Government Schools Education Council

Transmittal Letter to the Minister (109kb)

SECTION A: PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REPORTING

A1 The organisation

The Government Schools Education Council (the Council) is established in accordance with section 54 of the Education Act 2004 (the Act).

The Act outlines the conditions under which the Minister may appoint or terminate the appointment of a Council member. As a statutory appointment the Standing Committee on Education, Training and Youth Affairs is consulted on proposed appointments.

Sections 56 and 57 of the Act state that the Council must include the Director-General and the Minister must appoint the following members of the Council:

• a chairperson
• six people who, in the Minister's opinion, have experience in one or more of the areas of business and commerce, public policy, early childhood care, education, special needs of young people and teacher education (the community members)
• 10 people who, in the Minister's opinion, represent the views of public school education (the education members), including:
  - two education members chosen from nominations of the peak organisation representing principals
  - two education members chosen from nominations of the government teacher union
  - two education members chosen from nominations of the peak organisation representing parent associations of public schools
  - two education members chosen from nominations of the peak organisation representing students
  - one education member chosen from nominations of organisations representing school boards
  - one education member chosen from nominations of organisations representing preschool parents.

A2 Overview

The council met five times between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012 including a joint meeting with the
Non-government Schools Education Council in October 2011 to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The Council's functions are to advise the Minister on any aspect of the ACT public school system; and when asked by the Minister, to inquire into and give advice to the Minister on any aspect of the ACT public school system. Under section 66 (1) of the Act the Minister must present a copy of the advice to the Legislative Assembly.

The Education and Training Directorate (the Directorate) provides secretariat and advisory assistance to the Council. The Council may call on directorate staff to address Council meetings or meet with members to discuss particular issues or programs relevant to the work of the Council. If required, the Council has access to legal advice through the ACT Government Solicitor's Office.

A3 Highlights

The Council identified the following goals to be achieved during the 2011-12 year:

• monitor and provide advice to the Minister on the national agenda as it relates to public education, especially in regard to curriculum, assessment, reporting, teacher quality and eLearning
• continue discussions with the Directorate around the implementation of major Directorate initiatives including:
  - Excellence in Disability Education in ACT Public Schools Strategic Plan 2010-13
  - Excellence and Enterprise: Advancing Public Schools of Distinction
  - the Learning Capital: an integrated tertiary education system for the ACT
  - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Matters Strategic Plan 2010-2013
• continue to monitor the achievements of students in public education in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
• maintain a close interest in early childhood schools
• continue to seek input from Council membership constituencies concerning all matters pertaining to public schooling
• continue to meet with the Non-government Schools Education Council.

The Council provided ongoing advice on education matters including those on the national education agenda, and issues and direction in ACT public education. The Council:

• participated in the ACT Future Funding Forums hosted by the Minister for Education and Training, Dr Chris Bourke MLA. The Council joined with a wide range of key education stakeholders to explore cross-sectoral priorities and views on the Final Report of Review of Funding for Schooling. The Forums were an opportunity to share ideas and engage in constructive dialogue about school funding
• provided the ACT Government with suggestions regarding the level of investments in public education for 2012-13 so that public education system is the system of choice for the majority of Canberra families. Council's recommendations focused on the implementation of the Australian Curriculum, English language proficiency for English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD), teacher quality through the Smarter Schools National Partnership and Excellence and Enterprise framework
• joined with the Non-government Schools Education Council in discussing the national education agenda and the implementation of the Australian Curriculum following a presentation by Ms Trish Wilks, Director, Learning and Teaching
• continued its close association with public education by holding its March 2012 meeting at Giralang Primary School
• maintained a strong interest in information and communication technology in ACT public schools. Macquarie Primary School hosted the March 2012 meeting and provided the Council with an overview of the virtual learning environment. The overview included a demonstration on how the provision of technology based tools is improving learning outcomes and communication with students
• continued its interest in the work of the ACT Tertiary Taskforce by inviting Ms Leanne Cover, Deputy Director-General to give a presentation on The Report of the ACT Tertiary Taskforce, Learning Capital: an integrated tertiary education system for the ACT
• celebrated the success of staff and volunteers who demonstrated excellence, innovation and talent in their service to ACT Public Education by the attendance of council members at the 2012 ACT Public Education Excellence Awards held in June 2012.

A4 Outlook

The Council identified the following items as goals to be achieved in the next reporting period:

• continue discussions with the Directorate around the implementation of major Directorate initiatives
• continue to monitor the achievements of students in public education in the NAPLAN
• continue to seek input from Council membership constituencies concerning all matters pertaining to public schooling
• continue to meet with the Non-government Schools Education Council
• continue to maintain a close interest in the funding of government schooling for all students and particularly for students with disabilities, those for whom English is an additional language or dialect and those who are disengaged from schooling
• continue to provide advice to the Minister and engage in discussion on bridging the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students in ACT government schools.

