Dare To Lead : National Action Area Activity

National Action Archive

2009 Events

National Action Area Conference - Partnership Builds Success Official Launch

The new phase of Dare to Lead was officially launched in Adelaide on 14 June 2009. Educators and Indigenous leaders from across Australia converged for the event which began with Welcome to Country given by Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis O'Brien.

Andrea Harms, National Coordinator of Dare to Lead, set the scene with the opening address. "Dare to Lead is different to any other project," she said. "It is not a service delivery model. It is not 'we'll do it for you'. Rather, it is a call for school leaders to engage on a personal and professional level and drive sustainable change in their schools, and to be a catalyst for change in their jurisdiction. This personal and professional commitment reflects the underpinning belief of the project - that principals are pivotal to positive change not just in schools but in communities."

The keynote address was delivered by Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. "We want to look at how we address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education into the future," he said in response to a question from the floor after his address. "We can't survive on short-term deals and agreements - we need a clear focus. Like in health, we have strategies and ideas for education, but why haven't we achieved improvements? I think Dare to Lead is going to be one of our key partners in this initiative. We will be looking for your support to champion this effort."

Filmmaker Melanie Hogan, known to many school leaders through her work 'Kanyini' and the Yarn Up project, showed her latest film. It is 'Yajilarra', a Bunuba word meaning 'to dream'. The film is about the community effort in Fitzroy Crossing to reduce the availability of full-strength alcohol, and the impact that has had. "It was a most beautiful partnership to be part of," Ms Hogan said. The film was launched at the United Nations earlier in 2009.

National Educational Partnerships Coordinator Peter O'Beirne contextualised the tag line of the new phase, 'partnership builds success'. "Take a good look at the wording," he urged. "It is more about the notion than the specific partnerships themselves. PARTNERSHIP is a goal that we will all be aspiring to as we work with others to improve the outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. We know that in Dare to Lead, we don't want to be going it alone. Yes, there is something distinctive about the way we do our work: colleagues working with colleagues within the profession, but this can sit well alongside other organisations and the way they do their work."

To read the full report of the event, including the full speeches given, click here.

The work of Dare to Lead would not be possible without the sterling support of Action Area Contacts and Project Ambassadors. Ten of these outstanding individuals were recognised with special commendations at the launch of the 'Partnership builds success' phase. Their personal relationships and strong partnerships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators provide the foundation for making the difference.

The Ambassadors were presented with awards by Dare to Lead Patron Professor Peter Buckskin. The Action Area Contacts were presented with awards by Dare to Lead Ambassador Dr Alice Rigney. Click here for the full list of award recipients.

Below you will find downloadable copies of the presentations given during the conference.

Ian Nebauer, Dare to Lead Coordinator NSW
Leading Improved Retention, Practical Approaches with an Indigenous focus

Lyndall Hill, Dare to Lead Coordinator, QLD
Little Red Yellow Black Book
Little Red Yellow Black Book Guide
Little Red Yellow Black Book Role Matrix
Little Red Yellow Black Book Quiz

Mark Crouch, Dare to Lead Coordinator, NSW
Personalised Learning Plans
A Guide to being an Effective Action Area Contact

Jan Larcombe, Dare to Lead Coordinator, TAS
Awareness to Action
Recognising Racism at School
Recognising Racism in School

Barriers to Becoming Culturally Proficient
Guiding Principals of Cultural Proficiency
Cultural Proficiency Continuum of Self-Assessment
Five Essential Elements Self-Assessment

Jacquie Taylor, Dare to Lead Consultant SA
Using APAC Units in the Classroom

Brenda Jolley, Dare to Lead Action Area Contact NT
Indigenous Education in Alice Springs

Robert Somerville AM, Director Aboriginal Education and Training, WA Department of Education and Training
New Funding Arrangements, 2009 Onwards

Robert Miller, Dare to Lead Coordinator VIC
[unrecognized tag: {file id_846849486:Change_Management-_Being_effective_and_staying_positive.pptx Change Management: Being effective and staying positive}]

Dare to Lead... partnership builds success Launch

[unrecognized tag: {file id_1374129445:Dare_to_Lead_Partnership_Builds_Success_meaning_for_schools.pptx Dare to Lead... partnership builds success what it means for schools}]

Reflexive Leadership and working with Community

Senior Officers National Network of Indigenous Education - SONNIE

Collegial Snapshots

Dennis Flannery, Dare to Lead Coordinator ACT
Curriculum Who's responsible for What & WHat's What?

School Presentations
East Wiakiki Primary School, WA
Roseworth Primary School
Glenroi Heights Public School
Karratha Senior High School

National Indigenous Education Conferences

In 2009 Dare to Lead hosted three National Theme Conferences:
"So what do we teach?" - Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum, 14th August, Canberra.
To read the full report from the conference including details of the keynote presentations and downloads of the breakout sessions held, click here. For details regarding presenters and topics for the conference click here.

