15 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

President’s Message

What a busy time it has been for professional teaching associations in the NT. Their stretch and scope is clearly evident in this Newsletter and showcases the amazing work they do for their members and, ultimately, for young Territorians. The Festival of Teaching was certainly the highlight of the year and my congratulations go to all involved for making it a huge success. You will see that the Professional Teachers' Awards are back and we look forward to recognising the achievements of the Award winners. Term 4 is always a busy time and I would like to say all the best to professional teaching associations for the remainder of the school year.

John Sarev
President

2016 Awards for Meritorious Contribution to the Profession of Teaching

These awards, which began in 2009, acknowledge the dedication and hard work of teachers in advocating and promoting professional collegiality, engagement, knowledge and practice. They are designed to further acknowledge teachers leading teachers across a range of professional and educational contexts, for the benefit of Territory students.

The 2016 Awards Ceremony will be hosted on Thursday 1st December to honour each award recipient and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Teaching Associations throughout the Northern Territory.

Invitations have already been sent to each Association for their President and two other members to attend. Additional guests and/or members are welcome to attend at the cost of $80pp. All names and payments must be sent to PTANT by November 21st.

Should you have any questions regarding the Awards please feel free to email ptant.doe@nt.gov.au or phone 8944 9324.

Festival of Teaching – Sharing Success: Shaping our Future

The Northern Territory Festival of Teaching commenced on Friday 26 August with a reception at Government House, kindly hosted by His Honour the Honourable John Hardy, Administrator of the Northern Territory. The collegial atmosphere set the tone for the conference and attendees appreciated His Honour’s remarks about the important role of teachers in the Northern Territory. The conference program was held on Saturday 27 August and was exceptionally well attended with over 220 delegates from ten professional associations. The key note speakers complimented each other perfectly. Dr Andrew Fuller provided fascinating insights into how the brain operates and highlighted the importance of validating achievement. Mr Eric Frangenheim presented his thinking skills framework that promotes the use of higher order thinking skills. Delegates had the opportunity to explore these ideas further in workshops with our keynote speakers or to attend a multitude of other options organised and delivered by their professional associations. The success of this event is due to the hard work of the steering committee and the generous sponsorship provided by both PTANT and DoE.

EO Update

The Department of Education has provided funding for a full time Executive Officer to assist PTANT for operational and functional requirements. Amanda Youell has recently been appointed to this position and is the main point of contact for all PTANT matters. If your teaching association needs any support please use the request for support form found on our website. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

Email: ptant.doe@nt.gov.au Ph: 8944 9324

Senai NT English Language Centre and PTANT Study Tour

Proposed Study Tour in 2017

Next year, three teachers from Senai NT English Language Centre will visit Darwin as the guests of PTANT. The Senai NT English Language Centre is going strong! The staff consists of Principal Maria Albion and four teachers and two Administrative staff. Maria and PTANT have agreed on a Term 2 study tour for new teachers who will commence at Senai NT English school next year.

In partnership with ATESOL NT and the Department of Education, professional learning events in Darwin with Timorese teacher colleagues will include:

• visits to primary and secondary classrooms to observe and share teaching practice
• professional association hosted formal events and
• social networking dinner and reception with PTANT Executive and guests.

Senai NT English Language Centre, Timor-Leste

Wagaman Primary School is a sister school with Maulbara Primary School, located near the Indonesian border. This busy school is so full, the students have only 1-2 hours a day of schooling on a rotational basis, in order to share the classrooms.

The English proficiency of the teachers is growing and the plan to deliver more learning in English is a goal.

Students and staff of Senai NT English Language Centre, Timor-Leste

Australian Association of Special Education

AASE NT are pleased to announce that the 2017 AASE National Conference will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April, 2017 (Week 10, Term 1)

The Conference’s theme, “Walk with Me” will focus on the journey a learner takes and the Conference Program will include four strands:

• Education: pre to post schooling
• Behaviour
• Social emotional
• Practical strategies -‘hands on practice’.

The Conference Committee are delighted to have secured three keynote speakers.

• Professor George Sugai, University of Connecticut, USA
• Professor Elizabeth Elliott, University of Sydney and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
• Associate Professor Helen Cahill, The University of Melbourne

Professor George Sugai is a world-renowned expert on positive behavioural interventions and support.

Professor Elizabeth Elliott AM is a research leader, both nationally and internationally, and has presented across the globe. She is involved in clinical services, research, advocacy and policy development regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Associate Professor Helen Cahill was part of developing the evidence based ‘Building resilience social emotional learning materials’.

Australian Literacy Educators’ Association

ALEA Top End now has a Facebook page. To keep up to date with PD’s and other upcoming events please LIKE and SHARE the page with your teaching colleagues.