2011 VPA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The VPA’s 41st AGM was held on Friday, 25 November, 2011, at Moonee Valley Racecourse. Academic and Research Director, Professor Stephen Dinham from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, the University of Melbourne, was our guest speaker.
Professor Dinham's presentation is available here- Professor Dinham's Presentation
NATIONAL REGULATIONS
The National Regulations have been approved by Ministers and are available on the ACECQA website. The approval of the Regulations is a major milestone in achieving nationally consistent quality of education and care for Australian children who attend services.
VIT
Melanie Saba, CEO of the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), was a guest speaker at the VPA August Council meeting and conducted a presentation on the role of the VIT.
Principals were reminded to check VIT online regularly – it is updated daily and shows teacher registration status. There is a principals’ website for queries at www.vit.vic.gov.au
There is still some unregistered teacher practice occurring.
Renewal dates have changed to September 30th for everyone. The CRC check is needed every 5 years.
There will be a move towards new standards in 2012 – need to consider VIT Standards, DEECD Standards and National Standards.
Concern was expressed over excessive fines and threats to principals when teachers have registered in a timely manner.
Access Melanie's Powerpoint presentation- VIT Presentation
2011 VPA STUDY AWARDS
The VPA has a long standing tradition of supporting members in practical ways and facilitating their continuing development. The provision of high quality Professional Learning continues to be an important priority for the VPA. The VPA Study Awards Program is a significant means by which the Association delivers development opportunities for members. The VPA receives very positive feedback from members who have availed themselves of this Program.
The VPA Study Award winners were announced at our Annual Conference Dinner on August 1st. A huge congratulations goes out to the following winners;
1. Deborah Patterson- Valuing Creativity, Curiosity and Innovation in our Schools - Award by PSW Quality Apparel
2. Ric Maguire-Success with Flexible Learning Spaces - Award by the Victoria Teachers Credit Union
3. Russell Gascoigne- Learning and leading with Information and CommunicationTechnologies – Award by Learning with Technologies (LWT)
4. Pamela Anderson- Leadership in Successful Schools - Award by PSW Quality Apparel
The VPA would like to acknowledge the generous financial support provided by the following sponsors for the 2011 Study Awards Program:
· PSW Quality Apparel
· Learning with Technologies (LWT)
· Victoria Teachers Credit Union
THE REVIEW OF FUNDING FOR SCHOOLING
Below is a copy of Chris Bonnor's view on the topical Gonski's Review of School Funding happening nationally.
The Review of Funding for Schooling
MEETING WITH RURAL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
‘Think Tank’ led by VPA President Gabrielle Leigh was held in Warrnambool in May, 2010.
Quote of the ‘Think Tank’
Just as small positive things make a huge difference to the well-being of a small school environment – small negative things make a huge difference to the well-being of a small school environment.
Meeting with Rural School Principals
EDUCATION REFORM PAPER
Professor Michael Fullan in his paper ‘Choosing the Wrong Drivers for Whole System Reform’ examines drivers typically chosen by leaders to accomplish whole system school reform. He critiques the inadequacy of these drivers to achieve the intended outcomes, and offers alternative drivers that are proving more effective for accomplishing the desired goals. He concludes that the most successful systems around the world are using drivers with permanent staying power and that if countries lagging behind- including the US and Australia- do not change their ways, the gap will widen.
Fullan's Education Reform Paper
SAMPLE POLICY- DUTY OF CARE
VPA SCHOOLS FUNDING REVIEW SUBMISSION
The current Federal Government Funding Review, headed by David Gonski, is being conducted. The VPA Board has prepared a submission.
VPA Schools Funding Review Submission
NEGOTIATING A LOCAL AGREEMENT
You may be interested in checking out this valuable resource developed by VASSP.
The booklet includes tips from practicing principals on leading the negotiations on the local implementation of the EBA in a school.
EBA - Negotiating a local agreement
SHARED WISDOM- OSHC
Shared Wisdom is a resource to promote best practice in collaborative relationships and partnerships between Out of School Hours Care services and school leaders