FROM THE FRONT: 29-07-10: Young people’s mental health and well-being
In highlighting the need for a greatly enhanced and appropriately resourced emphasis on young people’s mental health and positive social and emotional development, the Australian Government rightly recognises the importance not only of early identification of potential risk factors – but also and at least as importantly, putting in place processes to enhance the positive environments and protective factors which support young people’s building of resilience, well-being, community engagement, positive outlook and a sense of optimism for the future.
In making these announcements, both the Prime Minister and the Health Minister have specifically noted the vitally important role of teachers and parents – a role that as much about building a positive and supportive developmental environment for young people as about supporting those at risk. Prevention from the early stages being much better and more cost-effective than remediation further down the track. read more
EDITORIAL:
A fresh perspective on Australian education issues that are making news – or ought to be.
13-07-10: Parents applaud Prime Minister’s extension of education tax break
Peter Garrigan, 13 July 2010
The parents of the some 2.4 million young people attending Australia’s public primary and secondary schools have put their full support behind Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s pledge to extend the education tax break in ways that will provide significant and much-needed assistance to those families doing it tough, in their efforts to provide their children with the best possible educational opportunities.
We see this as a further practical step in Julia Gillard and the government achieving the pledge she made to Australia’s families – ‘to make sure that every student – in every community – can achieve their potential’.
All parents want the best for their children, have strong aspirations for their children’s progress, are committed to supporting their development and take joint pride with the school in their achievements. But there are very many parents who, through no fault of their own, find the financial pressures that go with this commitment are hard to manage. They need and deserve a helping hand, a fair go, in carrying out their vitally important role as the first and continuing educators of their children. read more
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29-07-10: Health & Well-being Special – Mental Health: ABS reports high rates of youth mental disorders; Perspective on ABS data; Labor offers funds including for youth; McGorry says it’s not enough; South Aust funds early intervention; ACSSO Editorial; Special Needs: Teachers overwhelmed; designing Giant Steps school; autism numbers rise as funding falls; Body Image: Federal funds to work in schools; Classroom Health & Safety: NSW’s unflued gas heater debacle; Cyber-bullying: The psychiatric issues; Hygiene: Basic hand hygiene; the case for soap; Gardening & Food Education: Gould League’s Multicultural School Gardens Program; Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program; UK report shows benefits; Digital Education Revolution: Laptop ergonomic awareness; Reminders; ACSSO Email Newsletters … read more
27-07-10: Federal Election 2010: Coalition’s Education Tax Break; ACSSO’s reaction; Compulsory student union fees; Ben Eltham’s overview; Funding: Government schools lose from government funding of private schools; Awards & Prizes: Schools First Awards; Indigenous Education: Catherine Freeman Foundation; Towards a National Curriculum: Cutting student hours for technology and design; Opinion: Finland’s teaching and learning system; Building the Education Revolution: BER report out before election: Gillard; Reserach: Early intrervention improves higher education outcomes for disadvantaged students; Around the States & Territories: (16 items); Reminders; ACSSO Email Newsletters … read more
