster, Edwin Boyd, John Anderson
(889504), Christine Papworth (1114263), Karen
Murphy (1461367) (All at Boralma between
1962 – 1977). Please contact:- Rosemary
Osborne, Email danrialto@bigpond.com Phone:
03 59988221 0419 005 066
Accommodation
Educational
Materials/Services
Day Trip
Authentic 1870’ Gold field court re enactment’s
(est. 2003) in central Victoria $35 per student
includes Bus and Entrance or $50 with a two
course meal - 2 Teachers free. Book with
Inglewood Coaches 0434107380
Building Services
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.
INSPIRE february 2011 83
CLASSIFIEDS
Financial Planning
Employment
Improve Your CV
Do you want to improve your CV to include
Timetabling & Daily Organisation? Special
mentoring and individual programs are available,
contact: Frank Attard, phone: 0414579249,
email: attardfrank@hotmail.com
Holiday
Accommodation
GIPPSLAND LAKES, PAYNESVILLE
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
info@lakewoodpark.com.au
GREAT OCEAN ROAD, WYE RIVER
For rent; 2 storey family home. accommodation
for 6 people. BBQ on deck with spec. ocean
views, tv/dvd/vcr, ac/heating etc. 2 balconies.
20 minutes to lorne. phone trish 0425 828 945
Metung
Akora flats; 4 two bedroom self contained flats.
Outdoor bbq, off street parking for cars and
boats. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Phone
03 5156 2320 or email: info@akoraflats.com or
visit www.akoraflats.com
ocean grove
Modern 2 story, Sea views, 2 living areas, 2
bathrooms, 3 bedrooms; sleeps 9. Secure double
garage. Ph; 9439 1258 Mob: 0419 536 608
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. For more info contact
Erin at 0439614363 or equint@bigpond.com
Professional
Development
Environment
Toolbox for Environmental Change
forum
Victoria’s premier conference showcasing
education for sustainability on Thursday 17
March 2011 at Melbourne Museum.
For
Registration details visit www.greeningaustralia.
org.au/our-services/education-and-training or
contact Greening Australia on 94505300
84 INSPIRE february 2011
MAKATON VICTORIA
KENSINGTON– Sat 19th March, GEELONG – Sat
2nd April, BOX HILL – Wed 4th May, NORTHCOTE
– Sun 5th June, GEELONG – Sat 25th June,
GLEN WAVERLEY – Sun 7th August, ST KILDA –
Sun 11th September, GEELONG – Sat 17th
September, Cost $75 (early bird rates apply to
some workshops). For registration form, contact
details and more information, go to: www.
newcastle.edu.au/kwsa
classifieds
Travel
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. www.provencehousestay.com.
FRANCE - South West
17C.2B/R apart. in elegant Figeac or cottage in
hilltop Lauzerte. Low cost, brochure, teacher
owner 03 9877 7513.
www.flickr.com/photos/clermont-figeac/
www.flickr.com/photos/les-chouettes/
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
Teachers retreat
Teachers retreat, Bali, 7 days June or Sept.Relax
and energize. Ph Julia 0488044010
Teacher Tours Easter.
Two tours leave April 9 and are for 14 days.
(1) CHINA All the iconic features of China
including 4 day Yangtze River cruise. $4399.
(2) VIETNAM . Hanoi, Halong Bay, HoiAn, Nha
Trang and HCMC. Mekong Delta. Cu Chi Tunnels.
$3199. Both tours tax deductible for school
staff. Non teachers welcome. For full itineraries
email Terry Tremellen (Shepp High).
tremellen.terence.k@edumail.vic.gov.au or
0431359283
School Camps
Wanted
WANTED–PHOTOCOPIERS
Photocopiers all brands and many models.
Working, faulty, obsolete or surplus. Also
telephone systems, IT/computer items. Contact
David on 0402 469 111, and fax 9388 9810.
Email bbs_copy@westnet.com.au Call all hours
and collection arranged.
INSPIRE february 2011 85
Curtain Call
Attention teachers! Nothing brings words to life for students like seeing them performed on stage.
