July 2024 Newsletter

I am pleased to share some important updates and initiatives as we continue our commitment to advocating for public education and prioritizing improvements across Australia. Firstly, recent Australian vaping reforms aim to protect our students from the health risks associated with vaping. ACSSO’s community survey provided strong support for these reforms, which seek to reduce the supply and demand of vapes among children and teens under the age of 18. In line with ACSSO’s advocacy, the Government has passed legislation to restrict the availability of vapes and launched a health and education campaign. Additionally, the Government has funded support programs for children and teens to quit vaping and smoking, offered advice to teachers and families on how to address vaping with their children, and initiated an ad campaign highlighting how vaping can lead to addiction. We commend these measures and will continue to support efforts that prioritise the wellbeing of our young people.

Unlocking a Bright Future: The Power of the First 1000 Days The Australian Primary Principals, Association (APPA) is committed to supporting families in ensuring every child has the best start in life and have collaborated with early childhood experts to produce the Thrive with Five paper.

Nap Time in Kindergarten in the 1950s The Importance of Nap Time In the 1950s, nap time was a crucial part of the kindergarten experience. Educational philosophies of the time emphasized the importance of rest for young children to support their growth and development. A typical kindergarten schedule included a dedicated nap time, usually after lunch, when children would lie down on mats or cots brought from home or provided by the school.

This year, the Public Education Foundation have launched their greeting card competition much earlier than usual. The theme is “Respect” and they are hoping the timing will encourage more students to participate. Maybe teachers could use the theme as a topic in their class or families in an impromptu discussion. For more information here's the link on their website:https://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au/card-competition https/ Start creating with you child / students. Entries close September 30. You can also support the Foundation to assist in providing scholarships to young people Donate Here

Australian Schools Plus is a national not-for-profit that supports children to have the opportunity to thrive through school and beyond. We partner with schools each year to enable equal opportunities in education for children and young people by addressing learning gaps and supporting wellbeing.

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Motivation is a slippery customer. Just when you want to rely on it, it puts its feet up, takes a few days off & generally wants to be about as active as a sloth on long service leave. Your ‘get up & go’ has ‘got up & gone’.

Don College (Tasmania) staff member, Tino Delbourgo, presented his software/website at CONASTA, National Conference for Science teachers. Tino has spent 2 years developing the site and invested significant time and expertise into its development for the benefit and betterment of his students.