APC Newsletter Term 2, 2018
Welcome to our second newsletter of the year.
The big news in the last few weeks has been the publication of the Gonski review's findings. APC welcomes the recognition of the importance of engaging parents, and has called on the whole education community to work together to make the changes necessary to help all children achieve their potential. Our full response is included below.
The highlight this term is our three sessions at the EduTECH Conference in Sydney on 7 June. We are very excited to be hosting panels on:
- parent engagement programs and training
- digital age parenting
NAPLAN Online
It is a great chance to put some parent-centric questions to our interesting, informed and influential speakers.
We have six VIP passes to give away to parents, that allow you to attend any and all conferences within EduTECH, and include the chance to see speakers Senator Simon Birmingham, Federal Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, Minister for Education NSW, and Julia Gillard.
Just let us know why you'd like to attend, or send us some questions to put to our speakers and panel members on your behalf, and the best responses will each receive a pass. Contact us via email: media@austparents.edu.au or via the links below.
EduTECH 7-8 June
Congress & Expo, International Convention Centre, Sydney
EduTECH is the largest education event in the Southern Hemisphere. It's for not just for educators, it also provides a platform for parents to engage with their child's learning whilst networking with educators and other parents at the event.
Free parent sessions
4-6pm, Thursday June 7 2018, Expo Main Stage
APC Session 1: Parent Engagement Programs and Training
4.05pm, 7 June, Expo Main Stage
A presentation and panel discussion hosted by Shelley Hill, President APC, with Caz (Baston) Bosch of Lee Hecht Harrison, introducing the following parent engagement programs and training:
1. The Successful Learning in the Early Years program
2. The Indigenous Parent Factor program
3. Cert IV in Parent, Family and Community Engagement.
Interested in Cert IV Parent, Family and Community Engagement qualification?
Enrolments for the newly launched Cert IV Parent, Family and Community Engagement qualification are open and on-going.
APC Session 2: Digital Age Parenting
4.35pm, 7 June, Expo Main Stage
Presentation and panel discussion with Kellie Britnell, Manager of Outreach and Education at the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (left) and Claire Orange, counsellor and Accredited Resilience Trainer, hosted by Shelley Hill, APC President.
APC Session 3: NAPLAN Online from a Parent Perspective
5.10pm, 7 June, Expo Main Stage
Presentation from Dr Stanley Neil Rabinowitz, General Manager Assessment and Reporting, ACARA, and panel discussion hosted by Shelley Hill, APC President. This is a chance to find out what NAPLAN Online means for parents and children.
APC welcomes the Gonski panel report
The Australian Parents Council was pleased to see the strong emphasis on the importance of engaging with parents throughout their child’s education to improve their achievement before, during and beyond school, outlined in the Gonski panel’s review, ‘Through Growth to Achievement’.
We also support the value in individual arm’s length assessment so parents can get independent information on how their children are progressing, and teachers can gain access to timely information that helps them develop individual learning plans tailored to the needs of each individual student.
APC has consistently, and continues to call for a coordinated policy, which brings together best practice and evidence of what works in parent engagement to make the positive impact we all want to see for our children. We hope this now becomes a reality.
We would like to see all governments of Australia commit to providing the necessary support to students, parents, teachers and schools to make sure we are giving the future generation the best opportunity to realise their potential.
Joint statement on NAPLAN
The APC issued a joint statement with Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) and the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ISPA), that NAPLAN provides objective information that can be useful for parents.
The statement included the following points:
NAPLAN "is a snapshot that gives parents a picture of how their child is progressing from a national perspective, and along with their child’s report, provides a basis for further discussion with the child’s teacher.
"It is often reassuring for parents to be able to see how their children are going and that they are where they should be.
"It is those with most to gain from education that NAPLAN clearly identifies. NAPLAN shines a spotlight that allows us all to advocate for the necessary resources and support needed for all Australian children."
Where has APC been?
May
ACARA Curriculum development meeting &
Parents and Principals Peak National Bodies meeting
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