Schools First Conference a great success
The inaugural Schools First Conference took place in Melbourne on Friday, 19 March 2010 and was a great success with over 200 people from the corporate, community and education sector in attendance.
Titled ‘Power through Partnership’, the conference explored the potential of school-community partnerships with discussions around what is being done in school-community partnerships around Australia, how these partnerships can be sustained, and the role that each sector can play in contributing to educational reform through partnering.
The conference was facilitated by Jenny Brockie, host of Insight on SBS, and keynote speakers included:
- Professor Geoff Masters (CEO, Australian Centre for Educational Research) - The importance of community participation to the future of education
- Steve Bracks (Former Premier of Victoria) - Government recognition of the importance of school-community partnerships and the role of government moving forward
- Louise Bye (Aboriginal Education and Training Directorate, NSW Department of Education and Training) - Achieving academic and cultural outcomes for Indigenous Australia through partnership
- Adam Smith (CEO, The Foundation for Young Australians) - Corporate Australia's role in education and developing our future leaders
- Peter Clayden (Deputy Principal, Canberra College - 2009 Schools First National Award Winner) - Using the power of partnership to address important educational and social welfare needs
A panel of experts participated in lively discussions around a range of issues and topics, including questions from a very attentive and engaged audience. The panel included Professor Geoff Masters, Adam Smith, Louise Bye, Richard Newnham (CEO, Left Right Think-Tank) and Dr Eroia Barone-Nugent (Head of Science, Santa Maria College).
Professor Geoff Masters also launched the Schools First 2009 Public Report which provides a snapshot of the Schools First program in its inaugural year including how the program was brought to life, developing the awards criteria, the judging process, the applications received, the inaugural winners and looking ahead to 2010.
Feedback from all who attended was extremely positive. Any other attendees wishing to provide their feedback should complete and return the conference survey to info@schoolsfirst.com.au or fax to +61 3 8634 3618.
We look forward to bringing you the next Schools First Conference in 2011.
