Hi Colleagues,
I hope this week’s edition finds you well.
QUOTE
“Research on expertise suggests that superficial coverage of many topics in the domain may be a poor way to help students develop the competencies that will prepare them for future learning and work. Curricula that emphasize breadth of knowledge may prevent effective organisation of knowledge because there is not enough time to learn anything in depth. Curricula that are ‘a mile wide and an inch deep’ run the risk of developing disconnected rather than connected knowledge.” (National Research Council 2000, pg. 42)
FUNNY OF THE WEEK
TWEET OF THE WEEK
FLOODS
A big shout out to all my colleagues who have been and continue to be impacted by the floods.
I’m thinking of you all and hoping that you get through the next little while as best as possible.
Take care. xoxo.
CREATIVE WEEK
You’ll see below that I’ve had a very creative week.
My first article in 11 months, a podcast, and now the newsletter.
I’m looking to be a bit more regular with the articles and podcasts between now and the end of the school year. If you have any requests for topics, or guests on the podcast please let me know.
WELLBEING IS THE OUTCOME, BUT SHOULDN’T BE THE FOCUS
Here is a taste of what I wrote about this week:
It can seem counterintuitive, but schools that need to improve their wellbeing shouldn’t focus on wellbeing. Instead, have high expectations regarding student learning and provide high quality teaching. Learning outcomes and wellbeing will improve together.
Click on the link below to read the full article.
Link
PODCAST/YOUTUBE
It’s been a little while between podcasts, but episode 2 of Education Enclave is now live.
In this episode I’m joined by Erin Beissel, who in 2021 was awarded Teacher of the Year by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
Erin is currently on maternity leave from Clarinda PS, but we managed to squeeze in our chat while Audrey was having a nap.
We discuss professional learning, leadership, literacy and all things education.
I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did.
You have the option of listening via the podcast or watching the YouTube video.
Podcast - Link
YouTube - Link
WRITING
Tonight, is the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
It always brings back great memories when this night rolls around. Last year I had my fingers crossed for Erin, who as you can see won!
You can read the article I wrote last year here.
PUTTING WRITING ON A PEDESTAL
In the last edition I shared how a number of my schools have been putting writing on a pedestal. In particular, I highlighted the great work that Woori Yallock PS have been doing at going public with their writing, and giving their students an authentic purpose and audience for their writing.
They negotiated with the local library to showcase all of the published writing from the end of the unit. Check out the last edition for photos of the displays.
A number of people wrote to me loving the idea, and also sharing what they have been doing to celebrate their students’ writing.
QR codes seem to be very popular. Shout out to Matt at Gembrook PS for putting QR codes in the local café. I’m hearing lots of positive feedback from patrons reading the writing while waiting for their coffee.
The Google Sites that the 3/4 team at Woori put together was also a hit with a number of you. Shout out to Annie Fisher who had her 3/4 students read the published pieces, as well as provide feedback to the authors.
I would love it if you could still find some time for your students (particularly grade 3/4) to provide some feedback to the published writing like Annie’s students have.
Attached to each narrative is a Google form, so any feedback can be typed directly into the site. The students are super excited that other kids their age have been reading their work.
While you’re at it, ask your students if this is something they would like to do with their published writing. It would be amazing to get a community of students who are celebrating each other’s writing, as well as giving each other feedback.
LAUREN’S FIGHT FOR A FEARLESS FUTURE
In last week’s edition I highlighted a cause that is close to home for me.
BJ & Loz are in my social circle and are quality people.
At the time of writing, a bit over $58,000 has been raised, with the goal being $100,000.
Please take the time to read the information in the link below, and it would mean a lot if you could donate some money, and/or promote this gofundme as far as possible.
Thank you.
Link
INBOX
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading and see you next week, Danny. P.S Feel free to provide me with any feedback regarding the newsletter, or anything for that matter via email.
If you would like to check out previous editions, you can access them here.
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