International Baccalaureate Schools Australia 

I recently attended the IBSA Leadership Symposium where numerous speakers discussed topics including the importance of teacher wellbeing, teaching and learning in the AI world, embracing the gift of struggle, learning to lead and leading to learn. 

Artificial Intelligence is dominating conversation in not only education but around the world right now. It was fascinating to hear Professor Matt Bower from Macquarie University speak about how teachers and schools can best use technologies to enhance learning outcomes and experiences for students and the importance of ethical use and academic integrity when using these AI tools. We have recently updated our school Academic policy with these tools in mind and recognise that this is an area which continues to expand hence continual refining of our policy will occur as the AI landscape changes. You can view this policy and others on our website under the policies tab.

A big stand out for me at the conference was that Health and well-being are fundamental to quality relationships and effective interactions with others. Research into teacher wellbeing has stated the importance that “Members of the learning community sustain school cultures by demonstrating the learner profile attribute of caring. They have a commitment to physical, social and emotional well-being, look for ways to build safe and healthy environments, and nurture resilient and optimistic learners.” In my many years of teaching, I am so pleased to say that MESC nurtures this and I am so proud and happy to be a part of such a caring community. 

Kylie Russell | IB MYP Coordinator