April 2023 Newsletter

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope everyone had a chance to spend some quality time with family and friends over the Easter and term breaks and are ready to embrace all that Term 2 has to offer. Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare M.P., announced in March the formation of an expert panel that will advise Education Ministers on the key targets and specific reforms that should be tied to funding in the next National School Reform Agreement. On May 1st, the Minister announced the members of the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group, who will work with, and advise, the expert panel. We are very pleased that the voice of parents has been included on this group, and I am excited to see that ACSSO has a prominent place at the table through the appointment of our CEO, Dianne Giblin, to the Reference Group.

The National School Reform Agreement is a collaborative agreement between the Commonwealth, States, and Territories to enhance student outcomes in Australian schools. We are happy to share that Dianne Giblin, AM, CEO of ACSSO, has been appointed to the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group.

In this webinar, the panel will discuss the impact of issues on student wellbeing and emphasize the importance of wellbeing in a young person's ability to engage in learning. They will also highlight the need for families and schools to work together and conduct regular wellbeing check-ins to focus on the young person's overall health. Additionally, they will touch upon the National Check-in Week and how schools can participate in the event to prioritise their students' wellbeing.

As we adjust to our "new normal" and move past the challenges of the COVID pandemic, we are beginning to realise its lasting impact, especially on our youth. Recent research shows that students struggle to relearn social skills and cope with the effects of isolation, fear, and loss. These challenges lead to increased anxiety and behavioural issues, lower school attendance, and relationship problems in and out of the classroom.

Join eSafety’s expert education team for a free live webinar designed for parents and carers.

The Hub recently launched an exciting new suite of interoception resources designed to help students feel more connected to their bodies and better interpret and express their emotions. These 39 activities are suitable for children and young people of all ages and include activity videos with instructional posters.

Free webinars for educators, career practitioners, parents and carers during Term 2.

Australia's biggest yearly celebration of volunteering, National Volunteer Week (NVW), will take place from May 15–21, 2023. The theme for this year's NVW is "The Change Makers." This week-long event acknowledges the essential assistance millions of volunteers in our country provide to their communities and inspires individuals to contemplate volunteering. National Volunteer Week 2023 is a tribute to our capacity to effect change and guarantee that volunteering is available to all Australians.

The ACCC is investigating the price and availability of childcare in Australia.

Get ready for National Families Week 2023! This annual celebration takes place from May 15th to May 21st, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Families. During this week, we reflect on the importance and strengths of families, spend time with extended family and friends, and participate in family activities within the community. It's a time to cherish the meaning of family and appreciate all forms of family life.