On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, along with 10 000 others, I had the privilege to attend the 2024 EduTech in Melbourne. This global two-day conference is the largest education event in the Asia-Pacific and Southern hemisphere. A wide array of speakers from around the world covered the latest trends and technologies that are shaping education. Stand out presenters were Sal Khan the CEO and Founder of Khan Academy who spoke with passion about working to provide knowledge for millions of students and inspire a love of learning. James Curran the CEO and Director of Grok Academy engaged everyone with his presentation of how this not-for-profit organisation offers classroom ready online and unplugged resources in teaching digital technologies to empower students to be the creators of tomorrow. The exhibition centre was buzzing with new technologies and ideas, from robotics, laser cutters and Virtual Reality headsets to name a few.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a hot topic. Whenever something new comes along there will always be a mix of anticipation, excitement, and fear of the unknown. After listening to several sessions, I have come to appreciate that AI is another resource in the education tool bag. The human dimension, the important relationship between students and teachers, will always be vital for successful learning. The close working relationship between teachers and technology experts offers an opportunity to develop AI so that it helps us to understand the process of learning, helps to make humans smarter, enhances inclusive learning and allows for a better work life balance.

My focus at the conference was to look for ways to enhance the wellbeing of our students and staff. How can we integrate the science of wellbeing and positive psychology into education to enable all learners, teachers, schools and communities to flourish? As parents and college staff we all want our young people to flourish so they take what they have learned beyond the school gate to have a positive impact on the world around them. An inspiring seminar from the Education Faculty at the University of Melbourne looked at how to intentionally map and embed wellbeing theories into the implicit and explicit teaching in our classrooms. Positive Education Schools Association (PESA) have produced some wonderful resources that will assist us in better understanding how we can enhance Academic Care at the college.

Carroll College supports Bullying No Way: National week of action  - 12 to 16 August 2024.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to reduce and prevent bullying. Thank you to the SRC representatives, Mrs Ciuffetelli and Ms Boller organising the activities across the week.

The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected. The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour.

“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).

Parents and carers play an important role in helping your child understand bullying, and know how to respond to it.

If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is.

Questions you could ask:

• What do you think bullying is?
• Have you seen it? How did you feel?
• Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
• As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
• Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
• Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong.

For more information, visit bullyingnoway.gov.au.

You can access the school’s bullying prevention policy to learn more about our process for preventing and responding to bullying.

Below are some other resources you may find useful.

Mrs Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care