Category Archives: school

Mandarin the 4th most popular language in primary schools! (updated)

I woke up yesterday to read from a local newspaper that Mandarin is now the fourth most-popular choice for primary school pupils in Victoria. The article went on to say: The news comes as schools prepare for the introduction of compulsory … Continue reading

Posted in China, Chinese Language, curriculum, school | 1 Comment

EPS data wise team reflections

This is the last post in the series by the 4 teachers overseas inquiring into the data wise process. As our trip draws to a close, we spent time reflecting upon and synthesising our learning both from the Data Wise … Continue reading

Posted in Accountability, Data Wise Program, Harvard, Instruction, Observation, reflections, school | 2 Comments

EPS visits Jefferson Elementary School in New York

This blog entry is the eighth in a series from the team visiting schools in the States and comes to you from the ‘Big Apple.’ Today we visited Jefferson Elementary School (K-5), located in upstate New York in a town called … Continue reading

Posted in Accountability, Assessment, Data Wise Program, Instruction, Leadership, school, Teaching | 2 Comments

Elsternwick PS meets Tobin Montessori in Boston

Continuing the series of posts written by Jess, Erin and Sarah 3 teachers attending the Harvard Institute and now visiting schools. Today we visited The Tobin School in Cambridge. This school was familiar to us, as we had read about … Continue reading

Posted in Assessment, Data Wise Program, Harvard, Instruction, Networks of Schools, school, Teaching | 2 Comments

Extended family holidays – an opportunity or a threat to learning?

Last week I was engaged in my school’s peer review process and we tossed around a question on extended student absence from school for family travel purposes. You see extended family holidays are close to the number one reason why … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Holidays, parenting, school, school structures | 4 Comments

start where they are at?

Recently I was sent these pictures from a proud mum of her 4 year olds drawings about one of his passions – footy. Yes that’s right a 4 years old – and if we to diagnose what’s his next steps … Continue reading

Posted in school, Teaching | 1 Comment

the strap!

I was searching my back storeroom at work recently I came across one of the original straps used by Principals and some teachers who were delegated to “dish out” corporal punishment. Corporal punishment (that is legally striking a student with wooden … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, parenting, school, Teaching, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

The case for risky play in schools is building. Does short term pain (injuries or complaints) alleviate long term mental health issues – you be the judge!

I’ve come to this topic of “play” from several different experiences: I remember David Rease from Harvard on his first visit to our school standing in our school grounds during recess utterly amazed at children playing with minimal supervision (we … Continue reading

Posted in Community, play, school | 1 Comment

Michael McQueen on decoding todays students

This is the last post from the Principal conference and the second on Michael McQueen I thought worth sharing. In this post he identifies 7 paradigm rifts if we are to understand todays students: The concept of truth being an … Continue reading

Posted in Conference, school, Teaching | 1 Comment

student leadership can promote a sense of belonging

Recently I was given the honour of presenting the special year 6 rugby top, to all our year students. The rugby tops, which have all the students names on the back, is one of the key symbols of student leadership … Continue reading

Posted in Leadership, school | 1 Comment

Are schools are at a “Tipping Point” in supplying ICT to students!

I’m writing this post to explore viewpoints on a school’s capacity to supply ICT to students – for I propose schools are at a “tipping point” in their attempts to achieve this by themselves. A little context perhaps: About 10 … Continue reading

Posted in school, school structures, Technology, Uncategorized | 7 Comments

The Two PP’s (Police and Principals) sharing a community.

  This week the local police inspector gave a short speech to the principal network on what’s happening in the local community. Of course he mentioned the growing youth alcohol and drug problems, cyber bullying and sexting and family and domestic … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Leadership, school | Leave a comment

Connected Students

Yesterday we held parent teacher interviews in the afternoon and while I was walking around on yard duty I spotted these boys sitting under some playground equipment connected to our wireless network via their i phones or newly leased laptops … Continue reading

Posted in school, Technology | 3 Comments

Homework: good or bad?

The French President is the latest in a growing line to suggest a ban on homework. In a recent BBC article he was cited as saying homework is not fair as it advantages the wealthy parents who have time to … Continue reading

Posted in school, Teaching, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A thank you to teachers!

To be called a teacher was once associated with being held in high regard. Like lots of professions this has slipped over recent years. One can speculate reasons as to why or how this has happened. This clip I think … Continue reading

Posted in school, Teaching, Uncategorized | Leave a comment