Take part in the National Day of Action against Bullying No Images? Click here Imagine this: A world without bullying and violenceWe are confronted with stories and images of bullying and violence in society every day, and it’s not unusual to feel that we can’t do much to bring about change. Some people believe that bullying and violence are simply inevitable — a part of growing up — and if children can overcome this it is ‘character building’. But, as educators, we know this view is wrong. Children who are bullied or who experience violence are more likely to suffer long-term emotional problems, and are less likely to achieve their potential in learning and in life. The good news is that schools are the best places for students to feel empowered to take action against behaviours that cause harm and get in the way of creating safe, positive, inclusive and respectful learning environments. March 16 is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This annual event is a great opportunity for schools to register, get involved, and share their big ideas for working together for a brighter future. So, take a moment to imagine what would happen if there were no bullying or violence in the world today. It could start with you, your students and their parents right now. Time to start thinking outside the box! j_eitzen/iStock.com Student Wellbeing HubFind great resources for your classroom to build students’ social and emotional skills so they can better understand and respond to bullying and violence. Discover practical strategies to create a positive classroom climate where everyone is accepted in the free Resilient and Inclusive Classrooms professional learning module. You’ll receive a certificate aligned to the AITSL standards and the National Safe Schools Framework. Schools Catalogue Information Service (SCIS)School libraries can provide a safe haven for students by giving them the freedom to explore, create, be inspired and discover new things. School libraries: Miracles and madness Digital Technologies HubTo assist your school with the challenges of learning about and implementing the new Digital Technologies curriculum, the Digital Technologies Hub has just released a Scope and Sequence for Foundation to Year 10. Units are organised under relevant topics for each year band, and include an overview and visual map of the content descriptions and key elements. Learning sequences can be found under each unit, and offer targeted resources, assessment advice, and support for differentiation through the SOLO taxonomy matrix. It’s up to you whether you dip your toe in the water, or dive right in! Either way, you can start today, by implementing an aspect of the Digital Technologies curriculum that suits your students’ needs and that you feel comfortable with. Rewrite your story: Report cyberbullyingThe Office of the eSafety Commissioner has released a range of lesson plans for years 9–10 covering critical thinking, empathy, respect, resilience and responsibility. Each lesson addresses a real life story, with the aim of combatting cyberbullying. Early Childhood Resource HubThe February newsletter explores the rationale for setting up a bush kinder, as well as the practicalities of implementing this type of program. There are two case studies from Victoria. You will also find links to reflective questions about risks and hazards, and links to resources that further explore outdoor play and design of outdoor spaces. Survey: Use of technology in the classroomThe University of Melbourne is seeking primary school teachers of languages to complete an anonymous online survey about the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program and the use of technology in the classroom. The focus of the survey is twofold:
If you are interested in participating, please use the link below. For more information about this project, or to discuss the survey in person, please contact Professor John Hajek at j.hajek@unimelb.edu.au as soon as possible. What's new in Scootle?This month's selection includes a series of new learning sequences from the Scope and Sequence of the Digital Technologies Hub, some fresh Laptop Wraps exploring ideas around liveability and issues around the Stolen Generations. There are also resources to support the Work Skills curriculum including careers in STEM, and an extensive collection of resources designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. ABC Education has replaced ABC Splash, so we’ve provided a link to the new web portal. Scootle Community is closingScootle Community, the professional learning platform for Scootle users, will be closing on 13 April 2018. Other Scootle services will not be affected. Upcoming eventsConferences ESA is attending
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