I would like to congratulate all winners of the 2021 Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards.

Two Queensland Catholic school teachers were among six winners announced at the TEACHX Awards presentation ceremony on Thursday which celebrated the extraordinary contributions of registered Queensland teachers from all schooling sectors.

Ariel Hsu-Chia Chen received the Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award, while Elyse Johnston was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to School Community Award.

Ariel teaches Chinese at St James College, Fortitude Valley, where 62 per cent of students speak English as an additional language. Ariel has been changing the way languages are taught, with great results. Read her story here.

Elyse teaches Visual Arts and Drama at St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane.  She is involved in a wide range of social justice programs at the school. Her work has focused on using art to inspire advocacy and raise awareness. Read more about Elyse’s work here.

Find out more about all this year’s award winners and finalists on the Queensland College of Teachers website here.

On Monday I met with the Catholic Secondary Principals Association Queensland (CaSPAQ) Management Committee to discuss a number of current issues relevant to Queensland Catholic schools.

While COVID-19 and the associated issues of ventilation in schools, vaccinations and the potential impacts on Year 12 exams were discussed, there were a number of other key issues on the agenda.

These included the ongoing review of the Australian Curriculum, development of the Unique Student Identifier, and Respectful Relationships education and resources.

The principals were also updated on the review of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 currently being conducted by the Queensland Department of Education to ensure the Act remains contemporary and in line with community expectations.  

Last week I met with the RI PJP Principals for the final time this year. 

It was an opportunity to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic management for schools as Queensland now transitions away from focusing on case rates to a focus on vaccination rates and re-opening of the state. Further detailed information will be available at the Pandemic Planning Group meeting scheduled for Thursday 25 November 2021.

The meeting was also an opportunity to again thank and farewell Mark Stower, Principal of Villanova College, Coorparoo, for his contribution to Catholic education over many years and also his time as RI/PJP representative on the Commission. We wish Mark every blessing as he continues on the next phase of his journey.  

Queensland Catholic school teachers who are considering submitting an application for Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher certification in 2022 must complete an online Notice of Intention to Apply. This will provide the necessary applicant information for planning purposes. 

The NOI to Apply will close at 5pm Monday 15 November and can be accessed on the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher website here.   

Catholic schools have been invited to participate in a new school-based inclusion and diversity program which supports schools to build inclusive and safe spaces for everyone.

The Culture Collective program is run by the Queensland Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs in conjunction with Multicultural Australia and was founded on evidence-based best practice, developed with students, for students. 

The program is currently aimed at secondary students and aims to give them the tools to think critically so they can challenge and recognise stereotypes and celebrate diversity.

Multicultural Australia will be working with 20 pilot schools up until August 2022 and school principals are invited to register their interest for the program to be delivered at their school.

Although Stage 1 of the program will only run in the SEQ region, the project will later be expanded to include regional areas. 

To register complete the online form here.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has advised that students will receive their Year 12 results earlier than expected this year.

QCAA will release results in student learning accounts on Friday 17 December from 9am.

Students can access their learning account via the Student Portal on the myQCE website. For more information click here. 

Congratulations to four new principals on their appointment to positions commencing in Term 1, 2022. 

Andrew Oberthur will begin his new role as Principal of St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston, and Paula Goodwin will formally commence her role as Principal of St Mary’s College, Ipswich, where she has been Acting Principal. 

Carol Bell will move from Western Australia to take up her role as Principal of St Joseph’s College, Coomera and Craig Acret will commence as Principal of St Peter’s Primary School, Rochedale. 

Congratulations to Andrew, Paula, Carol and Craig on their new appointments and we wish them all the best for a smooth transition for Term 1, 2022.

I recently attended the ACEL Queensland Annual Branch Awards Ceremony to celebrate and pay recognition to outstanding educators and leaders who excel in their roles.

At the ceremony, I was honoured to receive the Miller-Grassie Award for outstanding leadership in education and deliver the Miller-Grassie address on leadership, wisdom and risk in these COVID times. 

I would also like to congratulate the 28 other award recipients in nine other categories. Find out more about the recipients here or view some of our Queensland Catholic education award winners below.

Missed a Circular? Below is a list of Circulars that have been issued recently. Use your login to access them.    
 
2021 Circulars 
 
096     Professional Experience Placements update 
097     Reporting Timetable 4th Quarter Update