Feast your eyes on this month’s educational stage productions and incursions.
arts2GO, Regional Arts Victoria
presents:
The Hurting Game
Incursions through 2010
Eagle’s Nest Theatre Company
presents:
Bookings: 9644 1800 or www.rav.net.au/
arts2GO www.rav.net.au
Verbal Combat
Bookings: http://eaglesnesttheatre.com
Incursions Term 1 through Term 3
Big Game – Valanga and Leo
Romeo & Juliet
Incursions through 2011
Incursions from Monday 28 February to
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Australian Shakespeare Company
preents:
Macbeth
Impro Zone – Impro Melbourne
Bookings: 1300 122 344 www.
shakespeareaustralia.com.au
Cosi
Incursions from Monday 21 February – Friday
25 February 2011
The Squeaky Window – Pocketfool
Productions
Incursions throughout 2011
The Green Crusaders – Drama Works
Incursions throughout 2011
Complete Works Theatre Company
presents:
Bookings: 9417 6166 www.completeworks.
com.au
Cosi
Incursions Term 1 and Term 3
The Comedy of Errors
Incursions to Saturday 12 March 2011
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Incursions through 2011
Incursions through 2011
A Christmas Carol
Incursions through 2011
Incursions to Saturday 12 March 2011
Prologue Shakespeare
Incursions through 2011
Shakespeare Characterisation
Incursions through 2011
Professional Approach
Incursions through 2011
Shakespeare Unit Development
Incursions through 2011
Brainstorm Productions presents:
Bookings: 1800 676 224 or www.
brainstormproductions.com.au
The Human Race
Compiled by caroline reidy
Incursions Term 1 through Term 3
Sticks & Stones
Incursions Term 1 through Term 2
Being Brave
Incursions Terms 1 through Term 2
Quiz & puzzle answers
QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Rabbit. 2. Australian Centre for the Moving Image. 3. Clerks. 4.
Tattersalls Cup 5. UK Prime Minister. 6. Acetic acid. 7. Three (Two pump blood through
each of the gills, the third pumps blood through the body). 8. Cleopatra. 9. Masterchef –
final episode (4.03 million viewers; 400,000 more than the AFL Grand Final). 10. Jemaine
and Bret. 11. Peter Carey. 12. Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 13. Kim Hughes. 14. The eye (in the
retina). 15. Ringo. 16. Achilles. 17. Perez Hilton. 18. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two
Towers and The Return of the King. 19. LA Galaxy (Jets won 2-1). 20. Six. Catherine of
Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Kathryn Howard, Katherine Parr.
86 INSPIRE february 2011
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ADVERTORIAL
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
What’s all this about QR codes?
You may have already seen QR codes starting to
appear on advertisements, products or information
media such as the internet.
Read this QR
code yourself
– it’s easy!
They appear as small, square, somewhat abstract
looking 2-dimensional images that are often shown
at about the size of a regular barcode symbol (they
can be bigger).
1. To read this QR
code on your
iPhone download
our free ‘iTag – QR’
app from the
iTunes App Store
(http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/itag-qr/
id400602784?mt=8)
However, they are far more sophisticated than
barcodes, and have enormous potential due to the
large amount of text information they can contain –
currently up to 1000 characters.
Why are they useful?
‘QR’ stands for ‘quick response’, and these codes
were originally developed by a Japanese auto
manufacturer to track and manage vehicle parts
during production.
However their potential is being increasingly realized
and applied by marketers, managers, technicians
and information communicators to convey all sorts
of information quickly and at a low cost.
It won’t be long before QR codes will be as
commonplace as barcodes and email are today.
How do QR codes work?
Essentially, anyone with a digital camera device
with a QR code reading application (app) can
access them, and with a QR code-generating app,
generate QR codes of their own.
Simply scan (photograph) any individual QR code
with your QR phone app and it will deliver you
in-depth information about that item.
This information could be anything from URL
links, store hours, contact information and geo
coordinates, to serial numbers and specifications
– any text information.
A simple, every day example of use would be to
have all your contact details in a QR code on the
back of your business card. Once scanned the
information can be immediately transferred to
someone’s address book – no need to retype!
The applications for QR codes are only limited by
your own imagination and purpose.
2. Use the ‘iTag – QR’ app to photograph and
decode the QR code above, and find out
more about Connecting Point and our ‘iTag
– QR’ app ...that’s it!
Can QR codes be applied in Education?
We are already seeing an application of QR codes
for resource management in libraries and in IT.
The ability to easily generate and read QR codes
makes the tracking and management of all types of
assets far more efficient and systematic.
We recently supplied one of our client schools with
500 iPads – all labelled with individual QR codes
that contained the owner’s name, along with each
iPad’s serial number and specifications.
Another of our client schools has used QR codes
to accompany exhibited student artwork, providing
a quick way for viewers to instantly access details
about the artist and the exhibition piece itself.
