March Newsletter 2025

About the Teaching Awards Each year, national education non-profit Schools Plus with the support of some of Australia’s leading philanthropists chaired by David Gonski AC, celebrates inspirational teachers who are making a transformative impact on children and school communities around Australia. Twelve outstanding teachers or school leaders receive a prestigious $20,000 award, including $10,000 to plan a high impact school visit program as well as participation in a12-month Teaching Fellowship. The Awards are open to teachers and school leaders working in government, independent and Catholic schools across Australia. This is a great opportunity to recognise outstanding educators who are transforming outcomes for their students and school communities, including those working with First Nations communities, in regional, rural and remote schools and across the areas of wellbeing and core learning skills - literacy, numeracy and STEM. Help us spread the word that teachers change lives! Please share this opportunity with your network and school community by: Nominating an inspirational teacher or school leader who is changing lives in your school community Publishing a story about the Awards in your next school newsletter Sharing a post on your social media or school-to-home channels

Dear ACSSO Members and Education Advocates, As we move through another significant period for Australian education, I'm pleased to share some important updates. NSW School Funding Agreement I'm delighted to announce that New South Wales has signed the bilateral school funding agreement with the Federal Government. This agreement represents a crucial step toward ensuring that all schools across NSW receive the resources they need to deliver quality education to every student.

Australian students continue to value the importance of learning about our country’s history and civic institutions, according to the latest report from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Despite this, the report shows that students’ knowledge and understanding of Australia’s democracy, our political system and civic processes has fallen.

Congratulations to the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations who were recognised with a Canberra Gold Award this week, celebrating a long-standing commitment to supporting public education and parent involvement in schools. The Chief Minister’s Canberra Gold Awards honour individuals and groups who have made Canberra their home for 50 years or more, acknowledging their lasting contributions to the community. Congratulations!!

It’s been five decades since the International Women’s Year, but what progress has been made? Looking back at 1975: A year for change The United Nations declared 1975 the International Women’s Year, a milestone in the fight for gender equality. Feminist movements had been gaining momentum, and it was becoming impossible to ignore the discrimination women faced in education, workplaces, and daily life. That year also saw the first-ever UN World Conference on Women in Mexico City, kicking off the UN Decade for Women—a ten-year push for change. The goal? Better laws, stronger policies, and real progress toward gender equality.

Approximately 800,000 current Australian school students may be impacted by dyslexia, which means all teachers must accommodate these learners

Have your say in this KBYG Weekly! HAVE YOUR SAY! Do you know, that CMA does so much more than review movies! To help childrenthrive in a digital world, CMA provides Reviews, Information and Advocacy. And wewant to hear from you! For your chance to help inform CMA's advocacy, all you needto do is a short survey. We'd really appreciate it! CMA Pre-election survey Contribute your views to shape our approach as we engage with policymakers anddrive positive change for the next generation. Here's the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BDR83JJ Thank you in advance.