Blogs and Messages

WA Branch News: December 2024

By Mathilda Joubert posted 05-12-2024
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This will be my final newsletter as outgoing President of the Western Australian Branch of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, as I hand over the reins to the wonderfully accomplished Rachael Lehr. In this newsletter I am sharing news of our recent ACEL WA Awards Ceremony, my reflections on the important role that educational leaders play, which I shared on the awards evening, and a farewell message from the Branch Executive to me, which they encouraged me to share here with the wider community. ACEL WA 2024 Awards On the 6 th of November we got the opportunity to celebrate the 2024 ACEL WA Awards for Excellence in ...
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VIC Branch News: December 2024

By Annette Rome posted 05-12-2024
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What a year! 2024 was another year of global challenges. Schools, universities and communities all found themselves endeavouring to navigate appropriate paths through a roiling sea of emotions and passions. Education - its purpose, execution and assessment - are matters laden with expectation and hope. It is both an honour and a huge challenge to try and reflect the educational needs of young people (and adults) through involvement in a professional association like ACEL. This year the Vic Branch hosted events relating to middle level leadership, principalship, teacher sustainability and multiple awards events. I would like to ...
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SA Branch News: December 2024

By Martyn Anderson posted 05-12-2024
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Time flies! It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of the year. It’s been an exciting year for ACEL SA especially with the hosting of the national conference . Other highlights for 2024 have included: The Professionals Network & National Conference Launch, featuring Barb Watterson, Pasi Sahlberg, Glenn Savage, and Anne Dunstan who explored the theme of reimagining the profession. Hot Topics with Dr. Selena Fisk and Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath. The SA Schools Equity Summit, in collaboration with sector heads and the Minister for Education. The ACEL SA Awards Night. A heartfelt thank you to our enthusiastic ACEL SA Branch Executive ...
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NSW Branch News: December 2024

By Paul Kidson posted 05-12-2024
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Another year has hurtled along almost in the blink of an eye, it seems. Hopefully you’re in the process of wrapping up the year; some might already have done so. In the midst of this flurry, it’s good to stop and reflect on what 2024 has given you. Perhaps this has been the first year you’ve been part of ACEL, or re-engaged with ACEL through our activities and online resources. Thanks for being part of our community; we really appreciate your contribution to the profession’s leading voice. At a time when there seems plenty of naysayers about the future of education, we're glad you’re part of a community which sees possibility, opportunity, and hope. The ...
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WA Branch News: November 2024

By Mathilda Joubert posted 06-11-2024
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Good day I hope that term four is progressing well for you. In this newsletter I will share some reflections about events this year and make an announcement about changes coming up in the ACEL WA team. Leading Innovation in Education Network We held a fabulous Leading Innovation in Education Network meeting this term at the new Western Australian Space Science Education Centre (WASSEC) – what a wonderful new resource for students and educators in our state. Liz Smith, Principal at Joseph Banks Secondary College, where the WASSEC is located, shared with us the story of translating vision into action with the establishment of this unique new educational ...
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QLD Branch News: November 2024

By Elizabeth Foster posted 06-11-2024
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We recognise the significant number of our Queensland colleagues from all sectors who travelled to Adelaide to attend our 204 ACEL National Conference. With a focus on learner and educator agency, we spent time exploring emerging ideas in education, being inspired through case study learning with a focus on practical strategies and connecting with other people in our profession. School Governance: A panel discussion During October our Branch hosted a panel event with the topic: What is effective School Governance. We are incredibly thankful for the distinguished panel: Anthony Micallef, Megan Kavanagh, Johannes Solymosi, Greg Ewing, facilitated by ...
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TAS Branch News: November 2024

By Jacqui Lawless posted 05-11-2024
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We recently enjoyed our Annual Breakfast with the Minister, where we welcomed the Honourable Jo Palmer for the first time. Ms Palmer was engaging and appeared to thoroughly enjoy her time talking to and learning from Educational Leaders. Our Breakfast was also a great opportunity to congratulate the most recent HALT teachers. These teachers were warmly received by everyone as their work and expertise was recognised. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for the morning, we certainly hope this occasion continues to grow. The ACEL Tasmanian Branch has had a busy year. Engaging with Educational Leaders is what we are focused on. We see so many ...
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ACT Branch News: November 2024