"What a difference a good start makes!" - Indigenous Early Childhood, 11th September, Melbourne.
To read the full report from the conference including details of the keynote presentations and downloads of the breakout sessions held, click here. For details regarding presenters and topics for the conference click here.

"Identifying and catering for the Gifts and Talents of Indigenous Students", 23rd October, Adelaide.
To read the full report from the conference including details of the keynote presentations, click here. For details regarding presenters and topics for the conference click here.

2008 Events

National Indigenous Education Conferences

In 2008 Dare To Lead hosted three significant National Indigenous Education Conferences Each of the three conferences followed a similar format. The day began with a research based keynote speaker. This was followed by a brief panel session based on the research paper presented. Participants then had a choice of workshops delivered by schools and institutions demonstrating best practice. The day concluded with a plenary panel session.

The three conferences were:

Outside The Mainstream: Reopening The Door
Melbourne, Thursday July 31 2008
Issues associated with Indigenous students working in an educational setting outside of the mainstream classroom context are varied and complicated. While many of us are aware of the challenges confronted on a daily basis by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the realm of educating Indigenous children with special needs is relatively untouched in the areas of policy, research and practice.

Keynote and workshop presentations at this event will focus on successful practice and current research in the area of special needs, particularly as it impacts on the teaching and learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in a diversity of learning environments.

To read the report on the conference and for information about the day click here.

Maximising The Potential: Raising The Bar
Brisbane, Friday August 29 2008
This conference will investigate successful practice and research in the area of Gifted and Talented Indigenous students. What is happening to identify, support, retain and challenge Indigenous students to achieve to their potential? What more could be and should be done? University and post-school pathways, effective assessment, curriculum development, overseas examples, leadership programs, motivation, learning styles and parent involvement are just a few of the topics being explored by keynote and workshop presenters.

To read the report on the conference and for information about the day click here.

What A Difference A Good Start Makes: Creating The Habit
Sydney, Friday September 26 2008 8.30am registration opens for 9.00am start, conference to finish at 5.00pm
Best practice and research in the area of Early Childhood education for Indigenous children will be explored at this conference. What are the current programs being implemented to transition children from Home to Pre-School, from Home to School and from Pre School to School? What programs and initiatives are available to support Indigenous children in their first educational experiences, and what could be learned from them? Strengthening links between home and school life, families as first teachers, language and literacy development, curriculum planning and Early Childhood pedagogies will be explored as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

To read the report on the conference and for information about the day click here.

ENQUIRIES:
Brian Giles-Browne
Dare To Lead
National Schools Co-ordinator
Email: brian@apapdc.edu.au
Phone: 0423 915 552

National Action Area Conference, March 2008

Action Area Contacts from across the country met in Adelaide on the 16th, 17th and 18th March 2008. To read the report from the opening of the event click here. To view the agenda from the entire conference download a copy here.

Many of the workshops held included presentations, copies of which can be downloaded from this page.

Early Childhood Workshop - Gina Milgate/Stephanie Armstrong
This workshop will focus on on Early Childhood as it relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. In light of the current direction indicated by the new Federal Government in Early Childhood, we as Indigenous woman are excited to present ideas to stimulate and support a stronger commitment to include Cultural Knowledge in Early Childhood Education. We also seek to provide an overview of an early learning project currently been undertaken in three Victorian schools and illustrate the positive implications for cultural learning and community participation pertaining to valuable outcomes for Indigenous students. Download a copy of this presentation here.

APAC Workshop - Bruce Roper
The Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum project in WA has generated over 150 units of work for schools to implement in classrooms. This session will give an in depth look at the project, the website and give practical advice on implementing the perspectives in your school. For a copy of this presentation, please contact the Dare to Lead office on 08 8245 9822.

Kanyini - Jacquie Taylor
This workshop will look at the DVD Kanyini. It will give practical advice and resources on implementing it into your curriculum and Professional Development program. Download a copy of this presentation here

Pathways - Cliff Downey
An in depth look at Dare To Lead suggested resources to help schools look at pathways to employment, further education and school completion. Download a copy of the presentation here

Our Partners and Supporters - Andrea Harms
This workshop has been designed for our partners, supporters and other special guests. Andrea will work through the various components of the project and workshop how participants can further support the various initiatives of the project.

