"Sound Waves" - How to effectively teach systematic, synthetic phonics.
Presenter: Carmel Menzies (Firefly Education Consultant) - Monday 23rd September, 2019
Carmel's two-hour presentation took us back to basics, and reminded us that "Phonemic Awareness" is a must-have tool for our students, to help them on their journey as life-long learners.
The session was full of activities that enlightened us all, as we actively participated, with the help of our 'goodies' bag' (supplied by Carmel), in every aspect of the presentation.
Thank you Carmel for reminding everyone present that schools are looking for CRTs who are adaptable, flexible and armed with current, literacy-program knowledge and skills. (By the way, one of our CRTs, Sally, was also pleasantly surprised by her "Lucky Door Prize", which has given her twelve months' access to some invaluable "Sound Waves' Resources".)
"Confidently knowing one’s own strengths as a CRT, and preparing an application for a teaching position!"
Presenter: Susan Coull (Principal - Naranga School, Frankston) - Monday 8th July, 2019
This two-hour presentation by Sue was: inspiring, creative, invigorating and challenging. It helped all present to see possibilities in the future, and proactive ways of tackling new and exciting teaching positions.
Thank you Sue for showing everyone present the "achievable".
NESTS - Necessary Educational Strategies for Teachers and Students - Monday 8th April, 2019
Creating an Inclusive Classroom – A designated workshop for every Casual Relief Teacher (CRT)
In this two hour workshop, NESTS presenters Jamie Coombs and Cressida Crossley outlined the key strategies that Casual Relief Teachers (CRTs) can use to cater to the learning needs of all students.
Jamie and Cressida used their extensive teaching experiences to support CRTs to increase their knowledge and empathy for all students. The workshop focused on practical strategies to create inclusive classrooms.
The presentation by Cressida and Jamie provided great ideas for all to take away and use in the future.
The presentation by Cressida and Jamie provided great ideas for all to take away and use in the future.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Presentation - Monday 27th August, 2018 (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
Presenters: Rebecca Sutherland (STEM Coordinator - Springvale Rise Primary School) and Camillia (Springvale Rise Primary School Colleague)
This exciting, stimulating and challenging presentation took the CRTs into a very different part of the curriculum. Rebecca and Camilia explained the rationale behind STEM, and the motivational factors for both staff and students.
This holistic approach to STEM learning left all present intrigued, and provided the opportunity of actively participating in learning activities that catered for: Visual, Auditory and Motor-kinaesthetic learning styles.
It was unanimously agreed, that this PD session opened the eyes of all present. Thank you Rebecca and Camillia!
AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) Follow-up Session - Monday 14th May, 2018 (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm)
This consultation session was used to gather additional information around professional learning, and how school leaders and colleagues in schools accommodate and support CRTs.
This session was an opportunity for the Network to share views and have input into future resources relating to CRTs.
AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) Professional Learning - Monday 23rd April, 2018 (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
Presenters: Lauren Elston and Stephanie Pannach
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) presented a PD to the Rowville CRT Network, looking at ways of improving the quality of professional learning for teachers. A core part of that work was exploring the current situation and barriers for casual relief teachers, as well as what can be done to support casual relief teachers access and implement professional learning.
The presenters ran a workshop-style session to seek input from those present. They also shared various tools and resources that are freely available on their website, to help improve CRTs' practice.
The information-sharing proved to be a worthwhile learning opportunity for all present.
Follow-up VIT Presentation - Monday 13th November, 2017
(4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
Presenter: Hannah Galloway (VIT)
Hannah Galloway, Senior Standards Advisor / Regulatory Services, Victorian Institute of Teaching, presented an informative follow-up PD about the following:
Presenter: Hannah Galloway (VIT)
Hannah Galloway, Senior Standards Advisor / Regulatory Services, Victorian Institute of Teaching, presented an informative follow-up PD about the following:
- Code of Ethics,
- Code of Conduct, and
- Teacher Professionalism.
The CRTs present went through a number of scenarios, discussions and reflections with Hannah, which served as timely reminders of what constitutes "Best Teaching Practice".
All present appreciated Hannah's knowledge, understanding and openness.
All present appreciated Hannah's knowledge, understanding and openness.
