I'm available… why don’t they call me?

Gillian Anstee explains why five casual teachers earned a place on her ‘never call that one again’ list

In general, casual teachers are outstanding in the provision of excellent education at short notice. But there are exceptions, and these are the casuals that wonder why schools don’t call them again. Having been a principal in schools over 10 years, I have experienced some puzzling and interesting behaviours and attitudes from casuals… here are a few of my favourites. Read More

$600,000 funding to enable a telepresence robot pilot

St.George Foundation and MissingSchool have announced funding of up to $600,000 over three years to enable an Australian-first telepresence robot pilot.

Up to 75 telepresence robots will be paced in schools to demonstrate that continuous two-way connection is possible between seriously sick children and their classrooms.

“The Foundation’s new Inspire Grant supports innovative interventions that change the course of children’s lives, and this year we’re thrilled to award it to MissingSchool for their work on education connection for sick kids in Australia,” said Vanessa Barry, head of St.George Foundation. Read More

NESLI Wellbeing Tookit has positive effect on mental Health in schools

National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (NESLI)’s Staff Wellbeing Toolkit is having a profound impact on the mental health of Australia’s schools, according to the Interim Impact Report published on 21 September. As a result of doing the 5 module program, schools reported a marked quantitative improvement in understanding the importance of wellbeing, improving collaboration amongst staff and enhancing the quality of interactions between teachers and administrators. Read More

Victorian Education Excellence Awards finalists announced

A school raising the career aspirations of young people and a primary teacher who is passionate about increasing women in STEM education and careers are among the finalists of this year’s Victorian Education Excellence Awards. The awards recognise inspirational teachers, principals and support staff who get the best out of their students.

Finalist Year Karen Anders. Read More

Wakakirri wraps up 2017 season on a high

Wakakirri 2017 has been a brilliant eight-week show season with almost 250 schools shaking and grooving their hearts out to be in the running for the National Story of the Year Award. Recurring themes were homelessness, cyber bullying, the environment, technology and friendship.

Thousands of young students have danced across the stage, and hundreds of teachers and parents have supported behind the scenes in making incredible Story Dances culminating in performing for an audience of over 20,000 people. Read More

Ivanhoe Grammar School to open new University Campus at La Trobe

Ivanhoe Grammar School and La Trobe University have entered into a partnership to establish a Year 9 campus to provide students with a university-school experience. The initiative will give Year 9 students an early taste of university learning.

Commencing in 2019, Year 9 students from the Ivanhoe and Plenty campuses, will relocate to the new Ivanhoe Grammar School University Campus in Macleod Read More

Teenagers opposed to Fitbits as a way to increase levels of activity

There is an increasing use of healthy lifestyle technologies but little in-depth empirical research on their impacts on young people. Fitbits have been used in schools to tackle rising levels of obesity and sedentary behaviour yet a study published in Sport, Education and Society Read More

NAO is the highlight of Cunnamulla Library

Situated 910 km South West of Brisbane (three-hours by plane) is the remote town of Cunnamulla. With a population of only 1865, Cunnamulla is considered a low socio-economic area. However, the town boasts a diverse and passionate community, eager to develop skills relevant for the 21st century.
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