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| 18 OCTOBER, 2012 |
| Important notices on planning and evaluation |
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Since starting the program in 2009 we have held annual planning meetings with all our partner Principals and Coordinators to discuss the the overall strategy of the Compass program. The Compass team has booked consultation sessions at your schools in the lead-up to this meeting, and we will have the opportunity to review the summary of all the recommendations elicited from these consultations at these meetings.
Principals and Compass Coordinator - Primary Schools Wednesday October 31 8.30am – 10.00am Location: Arncliffe DEC office, Avenal & Segenhoe St, Arncliffe NSW 2205
Principals and Compass Coordinator - High SchoolsThursday 1st November, 2013 8.30am – 10.00am Location: Riverwood DEC office, 11 Union St, Riverwood, NSW 2210 Please RSVP by Friday October 19 to Miriam Pellicano at Compass.
Erebus Compass Program Evaluation for 2012 As we enter term 4, it is time for the annual evaluation of the Compass program. As in previous years, Erebus International will be working with the Compass team and partner schools to evaluate the impact of the program. Partner schools will be contacted in the next week or so to participate in the evaluation, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Please do let the Erebus team know your thoughts on how the program is progressing, and the impact it is having on your students, staff and school community.
If you have any questions about the evaluation process please do not hesitate to contact Sophie Partridge, Senior Project Officer.
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| UPCOMING ACTIVITIES |
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Moorebank HS
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Thursday 18 October Year 7 campus visit
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Bass HS
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Friday 19 October Year 10 Study Skills workshop
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Villawood East PS
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Thursday 18 October Nicholson Museum Year 4 visit
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Bridges to Higher Education Parents Campus Visit - The University of Sydney
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Sunday 28 October The five universities of the Bridges to Higher Education network have three campus visits coming up designed specifically for parents.
Information provided about getting in, university life, costs, courses, and the support available. Common questions answered, and a campus tour and refreshments provided.
To register parents, click here or see the section 'Information for Parents' below.
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Revesby South PS
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Wednesday 7 November Open Night for Parents Compass staff to attend
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Bridges to Higher Education Parents Campus Visit - The University of Technology, Sydney
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Tuesday 13 November The five universities of the Bridges to Higher Education network have three campus visits coming up designed specifically for parents.
Information provided about getting in, university life, costs, courses, and the support available. Common questions answered, and a campus tour and refreshments provided.
See more information below
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| PRIMARY, SECONDARY, PARENTS |
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Compass Showcase
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Saturday 24 November Camperdown Campus The showcase is an opportunity for school communities to present and celebrate the work they've done with us over the year. Mark this date! More information to follow.
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Bridges to Higher Education Parents Campus Visit - The University of Western Sydney
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Thursday 13 December The five universities of the Bridges to Higher Education network have three campus visits coming up designed specifically for parents.
Information provided about getting in, university life, costs, courses, and the support available. Common questions answered, and a campus tour and refreshments provided.
See more information below
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Year 9 STEM Day
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Tuesday 4 December The University of Sydney See 'News' section below for more information.
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University Christmas Closedown
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The University of Sydney will be closed from Tuesday 18 December, reopening Wednesday 2 January 2013.
The last day for Compass business will be Friday 14 December.
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| INFORMATION FOR PARENTS - UPCOMING CAMPUS VISITS |
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Bridges Parents Campus Visit
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The five universities of the Bridges to Higher Education network have three campus visits coming up designed specifically for parents. Information provided about getting in, university life, costs, courses, and the support available. Common questions answered, and a campus tour and refreshments provided.
- The University of Sydney
- Sunday 28th October
- 10.30 – 2pm
- The University of Technology, Sydney
- Tuesday 13th November
- 10 - 2pm
- (Arabic interpreters available)
- The University of Western Sydney
- Thursday 13th December
- 10 – 1.30pm
Parents can talk to their school's CLO or CIO if interested, or simply register for any day online at www.sydney.edu.au/bridges-parents-visit
Please contact Sophie Partridge at Compass with any questions.
In addition, we regularly record our activities and events so that we can share them with a wider audience. Please direct parents interested in what their child is doing with the Compass program to the Video section of our website (or to our YouTube page).
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| REMINDERS & NOTICES |
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Have you applied for sponsorship to the Sydney Science Experience?