VIT Presentation - Monday 28th August, 2017
(4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
Presenter: Hannah Galloway (VIT)
Hannah Galloway, Senior Standards Advisor / Regulatory Services, Victorian Institute of Teaching, presented an informative PD about the following: Her role at the VIT; Teacher Registration Renewal; Professional Standards for Teachers and Code of Conduct.
Hannah welcomed questions, and reassured the CRTs present that they were definitely on her agenda.
Hannah's presentation was appreciated by all attendees.
"Family Literacy Project Officer - Greater Dandenong Libraries" Presenter: Amanda Haines
Monday 29th May, 2017 (4:00 pm - 5:30 pm)
Amanda spoke to the CRTs about her work with: Primary School teachers in the Greater Dandenong area, disadvantaged children at both their schools and the libraries, and their families. She shared her love for books, and told how her many encounters with children and their families led to strong connections being made for some new-comers in the community.
Amanda's story was inspiring. She encouraged CRTs who had the desire and the time, to consider volunteering at local schools, as at one of the schools where she visits, each ESL/EAL student with whom she works, has seven minutes of her time once a week.
If you would like to help out, go to the 'Greater Dandenong Website" and look at the many possibilities of "making a difference" as a volunteer.
Thank you Amanda for reminding us about the strength of a caring community.
Second Round - "Toe By Toe" (Literacy Intervention Program) Presentation
Presenter: Sue Austin (Karoo Primary School - "Toe By Toe" Coordinator)
Monday 27th March, 2017 (4:00 pm - 5:30 pm)
By request, the "Toe By Toe" PD was offered again to the CRTs who missed Sue's amazing presentation in November last year.
Those who attended were once more impressed by the many strengths of the program, and the passion of Sue.
"Toe By Toe" (Literacy Intervention Program) Presentation
Presenter: Sue Austin (Karoo Primary School - "Toe By Toe" Coordinator)
Monday 28th November, 2016 (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
Sue presented an awe-inspiring PD session to all attendees. She explained the fundamental philosophy of the program, and spoke about its organisation, structure and life-changing effectiveness.
Her passion and enthusiasm were contagious, and she left all present wanting to be a part of this amazing program. "Toe By Toe" has truly made a difference in the lives of many children and young people, and will continue to do so.
At the end of Sue's presentation, many CRTs were heard saying that it was the best PD that they had ever attended.
Brilliant work Sue!
"anzuk" Agency Presentation: Everything that you always wanted to know about joining an agency to find employment. Are there any catches?
Presenter: Erin Corbyn
Monday 24th October, 2016 (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
Erin, and her colleague John, presented all relevant information regarding joining up with an agency: expectations, conditions and payment. They answered all questions put to them in an honest and open manner.
They also touched on available, affordable PD sessions open to all CRTs.
The attendees certainly walked away, at the end of the presentation, with 'food for thought'.
EDMed PD - Catering for children and young people with chronic illnesses (disabilities)
Presenter: Natalie Forcucci
Tuesday 28th June, 2016 (11:00 am - 1:00 pm)
Natalie Forcucci presented an interactive PD on how we, as CRTs, can cater for the unique needs of children and young people with chronic illnesses. She allowed those present to contribute their own experiences when working in educational environments, ask questions and share inclusive teaching techniques.
"Association for Children with a Disability" - Presenter: Leanne Regan/Janice Chan - Friday 15th January, 2016
Leanne
Regan presented a valuable, personal account of her experiences as a mother of a young person with a disability, and as a "Special Education Teacher". She shared with the assembled CRTs a diverse range of strategies which could be taken into any classroom immediately, and a knowledge of "Best Teaching
Practice" that could be used with all
students. Her professional beliefs and approach to teaching were
inspirational to all who attended.
"Legal Liability for CRTs" - Presenters: Kerry Maher (AEU) and Mark Hopper (AEU) - Mon. 12th October, 2015
Kerry and Mark presented invaluable information to CRTs regarding: legal responsibilities, code of conduct and professional boundaries. This professional reminder was appreciated by all present.
CRT - Great Teaching Ideas! - (Mon. 12th October, 2015)
Following Kerry and Mark, four of our amazing CRTs: Liz, Karen, Maria and Ruth, shared some brilliant: teaching tips, general ideas and wonderful strategies, successfully tried and tested in the CRTs' classrooms. On behalf of those present, my heartfelt thanks go out to all four of them, for sharing their pure 'genius' with us.
