August 2023 Newsletter

We want to recognise and promote the wonderful practices and programs in place and showcase them to the rest of Australia. Nominations close soon, so don’t miss out. Full details are below.

The Susan Ryan Family Engagement Award, now in its second year, continues to spotlight outstanding achievements in family engagement within government schools and communities across Australia. Named in honour of the late Susan Ryan, a passionate advocate for family engagement and former Australian politician, this prestigious award celebrates government schools and communities that have successfully integrated family involvement as a crucial element in fostering student success.

Over 4000 schools across Australia are eligible for support. Eligible schools have an ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) value below 1000. Schools with no (zero) ICSEA value must contact Schools Plus to determine eligibility, except for special needs schools which are eligible.

The COVID-19 pandemic and economic and social upheaval have complicated the post-school transition for young people experiencing disadvantage. Australian research reveals 1,000 young people struggling to advance through work and study, highlighting barriers and suggesting improved support from various sectors. The study also explores the national picture for all young people.

Australians are being urged to put the “great” back into the great outdoors and sign up for Clean Up Australia’s Great Spring Clean.

In 2023, Anti-Poverty Week will emphasize the importance of uniting to eradicate child poverty. It's unacceptable that over 1 in 6 children in Australia are living in poverty, which adversely affects their present and future well-being.

Early Learning STEM Australia - ELSA: STEM in Schools is inviting primary school teachers with children in either Foundation, Year 1 or Year 2 (or all 3) to submit an expression of interest on their website.

Indigo Ellis, student performance at the Western Australian Council of State School Organisations Conference (August 20)