On 28 March 2009 the National Public Education Forum was held at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

An historic event, organised by the Australian Council for State School Organisations (ACSSO), Australian Education Union (AEU), Australian Government Primary Principals Association (AGPPA) and Australian Secondary Principals Association (ASPA), the National Public Education Forum brought together over 200 academics, researchers, public / media commentators, parents, teachers and principals.

The Forum was opened by an address by The Hon. Julia Gillard MP at a special Forum reception on 27 March 2009.

Most of the papers from the National Public Education Forum are now available for download. Vodcasts of key presentations to the forum will be available in the near future.

Read more at http://www.aeufederal.org.au/Publications/2009/NPEF/NPEFpapers.html

PLANNING & REFORM

MCEETYA Action Plan 2009-2012 Responses

On 5 December 2008, State, Territory and Commonwealth Ministers of Education meeting as the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs, released the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians which sets the direction for Australian schooling for the next 10 years.

The Goals were developed by Education Ministers in collaboration with the Catholic and independent school sectors, following public consultation on the draft declaration.

The Melbourne Declaration supersedes The Adelaide Declaration that was released in 1999.

A Consultation Draft Action Plan has been developed to accompany the Melbourne Declaration.

Read the draft Action Plan at http://www.mceetya.edu.au/verve/_resources/National_Goals_-_Action_Plan_-_draft_for_consultation.pdf

MCEETYA sought input from stakeholders on the draft Action Plan by 6 March 2009, and many interested parties responded.

Australian Education Union

The focus of educational reform should accordingly be on addressing educational inequity. Supporting and properly resourcing the public education system, which educates the majority of Australian students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, must be central to this process.

In this context, the AEU considers it extraordinary that the action plan fails to make any direct statement in recognition of the centrality of public education in capacity building, community building and nation building, and in overcoming social and educational disadvantage. It fails to recognise the role of public education in our society and what it can do for each individual child and the nation as a whole.

We hope that the final action plan will adequately reflect the role of public education.

Public education remains the key to a vibrant, socially inclusive and cohesive democratic Australia.

Read more at http://www.aeufederal.org.au/Publications/2009/mceetyasub2009.pdf

Independent Education Union of Australia

The IEUA supports, in principle, the MCEETYA Action Plan 2009-2012 for the Educational Goals for Young Australians.  The IEUA believes that the Action Plan provides an appropriate framework for the building a comprehensive program of action to deliver the Goals.

The IEUA notes that the Action Plan represents the higher level elements for delivery of the Goals and anticipates that further consultation with stakeholders and the commitment of the necessary resources to realise the Plan will be evident in the next stage of this process.

Read more at http://www.ieu.org.au/ieua_submission___mceetya_national_goals_action_plan.doc

Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers

The Association notes and supports ‘eight inter-related’ areas for action as listed. These are key areas.

The Association suggests in the strongest possible terms that a ninth specific area for action in support of the goals from the Melbourne Declaration should relate specifically to the domain of mathematics and science education.

This would give confidence that MCEETYA will initiate and lead practical efforts over the next quadrennium to address the serious and trenchant issues in this area.

Read more at http://www.aamt.edu.au/content/download/11346/146340/file/Action%20Plan%20Response_AAMT_final.pdf

Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations

The eight inter-related areas of the National Declaration are all-encompassing and will provide a suitable underpinning from which Australian teachers of languages and cultures (alongside their teaching colleagues in all other curriculum areas) can continue to support, adopt and enact the curriculum.

The AFMLTA is keen to support any funded initiatives that help the intended developing of stronger partnerships. The already excellent work completed for languages education with the design and dissemination of Promotions Materials supporting the teaching and learning of languages can be drawn upon to do this.

The AFMLTA acknowledges the importance placed on supporting quality teaching and school leadership. The Government’s funding of the AFMLTA’s Professional Standards Project will need to be further assisted financially beyond its 2010 end date in order to achieve the goal more fully by 2012.

Read more at http://www.afmlta.asn.au/ebm3-doc/679729/AFMLTA%20feedback%20to%20M.pdf

More responses can be found online by Googling "MCEETYA Action Plan 2009-2012"

FAMILY-SCHOOL & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

$5 million to support partnerships that improve student outcomes

Schools First is about bringing together students, teachers, parents and community members, to support each other and help improve student outcomes.