By Sandra Darley posted 05-11-2024
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Dear Colleagues, Welcome to the November edition of our Newsletter. Thank you to Melissa Planten, Principal UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra who has written a reflection on our recent National Conference in Adelaide. Reimagining Education: A future beyond boundaries ACEL National Conference 2024 Adelaide Convention Centre As the day began at the Reimaging Education ACEL Conference 2024 we acknowledged the Kaurna people as the custodians of the lands and waters of the   Adelaide   region, on which we were meeting. A beautiful venue on the banks of the River Torrens, there is something exhilarating when among a group ...
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Leading with Grace, Navigating Professional set-backs

By Fiona Hutton posted 05-11-2024
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Leading with Grace, Navigating Professional set-backs In the competitive world of senior education roles, experiencing unsuccessful applications or facing job loss is a reality that unfortunately, many educational leaders must confront. As the Managing Director of an Australian educational consultancy, with many years of experience in placing principals and senior leaders across Australia, I've observed numerous ways candidates respond to feedback or as part of a performance management process. Facing rejection is a difficult process, however, unfortunately, not all responses are constructive. In this article, I'd like to share some insights on how ...
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VIC Branch News: October 2024

By Annette Rome posted 08-10-2024
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Over the term break, a number of us attended the Australian Council of Educational Leaders conference where the focus was on the future of education, the future of the profession, and the future of the world under the banner of Reimagining Education . There were many outstanding presentations, and I have no doubt further reflections and copies of presentations will be shared. Professor Alan Finkel (AC)’s provocation, bringing together the impacts of global warming, AI, wavering definitions of ‘truth’ and managing dissonance in a world of different backgrounds, incentives and belief systems, was timely, given current global developments. I am reminded of the ...
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SA Branch News: October 2024

By Martyn Anderson posted 08-10-2024
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Dear ACEL Members, I hope you had the opportunity to attend the ACEL National Conference in Adelaide this week. It was a remarkable event, sold out and filled with engaging discussions and insight. As Associate Professor, Glenn Savage noted, this is the premier educational leadership conference in Australia. A huge thank you must go to ACEL CEO, Dr Barbara Watterston, and the amazing ACEL team she leads. The work they do behind the scenes is incredible to deliver a truly outstanding event. During the conference, Michael Murphy, a member of the ACEL SA Branch, captured and recorded interviews from the various presenters, and we look forward to sharing ...
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WA Branch News: October 2024

By Mathilda Joubert posted 08-10-2024
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In this newsletter I will share some reflections from the national conference and highlight upcoming events for the rest of the year. National Conference Reflection I have just returned from the ACEL 2024 National Conference – what an experience! The conference theme was Reimagining education, with subthemes reimagining educational leadership; reimagining schooling; reimagining our profession; and reimagining our future and planet. There were so many inspirational speakers, so many new and deepened insights, and so many moments of connection with likeminded educators from across the country, but mostly I am returning overwhelmed with a renewed sense ...
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The Unchanging Truth: Good Teaching Transcends Policy

By Kirsten Macaulay posted 04-10-2024
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The Unchanging Truth: Good Teaching Transcends Policy As we reflect on the ever-changing landscape of education in New South Wales, it’s crucial to remember that whilst policies may ebb and flow, the heart of our profession remains steadfast: good teaching positively impacts students. In recent years, we've witnessed a flurry of educational reforms and initiatives sweep across our state. From curriculum overhauls, assessment modifications to directives to teach explicitly, we could succumb to overwhelm by the constant flux. However, amidst this sea of change, we must not lose sight of what matters—the privilege we have of shaping young minds that ...
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Message from the President, Term 3 2024

