OCTOBER 2019

Last week was World Teachers' Day – a day to acknowledge, recognise and appreciate the hard work and dedication of teachers, and the impact they make on our children's lives. You may be familiar with our CEO David de Carvalho's vlog series 'Fanning the flames of wonder', the name of which was inspired by a mathematics teacher who would walk around the classroom with a hand-held fan. When questioned, he would say he was 'fanning the flames of wonder' in his students. That small action had a lasting impact on David - and he's carried it with him through his career in education. We'd love to hear parents' perspectives about the biggest and smallest lessons (life or otherwise) that your teachers gave you. Feel free to drop us a line at parentupdate@acara.edu.au.

LATEST NEWS

Speaking of our CEO's vlog series, the latest episode is now up on our blog. In this video, David explains our national assessment role, the difference between 'summative' and 'formative' assessments, and highlights where NAPLAN fits into it all. If you've ever wanted to understand more about NAPLAN and where it fits in the Australian education space, this episode is worth a watch. 

Navigating the world of work

Did you know the Australian Curriculum includes a stand-alone curriculum subject called Work Studies that is designed as an elective? Students in Years 9 and 10 can develop their knowledge of the world of work and the importance of lifelong learning; learn how to manage careers, change and transitions, and build the interpersonal skills and resilience they need to work, interact and communicate successfully with others in the workplace. The subject is designed for all students, whether they follow a vocational or academic path. There are also some great videos on the Australian Curriculum website that show how careers education is delivered in schools around the country. While these resources are primarily for teachers, you may find them useful as a parent when discussing career options with your child. 

Career education can be delivered in many ways to inspire children to think about what career they want to follow in the future. At Rooty Hill High School in NSW, students have been participating in entrepreneurial learning through the school's Young Entrepreneurs Program.

National Recycling Week

Sustainability is a cross-curriculum priority in the Australian Curriculum. That means when your child is in class learning Science, Maths, English and other subjects, they can also develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to contribute to more sustainable patterns of living. For example, a science student might learn about different types of materials and why some can be recycled and others can't, or a maths student could calculate the amount of landfill that would be reduced by recycling paper in the classroom. 11 to 17 November is National Recycling Week and if your child has been showing an interest in sustainability and recycling, you may find the resources on their website useful.  

A safer Schoolies experience

Schoolies – that rite of passage Year 12 students often take from mid-to end-November – is almost upon us. If your child is participating this year, the Queensland Government's Safer Schoolies website offers a number of parent resources, including a checklist for parents and a series of videos to start conversations with your child – from budgeting, emotional health and support, to alcohol, drugs and the law. In the Australian Curriculum, students can develop their personal and social capability as they learn to understand themselves and others, and manage their relationships, lives, work and learning more effectively. Read more on the Australian Curriculum website.

Online milestones for your child

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has released information on navigating key online milestones for children. Factsheets include 'Your child's first smartphone – are they old enough?' and '7 tips about screen time'. There's also a quick video that gives you an overview of some of the most popular social media sites and apps. 

Sharing is caring!

Want to share the love with your friends and colleagues? You can easily share by clicking the 'Forward' button (mail icon) at the bottom of this newsletter.

We’d love you to contribute to our newsletter. Email us at parentupdate@acara.edu.au.