"EDMed - Professional Development for Teachers" - Presenter: Natalie Forcucci (Ronald McDonald Learning Program - Education Coordinator) - Wed. 8th July, 2015
Natalie presented some valuable insight into catering for the needs of children and young people who have experienced (and in some cases still are) medical conditions which cause gaps in their learning. She presented: strategies, resources and personal accounts to the teachers present.
Marino D'Ortenzio (AEU) - CRT Update - Wed. 8th July, 2015
Marino followed Natalie's presentation with an update for the CRTs from the Australian Education Union (AEU). He quoted statistics, relevant information and personal knowledge which enlightened those present.
"MoneySmart Teaching" - Presenter: Shane O'Connor (VCAA) - Friday 10th April, 2015
The CRTs present at Shane O'Connor's PD session were treated to: information, resources and great ideas to use in the classroom immediately. Shane stated that we really have to start by looking at ourselves as adults (teachers) and understand that: knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours all set the scene for how we role-model how to manage money well and make confident and well-informed decisions; we are then better equipped to pass on this information through "Best Teaching Practice" to students in the classroom.
Shane left the assembled group with three salient points to remember: USB, "17" and App. He distributed valuable resources, a USB for each CRT (containing exciting, new and different teaching lessons for multiple year-levels) and great web links to follow up on, prior to entering the classroom.
The three-hour presentation was greatly valued by all present. Thank you Shane on behalf of the network.
"The Progressive Curriculum Frameworks for AusVELS" - Presenter: Anton Reiter - Monday 30th March, 2015
Anton Reiter presented an innovative approach when using the AusVELS frameworks, identifying the progression opportunities for
differentiation throughout the curriculum for all learning areas.
Anton's interpretation of the frameworks, derived directly from the VCAA curriculum documents, is currently being used and trialled in various Victorian schools. As Anton put it,"Each 'progressive' curriculum framework
reduces the need for educators to read, re-read and compare each
sentence and every word in the AusVELS AC Curriculum to identify
progression."
Anton's presentation left teachers feeling empowered and well-equipped, with multiple curriculum resources to use with any grade level.
"The Singing Classroom" - Presenter: Sue Arney (aMuse) Saturday 28th February, 2015
Sue Arney, from the Association of Music Educators, presented an awe-inspiring, five-hour PD to CRTs who wanted to learn how to bring "Music" back into the classroom. She enthralled those present by engaging each and every one in the following: collaboration, creation, movement, song, dance and (most importantly) laughter.
Those attending, walked away at the end of the session with renewed enthusiasm and a determination to use Music confidently as a significant part of the integrated curriculum with students in both primary and secondary environments.
"Legal Liability for CRTs" - Presenter: Marino D'Ortenzio (AEU) - Saturday 13th December, 2014
Marino D'Ortenzio (AEU) presented this invaluable PD to the CRTs, focusing on "Duty of Care" and "Legal Liability" of all CRTs employed in educational environments. His extensive knowledge was evident throughout the presentation, and he took time to answer questions relating to specific incidents, brought up by some of the CRTs present.
"Association for Children with a Disability" - Presenter: Leanne Regan/Janice Chan - Monday 24th November, 2014
Due to popular demand, Leanne
Regan presented a second PD covering the same knowledge and skills as in the September PD.
"All in a Day's Work" - Presenter: Megan Dredge - Saturday 13th September, 2014
Megan Dredge once again proved her worth by presenting this invaluable FREE PD to our CRTs. It focused on the ability of each individual to proactively affect "future employment prospects" by just working on the essentials: you, your attitude, your ability to teach and your worth in an educational environment. (Simple!) Just by presenting the 'best you', people will see who you are and what you have to offer.
Megan truly promoted the 'Teaching Profession" by passing on great resources and ideas.
"Association for Children with a Disability" - Presenter: Leanne Regan/Janice Chan - Monday 8th September, 2014
Leanne Regan presented a range of strategies and a knowledge of "Best Teaching Practice" that could be taken into any classroom and used with all students. Her professional beliefs and approach to teaching were inspirational to all who attended.