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The Sydney Science Experience, January 9 - 11, 2013
Compass is offering sponsorships for students who are currently in Year 9 and 10 from Compass partner high schools to participate in The Science Experience at The University of Sydney from 9 - 11 January, 2013. We are hoping that this sponsorship will benefit high school students who are enthusiastic and keen to further develop their interest in science within the university environment. There is a total of 10 sponsorships available across all Compass partner high schools and recipients will be selected through an application process. We recommend science teachers nominate student/s who are keen and will benefit from this program, but may be restricted financially. Brochures and application forms have been sent to Compass Coordinators - please contact your school's coordinator to nominate students. Click here to see a video of the 2012 Sydney Science Experience.
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| NEWS |
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Year 9 STEM Day
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Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Day
The first Compass Day of Inquiry (STEM) is taking place on Tuesday 4th December. The day will run from 10am until 2.30pm at the University of Sydney.
This day is for 30 Year 9 students from each Compass partner school. Students will visit the University campus to take part in extended workshops (2.5 hours) around a central theme (energy and sustainability). The students will explore elements of Science, Maths, Engineering and Design through a hands-on inquiry, as they work with staff and students from across the University to work out how we can design sustainable power grids, buildings, and more.
By showing students how the STEM subjects operate in the world outside the classroom, the day will help encourage them to further engage in these subjects.
Please contact Sophie Partridge for more information.
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Videoconferences and Connected Classrooms
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Recently, many teachers have expressed an interest in having more frequent Connected Classrooms sessions to maintain their own skills and allow them to share skills with colleagues.
How might we work with you increase those opportunities? We will be looking at ways to use Connected Classrooms as a delivery method for Professional Learning as well as student activities more in 2013. However, please let us know if you have any ideas about this - perhaps you're looking to collaborate or communicate with another Compass school - we can help to facilitate the connection!
In the meantime, please note these dates from the Board of Studies for Teacher PL in December. Participation at these videoconferences can count towards Teacher Identified Development hours.
Thursday, 20 December: Log in commences 9.45 am, Program 10 am – 11 am Using the Results Analysis Package (RAP 1) to enhance teaching and learning Of special interest to executive staff, KLA coordinators and teaching staff
Thursday, 20 December: Log in commences 12.45 pm, Program 1 pm – 2 pm Using the Results Analysis Package (RAP 2) to enhance teaching and learning Of special interest to teaching staff
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| SUMMER CAMPS FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS |
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Sydney Pharmacy Indigenous Camp - applications now open
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Teachers, year advisers and careers advisers with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students:
SydPIC is a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10 or 11 who are interested in science or health science to learn more about study and careers in pharmacy. Students will stay on campus for a four-day camp while they participate in workshops, lab sessions, and field trips. All costs are covered by the Faculty of Pharmacy.
Please click here for full brochure on the Faculty of Pharmacy's website.
Teachers, year advisers and careers advisers with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: SydPIC is a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10 or 11 who are interested in science or health science to learn more about study and careers in pharmacy. Students will stay on campus for a four-day camp while they participate in workshops, lab sessions, and field trips. All costs are covered by the Faculty of Pharmacy. Pease click here for full brochure on the Faculty of Pharmacy's website. Dates: Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 January, 2013 Location: University of Sydney Camperdown campus Cost: All travel, accommodation, insurance, and tuition costs will be covered by the Faculty of Pharmacy. Registration: By application form, available here. Faculty contact and camp coordinator: Dr Nial Wheate is happy to answer any questions that teachers, students, or parents have about the camp. He can be reached on 9036 7647. Between 15 - 25 places are available, and this opportunity will be advertised throughout Sydney secondary schools. Applications are due by 26 October 2012 - don't miss out!
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Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School
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13 - 19 January 2013 The Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School (IAESS), now in its 16th year, is an annual event established by Engineering Aid Australia. It provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from around Australia with the opportunity to experience engineering studies and careers.
If you would like to know more about the summer school please read this brochure. To apply, please download an application form
The Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School (IAESS), now in its 16th year, is an annual event established by Engineering Aid Australia. It provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from around Australia with the opportunity to experience engineering studies and careers. In January 2012, the University of Sydney hosted the IAESS. Open to 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students entering Years 11 and 12, the five-day live-in summer school gave these students a taste of engineering as a university course and career. It involved hands-on and challenging activities within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies as well as site visits to engineering companies. Studying engineering helps you develop excellent problem-solving, design and research skills that will allow you to drive and lead innovation that will help shape our future. If you are good at maths and science, like working with machinery or practical tools and enjoy tackling challenging problems, then engineering maybe just what you're looking for. If you would like to know more about the summer school please read this brochure. To apply, please download an application formOr for any information, please contact: IAESS CoordinatorEngineering Sydney Level 2 School of Information Technologies University of Sydney NSW 2006 iaess@sydney.edu.au
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| RESEARCH |
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STEM in the classroom
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Latest Research: Engaging Students through Technology
We know that many teachers at our partner schools are interested in exploring the use of technology in the classroom. The Technology Outlook for STEM+ Education 2012-2017 report is a collaborative research paper seeking to inform educational leaders about significant developments in technologies supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
http://blogs.usyd.edu.au/stl/2012/09/report_pinpoints_trends_challe.html
Or download the report as a PDF here.