With a prize pool of $5 million every year for three years, Schools First is a national awards program that provides financial recognition of success in establishing effective school-community partnerships; and financial support to build stronger school-community partnerships.

And it's open to all Australian primary and secondary schools, whether they're public or private, special needs, religious or independent. The awards include up to 60 local awards of $50,000 each and up to eight state awards of $100,000 each. And one outstanding national award recipient will receive $500,000 - $1 million!

From March to June 2009, a series of 80 public workshops are being held in cities and regional centres around Australia.  The workshops provide community and school participants with practical guidance on how to create successful school and community partnerships and strengthen existing ones.

Workshop dates and locations:  http://www.schoolsfirst.edu.au/docs/SF-Workshops-110309.pdf

General information and to sign up for the email newsletter: http://www.schoolsfirst.edu.au/cms-home/index.phps

TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION

Alacrity Technologies partners with ACSSO to link families and schools via your mobile phone

The simple, unique and revolutionary SENDS (Student Event Notification Delivery System) enables school administrators to send SMS messages to parents advising of:

• Absenteeism
• Transport notices (bus delays or cancellations) 
• Changes to sporting events 
• Emergency situations (such as a lockdown) 
• P&C messages 
• Fundraising activities 
• Other ad hoc messaging requirements

SENDS provides a highly automated system that allows notices to be sent to parents daily advising them of absenteeism.

It can also be used to broadcast other messages such as information on school events and sports notices.

Download the Brochure at: http://www.alacritytech.com.au/pdf/ACSSO_About_SENDS.pdf

To place an order to acquire SENDS for your school and community: http://www.alacritytech.com.au/pdf/ACSSO_SENDS_Order_Form.pdf 
 
To find out more, visit the Alacrity Technologies website at: http://www.alacritytech.com.au/acsso.asp

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

PC Police move in to re-education our impressionable children

Susie O'Brien, Herald Sun, April 14, 2009

Victorian babies, toddlers and preschoolers are set to become political activists under new Federal Government guidelines.  The April 2009 draft Early Years Learning Framework wants teachers to make under-fives:

• Contribute to reconciliation, including flying the Aboriginal flag and inviting elders to give talks. 
• Use "social inclusion puppets" and "persona dolls" to explore exclusion and ethical issues. 
• Challenge and resist bias and discrimination. 
• Take action in unfair situations and learn to act when injustice occurs. 
• Assess and act on power dynamics as they get older.

The political emphasis of the controversial guidelines has divided early learning experts.  Some, such as leading Melbourne educational consultant Kathy Walker, have questioned the merits of such issues being "rammed down the throats" of two, three and four-year-olds.   "Although I welcome the emphasis on play-based learning, there is an air of political correctness about the document overall," she said.

Others, such as Meredith Carter, CEO of Kindergarten Parents Victoria, believe it is merely an attempt to "include and welcome all families to join in preschool and kinder".

"It's not as if children will be harmed for life by this focus on difference and commonality," she said.

The guidelines also focus strongly on play-based learning, the importance of communication and language, the role of the family in children's lives, and social and emotional development.

Read entire article: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25330473-2862,00.html

The life-long importance of early years learning

Interview with Hon Maxine McKew MP on 14 April 2009

Maxine McKew: I was fascinated to see that piece this morning. Certainly, I welcome the debate around what the Government is doing, that is the Early Years Learning Framework, which is a key part of the reforms that we’re moving on for young children, but certainly I would like to see balanced debate.

And I’ll just make one thing very, very clear: we’re not forcing child care centres or preschools to do anything. No one is going to be forced to fly any kind of flag.

The end game here, Carol, is so that children get to school and they are happy, confident learners. Well, we know it’s what happens when children are two and three and four that often determines how happy a transition children have to school, so at the core of this Learning Framework is making sure that children are developing the communication skills - learning language, learning how to get on with each other, all these important things.

Read entire interview at: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/McKew/Pages/default.aspx

Draft Early Learning Years Framework

Hon Maxine McKew MP, Parliamentary Secretary, 14 April 2009

The Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Maxine McKew has today welcomed debate around the development of Australia’s first Early Years Learning Framework.

