Diocesan News
Clarity Learning Week - Week 1, Term 2
We welcome Dr Lyn Sharratt back to the Diocese at the beginning of Term 2. The focus for the week will be on “Unpacking Waterfall Chart” and include learning walks and talks in schools. (See agenda here).
Schools are to choose the venue and dates that best suit their needs. The dates and venues for this Professional Learning has been arranged as follows:
- 29th & 30th April
Venue: St Xavier’s Primary School Gunnedah Time: Monday - 9am to 3:30pm & Tuesday - 9am to 2pm Registration link here
OR
- 1st and 2nd May
Venue: St Mary’s Primary School Armidale
Time: Wednesday - 9am to 3:30pm & Thursday - 9am to 2pm
Registration link here
All staff attending need to complete the registration form (see links above) by Friday 22nd March.
Teacher Accreditation Fees
NESA has commenced a review of all actively accredited teachers in NSW who are yet to pay their 2024 teacher accreditation fees.
CSO Armidale has been informed by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) on 16 February 2024 that a number of teachers are still yet to pay their NESA fees.
NESA is preparing for the suspension process, which will commence at the end of Term 1, 2024. To avoid suspension of accreditation, teachers are required to pay all outstanding fees before the end of Term 1, 2024.
Teachers whose accreditation is suspended cannot be employed as a teacher in a NSW school or service and will require Principals to act accordingly, which may include unpaid suspension or termination.
Teachers can find further information at: Annual fee | NSW Education Standards
Working with Children Check (WWCC) renewals go digital
There are 2 ways to renew your Working with Children Check (WWCC), depending on how you choose to have your identification verified:
- Online using face verification – instead of going into a Service NSW Centre to present your identity documents, you renew online and use your device to scan your face. The scan is matched with the photo used on your NSW Driver Licence or NSW Photo Card.
- At a Service NSW Centre – you need to complete the Office of the Children's Guardian (OCG) renewal application form, then visit a service centre within 28 days to present the original version of your identity documents and pay your fee if required.
NSW Training Awards
Applications for the 2024 NSW Training Awards are now open!
The NSW Training Awards recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and training organisations in the VET sector.
Individual Award Categories relevant for schools:
- VET in Schools Student of the Year
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
Check out the NSW Training Awards website for information regarding the application process including closing dates.
2024 Students as Authors Writing Competition
The 2024 Students As Authors Writing Competition is now open. Regina Menz will judge the competition this year, and the theme is Future Worlds. Schools can download a PDF copy of the promotional poster here, to print and circulate with school communities digitally.
The competition is designed to give students an authentic purpose and audience for their writing and provide an opportunity to showcase the writing talents of our students through publication to SORA, the digital library. Please support students to enter their work via the QR code embedded in the promo poster.
The competition will close June 14th.
Aspiring Middle Leaders Course (NESA Registered)
The Aspiring Middle Leaders Program is for teachers wishing to explore the future The Aspiring Middle Leaders Program is for teachers wishing to explore the future career pathways of middle leadership. Leaders wanting to brush up on their interview/application skills are invited to participate as well.
In participating in this program, you will develop a deepened understanding of the transition from classroom teacher to a ‘leader of teachers’. This program will support successful navigation of the recruitment process.
This program includes:
- 3 x online workshop sessions from 3:15pm - 5:15pm.
Cohort 2: August 1, 8, 15
Registration: HERE
Early Middle Leaders Course (NESA Registered)
The Early Middle Leading Program is for Middle Leaders in the first three years of their leadership journey. Established leaders looking to build their leadership network and knowledge are also invited to participate.
The program has been specifically designed to support you successfully navigate the complexities involved in building a culture of collaborative professionalism in our work to improve learner outcomes. In each session, you will engage in interactive, relevant, and innovative learning experiences that will support the holistic development of your leadership.
This program includes:
- 10 x 1 hour sessions across Term 1, 2, and 3 (3 sessions a term), with a check-in session Term 4 to share experiences in implementing your learnings.
Registration: HERE
2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards, presented by Schools Plus
About the Teaching Awards Each year, national education non-profit Schools Plus, with the support of some of Australia’s leading philanthropists chaired by David Gonski AC, celebrates inspirational teachers who are making a transformative impact on children and school communities around Australia. Twelve outstanding teachers or school leaders are selected to receive a prestigious $40,000 award, including funds for a strategic school project and participation in a unique 12-month Teaching Fellowship program. In addition, ten early career teachers with the passion and potential to make an increasing impact in education will receive a $10,000 scholarship for professional development and an exclusive leadership program.Together, let’s celebrate life-changing teachers! Please share this great opportunity with your network and school community.
Nominate your colleagues or apply yourself!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 8 APRIL, 2024
For more information, visit www.schoolsplus.org.au/awards or contact us on awards@schoolsplus.org.au.From experienced school leaders to up-and-coming teachers making a real difference in the lives of our children, we look forward to celebrating these amazing educators with you.
Warm regards,
The Teaching Awards Team
Australian Schools Plus