Same Kids Same Goals - Peter O'Beirne
The Dusseldorp Skills Forum and Dare To Lead have developed this project to encourage a stronger working relationship between Principals and Aboriginal Workers in schools. The workshop will investigate the "toolkit" and its use in professional development and raise possibilities as to how it can be used in Action Areas.
A new project, "Building Leaders, Building Community" also has important messages for our Action Area schools. Download a copy of the presentation here

School Community Partnerships - Phil Paioff
Yulebrook College won one of this year's Dare to Lead Excellence Awards for their work in developing a comprehensive Agreement and strategic School Community links. This workshop will trace the journey that led to a genuine partnership, consider the critical components required to make an effective Agreement and examine some of the impressive outcomes that have been achieved since 2001. The workshop will also explore how the community partnership has progressed and present some propositions as to why it has remained so strong, surviving the usual turnover of principals, teachers, students and parents. Download a copy of the presentation here

The L5 and Companion - Brian Giles-Browne
The L5 Indigenous Focus has been the starting point for many Dare To Lead resources. The L5 Companion document will take school leaders to a new level of understanding. This workshop will take participants through the any levels of knowledge and understanding required by school leaders to be effective in their roles with community and students.
To download a copy of the presentation click on the name
L5 Frame Aboriginal Leadership Scenarios
L5 Frame Remote Scenarios
L5 Frame and Scenarios
The L5 Companion

Pathways to Employment. The Menindee Story - Brian Debus
Menindee Central School is one of last years Dare To Lead Excellence award winners. This workshop will take participants through the processes that lead to a 100% retention rate at Menindee Central from Year 10 to 11 and then on into Yr 12.
Download a copy of the presentation here

Issues for remote schools - a forum - Russ Jackson
This workshop will allow participants to express their concerns, seek out answers and formulate Action Area plans for remote settings.

Personalised Learning Plans - Mark Crouch
The NSW Schools in Partnership project has spawned several new and innovative practices. Their early work in PLP?s will be highlighted in this workshop through the eyes of Ashmont Public School, a high achievement award winner at last years Dare To Lead Excellence awards. Download a copy of the presentation here

Engagement leading to Improved Attendance - Cliff Downey
Attendance is commonly referred to as the most important issue for Aboriginal student success at school. This workshop will focus on improving attendance through improved engagement of students by classroom teachers and school leaders. Download a copy of the presentation here

The Black ANZAC's - Chris Harvey and Jacquie Taylor
This workshop will give participants some practical knowledge about the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women in war time through the use of classroom curriculum resources from a variety of sources. Download a copy of the presentation here

Leadership Development Model using Dare to Lead Workshops - David Lee and Julie Woodhouse
Dare To Lead has many partners. The WA Department has engaged Dare To Lead to assist in many facets of Principal Development and strong leadership in Aboriginal education. This workshop will look at the leadership development models running in Esperance and Midwest Districts of WA. Download a copy of the presentation here

Health and Wellbeing - Kanat Wano
APAPDC provides schools with a wealth of professional development. MIndmatters and Kidsmatters work hand in hand with Dare To Lead in aiming to improve school outcomes for Aboriginal and Toirres Strait Islander students. This workshoip will look at some of the Mental and Physical health issues that schools need to be addressing to ensure students reach potential.

Strategic Planning - Peter O'Beirne
The importance of being strategic in the planning of improved outcomes for Indigenous students cannot be overstated. This workshop will take participants through the Dare To Lead resources and processes leading to a whole school planned approach. Download a copy of the presentation here

Using Data - Jacquie Taylor
All schools collect data. Most schools use it reasonably well. This workshop will demonstrate practical tips on using known data within a school to build goals, targets ands strategies for improvement.

Using the Schools Checklist - Brian Giles-Browne
The Schools Checklist is a strong tool to validate and challenge the work of schools in the area of Indigenous education. This workshop will give participants some practical ideas in using this tool with their staff and other school teams. Download a copy of the presentation here

So you want a school review - Cliff Downey
Dare To Lead has been conducting School Reviews for the past two years. The process for schools has lead to some strong strategic planning and improvement in learning outcomes for students. This workshop will give an overview of the process and demonstrate some practical examples of their outcomes.

Literacy - Chris Harvey
This workshop will look at current research into Literacy teaching in an Indigenous context.

Home to School Transitions - Mark Crouch
This workshop will trace one schools journey into the transitioning of young Aboriginal students to school. What are the pitfalls, the partnerships and successful practice?. Download a copy of presentation here

2007 Events

Celebration. Consolidation. Hope. These were the underlying themes when more than one hundred educators gathered in Adelaide recently for a Dare to Lead National Action Area leadership event. Click here to read about the event.

Some of the most significant figures in the history of the Dare to Lead project were honoured at the recent Action Area event in Adelaide. Click here for more.

Addressing Indigenous student outcomes - a New Zealand perspective

2006 Events

Celebration and Strategic Planning Dinner was held in Adelaide in Nov 2006. Click here to read about the event and see some photos taken on the night.

A National Action Area Event was held in Adelaide in November 2006, click here for more information about what happened and what was planned at the event.

Return to current National page