The Government has engaged in extensive public consultations, including through an online forum, because we want to have a genuine debate about early childhood learning.

The Government’s priority is to develop a high quality early learning framework for all pre-school children to ensure they get the best start in life.

Consultation on the Draft Early Years Learning Framework is ongoing.

The Draft Framework does not suggest it should be compulsory for pre-schools to fly the Aboriginal or any other flag.  The Government will not be making it compulsory that pre-schools fly the Aboriginal flag.

The Draft Framework and related documents have been and continue to be publicly available at http://www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/OfficeOfEarlyChildhood/sqs/Pages/EarlyYearsLearningFramework.aspx

Read entire release at: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/McKew/Pages/default.aspx

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION

Indigenous Community Festivals

The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Minister for Education, 8 April 2009

The Australian Government provides $3.05 million annually under the Community Festivals for Education Engagement program.

This funding supports events that encourage school attendance, retention and healthy lifestyles for all young Australians, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in regional, rural and remote communities.

14 Community Festivals will be held across the country in 2009 and events will each run for two or more days.

Their aim is to encourage students to attend school regularly, to complete year 12 and to pursue further educational and employment opportunities. The events promote a minimum school attendance rate of 85 per cent.

Read more - including a list of festivals offered funding - at http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090408_174616.aspx

HIGHER EDUCATION

Gillard has more front than the MCG

Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education, 27 March 2009

Julia Gillard's reported admission that there will be no funding for the Higher Education sector in the upcoming budget is the final nail in the coffin of her so-called Education Revolution, according to Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education. 

"Ms Gillard's claim that the "global financial crisis has been pounding the budget" and that she can no longer afford to fund the recommendations of her own Higher Education review is a shameless attempt at smoke and mirrors that would embarrass even the most amateur magician," Mr Pyne said.

Read more at http://www.pyneonline.com.au/news/article/gillard-has-more-front-than-the-mcg

$800m lost by Unis as Govt buys pink batts

Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education, 8 April 2009

The Australian Government has been flagrantly splashing money on cash handouts and pink batts while Universities are facing an $800 million shortfall in income according to Universities Australia, said Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education today.

"Universities Australia has revealed already struggling universities are facing a loss of investment income of up to $800 million, making a mockery of the Rudd Government's spending priorities," Mr Pyne said.

"Just a month ago the Minister for Education promised historic reforms to the higher education sector," he said.

Read more at http://www.pyneonline.com.au/news/article/800m-lost-by-unis-as-govt-buys-pink-batts

Pyne walking both sides of the street on higher education

The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Minister for Education, 8 April 2009

The Shadow Minister for Education and Training, Christopher Pyne is shamelessly walking both sides of the street on higher education.

In just over twelve months, the Education Minister, Julia Gillard has delivered more than $1.5 billion in higher education infrastructure, $600 million more than the previous Liberal government did in over a decade.

The most comprehensive review of higher education in a decade has also been commissioned, received and released publicly by the Minister in the last twelve months.

As is the prudent, responsible approach, the Government will respond comprehensively to the Bradley Review of Higher Education in the Budget context.

Read more at http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090408_163635.aspx

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ACT: Schools closure report to remain off limits

Victor Violante, Canberra Times, 8 April 2009

The ACT Legislative Assembly's appointed independent arbiter, Sir Laurence Street, has today upheld the ACT Government's claim of privilege over its 2006 Functional Review, which informed the closure of 23 schools across Canberra.

Sir Laurence's verdict cannot be appealed, which means the classified report will not have to be disclosed until 2016, when Cabinet documents are made public under the territory's 10-year rule.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has repeatedly refused to release the report on the grounds that it was Cabinet in confidence. His argument was upheld this morning, when Sir Laurence's verdict was circulated among the Assembly's members.

Sir Laurence's reasons cannot be published until the Assembly authorises it, which cannot happen until the Assembly sits again on May 5.

Read entire article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/act-school-closure-report-to-remain-off-limits/1482043.aspx

NSW: Local MP out of loop in school land sale

Anna Patty, Sydney Morning Herald, April 7, 2009

A SERIES of emails from the NSW Education Minister's office show an independent inquiry into the future of Hurlstone Agricultural High School was being organised without the local member being told.