QR codes will soon have every day application in
our schools and our students’ daily lives.
Want to know more?
To find out more about QR codes and explore the potential
uses for your specific requirements, contact Jim Valle.
FREE CALL: 1300 060 320
www.connectingpoint.com.au
CNP9530_GND
What are QR codes?
professional development
Professional Development
Australian Council for
Educational Research
Bookings: www.acer.edu.au
The ‘Quirks and Perks’ of
Differentiation: Strategies that work
Tuesday 22 February, Melbourne
Maths Games that will develop skills
and motivate students
Friday 25 February, Melbourne
Identifying students mathematically ‘at
risk’
Monday 28 February, Melbourne
English as a secondary language:
guiding ESL learners to deeper levels of
comprehension
Wednesday 2 March, Melbourne
Excelling in your first years of teaching
Thursday 3 March, Melbourne
Cued articulation – handful of sounds
Friday 4 March, Melbourne
Magic words literacy workshop
Gowrie Victoria
Bookings: www.gowrievictoria.org.au
History Teacher’s Association
of Victoria
Inspiring Learning Spaces to Provoke
and Delight
Bookings: www.htav.asn.au
Tuesday 1 March, Carlton North
Thursday 10 February , Collingwood
Safe Food Handling
Wednesday 2 March, Carlton North
Creating Natural and Multi-sensory
Learning Environments
Thursday 3 March, Carlton North
Emergent Curriculum / Innovative
Programming
Friday 4 March, Carlton North
Teachers new to years 7-10 history
Teachers new to VCE Unit 3
Revolutions: France and Russia
Tuesday 15 February, Keilor East
Teachers new to VCE Unit 3
Renaissance Italy
Thursday 17 February, Melbourne
Teachers new to VCE Unit 3 Australian
History
Understanding the Behaviour of
Children with Autism
Thursday 17 February, Kew
Monday 7 March, Carlton North
Friday 25 February, Melbourne
Planning and Documentation for Play
Based Learning
Wednesday 9 March, Carlton North
Assessment in the Early Years - Gowrie
Australia
VCE Unit 3 History Conference
VCE Unit 1 Twentieth Century
Friday 4 March 2011, Collingwood
Geography Teachers’
Association of Victoria
Monday 7 March, Melbourne
Friday 11 March, Docklands
Bookings: www.gtav.asn.au
Classroom observation and the
evaluation of teacher performance
The Victorian Association for
the Teaching of English
Inexperienced VCE teachers
Bookings: www.vate.org.au
Meet the Examiners
Meet The Assessors
Friday 12 February, Hawthorn
Thursday 10 February, Melbourne
MDB student lecture and Get Set for
VCE workshops
Monday 7 March, Melbourne
Gifted education: identifying and
catering for gifted students
Monday 8 March, Melbourne
Pearson Professional Learning
Bookings: www.pearsonplaces.com.au
Establishing a Digital Primary
Classroom
Regional Meet The Assessors sessions
Warrnambool (Wednesday 23 February),
Bendigo (Wednesday 2 March) and
Wangaratta (Thursday 3 March)
Thursday 24 February, Brighton
VCE Literature, Foundation English, and
English Language day
Celebrate Your Prep Classroom
Thursday 17 February, Caulfield
Friday 4 March, Chadstone
VCE English and ESL day
Establishing a Dynamic Middle Years
Classroom
Friday 18 February, Caulfield
Monday 7 March, Chadstone
Celebrate Literacy
Monday 14 March, Chadstone
88 inspire february 2011
VATE Literature Network
Tuesday 8 March, Wednesday 1 June,
Thursday 4 August.
