Minnis Journals

ET News Digest

Your Weekly Education Newsletter

Attendance and student achievement go hand in hand
School attendance and student achievement are closely linked, highlighting the importance of forming good attendance habits early.
The Attendance Matters Spotlight Report from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) reinforces the strong correlation and is also a reminder of how crucial it is to ensure students feel welcome, safe and supported at school, and encouraged to attend.
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Online programs changing literacy education
Technology is playing a significant role in teaching literacy, with online education programs gaining increasing recognition and presence in schools.
LiteracyPlanet, a comprehensive program which works alongside traditional teaching methods, is seeing encouraging results from school users. Students are seen to build confidence in their literacy skills after using the program, particularly when they’ve fallen behind. Read more

SBS and the eSafety Commissioner create educational resources about cyber safety
Ahead of the premiere of new SBS drama, The Hunting, SBS has partnered with the eSafety Commissioner to produce educational resources that will help parents and teachers keep young people safe online.
The Hunting follows the lives of four young Australians, their teachers and families throughout the lead up, revelation and aftermath of a nude teen photo scandal. It explores the experiences of the teenagers as they traverse the complexities of relationships, identity and sexuality via technology. Read more

$1000 boost for students’ environmental projects
Applications for a new round of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants are now open, the grants look to encourage young environmental champions.
Primary schools and early learning centres are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $1000. The grants are being offered to inspire kids with hands-on projects that have a focus on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices or enhancing native habitats. Read more

Victoria’s Longest-Serving Educators recognised
More than 400 teachers and staff from the Department of Education and Training have been recognised for their long careers in public education at a ceremony for employees who have reached 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service in 2019.
The 408 awardees have devoted more than 17,000 combined years to teaching. During this time, they have led progress in education and helped young people to thrive through learning and education. Read more

Udderly brilliant – it’s Healthy Bones Action Week
Dairy Australia is calling on all primary schools to get moo-ving this August and take part in the 2019 Healthy Bones Action Week program.
Held from Monday 19 August to Sunday 26 August, Healthy Bones Action Week promotes the three key actions for maintaining healthy bones; regular weight-bearing exercise, safe Vitamin D from the sun, and an adequate intake of calcium from foods such as dairy.
This year, Dairy Australia is encouraging primary school students across the country to share their most creative performance to the Healthy Bones Action Week song. Read more

Musica Viva In Schools launches 2020 program
Musica Viva has finalised the Musica Viva In Schools 2020 season, the 75th year of the organisation bringing live music to children and educators all over Australia.
Musica Viva In Schools travels to rural and metropolitan regions in every state and territory, bringing high quality live music and educational resources to more than 300,000 students and teachers and 900 schools regardless of location or economic circumstance. Read more