Four days later the Labor member for Macquarie Fields, Andrew McDonald, publicly called on the State Government for an independent inquiry into the school and the proposed sale of adjoining farmland.

The Herald has obtained an email from the office of the Education Minister, Verity Firth, written on February 13, discussing the possible terms of a Hurlstone inquiry. It said the inquiry material had not been seen by anyone outside the minister's office, including Dr McDonald.

The Opposition education spokesman, Adrian Piccoli, said yesterday the documents indicated the Hurlstone inquiry was a "stunt cooked up in the minister's office in order to make the local member look good".

"Four days before he called for the inquiry, Andrew McDonald didn't know anything about it," he said.  "It is becoming more and more apparent that the Hurlstone inquiry is a sham and the sale of the school land is a foregone conclusion."

Read entire article: http://www.smh.com.au/national/mp-out-of-loop-in-school-land-sale-20090406-9uwo.html

NSW: Rees government developing plans to target public school land

John Kaye MP, 12 April 2009

An internal Department of Education memo reveals that every public high school in NSW with more than 6 hectares of land is in the firing line for the Rees government's grab for cash, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: "The NSW government is planning to steal from the kids to prop up its budget bottom line.  They are already literally selling the farm to pay the bills.

"The loss of land at schools like Hurlstone Agricultural High School is irreversible. Once it has been subdivided, it can never be recovered for public education".

Source: http://johnkaye.org.au/media/rees-govt-developing-plans-to-target-public-school-land/

NSW:  First govt MP breaks ranks on public school land sell-off
 
Dr John Kaye MP, 14 April 2009
 
The Rees government’s united front on the sale of Hurlstone Agricultural High School’s farm land has collapsed, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said:  “This is either the beginning of the end for the government’s ill-thought-out land grab or the opening shot in yet another privatisation brawl inside the Labor party.
 
“Either way, Dr McDonald is to be congratulated for taking a stand for his community and for public education."
 
Read entire release: http://johnkaye.org.au/news

NT: Women in front line of language preservation

Gail Liston, The Australian, April 08, 2009

SPURRED on by the critical need to halt the loss of endemic indigenous languages across Australia, academics at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in the Northern Territory are finding themselves involved in a front-line offensive.

Of the 250 traditional languages once spoken on this continent as recently as 100 years ago, there are now only 20 to 30 considered healthy, viable and likely to survive, according to Jeanie Bell, lecturer at the institute's Centre for Australian Languages and Linguistics.

She acknowledges that increased support for documenting language will come from the women and younger people in the communities; however, it is not always easy to maintain their interest.

Bell says the institute is training indigenous people to work on their own languages and help others in the communities keep them alive. "This is groundbreaking work but it takes time and commitment," she adds.

Read entire article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25305162-12332,00.html

QLD: Parents shocked by sex advice website for primary school kids

Tanya Chilcott, Courier Mail, April 07, 2009

PRIMARY school students are being told abortion can be "a relief" and hormones make you "feel sexy" on a website endorsed by Education Queensland.  Outraged parent groups are demanding the State Government immediately withdraw its endorsement, warning the website is inappropriate and even dangerous for pre-teens.

But educators argue it is a valuable, fun tool that helps children entering their teens to learn about their bodies.

The controversial site, thehormonefactory.com, has been approved as a student resource for Queensland Year 7 classes.

Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Associations president Margaret Black yesterday sought a meeting with Education Queensland's head of curriculum.   "We can understand that children will ask questions, however the answers on the website are far too detailed, not tasteful and are too advanced for primary students," Ms Black said.

Read entire article:  http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25301515-5006786,00.html

SA:  Teacher inspires children to think

Tristan Willes, Advertiser, April 12, 2009

RICHARD Rowland is inspiring children to make their own life-affirming decisions. The life education teacher has been nominated in the inspiration category of the Pride of Australia award.

Mr. Rowland, 46, says most rewarding for him is the look on the children's faces and the knowledge his message is getting through.

"It's entertainment, to make them laugh and get the message across as well," he said.  "I have a passion for what I do. It's not like work to me.  Teaching doesn't have to be boring.  I've taught at 21 schools this term and my job is to make sure I inspire them enough to make an informed decision."