Sunday 7 February, Hawthorn
Sunday 21 February, Melbourne
Basic geospatial skills and knowledge
for Geography
Monday 1 March, Holmeslgen
Geography 7-10 relevant and fun
Monday 1 March, Holmesglen
Bookings: www.reggioaustralia.org.au
Study Tour to Reggio Emilia
april 10 to 15, 2011
Stockdale ACS
Bookings: www.stockdaleacs.com.au
KMEIA Secondary Teacher Training Course (Level 1)
Wednesday 23 February - Wednesday 22 June, South
Yarra
KMEIA Primary Teacher Training Course (Level 1)
Saturday 26 February - Saturday 4 June, 2011,
Wheelers hill
VOSA/KMEIA Back to School Day
Saturday 26 February, Ormond
KMEIA Primary Teacher Training Course (Level 2)
Saturday 5 March – Saturday 25 June, hawt hor n
Zart Art
Bookings: www.zartart.com.au
Displays – Australian Animals and Flora
thursday, 17 February, Box hill
Copic Marker Rendering
Monday 21 February, Box hill
School Garden Art
Wednesday 23 February, Box hill
Special Education for Students who have an
Intellectual Disability (Repeat)
Saturday 26 February, Box hill
CRT Easy Art Ideas
tuesday 8 March, Box hill
Making Learning Visible – using art techniques to
enhance learning
Saturday 12 March, Box hill
Professional Learning Workshop Programme Term 1, 2011
Reggio Emilia Australia
Building the Inquiry Toolkit
Kath Murdoch. Monday 28 February, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Learning While Teaching – strengthening
and sustaining professional learning
Julie Landvogt. Wednesday 2 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Designing and Implementing programs
for boys and boys and motivation
Rollo Browne. Friday 11 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Brain Based Learning- setting up
students to surge ahead this year
Andrew Fuller. Friday 11 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Leading Staff Teams with a Focus on
Learning
Neville Johnson. Friday 18 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Leadership Skills for Coordinators
Karen Stammers & Yvonne Willich
Monday 21 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Getting the most out of 2011 for Your
Students in Maths (Prep- Yr 6)
Rob Vingerhoets. Friday 25 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Skills for Beginning Teachers
Karen Stammers & Yvonne Willich
Monday 28 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Whole School Approach to Behaviour
Management
Bill Rogers. Monday 28 March, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Managing Mathematics for Graduate
Teachers (P-6)
Michael Ymer. Friday 1 April, 9.30am – 3.30pm
All workshops are held at the Australian Institute of
Management, 181 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Email your PD listings to editor@edumail.vic.gov.au
For further information or to book online visit:
www.edpd.com.au
t: (03) 9524 6222 e: seminars@edpd.com.au
J2136
inspire february 2011 89
Take a break
Staffroom Quiz
Puzzles
Put your general knowledge to the
test with this month’s 20 questions.
1
Happy New Year! 2011 is the year of which animal in the Chinese
zodiac?
2
ACMI is a unique institution in Federation Square in Melbourne,
dedicated to film. What does ACMI stand for?
3
What was the first film to feature the characters of Jay and Silent
Bob?
4
What is the name of the cup awarded to the handicap winner of
the Sydney to Hobart yacht race?
5
Whose official residence is at number 10 Downing Street in
London?
6
7
Which acid does vinegar contain?
8
Famed in history and literature, who was the last ruling Pharoah
of Egypt?
9
According to the ratings for 2010, which show, match or
presentation had the biggest single audience for the year on
Australian television?
Octopuses have eight arms and how many hearts?
10
What are the first names of the Flight of the Conchords?
11
Who wrote the True History of the Kelly Gang, Jack Maggs and
Illywhacker?
12
In which city and country does the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage of
faithful Muslims, take place?
13
14
15
Who did Allan Border succeed as Australian test cricket captain?
Across
1. Stallions
4. Flanks
7. Use razor
8. Brazil’s ... Janeiro (3,2)
9. Stuck-up people
12. Window ledges
14. Other name
15. Hoard
16. Intervenes, ... in
17. Slackens
Where in the body would you find rods and cones?
See page 86 for answers.
16
17
Which ancient Greek was killed by an arrow that pierced his heel?
18
What are the books in JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy?
Which one of the Beatles did Marge Simpson have a teenage
crush on?
Sudoku
Down
1. Scorches
2. Trustworthy
3. Boxes
4. Severe
5. Disheartens
6. Alarm sound
10. Curses
11. Russian emperors
12. Left over
13. Graze crusts
Difficulty level: Tough
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Which US soccer team played the A-League’s Newcastle Jets in
November 2010?
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20
In total, how many wives did Henry VIII have? How many can you
name?
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By what name is celebrity gossip blogger Mario Armando
Lavandeira Jr otherwise known?
Quiz by Melbourne Trivia Company
www.melbournetrivia.com.au
See page 86 for answers.