"Conservation in the Classroom" - Presenter: Meg Cullen - Monday 30th June, 2014
Meg Cullen delivered an amazing presentation on the "Hooded Plover" and its plight at a recent PD for Rowville CRTs. Not only did we learn a great deal about "Birdlife Australia", but also about how each one of us can take "Conservation Initiatives" into each of our classrooms, and spread the message of looking after our planet and its valuable creatures.
Meg shared her "Educational Programs" in an inspirational manner, that truly captivated the CRTs present. The message to take away, was that we can empower our students by sharing passion, information and skills with them, and lead them to become tomorrow's "caretakers".
Ronald McDonald Learning Program - Presenter: Kiri Kane - 25th March, 2014
Kiri Kane presented a valuable PD for the Rowville CRTs recently, highlighting the need for all teachers to meet the individual needs of students in their care. In particular, she mentioned the importance of talking to all relevant staff, who would be able to pass on information about individual students who may well have medical conditions affecting their learning.
Kiri gave us all "food for thought" regarding catering for individual differences in the classroom as CRTs.
Resourcing CRTs - A workshop for CRTs working with students with a disability.
Presented by the "Association for Children with a Disability". This workshop will provide: skills, knowledge and tools to enable CRTs to quickly engage with students with a disability, and enhance their inclusion into all class activities.
Dates: Wed. 9th October, 2013
Wed. 27th November, 2013 (repeat workshop)
Venue: Wheelers Hill Meeting Room
Time: 4:15pm (for 4:30pm start) - 6:00pm
Cost: Free
Important - Term 1, 2013 "Combined" CRT Network Meeting
Date: Wednesday 27th Feb
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Venue: Carey Baptist Grammar (Donvale Campus)
Era Crt, Donvale
This will be a valuable combined Eastern Region CRT Network Meeting (Doncaster, Rowville and Lilydale Networks).
The meeting counts as 2 hours towards VIT renewal of registration (under Teacher Identified PD MyVIT).
Please go to http://ercrtsn.eventbrite.com.
There is no need to print or download tickets for this event – just register!
Date: Wednesday 27th Feb
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Venue: Carey Baptist Grammar (Donvale Campus)
Era Crt, Donvale
This will be a valuable combined Eastern Region CRT Network Meeting (Doncaster, Rowville and Lilydale Networks).
The meeting counts as 2 hours towards VIT renewal of registration (under Teacher Identified PD MyVIT).
Please go to http://ercrtsn.eventbrite.com.
There is no need to print or download tickets for this event – just register!
Registrations are now full for the following PD!
Details for the next FREE PD for the Rowville CRT Network:Topic: "Classroom Management" (specifically for CRTs!)
"In this workshop you'll discover: how to organise your classroom for maximum effectiveness, how to create a positive classroom culture, classroom management strategies that can be immediately implemented, your own classroom management style
and how that contributes to your success."
Presenter: Megan Dredge
"Be equipped and inspired in this practical and relevant professional development workshop presented by author and educator, Megan Dredge."
"In this workshop you'll discover: how to organise your classroom for maximum effectiveness, how to create a positive classroom culture, classroom management strategies that can be immediately implemented, your own classroom management style
and how that contributes to your success."
Presenter: Megan Dredge
"Be equipped and inspired in this practical and relevant professional development workshop presented by author and educator, Megan Dredge."
Date: Tuesday 4th December
Time: 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Venue: "Wellsprings for Women"
79 Langhorne Street, Dandenong (residential area - parking in the street)
What to bring: Yourself and a "mug/cup"
What will be provided: Tea/coffee (and something to nibble on), a stimulating presentation and some friendly CRT faces.
N.B. Places are limited, so let me know if you would like to attend as soon as possible!
N.B. Places are limited, so let me know if you would like to attend as soon as possible!
Best wishes,
Heather
Wednesday 24th October - Combined Networks' PD (Doncaster, Lilydale and Rowville) - Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presenter: Heather Mosley
Venue: Carey Baptist Grammar (Donvale Campus)
Time: 4pm - 6pm
(Contact Rowville CRT Network Coordinator, Heather, if you are interested in attending.)
Due to an unprecedented demand, "The Singing Classroom" (Presenter: Sue Arney) will be offered again.