By Briony Scott posted 06-09-2024
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Welcome to the third issue of AEL for 2024, where we look at a future beyond boundaries, for our students, families, and profession. “Boundaries” is a common word in our vernacular to describe the edge or end of one space or concept and the beginning of another. It is the main prop in science fiction tales, where the protagonist enters unknown worlds, and dangers loom from within every shadow! New frontiers are claimed, new ground is explored, and new lands discovered. For those who are brave enough to leap into the unknown, and clever enough to survive, boundaries are what stand between us and grand adventures! There is another perspective we can ...
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Message from the CEO, Term 3 2024

By Barbara Watterston posted 06-09-2024
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In reflecting on our theme of a future beyond boundaries, we know this is not an either/or proposition constrained by polarities. As we acknowledge and celebrate our 2024 peer nominated ACEL National Awardees and New Voice Scholars, we see in our incredible colleagues where boundaries are not barriers to influence and impact; they are safe places to support, flourish, and grow. We can see in our branch activities where opportunities are underscored by a manifesto to inspire and engage teachers and leaders taking pride in being members of our profession; where relationships extend well beyond the confines of the school grounds; where separation between work life ...
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TAS Branch News: September 2024

By Jacqui Lawless posted 03-09-2024
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The Tasmanian ACEL Awards are a highlight of our ACEL calendar. These awards celebrate excellence across the state, across sectors and across leadership experience. Many thanks to those who took the time to nominate their colleagues and celebrate the work that educational leaders across our state. We are looking forward to celebrating our Tasmanian ACEL Awards on the 12th of September. If you would like to join us at the University Club, please register via the ACEL website. Congratulations to our award recipients for 2024 ACEL TAS Early Career Teacher Leadership Award Nur Athirah Abdul Rahman Michael McTigue Rebekah Morrison-Carr Nikita Walker ...
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WA Branch News: September 2024

By Mathilda Joubert posted 03-09-2024
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I hope that Term 3 is progressing well and that you are looking forward to the upcoming holidays. In this WA newsletter I will share some brief reflections on our role as leaders in shaping the next generation of leaders, followed by some updates on upcoming events and branch activities. I hope to see you at some of these future events. Shaping Future Leaders I recently read quite a cynical message on an education social media page, suggesting to an aspiring leader that it is not worth aspiring to educational leadership positions unless they are the right gender, ethnicity and went to the right school. This saddened me, firstly because this does not ...
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VIC Branch News: September 2024

By Annette Rome posted 03-09-2024
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Do you want to be a Principal? When asked if people want to be a principal, the answer is often either a flat out ‘no’ or ‘not sure’ and rarely does the question receive a resoundingly positive response. Curiously, a fourth cohort exists, believing they should already be a principal (often stating they could do a better job than their current principal). The reality is that principal preparation is a body of knowledge and work that needs to be explored so that one can make an informed decision either way. Often perceptions of principal work can be focussed on the conferences, the lunches, the opportunities, the faithful and devoted EA at one’s beck and call ...
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SA Branch News: September 2024

By Martyn Anderson posted 03-09-2024
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ACEL SA Annual Awards Celebration On Thursday, August 29, ACEL SA hosted a memorable evening at the Sanctuary, Adelaide Zoo, to honour the distinguished winners of the ACEL SA Awards for 2024. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of educators across South Australia. We were delighted to be joined by the Hon. John Gardner, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Education, Training, and Skills, as well as Kevin Richardson, a long-time supporter of ACEL and former ‘Alby Jones’ Gold Medal Awardee, who graciously presented the awards. As mentioned in the previous newsletter , our ACEL SA Award Winners ...
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QLD Branch News: September 2024

By Elizabeth Foster posted 03-09-2024
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As the Queensland Branch we are looking forward to connecting with colleagues from other States and Territories at our upcoming National Conference. On Tuesday 20th August, our Australian Council for Educational Leaders Queensland Branch (ACELQ), recognised educational leaders who, in the view of their colleagues, have made a significant contribution to the understanding and practices of the teaching profession and educational leadership. Those who have nurtured and developed the lives of students and enriched the profession by learning with colleagues and contributing to their educational leadership. Please join with us in congratulating our 2024 award recipients. ...
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