Part of the continuing effect of Mr. Rowland's teaching is the communication between parents and children about the issues he teaches

Read entire article: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,,25325815-5006301,00.html

TAS: Embattled Bartlett under fire

David Killick, Mercury, April 06, 2009

PREMIER David Bartlett should resign as education minister, opposition parties say.

They say he should let someone else tackle the crisis in senior secondary and adult education.

The Liberals and the Greens yesterday said Mr Bartlett was too busy with his duties as Premier to fix the problems his reforms had created and he should hand the job to someone else.

But the Premier rejected the calls, saying his opponents had no credibility on education.

The calls come before the heads of the new Tasmanian Polytechnic system return to face the controversy over the new institution -- with teachers at Rosny and Claremont colleges voting to reject the senior secondary reforms.

Read entire article: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/04/06/65595_tasmania-news.html

VIC: Hundreds of Victorian Schools Get Stimulus Upgrades

Bronwyn Pike, Education Minister, 06 April 2009

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike today welcomed the Rudd Labor Government’s announcement of the first round schools to benefit from the economic stimulus package to improve schools and create jobs.

More than 1400 Victorian schools will share in nearly $195 million, receiving between $50,000 and $200,000 to improve their schools under the first round of the National Schools Pride funding.

“When you combine the $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan which is rebuilding, renovating or extending every government school with the Federal funding commitment, we now see a once in a generation investment in the future of our schools,” Ms Pike said.

“Education is the Brumby Government’s number one priority and with a Federal Government that is now also committed to strengthening education, we have a great capacity to transform education to give every child every opportunity to shine.

Read more at http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/minister-for-education/hundreds-of-victorian-schools-get-stimulus-upgrades.html

WA:  School’s in as lawyers put strong case for self-belief

Kate Campbell, West Australian, 13th April 2009

A partnership between one of Perth’s biggest law firms and a high school is forging strong community bonds and giving students a better chance to succeed.
  
For two years, Minter Ellison has run a “buddy system” with Warnbro Community High School via the Australian Business and Community Network.
  
The law firm has offered students the chance to listen to emerging leaders in the community and help them set goals, given them work experience, sponsored school art exhibitions and set up a scholarship program for talented students to help them study law or legal studies at Murdoch University.
  
Other assistance includes music tips from former Minter Ellison lawyer and former keyboard player for WA band Eskimo Joe, Dan Bull, working with indigenous students and mentoring a “Principal’s 22” of high-achieving Year 12 students.
  
Fourteen Minter Ellison lawyers are also about to start a six-month mentoring program to help about 18 Warnbro students with their aspirations and self esteem by providing positive role models.
 
School principal Syd Parke said the relationship had boosted the image of public education in the area. “There’s a lot of optimism around the school and Minter Ellison has contributed to that,” he said.   “They have made our school better . . . and absolutely lifted kids’ aspirations. It’s shown them opportunities they didn’t know existed before.”

Read entire article: http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuId=77&ContentID=135720

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AWARDS & PRIZES

2009 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science and Science Teaching

Nominations for the 2009 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science, celebrating the achievements of Australia's world-leading scientists and science educators, are open until Friday 8 May 2009.

The nomination round gives research organisations, universities, education departments and schools an opportunity to seek public acknowledgement of the outstanding efforts of their colleagues.

The prizes are an important way for the Australian government to express its appreciation of the extraordinary achievements of our most gifted scientists and science teachers.

The major prize, the Prime Minister's Prize for Science, is one of the nation’s most highly regarded awards and the premier national award for scientific achievement.

A total of five prizes will be awarded:

• Prime Minister's Prize for Science ($300,000).
• Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year ($50,000). 
• Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year ($50,000). 
• Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools ($50,000). 
• Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools ($50,000)

Nominations close on Friday 8 May 2009 and can be made online.

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research will provide assistance during the nomination process. Enquiries can be made by telephone to (02) 6276 1264 or by email.

ASG Inspirational Teacher Awards 2009

Nominations close 31 July 2009

These awards and grants are presented to the teachers, principals and directors who connect with their students and inspire them individually to achieve to the best of their abilities.