A5 Management discussion and analysis

Budget 2012-13 recommendations

In September 2011, the Council participated in the Treasury Budget consultation with its budget submission being tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister for Education and Training, Dr Chris Bourke MLA on 5 June 2012.

The Council identified four main areas where budget commitments need to be made or sustained:

• support of teachers in the implementation of the Australian Curriculum by the provision of quality professional learning
• provision of sufficient funding to lift the levels of English language proficiency for EALD students so that all students are able to participate in the full curriculum including literacy and language learning
• build on the Commonwealth Government's funding for improvements to teacher quality through the Smarter Schools National Partnerships and continue to invest in improving the quality of teachers in ACT public schools
• pursue the key direction outlined in Excellence and Enterprise: Advancing Public Schools of Distinction to improve the provision of education in school and community settings to support young people with behavioural issues and those at risk of disengaging.

A6 Financial report

Remuneration for the chairperson is determined by the ACT Remuneration Tribunal in accordance with section 10(1) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1995. The current determination took effect on 1 November 2011. The chairperson is the only member to receive remuneration.

The Council has no funds for which it is responsible, and therefore does not receive or expend funds.

A7 Statement of performance

Not applicable

A8 Strategic indicators

Not applicable

A9 Analysis of council performance

Not applicable

B1 Community engagement

Not applicable

B2 Internal and external scrutiny

Not applicable

B3 Legislative Assembly Committee inquiries and reports

Not applicable

B4 Legislation report

Not applicable

C1 Risk management and internal audit

Council operations are regarded as low risk and the Chair has put processes in place to monitor identified risks. No risk mitigation activities have been required.

C2-C6

Not applicable

C7 Staffing profile

Ms Di Kerr (Chair)

Ms Kerr is the Chair of the Council. She has 20 years of teaching experience in ACT public schools and 12 years at senior management level in ACT and Western Australian education departments. She also has extensive experience in curriculum development at the national, state and school level and is Curriculum Advisor to Education Services Australia. Ms Kerr holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education. She is a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and the ACT Minister's nominee on the Board of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.

Ms Wendy Cave (Deputy Chair)

Ms Cave is an education member on the Council representing the Australian Education Union. She is currently the principal at Macquarie Primary School and has worked in the Directorate for over 20 years as a teacher and various executive positions. Ms Cave holds a Bachelor of Education.

Ms Jill Burgess

Ms Burgess is a community member on the Council and lectures at the Australian Catholic University (Canberra Campus). She is an ACT Chapter committee member and National Councillor for the Australian Association of Special Education Inc. and committee member on the Coalition of ACT Education Associations. Ms Burgess has extensive experience in a variety of educational settings, at all levels from early childhood to tertiary. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Diploma of Education, Graduate Diploma in Reading and Language Education and a Master of Education (special needs education).

Ms Marrwah Ahmadzai

Ms Ahmadzai was a student representative on the Council and attended Melba Copland Secondary School from 2010-2011. Ms Ahmadzai has represented her peers on the School Representative Council for the last four years and was President in 2009. Ms Ahmadzai resigned from the Council on 15 February 2012.

Ms Karen Dial

Ms Dial is an experienced board member with stints at Bonython Primary School which included three years as Board Chair. Ms Dial was an education member on the Council representing school boards. She has been a director of a childcare centre and also the operator of a small business. Ms Dial holds an Associate Diploma of Education (Child Care). Ms Dial's term expired on 6 April 2012.

Ms Diane Joseph

Ms Joseph commenced with the Directorate in January 2010 and is the current Director-General.

Ms Joseph was previously the General Manager, Innovations and Next Practice, in the Office for Policy Research and Innovation at the Victorian Department for Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD). Other previous positions include Assistant Regional Director Barwon-South Western Region and Assistant General Manager Office for Learning and Teaching in the DEECD.

Her leadership experience in policy, strategy and program development, and implementation spans all levels of the education system. Ms Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science (Education) from the University of Melbourne.

Ms Christine Pilgrim

Ms Pilgrim is Principal of Forrest Primary School and was an education member representing principals on the Council. She has extensive teaching and executive experience in the ACT and Indonesia. Ms Pilgrim holds a Bachelor of Education. Ms Pilgrim's term expired on 26 November 2011.