The details are as follows:
When: Monday 24th September (the first Monday of the Term 3 School Holidays)
Where: The "Panorama Room" Mulgrave Country Club
(Cnr Wellington and Jells Roads) Wheelers Hill
What time: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Number: 40 participants
(N.B. Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided and an "Activities' Booklet" will be given to all participants.)
Contact Heather (Rowville CRT Network Co-ordinator) if you are interested.
(Get in early so that you don't miss out!)
"The Singing Classroom" (Presenter: Sue Arney)
Activity Focus:
- To provide skills and resources for generalist teachers to enable more singing in the classroom,
- To demonstrate ways of integrating singing into the general curriculum as well as dedicated Music sessions, and
- To assist teachers to develop multi-domain units for their students, incorporating literacy and numeracy learning outcomes.
Details:
When: Thursday 5th July (the first Thursday of the School Holidays)Where: Mulgrave Country Club (Cnr Wellington and Jells Roads) Wheelers Hill
What time: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Number: 50 participants
(N.B. Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided and an "Activities' Booklet" will be given to all participants.)
Dawn Colcott (VIT) Presentation - Tuesday 17th April!
Dawn Colcott will be presenting to the Rowville CRT Network on Tuesday 17th April (4.30 pm - 6.00 pm). She will be addressing "VIT Registration Issues" ( i.e. when registration is due, the number of teaching days to be completed, and the number of hours of PD expected etc).
Dawn will also answer any other queries related to VIT issues. In particular, she will talk about "MyVIT".
Venue details will be forwarded shortly!
2012 - Margaret Menner PD - "Engagement Through Literacy"
8th and 10th February (9.00am - 4.00pm - both days)
The following information, outlining the content of the PD, has been supplied by Margaret Menner:
Engagement Through Literacy – Comprehensions
· The difference between teaching and testing comprehension
· Explicit methods for teaching visualizing, inferring, making connections, summarizing, questioning, activating prior knowledge
· Fun comprehension activities to do with fiction/non-fiction through independent reading, shared reading, guided reading and read aloud
· Fun learning centres for small group work
Engagement Through Literacy – Guided Reading
· A common understanding about key elements of a guided reading lesson
· Using a book introduction to ensure success on first reading of an unseen text
· Activities for the rest of the class during guided reading
· Use of a task management board for organizing groups
· Reading strategies to teach during guided reading
Engagement Through Literacy - Writing
· Getting students motivated in independent writing
· How much should I mark as a CRT?
· Balancing the authorial and secretarial aspects in writing
· Demonstrating writing strategies explicitly through shared and modeled writing
· What is guided writing?
· Exciting activities to motivate students to write
· Using mentor text to teach the craft of writing
· Using writers notebook to help students engage in independent writing
· Differentiating teaching to meet the needs of students
Engagement Through Literacy - Spelling
· How do we move beyond boring spelling lists?
· How can I use word study as a one off lesson to teach children spelling strategies?
· Methods for teaching spelling strategies in mini lessons
· Methods for ensuing spelling words go into long-term memory
· Engaging methods for working with words on the spelling list
· Games and activities to use in a spelling lesson that go beyond busy work
· Differentiating teaching to meet the needs of students
Term 4 - Rowville CRT Network PD!
"Why should my class go outdoors and investigate nature when they can look it up on Google?
(Environmental Education with the emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy Learning Outcomes.)
Presenter: Petra Szabo (experienced "Environmental Education" expert!)
Date: Monday 21st November
Venue: Mulgrave Country Club (Cnr. Jells Rd and Wellington Rd, Mulgrave)
Time: 4.00pm - Afternoon tea.
4.30pm - 6.00pm - Presentation
REGISTRATION DETAILS WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY!
Dear Colleague,
You are cordially invited to a Rowville CRT Network "get-together".
Date: Thursday 25th August
Time: 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Venue: "Wellsprings for Women"
79 Langhorne Street, Dandenong (residential area - parking in the street)
What to bring: Yourself, your ideas for sharing and a "mug/cup"
What will be provided: A cup of tea/coffee (and a biscuit), stimulating discussion, some ideas for sharing and some friendly CRT faces.
Please let me know if you would like to attend.
Best wishes,
Heather
