Bishop calls for action on Closing the Gap
Bishop Charles Gauci is urging Australian Catholics to collaborate with First Nations communities following the recent Productivity Commission Report on the Closing the Gap agreement.
He emphasised the Church’s role in Indigenous affairs, urging unity and meaningful action, stressing Catholic institutions’ importance in promoting wellbeing for Indigenous peoples.
Bishop Gauci advocates ongoing reflection and engagement, guided by the Holy Spirit, for a more inclusive future.
An Ignatian educator is coherent
The Superior General of the Society of Jesus offered sage advice to educators in his recent visit.
Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ spoke at several events during his visit to Australia recently. At Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne, earlier this month, Fr Sosa said an Ignatian educator was a person who was coherent in thoughts, speech and actions.
‘In the educational relationship, one transmits what one is, not only what one knows’, he said.
‘To be an educator today, as always, according to what we have called the Ignatian pedagogical paradigm supposes, along with the ability to transmit well-digested knowledge, the challenge, to possess critical thinking, to avoid being attached to what is known and to remain open to novelty, [and] to have inner freedom, so as to confirm what is done or to introduce changes that allow us to respond to changing situations’.
Read more about his visit here and here.
Disability Standards for Education Review 2020
The Australian government has published an implementation report on the 2020 Review of the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (the Standards). This report shows what the Australian government has done to respond to the Review recommendations. Find out more here.
Australian teacher workforce data reveals education trends
The ATWD National Trends: Initial Teacher Education Pipeline publication has been updated with newly released data covering 2020-2021, offering insights into key national trends from 2005 to 2021. The publication highlights trends in teacher training commencements, completions, and completion rates, shedding light on the future supply of educators. This update complements existing ITE supply data in the ATWD Key Metrics Dashboard, facilitating a deeper understanding of the teacher workforce landscape. Access the publication for in-depth analysis and discussion on emerging trends in teacher education.
?ACU and Australian Jesuits collaborate on research institute
Australian Catholic University (ACU) and the Australian Jesuits are partnering to create a national research institute in Melbourne. Hosted by ACU Melbourne, The Loyola Institute, established in 2021, aims to advance Jesuit scholars' research and advocacy, aligning with the Society’s apostolic priorities.
In brief
This year the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability will replace the Education Adjustment Program as the basis for state government-funded students with disability in all non-state schools.
The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) in Queensland has updated its eligibility criteria, particularly for the Students with Disability (SWD) Travel Assistance Program, following the transition away from the Education Adjustment Program (EAP). Find out more.
The Australian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (ACARA) has unveiled updated resources aimed at educating students on the significance of nutrition for overall health.
Australian schools (government, Catholic and independent) will participate in the triennial Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) next term. The data collection initiative assessing children’s development on starting full-time school, with the next cycle scheduled from 1 May to 21 June 2024. Find out more.
Explore an array of online safety resources funded by eSafety’s Online Safety Grants Program, supporting digital safety education in schools and communities with 32 projects funded, and resources from rounds one and two currently now accessible.
What’s On?
Share your insights in a survey: Comment on the effect of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) at all career stages in a brief survey to help inform AITSL’s quality review processes and improve student outcomes. Find the survey here.
Prepare for Term 2’s AEDC data collection with Queensland Department of Education’s free Unconscious Bias Awareness Course, enhancing teacher awareness and promoting equitable learning opportunities, suitable for school leaders, prep teachers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural consultants involved in the AEDC, with a certificate on completion.
Qld consultations and webinars on the QKLD: Hosted by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority throughout March and April to contribute to the revision of the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG) for implementation in 2025, offering the opportunity to learn about the review process, explore the draft guideline, and provide feedback.
Visit the QCAA website to find out more and register.