Welcome to the August edition of TA Talk.
Next week, we host two of the biggest events on the ATA calendar.
The highlight of Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week is the culmination of the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards when we announce the 2021 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year, and our new Australian Teacher Aide of the Year School Team Award.
Congratulations to all finalists and highly commended nominees for the positive impact they are having on student learning and wellbeing in their schools.
To help schools celebrate Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, we have free resources, templates and ideas on our website, as well as a competition for those feeling creative.
We know that with lockdowns, the celebration may look a little different for many of you, however, there has never been a better time to lift the spirits of support staff in schools, and show how much you value them.
Let’s all get behind Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, Australia – and show we care!
Warm regards
Stella and Mandy
There is reason to celebrate!
At ATA HQ, we have fielded a number of support calls from members recently that tell us stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high, particularly for those staff in lockdown areas, working from home. Teacher aides are by nature givers, but we know that some are now giving from an 'empty cup'.
In direct response to this, during Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, we are giving free access to a number of professional development resources that focus on wellbeing.
Right now, teacher aides need to hear from their school leaders and teachers; to explicitly know they are valued and cared for. We urge you to use our Appreciation Week templates, promote our free resources to your team, and enter the competition to showcase your amazing staff.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL FINALISTS
Congratulations to the eight State Finalists in the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards:
Elizabeth Musitano, a Learning Support Assistant from Lanyon High School, ACT. Nominated by: Amanda Pickering, Sascha Zsigmond and Lara Croucher
Ricky Lam, a Student Services Support Officer from Greystanes High School, NSW. Nominated by: Hayley Matas - Head of Learning Support - Literacy & Numeracy
Aiden Sing, Assistant Teacher from Belyuen School, NT. Nominated by: Elspeth Hurse, Principal
Jacqueline Boumford, a Teacher Aide from Cleveland District State High School, QLD. Nominated by: Karen Abraham, Deputy Principal
Angela Beltakis, a School Support Officer from Mil Lel Primary School, SA. Nominated by: Ben Savage, Teacher
Tonia Kaine, a Teacher Aide from Punchbowl Primary School, TAS. Nominated by: Lauren Shephard, Teacher
Julie Buick, an Education Support Officer from Kolbe Catholic College, VIC. Nominated by: Jane Wenlock, Co-ordinator - Learning Support
Christie D'Lima, a Secondary Assistant from St John Bosco College, WA. Nominated by: James Elder, Secondary Teacher
Our panel of school leaders from around Australia have judged the finalists’ nominations, and their combined scores will determine this year’s winner. We are excited to announce the 2021 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year, on Thursday 2nd September.
You can read about the outstanding achievements of the Finalists and the Highly Commended nominees on our awards page. We wish everyone the best of luck!
LETTER FROM THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND YOUTH
We wanted to share the encouraging response ATA received in regards to the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards, from The Hon Alan Tudge, MP, Minister for Education and Youth
Dated: 31 May 2021
It is wonderful to see an award that highlights the commitment, dedication and work of teacher aides in schools right around Australia.
The Australian Government recognises that quality teaching and school leadership is critical to the future prosperity of young Australians and the productivity of the nation.Teacher aides play an important role in Australian classrooms, working alongside teachers and school leaders to achieve the best learning outcomes for students.
Supporting Gifted and Talented Learners Part 1 - Myth Busting
Tuesday 7th September 2021 @ 3:30pm AEST
Julia Bailey, principal at Rocklea State School, has a passion for supporting educators and parents of high-ability, underachieving and disengaged learners, and is a Director on the Board of the Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented (AAEGT).
In this webinar, Julia will provoke thought by unpacking 10 common myths and misconceptions surrounding giftedness in educational settings. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own myth!
Tools and Strategies to Build Resilience and Cope with Adversity
Dynamic mindset coach, Patty Duque, shares some simple tools and strategies to help you build resilience and cope with adversity.
According to our hundreds of participants in the live event, many of whom are struggling with lockdown, this webinar couldn’t have come at a better time. (Names withheld)
I really enjoyed this webinar, definitely came at the right time for me.
Thank you Patty, such a helpful and informative webinar. What we all need at this time, especially.
Thank you! I’m using these 5 steps tomorrow at school. Wish me luck!
WHAT'S TRENDING ON THE ATA FACEBOOK PAGE
35,473 views 1,939 reactions, comments and shares
This lovely little poem spoke to your hearts, especially those from Sunnybank Hills State School which was referenced more than once.
Janine wrote, Love this poem, it conjures up many happy memories of my years at Sunnybank Hills Preschool.
Leaders in Professional Learning for Schools
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