2024 AASE Conference – Empowering Minds, Connecting Hearts
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the AASE 2024 Conference in Fremantle, Western Australia. This year, the conference was held in partnership with the Western Australian Education Support Principals and Administrators Association (WAESPAA) under the inspiring theme: “Empowering Minds, Connecting Hearts.” This theme beautifully encapsulated the essence of our gathering, emphasising the importance of collaboration among educators, families, community members, and key stakeholders. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to attend and extend my thanks to both Catholic Education Tasmania and Marist Regional College for allowing me this experience and time away from school to grow as a leader.
- Empowering Minds:
The theme of empowerment resonated deeply throughout the conference. Sessions focused on innovative teaching strategies designed to equip diverse learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions. Presenters shared effective methods for personalising learning experiences to meet the varied needs of students, ensuring that every learner can thrive. - Connecting Hearts:
“Connecting Hearts” highlighted the importance of creating nurturing and inclusive learning environments. Educational leaders play a pivotal role in fostering emotional connections among students, teachers, and the community. By establishing a supportive atmosphere where individuals feel understood and valued, we can enrich the overall educational experience and promote self-reliance and capability among learners. - Networking Opportunities:
Connecting with fellow educators from across Australia was one of the most rewarding aspects of the conference. Engaging in conversations about common challenges and sharing best practices sparked new ideas and collaborations that I am excited to explore further. The sense of community at the conference was palpable, reinforcing the theme of coming together to share knowledge and experiences. Since returning, I have already been able to gain further knowledge and support from members within Catholic Education Tasmania. - Focus on Well-Being:
Sessions on social-emotional learning (SEL) underscored the significance of supporting students’ mental health and well-being. Many educators shared successful initiatives that prioritise emotional resilience, demonstrating how SEL can enhance academic performance and foster a positive school culture. A particular highlight for me was the initiative currently being conducted in the Australian Capital Territory – Everyone Every day, which supports schools in strengthening inclusive culture. This session provided valuable resources that can be implemented at Marist Regional College to really delve into what being inclusive looks like and facilitating conversations with those it affects most. The key message from this learning further cements the inclusion of student voice in our Learning Plans, which have been a positive addition this semester.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the insights from AASE 2024, I feel inspired and energised about the future of learners at MRC. The dual focus on empowering minds and connecting hearts reassures me that we are heading in the right direction.
I cannot wait to implement the ideas and tools I gathered from this experience and share them with our students, staff, and community. Together, we can continue to create enriching educational experiences for our students.
Learning Plans and Transition Support for 2025 Year 7 students
As we near the conclusion of Term 3, the Student Support team is excited to share a number of positive developments. We have successfully completed our Learning Plan reviews and are eagerly preparing for Term 4.
A highlight this semester has been the introduction of the “How I Learn Best…” section in our Learning Plans. This addition allows us to amplify student voice, giving learners a platform to share their preferences and strategies for success. We believe that understanding how each student learns best is crucial in fostering a supportive educational environment.
Additionally, we have streamlined the process of sharing these Learning Plans with teachers, ensuring that everyone has easy access to the information they need to support their students effectively.
In collaboration with Mrs Helen Cox, Year Level Coordinator for Year 7, we have been visiting our feeder Catholic schools to connect with the teachers of our incoming students. This rewarding process has allowed us to explore ways to ease the transition from primary to secondary school. We are committed to creating a seamless experience for our new students.
Looking ahead, we are excited to meet with the families of students entering Year 7 in 2025. We look forward to collaborating with them to develop transition plans that best meet the individual needs of each student.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to prioritise student growth and well-being at Marist Regional College. We are looking forward to a productive Term 4.
Rebekah Taylor
Director of Student Support