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| PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Science Teachers Workshop, 5 - 9 November 2012
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The Science Teachers’ Workshops are professional development courses offered across multiple disciplines (agriculture, biology, chemistry and physics) over a one-week period in November 2012. The courses are suitable for high school science teachers of all levels – whether you’re just starting out, teaching in a new area, or have years of experience – our program has something for you.
Click here to read more, download the program, and register.
Applications for financial assistance have now closed. However, Compass can still cover your registration costs as part of your Professional Learning budget. See your Compass coordinator for more information.
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Culturally Diverse Music Programs
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The Music Educators’ Series AT THE SYDNEY CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC Saturday 10 November, 9am-12pm Facilitator: Cassandra Brennan
- Participants will learn how to design extra-curricular programs that are culturally inclusive and draw on the skills, needs and interests of the students and members of the school community.
School educators are teaching increasingly diverse school populations. The challenge of engaging students of all backgrounds in music classrooms is evident. Current research demonstrates that many programs end up alienating, rather than engaging students in some music classrooms.
This workshop will examine current research in the field of music education and student engagement. Participants will learn how to design extra-curricular programs that are culturally inclusive and draw on the skills, needs and interests of the students and members of the school community.
Culturally Diverse Music ProgramsSaturday 10 November, 9am-12pm Facilitator: Cassandra Brennan
- Participants will learn how to design extra-curricular programs that are culturally inclusive and draw on the skills, needs and interests of the students and members of the school community.
School educators are teaching increasingly diverse school populations. The challenge of engaging students of all backgrounds in music classrooms is evident. Current research demonstrates that many programs end up alienating, rather than engaging students in some music classrooms. This workshop will examine current research in the field of music education and student engagement. Participants will learn how to design extra-curricular programs that are culturally inclusive and draw on the skills, needs and interests of the students and members of the school community. In this workshop examples of culturally inclusive extra-curricular program models that have been successfully implemented within schools will be given and examined. Practical activities will focus on building participants’ confidence in successfully integrating repertoire from unfamiliar cultural backgrounds with appropriate pedagogical strategies, to result in authentic, high-quality performances. Cost: $60 Early Bird Rate (for enrolments prior to 26 October) $80 (for enrolments after 26 October) Enrolments available until 8 November or until all places filled. Morning tea is included. Click here to see the brochure, or for more information please call the Con on 9351 1240. To register as a Compass Professional Learning activity, please use the Compass online registration form.
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Conversations about literary texts – module 1
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Oct 17, 24, 31 & Nov 7, 14, 21 Conversations about literary texts – module 1
Oct 17, 24, 31 & Nov 7, 14, 21 Conversations about literary texts – module 1 Blended mode – 12 hours face-to-face at Homebush Boys High School + 8 hours reading/online activities NSWIT Course Code C08360.
- Teaching grammar in primary school and middle years.
- The teaching of literary texts as the context in which grammar is taught to support meaning.
- Details and dates TBA
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Mentoring - Module 1
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Mentoring - Module 1
Mentoring - Module 1Available all Term 4 2011 – Opens Week 1 NSWIT Course Code C08579
This course is designed to meet the needs of teachers who are involved in mentoring and all teachers interested in professional development related to mentoring, teacher induction and teacher accreditation issues. The course will include:
- a critical overview of the research in the areas of professional development, mentoring and teacher induction
- a study of key issues related to the concept of mentoring and teacher induction identified through the review of literature
- analysis of the current developments around standards of professional practice
- opportunities for individuals to discuss and investigate specific mentoring issues and develop mentoring skill.
