Author Archives: mwalker

Christmas Cheer

Posted on December 22, 2007 by mwalker

The school year has ended, the year 6’s have graduated with most shedding a tear at leaving their friends, the reports have been distributed, next years classes and teachers published and the teachers are heading off to celebrate another successful year.  … Continue reading →

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Weight tests for new prep students

Posted on December 18, 2007 by mwalker

The Federal Government has just released a plan to weigh children before they start school to try and crack down on obesity. The Health Minister, Nicola Roxon was reported to have said that the  condition had become a national responsibility … Continue reading →

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A communication challenge – using the school newsletter!

Posted on December 13, 2007 by mwalker

One of the challenges leaders in school face is to explain, even market to parents why changes occur. I was faced with such a challenge recently as I published the 2008 school structures in the school newsletter. For four years we … Continue reading →

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PISA Results out

Posted on December 11, 2007 by mwalker

Thanks to Don Ledingham blog I have been altered to the 2007 PISA results being published which are worth a look. In summary the results remained flat across most OECD countries. Australia showed some improvement in Science with a 7th ranking when … Continue reading →

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Ipods and podcasts the tools of leadership

Posted on December 11, 2007 by mwalker

I was walking laps around one of my local parks this morning at 6.30 am listening to a podcast of Peter Senge talking about the relationship between business and school and it struck me how the tools of leadership have … Continue reading →

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Learning by Heart

Posted on December 6, 2007 by mwalker

  I’m currently rereading a book by Roland Barth titiled “Learning by Heart” which I think makes a number of relevant comments for me about school reform from a very practical perspective. I also think his quotes are great: e.g.  “Experience … Continue reading →

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Walkthroughs

Posted on November 28, 2007 by mwalker

Want a funny clip to start a conversation about walkthroughs at your school. Look no further.

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February Walkthroughs

Posted on November 28, 2007 by mwalker

Yesterday I was speaking to a colleague about the focus of walkthroughs in February. My colleague was told that I had changed some of my thoughts over the last 12 months and was seeking some clarification.  I felt by the end of our conversation … Continue reading →

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Creating relevant curriculum for 21st century leaners

Posted on November 28, 2007 by mwalker

Kath Murdoch has been supporting us here at Elsternwick Primary over the past three years as we make great strides forward in developing  deep, meaningful and engaging inquiry units of learning for students. For those interested in learning more about what makes a … Continue reading →

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Challenges of School Leadership in a Digital Age

Posted on November 26, 2007 by mwalker

Last month I attended an inspiring international education leadership convention in Sydney titled New Imagery for Schools and Schooling. The convention jointly organised by ACEL and ASCD featured speakers from around the world including: Michael Fullan, Andy Hargreaves, Vivanne Robinson … Continue reading →

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