Articles

Parents worry about too much screen time... and not enough outdoor play: Gallup Survey Just one in five Australian parents (23%) strongly agree it’s good for children to have to figure out how to entertain themselves from time to time… without the aid of an electronic device or a structured extracurricular activity. That’s the takeaway finding from research by Gallup and toymaker Melissa & Doug

2015 National Report on schooling in Australia released The National Report on Schooling in Australia 2015 is the annual report on Australia’s school education sector. The report highlights progress in 2015 towards the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians agreed by Australian education ministers in 2008.

NESLI Wellbeing Tookit has positive effect on mental Health in schools NESLI’s Staff Wellbeing Toolkit is having a profound impact on the mental health of Australia’s schools. After doing the 5 module program schools reported a marked improvement in understanding 

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 shows that they might have longer-term negative impacts

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.  

I'm available… why don’t they call me? 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… and here are a few of my favourites.

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

$600,000 funding to enable an Australian-first 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. Telepresence robots will be paced in schools to demonstrate that continuous two-way connection is possible between seriously sick children and their classrooms.

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.

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.

Kids Alive - Do the Five water safety app launched Do The Five has launched a free app to help keep children water safe. The app is a free download in the Apple and Google Play stores and is aimed at parents and young children. It includes music, cartoons, eBooks with a focus on home, pool, beach and farm water safety.

Submissions open for review to achieve educational excellence in Australian schools Submissions for the Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools chaired by Mr David Gonski will close on Friday 13 Oct. The report and recommendations on on how school funding should be used to improve school performance and student outcomes will be submitted by March 2018.