2008

July 15-16

2008 Early Years Conference

Brochure here

The 2008 Early Years Conference is being held at the Novotel Brighton Beach in Sydney on 15-16 July 2008. The Conference will showcase innovations that enhance teaching and learning in the critical early years of schooling. The focus of the Early Years Conference is on literacy and numeracy, student wellbeing and resilience, effective transitions, ICT in the early years, strengthening partnerships, and the Best Start program. The conference will provide teachers with opportunities to develop new understandings in :

* instruction and assessment of literacy and numeracy in the early years
* supporting student wellbeing and fostering resilience in early years students
* developing collaborative partnerships with parents and community to enhance teaching and learning.

International and local keynote speakers will provide insights into effective teaching and learning in the early years of schooling. Keynote speakers are:

Professor Scott Paris - University of Michigan USA
The internationally renowned Professor Scott Paris will focus on literacy in the early years and discuss ways teachers can use new kinds of instruction and assessment to foster learning.

Peter Gould - Manager, Mathematics, Department of Education and Training
Peter will talk about the development of early number concepts and the relationship between early numeracy and children's developing proficiency in language.

Lyn Worsley - Clinical psychologist
Lyn will share her extensive expertise in developmental psychology and discuss how schools can foster resilience and support student wellbeing.

Tracey Simpson - Director, Early Childhood Education - Western NSW
Based on her experience in rural communities, Tracey will demonstrate how effective partnerships with parents and a range of agencies can enhance teaching and learning in the early years.

The conference will showcase the innovative work of schools and regions through a range of workshops.

Online registration for the Early Years Conference opens on 30 April 2008. Delegates can access more information and register online at www.detconferences.nsw.edu.au or telephone Strategic Initiatives Directorate on telephone number (02) 9266 8158.

May 2

International Masterclass for School Leaders (Sydney)

School Leaders: Are you thinking about leading or do you LEAD the thinking?
This Leadership Masterclass is for school leaders committed to leading the thinking in their school communities and classrooms. There is no one right way to lead. But there are common elements in the repertoires of the most effective leaders. These will be the focus of our day.
Click here