As the Queensland Branch for ACEL, we have clarity of our purpose in that we will continue to provide resonant and innovative professional learning opportunities, which enable a platform for educational leaders and individuals who have an interest in the profession to share discourse and research.
We trust that again you will join with us both at in-person and hybrid events as we collectively build the leadership knowledge, skills, understanding and capability of our current and future educational leaders.
In these initial months of 2024, we recognise the significant thinking, planning and sequencing in ensuring meaningful learning opportunities that occur as a result of our Pivotal People leads and teams. On the Gold Coast, Majda Benzenati, Karen Caswell; in Brisbane, Sarah Gunn, Susan Garson, Liz Lacey, Tanya Anderson, Melissa Alexander, Jenny DaSilva, Adam Kuss. We thank these people for their significant contribution. We also recognise our Darling Downs team Joan Conway, Donna Stahlhut, Marty Savage, Tania Leach, Rob Cantle, Tom McCormick, Michael Floyd, James, Leach, Susan Carter, Linda Bourke for their time given to providing an ACEL connection in this part of our State.
During May we have three opportunities for people in our professional association and those considering membership to join together in discourse.
Our third ACEL Qld Pivotal People event for 2024 was held this week. The topic included Allyship and ReconciliAction, and the role middle leaders play in capacity building, supporting staff on their cultural journey, valuing culture and creating safe and inclusive environments so that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have the opportunity to thrive and flourish. Another powerful evening of sharing, collaborating and networking with current and aspiring middle leaders.
We thank our presenters: Tammy Baart, Dharug woman of the Boorooberongal clan, experienced middle leader and owner / founder of Blak Ignited, Lisa Catterson, Deputy Principal at Harris Fields State School, Regan Veivers, Deputy Principal at Ashmore State School, Cheyanne Conroy, Wurundjeri woman, Head of Department: Wellbeing & Engagement at Coomera Rivers State School.
On 29th May our Brisbane Pivotal People will hold their Term 2 event and on May 30th our Darling Downs and South West Queensland colleagues will gather for a ‘Dinner on the Downs’. Please find in this news update, details and registration links for the two Pivotal People events, together with ‘Dinner on the Downs’ in Toowoomba. We look forward to welcoming returning and new colleagues.
Our Australian Council for Educational Leaders National and Branch awards stand alone as recognition of the profession, by the profession. Please find below information regarding our State Branch Awards together with our National Awards.
Queensland Branch Awards
Australian Council for Educational Leaders Queensland Branch (ACELQ) honours 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.
ACELQ members are invited to nominate worthy candidates who have:
- Contributed to the body of distinct theory and knowledge of our teaching profession
- Nurtured and developed the lives of students through their educational leadership.
- Enriched the profession by learning from their colleagues and contributing to their educational leadership.
We look forward to recognising award recipients in the state system, Catholic and independent schools, professional associations, university teacher education faculties and supporting organisations. The award recipients are presented at the ACEL QLD Annual Branch Awards Ceremony on 20 August 2024 at Ormiston College, amongst colleagues, family and friends. Please click here for more details and to make a nomination by Friday 31 May 2024.
ACEL National Awards
ACEL’s prestigious peer-nominated National Awards and New Voice Scholarships are proudly recognising the education profession for the 39th year. Nominations are welcomed from all members of the education community, both ACEL members and non-members.
The New Voice Scholarships are part of ACEL’s significant commitment to recognise the emerging voices in educational leadership. New Voice Scholarships recognise forward thinking, contextually relevant and responsive educational leaders whose work has had an impact above and beyond their immediate context.
For further details and to make your nominations, go to: National Awards and New Voice Scholarshipsby Monday 6 May, 12 noon AEST.
Pivotal People Brisbane: Wednesday 29th May 2024
ACEL QLD Pivotal People Brisbane. Filter/bridge/conduit – how does it really work?
Wednesday 29th May, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Venue: Our Lady's College - Annerley 15 Chester Road ANNERLEY QLD 4103
Academic middle leaders occupy a critical management and leadership role in secondary school contexts, which can give them an identity. Sandwiched between senior management and teaching staff, they act as a conduit to “filter change in both directions” (Bennett et al., 2003, p. 235). Middle leaders may employ unconscious moves or strategy, to build ‘bridges’ and influence across many different fields.
Join us to hear some authentic scenarios, successes and challenges that will be shared by middle leaders and colleagues. Our Presenters: Melissa Alexander, St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School, Brayden Giles, St Johns’ Anglican College.
Register: https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/Active/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=24QLDPPBM
Dinner on the Downs 30th May 2024
Thursday 30th May, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Venue: Fairholme College Toowoomba
With a diverse professional background across teaching, educational leadership, counselling, coaching, conflict resolution, professional supervision, training, and workplace wellness design, Sharing her insights in aligning context and evidence-based approaches that have culminated in a range of student care practices linking wellbeing to successful student outcomes in relation to learning, personal achievement, social competence and emotional resilience, we have the privilege of welcoming Sue Chandler as our guest speaker.
Register: https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/Active/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=24QLDDOD
If you have questions or if we can be of any other assistance, please contact our Branch by email: branch.qld@acel.org.au
Thank you for your time and continued commitment to our profession, for your leadership.
Liz Foster
ACEL QLD Branch President