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Dr Michael Ungar, ‘Resilience in the Middle Years’
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1 – 2 November Dr Michael Ungar, ‘Resilience in the Middle Years’
*REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN* 1 – 2 NovemberDr Michael Ungar, ‘Resilience in the Middle Years’Michael Ungar is a University Research Professor and Professor at the School of Social Work at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada. As the Director of the Resilience Research Centre, he currently leads a number of studies of resilience involving researchers from more than a dozen countries on six continents.He is also the author of eight books including:
- Strengths-Based Counseling with At-Risk Youth
- We Generation: Raising Socially Responsible Kids
- Playing at Being Bad: The Hidden Resilience of Troubled Teens, and
- Too Safe for Their Own Good: How Risk and Responsibility Help Teens Thrive.
See future Compass Directions for more information.
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| COMPASS |
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| REGISTER NOW - TWO DAYS WITH MICHAEL UNGAR |
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PLAYING AT BEING BAD: NURTURING THE HIDDEN RESILIENCE OF TROUBLED CHILDREN AND YOUTH ACROSS CULTURES AND CONTEXTS 1-2 November, The Epping Club
In this two-day workshop, executives, teachers, and student welfare advisers will:
- Understand how individuals and families with complex needs use problem behaviours to enhance their resilience and wellbeing when more socially acceptable solutions are not available
- Become familiar with the principles of a social ecological approach to intervention
- Discuss the Child and Youth Resilience Measure, an assessment tool that can help professionals explore the hidden resilience of children and youth
- Learn about seven aspects of resilience necessary for positive development
- Develop strategies for working without resistance with hard-to-reach, culturally diverse children and adolescents
- Discuss ways services can be structured that make resilience more likely to occur.
PLAYING AT BEING BAD: NURTURING THE HIDDEN RESILIENCE OF TROUBLED CHILDREN AND YOUTH ACROSS CULTURES AND CONTEXTS 1-2 November, The Epping ClubIn this two-day workshop, executives, teachers, and student welfare advisers will:
- Understand how individuals and families with complex needs use problem behaviours to enhance their resilience and wellbeing when more socially acceptable solutions are not available
- Become familiar with the principles of a social ecological approach to intervention
- Discuss the Child and Youth Resilience Measure, an assessment tool that can help professionals explore the hidden resilience of children and youth
- Learn about seven aspects of resilience necessary for positive development
- Develop strategies for working without resistance with hard-to-reach, culturally diverse children and adolescents
- Discuss ways services can be structured that make resilience more likely to occur.
Dr Michael Ungar is both a family therapist and a Killam Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University where he directs the Resilience Research Centre that coordinates more than $5 million in funded research in a dozen countries. That research is focused on resilience among children, youth and families and how they together survive adversity in culturally diverse ways. Your professional learning budget from Compass can be used to cover the registration fee. Please contact Victoria Loy on 8627 8459 with enquiries or to register.
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| SYDNEY IDEAS: SHAKESPEARE, THEATRE AND DEMOCRACY: TOWARDS A PLAYFUL FUTURE |
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Are you a teacher of Drama or English? Or just a fan of Shakespeare? Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney’s premier public lecture series program that aims to bring some of the world’s, leading thinkers to the wider Sydney community.
Co-presented with the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney
In this lecture Professor Neelands proposes that Shakespeare offers us a lens for exploring the vital political relationship between theatre and democracy, in which theatre becomes part of our social conversation and the circulation of social energy in a society.Professor Jonothan Neelands, National Teaching Fellow, Professor of Drama and Theatre Education and Warwick Business School Professor of Creative Education , University of Warwick Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney’s premier public lecture series program that aims to bring some of the world’s, leading thinkers to the wider Sydney community. Co-presented with the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney In this lecture Professor Neelands proposes that Shakespeare offers us a lens for exploring the vital political relationship between theatre and democracy, in which theatre becomes part of our social conversation and the circulation of social energy in a society.In this context plays, players and the social playfulness of childhood become forged in a vision of how we might live, learn and work together. In a world which is becoming increasingly environmentally and geo-politically unsustainable, play offers the young both a mirror and lens for seeing and transforming themselves and their worlds and the beginnings of the proto-democratic behaviours needed for our survival. .
Professor Jonothan Neelands is a National Teaching Fellow, Chair of Drama and Theatre Education in the Institute of Education and Chair of Creative Education in the Warwick Business School (WBS) at the University of Warwick.He enjoys a close working relationship with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has developed accredited teaching Shakespeare courses for teachers and actors. He has been involved in developing resources and the business plan for Teaching Shakespeare which is a partnership between the RSC and The University of Warwick producing professional development for teachers that can transform the classroom experience of Shakespeare.
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| USEFUL LINKS |
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