Ms Meegan Stuart

Ms Stuart was a community member on the Council and is an educational consultant. Ms Stuart has worked in education in the ACT, Western Australia and South Australia and has a Bachelor of Education (Junior Primary/Primary). Ms Stuart resigned from the Council on 8 February 2012.

Ms Paula Thompson

Ms Thompson has over 40 years education experience having taught across a range of settings from early childhood to university, both in Australia and overseas. She was a community member on the Council. Ms Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, majoring in literary studies and a Master of Education (General). Ms Thompson's term expired on 6 April 2012.

Mrs Jane Tullis

Mrs Tullis is an education member representing the ACT Council of P&C Associations. Mrs Tullis has many years of community volunteering experience including terms with the Holt Primary School P&C Association, Ginninderra District High School Board and P&C Association, and Copland College P&C Association. Mrs Tullis currently holds the positions of Vice President, ACT Council of P&C Associations; President, Melba Copland P&C Association; and Vice President Australian Council of State School Organisations.

Dr Tiemin Wu

Dr Wu was a community member on the Council and is President of the Federation of Chinese Community of Canberra Inc. Dr Wu is currently working with the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, managing the ESOS Compliance Team. Dr Wu represented the then Department of Education, Employment and Training at the national roundtable on school policies in 1995. In 2003-2004, he was in charge of teaching skills assessments under the General Skilled Migration Programme. Dr Wu holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education Studies, Doctorate of Philosophy, and Master of Business Administration. Dr Wu resigned from the Council on 6 December 2011.

Mr Roger Amey

Mr Amey has extensive experience in education in the ACT. He is currently the Coordinator of Science programs at University of Canberra Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra (UCSSC) and is a Vice-President of the ACT Branch of the Australian Education Union.

Mr Remy Chadwick

Mr Chadwick is a student representative on the Council and currently attends UCSSC. Mr Chadwick has been accepted into the Excellence Program of UCSSC and was part of the leadership team that attended the Global Leadership conference. Mr Chadwick previously lived in France for 12 years with his family.

Ms Trish Keller OAM

Ms Keller has extensive experience in education in the ACT, particularly in teaching and at an executive level. Ms Keller is the principal of Giralang Primary School and is an education member representing principals on the Council. In 2006 Ms Keller was awarded the Order of Australia Medal and holds a Bachelor of Education and is a Fellow of both the Australian College of Educators and the Australian College of Educational Leaders.

Ms Alexandra Tolmie

Ms Tolmie is a community member who has experience in the areas of public policy, primary school education and curriculum development. Ms Tolmie completed her Year 12 Certificate at Narrabundah College. Ms Tolmie holds a Master of Teaching (primary).

Mr Denis O'Dea

Mr O'Dea has extensive experience as a senior foreign policy analyst with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mr O'Dea has also worked in key public policy roles in other Australian Public Service and New Zealand Government agencies. He has held the Chair position on the Hughes Primary School Board and is a current committee member of the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Association. Mr O'Dea is an Education member representing the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations.

Mr Shane Gorman

Mr Gorman is an education member representing the ACT Principals' Association. Mr Gorman has vast experience in education in the ACT working as Principal in the system for the past 13 years. Mr Gorman has worked across both the secondary and primary sectors and is the current Principal of Bonython Primary School. Mr Gorman holds a Bachelor of Education

Ms Carolyn Harkness

Ms Harkness is a life member and councillor of the Canberra Preschool Society. She represents preschools as an education member on the Council. Ms Harkness is currently lecturing in early childhood education and is the early childhood course coordinator at the Australian Catholic University in Canberra. Ms Harkness resigned from the council on 28 July 2011.

Mr John Darcy

Mr Darcy is currently the Office Manager providing executive and administrative support to the volunteer Council of the Canberra Preschool Society since 2010. Mr Darcy served from 2007 as a volunteer office holder on the Canberra Preschool Society Council as Vice President, Acting President and Secretary. He has also served on his own children's Preschool Parent Association Committees and as a delegate to the ACT Council of Parents & Citizens Associations. Mr Darcy is an Education member representing the community of parents of preschool children. The Council met eight times between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011.

Table GSEC 1: Membership of the Council for 2011-12

Source: Government Schools Education Council

C8-C26

Not applicable

For more information contact:
The secretariat or the Chairperson for the Council.

Government Schools Education Council Secretariat
Ministerial and Commonwealth Relations
Education and Training Directorate
GPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
620 59444
detgovtrelations@act.gov.au

Ms Di Kerr
Chairperson
Government School Education Council
c/- Ministerial and Commonwealth Relations
Education and Training Directorate
GPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
di.kerr@esa.edu.au