Reigniting our Passion for Teaching and Leading
Welcome to Term 2!
In this WA newsletter we will briefly reflect back on Term 1, look forward at an exciting array of events planned for Term 2 and reflect on a topical think on strategies to support teacher wellbeing.
Reflecting Back
Term 1 flew by with a host of exciting ACEL events. We started the year with our Breakfast with the Minister and Sector Leaders event in February, exploring the challenges and opportunities for education in Western Australia in 2024. In March we held a Leading Innovation in Education Network meeting with speakers addressing diverse topics including starting a new school, involving students in authentic community engagement, supporting staff to integrate digital technology into their teaching, reimagining online schooling, and discussing different scenarios of how AI can change schools. In April we held our customary holiday book club, discussing Viviane Robinson’s book “Virtuous Educational Leadership: Doing the Right Work the Right Way”.
Looking Forward
This term we have an equally exciting line-up of events.
Hot Topic on Rural and Remote Leadership
We will kick off the term with a Hot Topic discussion on the Complexities and Benefits of rural/remote leadership – A conversation with WA school leaders on Wednesday the 8th of May (5pm – 7pm). Leadership is complex by its very nature, moreso when we examine the role that context plays in this. Rural and remote communities bring with them their own unique contexts and for school leaders a genuine understanding of place is important element for effective leadership to be realised. Join the ACEL WA team for an evening of authentic case studies exploring the barriers, bridges, benefits and the complexities of rural and remote leadership.
Speakers:
• Brad Evans, Principal, Georgina Molloy Anglican School
• Franca Dillon, Principal, Bunbury Primary School
• Keith Nicholas, Principal, John Paul College, Kalgoorlie
• Vince Bellini, Principal, Our Lady of Mercy College, Australind
The event can be attended in person at Our Lady of Mercy College in Australind or online via Zoom. Please book your spot here.
Leading Data-Informed Change with Dr Selena Fisk
On Friday the 17th of May the amazing Dr Selena Fisk (the absolute queen of data and a lovely person to boot) will be running a half-day workshop in Perth on “Leading Data-Informed Change” in Osborne Park. This leadership workshop will establish the importance of teams using data to analyse the impact of their work on student learning outcomes. Please join us for the workshop from 12.30pm – 3.30pm and/or a post-workshop networking event from 3.45pm – 4.45pm for some informal conversations with Selena and other ACEL members.
Leading Innovation in Education Network meeting
Each term where we invite educational leaders from across the different sectors and systems to informally share case studies of Leading Innovation in their educational settings, discussing the joys and challenges of managing change. The topics vary widely, from innovations introduced for staff, to students or the community, related to curriculum, pedagogy, technology, cultural engagement, ways of working or indeed anything else. We visit a different school each time to explore innovation in action and the conversations are always insightful. Our next Leading Innovation in Education network will be on Wednesday the 5 June, 10am – 12pm at Bob Hawke College.
Speakers include:
• John Burke, Principal, Bob Hawke College
• Shannon Armitage, Director of Senior School (Teaching and Learning), All Saints College
• Rachael Lehr, Associate Principal & Ray Boyd, Principal, Dayton Primary School
• Andrew Gammon, Principal, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Donnybrook
The Leading Innovation Network events are free, but please book your spot here for catering purposes.
Educational Leadership Book Club
Every term we choose a book to read and then get together to engage in conversations around the book. We meet in Perth (with an optional Zoom link) during the school holidays and a group meets in the South West towards the end of teach term to discuss the same book. The book we are currently reading is “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear. We will discuss it in Perth on Thursday the 11th of July from 10am – 12pm. Anyone is welcome to attend book club and feel free to bring along other members from your leadership team or aspiring leaders. Just order yourself a copy of the book, read part (or all) of the book before we meet (or listen to an e-book or author podcast) and join us for some collegial conversation on the day. Book Club is always a free event, but please register here so that we know numbers for catering.
National Awards
Please remember to nominate deserving colleagues for the ACEL National Awards and New Voice Scholarships.
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. This year we have further streamlined the nomination process to assist you in making nominations.
The national awards are presented at the ACEL National Conference in the September/October school holiday – in Adelaide this year – and the New Voice Scholarship includes complementary attendance at the conference. So please nominate colleagues that you think could benefit from a boost to their educational leadership journey.
Think Piece
Reigniting the Passion for Teaching: Strategies to Support Teacher Wellbeing
Teacher working conditions has been at the forefront of our minds recently. The weight on teachers’ shoulders is undeniable. Between ever-growing workloads, student needs, and a national teacher shortage, the teaching profession is facing a crisis point. But amidst the challenges, there’s a crucial truth we can’t forget: teaching is a deeply rewarding career, and our teachers are the architects of the future.
We cannot single-handedly change the workload demands of the job, but as educational leaders we can help to reignite the passion within our staff teams and create an organisational environment that fosters staff wellbeing. Here are a few practical strategies that we can employ.
• Remind them why they started. Teachers didn’t enter this profession for the money or the accolades. They came because they are passionate about education, about fostering young minds, and making a difference. Remind your staff of their "why." Highlight student successes, share positive feedback from parents, and celebrate milestones. Let them see the tangible impact they have every day.
• Champion work-life balance. Respect teachers’ time outside of school. Discourage the expectation of constant availability. Encourage them to use their DOTT-time effectively and discourage them from working late or on weekends. Promote a culture of “switching off” when they leave the building. Their personal well-being directly impacts their performance in the classroom.
• Create a culture of collaboration. Foster a sense of community and belonging within your staff. Organise team-building activities to strengthen bonds and build trust. Create opportunities where teachers can share their ideas and concerns openly. Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among staff. Most importantly, listen to their concerns when it comes to workload and work with them to find solutions.
• Celebrate and recognise – even the little things. Teachers rarely get the recognition they deserve. Celebrate their achievements, big and small. Publicly acknowledge their contributions during staff meetings, school newsletters, or even social media posts. Nominate them for awards and recognise their dedication in front of the entire school community.
• Remember, you make a difference. Leading in education is not easy, but it is worthwhile. You can make a meaningful difference for your staff. By creating an environment that prioritises their well-being and celebrates their contributions, you can help teachers rediscover the joy of teaching. When teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered, they are more likely to stay in the profession, leading to a more positive and stable learning environment for all. Let’s work together to ensure teaching remains the fulfilling, inspiring career it was always meant to be.
Have a wonderful Term 2. I look forward to seeing you at future ACEL WA events.
Dr Mathilda Joubert
WA Branch President