ETAQ E-pistle 9-12
Posted by Garry Collins on March 25, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Renewal of membership
Early next month the distribution list for these E-pistles will be pruned of the addresses of individuals or schools who have not renewed their membership by paying this year’s dues. Have you paid your dues? We’d hate to lose anyone because of an administrative oversight.
Brisbane seminar – Sat 26 May
Our second regular Saturday seminar will be conducted at Brisbane Grammar School on 26 May. The theme is “Storytelling and the Power of the Word” and the intention is to have a focus on Australian literature.
This event will feature two keynote speakers: literature academic Professor Patrick Buckridge from Griffith University and author and illustrator John Danalis.
To support the keynote speakers, we seek volunteers to conduct workshops or presentations. A Date Claimer and Call for Presenters document with more details has been uploaded to the website. Members willing to share their practice are asked to send a title, abstract and bio to Helen Johnston helen.johnston@brisbanegrammar.comby the end of the Easter vacation. I’ve submitted a proposal for a session entitled “A bushranger’s story”. What will yours be called?
Beginning Teachers’ Day
Our second Beginning (English) Teachers’ Day is scheduled to be held at Stuartholme School on Saturday 28 April. Please spread the word. The program and registration form are included in mailing you should receive this week and are also available on the Events Page of the ETAQ website at http://www.etaq.org.au/?page_id=773.
English Communication after-school PD
I can now confirm that an after-school session to share good ideas on English Communication will be held in the library of Runcorn SHS (NB changed from MacGregor SHS) in Brisbane on Thursday 10 May. The activity will start with afternoon tea from 3:30 – 4:00 and the program provides for 3 x 35 minute sessions. If you have a good idea that you’re prepared to share (unit plan, assessment task, activity, resource/s etc) please contact Bronwyn Darben at bdarb8@eq.edu.au. This activity was very successful last year and we just need a few more generous presenters to repeat that success.
Speakers Ink PD Event – 4 May
Members are advised that places are apparently filling fast for a Speakers Ink event at the State Library on Friday 4 May entitled Follow the Reader.
This seminar designed to help recognise and celebrate The National Year of Reading, 2012; for teachers, librarians and literacy support professionals, educators and those interested in promoting literacy… Featuring presentations by: James Moloney | Trish Buckley (CBCA) | Brian Falkner | Simon Groth (if:book Australia) | Nick Earls | Jane Cowell (SLQ) | Deborah Abela…and more. Certificates will be issued for 6 hours of CPD. The the seminar flyer can be downloaded here
Features of this event include: handouts, specialist bookstall, a featured book launch, a free book give away to each delegate, gourmet catering (by Ab Fab Caterers), a lunch break special presentation, lucky door prizes, networking opportunities.
Writing for Words’Worth
A worthwhile project for the vacation could be writing an item for publication in our journal Words’Worth. Why not turn your favourite unit into an article, produce a review of a resource that you’ve found useful, or express your views about an aspect of English teaching via a letter to the editor? Material can be submitted by emailing the editor Sue Grotherr at Sue.Grotherr@calvarycc.qld.edu.au.
Botsman Award Nominations
Do you have a colleague who deserves to have their high quality English teaching formally recognized? The Peter Botsman Memorial Awards are intended for just this purpose. Start the nomination process by emailing me at gazco48@bigpond.net.au.
Free English and literacy news and updates
The English Teacher Guru (Lindsay Williams), a long-time ETAQ member, has entered the Twitterverse offering educators bite-sized chunks of reliable information, news and links to resources and relevant articles. If you’re interested, log on to Twitter (you may need to set up an account first) and follow @Lindsayguru. Lindsay opines that this would be perfect for the busy teacher!
Misuse of statistics on teacher performance
A paper by Margaret Wu of Victoria University in Melbourne entitled “Abuse of Statistics – Linking Student Test Scores to Teacher Accountability” has been uploaded to the Resources page of the website at http://www.etaq.org.au/?page_id=9. I recommend that all members read this and be alert for invalid claims (lies?) by newspapers and politicians.
Garry Collins
President, English Teachers Association of Queensland (ETAQ)
Sunday, March 25, 2012