Inspirational teachers:

• Develop in students a strong and long-lasting love of learning 
• Inspire students to achieve to the best of their ability 
• Encourage student empowerment and self-belief (resiliency) 
• Stimulate students’ creativity and innovative thinking 
• Create innovative teaching environments 
• Have a positive influence on colleagues and community
• You are able to nominate as a parent, or as a member of the school or student council, parent association, or committee of management. You may also nominate as a member of a community organisation or association.

Nominations must be submitted on an official NEiTA Nomination Form

Further details and nomination forms at: http://www.neita.com

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

National Education Conference 2009

“Schools – Heart of our community”  

12-13 October 2009, Hobart, Tasmania

The Australian Council of State School Organisations and the Australian Parents Council jointly present this major event exploring the vital issues of education from parent & community perspectives.

The peak national groups for the parents of students in public and private schools invite you to explore the current state and future directions of education and how it shapes our society.

As this newsletter is being prepared, we can announce a major addition to the program of speakers: Lyn Allison – former Australian Democrats leader and spokesperson on educational issues will join an invited panel to discuss the implications of a Report to be launched at the Conference on the impacts and achievements of chaplaincy and pastoral care programs in Australian schools, in a wide ranging session titled “Building resilience, well-being and community”.

A program outline, preliminary speaker list and Early Bird discounted registration opportunities can be found online at http://www.acsso.org.au/natconf09/ .

REMINDERS

March-May - Teaching Australia Workshops and Masterclasses - locations around Australia - http://www.teachingaustralia.edu.au

15-17 April - Australian Guidance and Counselling Association Conference - Hobart, TAS - http://www.agca.com.au/

15-18 April - International Outdoor Education Research Conference - Beechworth, VIC - http://www.latrobe.edu.au/oent/research_conf_2009.htm

17 April - Nominations close for Unsung Rural Hero Award - http://nrha.ruralhealth.org.au/friends/docs/uha2009/uha_entry_form_2009.pdf

17 April - Nominations close for National Awards for Excellence in School Music Education - http://musicawards.asme.edu.au/

17-21 April - National Art Education Association National Convention - Minneapolis, USA - http://www.naea-reston.org/convention.html

1 May - Nominations close for Australian Museum Eureka Prizes - http://www.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka/

7-9 May - Australian Group on Severe Communication Impairment Conference - Canberra, ACT - http://www.agosci.org.au

15 May - National Walk Safely to School Day - http://www.walk.com.au

21 May - Education 09 - London, UK - http://www.govnet.co.uk/education/

25 May - Boys & Learning Conference - Parramatta, NSW - https://aben-2009.schoolevent.org

26 May - Boys & Learning Conference - Melbourne, VIC - https://aben-2009.schoolevent.org

31 May - Australian Rural Education Awards nominations close - http://www.spera.edu.au

15-16 June - Communities in Control Conference - Melbourne, VIC - http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/cic2009

19 June - Nominations close for Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence - http://www.teachingaustralia.edu.au

4-7 July - Contasta Science Education Conference - Launceston, TAS - http://www.cdesign.com.au/conasta58

5-8 July - World Conference on Higher Education - Paris, France - http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=56642&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

5-10 July - Youth ANZAAS 2009 - Melbourne, Victoria - http://www.anzaas.org.au/youth.html

8-10 July - SPERA National Conference - Flinders University, SA - http://www.spera.edu.au//conferences/callforpapers.pdf

9 July - Registration closes for Environmental Song for Australia Contest - http://www.imex.net.au/envsoncont.html

13-16 July - Conference of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers - Fremantle, WA - http://www.aamt.edu.au/2009-conference

31 July-1 August - NSW Federation of Parents’ & Citizens’ Associations Annual Conference - Penrith, NSW - http://www.pandc.org.au/annual-conference.seo

6-7 August - Professional Development Network School Leaders' Conference - Gold Coast, QLD - http://www.griffith.edu.au/conference/professional-development-network-leadership-conference-2009

13-14 August - Isolated Children's Parents' Assoc. of Australia Federal Conference - Longreach, QLD - http://www.icpa.com.au

26-28 September - ACEL International Conference - Darwin, NT - http://www.acel.org.au/index.php?id=858

12-13 October - ACSSO National Conference - Hobart, Tasmania - http://www.acsso.org.au/natconf09/