March 2015 (cont.)

Penguin Teachers' Academy

26 March attended by Vilma

Provider: Penguin Publishers

Venue: Docklands Library

ABOUT?

There were 6 presentations by various authors whose work has been published by Penguin Publishers.  All authors write young adult fiction and it was a great opportunity to hear about an author’s writing process, and how they became published.

PRESENTERS?

Robyn Bavati – author

Will Kostakis – author

Sue Saliba – author

Bev Kavanagh – author, started The Stella prize for schools program to promote literature written by women, and is available to speak at schools.

Scot Gardner – author

Nick Earls – author of now, 20 titles

Fleur Ferris – new author, first book ‘Risk’ being published in June 2015

RESOURCES?

The Stella prize schools program – lots of free professional development opportunities for English teachers

http://thestellaprize.com.au/schools-program/

RECOMMENDED?

Yes, to other library staff and teachers promoting literature to students.

COMMENTS?

Attending this PD was a great opportunity to hear about new releases, hear authors talk about their work and an opportunity to mingle with other colleagues in the profession. Since attending this PD I have recommended some new books for the library, to students and various authors / texts to the English domain. The Library is currently pursuing an author for Book week from this event.

Building Mathematical Meaning Makers -

Language & Literacy in the Secondary Mathematics Classroom

26 & 27 March attended by Barrie

Provider: Brian Dare

Venue: St Bernard's College

ABOUT?

Working collaboratively to develop teachers’ and students’;

- Knowledge of language.

- Understanding of the relationship between 

   language and knowledge of curriculum area.

-  Use of subject specific language.

Highlighted the importance of language in mathematics, in particular, making explicit the many assumptions that are often made about student knowledge of conceptual terminology. This program focused on explicitly teaching the Language and Literacy demands of Mathematics which involves far more than glossaries and a focus on instruction words. It also emphasised the importance of articulating process and affirmed a teaching style common to many maths teachers where the teacher models, facilitates and then allows for independent learning.

PRESENTERS?

Brian Dare

RESOURCES?

BK has created a Power-point presentation synthesising the key strategies of the sessions

RECOMMENDED?

Could be useful for the whole Domain. BK is working with Domain currently to develop the strategies at Santa Maria College.

COMMENTS?

BK happy to work one on one with staff to develop some of these practices

REC Network Meeting

10 March attended by Simon

Provider: CEOM

Venue: Simonds College

ABOUT?

The session was an opportunity to discuss the potential changes being made to the “Coming to Know Worship and Love” teacher guide. We were also given a presentation by the Vocations office of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the programs that they offer to schools.

PRESENTERS?

Ms Alexandra Cometti 

RESOURCES?

http://www.cam.org.au/melbournepriest/ 

RECOMMENDED?

I would recommend this PL for those in an REC or Faith Leadership role, elements of the PL would also be valuable to teachers of Religious Education.

COMMENTS?

I invite any interested staff to come and see me about what was covered.