90 inspire february 2011
See page 86 for answers.
tHiNK
OUtSiDE
tHE
cLaSSROOM
For our full range of education programs call 13 11 02 or visit museumvictoria.com.au ⁄ education
MELBOURNE MUSEUM
iMMiGRatiON MUSEUM
SciENcEWORKS
600 MiLLiON YEaRS: VictORia EVOLVES
How did life on Earth come to be the way it
is and what happened in Victoria? Melbourne
Museum’s newest science exhibition, 600 Million
Years: Victoria Evolves, takes your students on
a journey through geological time. This highly
engaging exhibition is suitable for both Primary
and Secondary students, and links particularly
to the Science domain in VELS. This interactive
exhibition is a great way for your students to
explore fossils, evolution and geological time.
ONLiNE & ONSitE LEaRNiNG
Engage with stories of migration at the
Immigration Museum. These personal stories
offer students of all ages the opportunity to
connect with the migration experience. Our
Education programs engage students of all
ages in immersive learning experiences.
HiGHLiGHtS fOR SEMEStER ONE 2011
In addition to our popular permanent exhibitions
Sportsworks, House Secrets and Nitty Gritty
Super City, two special exhibitions will provide
your students with a unique opportunity to discover
the human body and measurement. Humanoid
Discovery (showing until 14 March 2011) explores
the human body from the perspective of a visitor
from outer space. Measure Island (showing until
1 May 2011), will take your students on a journey
into a fictional land and show them that there
is a lot more to measurement.
11 NICHOLSON STREET CARLTON
A new education program is available for Year 9
to 10 students to compliment this exhibition. 600
million years in 60 seconds is a highly interactive
session, where students explore the evolution
of life by making a short movie.
400 FLINDERS STREET MELBOURNE
Visit museumvictoria.com.au/education for
a full range student programs.
ORiGiNS: iMMiGRaNt
cOMMUNitiES iN VictORia
What are your origins? Where have Victorians
come from? Why did they come?
Visit the ORIGINS website to access immigration
histories and photographs of over 80 communities
– both in English and community languages.
Browse detailed statistics and graphs based
on census data collected since 1854.
2 BOOKER STREET SPOTSWOOD
Other highlights include a Planetarium show
which will take them on a journey to the stars
and beyond and The Lightning Room where
they will learn about electrical safety and enjoy
a high voltage demonstration.
museumvictoria.com/origins
BOOKINGS eSSeNtIal Melbourne Museum 13 11 02, Immigration Museum 03 9927 2754
and Scienceworks 03 9392 4819. Entry is free for students. A one-off booking fee applies per booking
(additional fees may be incurred for staff led programs). Please refer to our website for pricing details.
StaY
taY IN tHe lOOP Subscribe to MVteachers for unlimited general entry to our museums.
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Conditions apply.
New: PhonicBooks
Designed to engage and enthuse beginner and reluctant readers.
Imaginative stories with
appealing characters
Game in every book to
consolidate learning
Colourful and motivating
illustrations
A clear explanation of
Synthetic Phonics for
teachers and parents
Gradual introduction of
high-frequency words
Highly-structured phonic
progression
Text on cream background to
make the books reader-friendly
Written and designed by three practicing Special
Needs teachers. The highly structured phonic
sequence ensures reading success and building
of confidence from the very beginning.
ExclusivE to sPElD.
Phone 03 9489 4344 to order.
Dandelion
launchers
is a new
Synthetic
Phonics
reading series
for beginner
readers at
Foundation
Stage. (Phase 2 in ‘Letters
and Sounds’)
Dandelion
readers
introduce the
Phonic Code.
The books
follow on
from the
Dandelion
Launchers Series.
(Phases 2–5 in ‘Letters
and Sounds’)
Dandelion Readers
make me feel really
grown up because I can
read for myself
Totem
series
takes the
older, ‘Catch
up’ reader
from simple
CVC words
through to
vowel digraphs.
(Phases 2–5 of ‘Letters
and Sounds’)
Additional reading and
spelling activities for further
reading practice
Talisman
series
is an exciting
fresh start for
older pupils
who need to
learn the
Phonic Code.
They follow
on from the Totem Series.
(Phase 5 in ‘Letters and
Sounds’)
SPELD Professional Development Program February 2011
Courses
organisational skills
7.30pm – 9.30pm
Melbourne: 23 February 2011
10.00am – 12.30pm
Melbourne: 11 February 2011
Presenter: James Golds
TeChnoloGy evenTs
Technology: Try Before you Buy
Presenters: sPelD Computer Team
Certificates given for PD attendance. register Today! Bookings are essential and
space is limited. For more details of each event or to register visit www.speldvic.org.au
or phone 03 9489 4344. Membership discounts apply.
Diagnostic Assessment services available. For details visit www.speldvic.org.au