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Welcome to Term 2 – which has started in a way we have never experienced before. It has been heart-warming to see the support, advice and sharing of ideas and resources within our sector. Education Support settings have at times felt like an afterthought – especially around social distancing guidelines, PPE guidelines and the vulnerability of students.
It will be interesting to see how we can keep the momentum made moving forward. Initiatives like the connected learning hub, additional education support staff in Central, discussions about standard operating guidelines etc. have been at the forefront of discussions. I would like to keep them there beyond COVID-19.
Enrolment Guidelines and Violence in Schools
Our enrolment guidelines and violence in schools responses have been put on hold due to COVID-19, however it will be straight back on the agenda as soon as there is an opportunity to do so. Similarly, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability agenda has taken a back burner somewhat, but will also be on the agenda and discussed with the PFWA, WAPPA, WASSEA and WADSHA.
Temporary Special Allowance
This week some Principals would have received a letter regarding a Temporary Special Allowance. This is given to Principals whose confirmed enrolments at census puts the school at a different level than what their substantive rate is. You can find details relating to this in Schedule B – Public Sector Primary and Secondary Education Award 1993.
http://forms.wairc.wa.gov.au/awards/TEA007/p24/TEA007.pdf
If you have over 40 students (adjusted – Kindy students are 0.5) this is a level 4.
If you have over 80 students (adjusted – Kindy students are 0.5) this is a level 5.
Cancelled Events, Postponed or Changed
Below is some information about events scheduled;
- ASEPA conference scheduled in July is cancelled
- WAESPAA conference scheduled in August is cancelled
- No Tosh – 1st incubator group has been paused and will hopefully reconvene in term 3
- Big Day Out – Term 2 has been cancelled at this stage
No decision has been made regarding the WAESPAA awards night at this stage.
WAESPAA were offering sponsorship for a number of people to attend the ASEPA conference. When the executive team reconvenes we will discuss what alternatives could be offered.
Please continue to send me feedback and use the chat line – the information and feedback given helps shape discussions had at Central, with WAESPAA executive and with the Minister.
Natalie Hatton
President WAESPAA
Prinicpal Joondalup Education Support Centre
Shine and Share - SEN Connected Learning Hub
Never in the history of schooling has there ever been such a rapid pivoting of direction. It’s has been incredible to see that when all theory of change and established processes are thrown up in the air like confetti what can be created. Never have we seen so much innovation, creativity or sheer grit to make sure OUR students not only don’t miss out but that they could even better off. Schools have shown true strength of character and stepped up and into the challenge.
So in the spirit of ‘never let a good crisis go to waste’ the Connected Learning Team have also rallied and worked through the holidays to create the SEN Connected Learning Hub. Our intention like yours was initially to support distance learning. We began by creating a one stop spot for curriculum links and then following this with resources that teachers could use to develop work packages, activity ideas or to seek some inspiration from. We simply wanted to make it possible for teacher to quickly and easily find ‘something’ when everything was stressful.
Well then we too changed tact and now we are passionately determined to create a hub that thrives beyond the pandemic. A resource hub that houses great teacher resources made by teachers for teachers to be used adapted modified or tailored to meet the incredible myriad of individual needs in our students. A resource by schools for schools supplemented and supported by system and wider resources.
So why not take it a step further and also include a section for SEN teaching strategies and Professional Knowledge (loosely pedagogy).
We have been humbled by the will and desire of schools as a whole and of individual teachers to contribute the work that they have created so that it can be used beyond their school community. It has been wonderful to have staff recognised by their leaders who have asked them to contribute and to have peers letting us know about amazing colleagues that we should get in touch with. It is deeply moving to see both the depth of knowledge and the desire to genuinely share in our sector, it makes you very, very proud.
This is a call out to you all to please share any resources you have created to support learning both in these uncertain times and in your incredible teaching programs that you were already delivering. Can you please have a look at the hub, see where you can contribute and hopefully find a new idea or two for yourself. Remember that a simple activity to you may be a piece of gold to someone else. If you find a gap and can contribute a new resource, program idea etc. please send it through to us.
This is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic work you’ve all been doing and help other teachers across the state.
You can see the developing structure on connect simply by going to IKON and clicking on ‘Access the Connected Learning Hub’ tile or by going to
https://connect.det.wa.edu.au/group/staff/ui/connected-learning/connected-learning-programs/sen/
Let’s SHARE and SHINE
Amanda Hitchcock, Steph Lee, Tash Hewson, Michael McAllister, Melinda Manship, Sam Brassington, Matt Docherty, Nicholas Visic,Lisa Hebble.
Let’s SHARE and SHINE
Thank you
Noelene Mason, Stuart Percival and the CLHub team
Aspirant Leaders Professional Learning Program
Our current cohort of Aspirant Leaders have been working their way through their individual coaching sessions with Jenny Cole.
This is an important part of the leadership learning and ensures each leader receives coaching significant to their current leadership journey.
The next workshop day is tentatively planned for the 8th June – however with current COVID-19 restrictions, this is yet to be confirmed. An alternative meeting date or online workshop may be offered.
Participants will be notified directly via email.
Planning for 2021 has already commenced. If you have suggestions for future Aspirant Leader PL or have identified areas of need for your Aspirants, please contact Jodie Norwell at Jodie.norwell@education.wa.edu.au or 94276030 to discuss further.