e-WAALC NEWS August 2008

e-WAALC News is the electronic newsletter of the Western Australian Adult Literacy Council.

The WAALC Executive Committee prepares and sends e-WAALC News to members four or five times a year.  We welcome your comments, suggestions, and contributions to the newsletter.

This newsletter is also available on our web site http://www.waalc.com.au

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IN THIS ISSUE OF e-WAALC News:

1)     A message from the Chairperson

2)    WAALC AGM report

3)    Next committee meeting

4)    ACAL 2008 Conference ‘Surfing outside the flags: catching waves, avoiding rips’

5)     DET sponsorship for ACAL conference

6)    ACAL Literacy Live Room Tuesday 19th August at 8pm

7)     Development of the Western Australian Adult Community Education Strategy: 2009 - 2013

8)    Unsubscribe?

9)    New members?

10)  Issues? Contributions?

11)  Contacts’ update

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1. A message from the chairperson

Adults Only.  A Conference for Adult Educators:

Issues for today’s adult literacy learning was the theme for the 2008 WAALC conference., and although we extended this year’s conference to two days, it still seemed as if there was just not enough hours to explore the many issues raised.

 

We were given significant insights into the literacy, numeracy and problem solving skills of adult Australians and the impact that their skill levels have on their participation in the labour force and the wider community. 

 

Feedback from both delegates and presenters has been very positive.  Thanks to everyone who gave of their time and expertise to ensure a successful conference.

 

Sue McKay, WAALC Chairperson

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2. WAALC AGM report

The Annual General Meeting is scheduled as part of the conference.  Office bearers nominated were Chairperson Sue McKay, Secretary Sheila Rod, Treasurer Helen Grimston and ACAL rep Cheryl Wiltshire. General committee members re-nominating were Lesley Gilmour, Margaret McHugh, Melissa Jones, Claire Anderson, Anne Willox.  Two new members elected were Dianne Henderson and Helena Zielinksa.  All positions were filled without the requirement for an election.

The meeting approved the changed constitution to include a clause regarding replacement of vacancies on the executive without amendment.

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3. Next committee meeting

The next committee meeting is scheduled for August 16 at Centacare in Wellington Street starting at 10.00 am sharp.  It will include a planning session for the work required in the year ahead and will conclude at 2.00 pm.  All WAALC members are welcome to attend if willing to contribute to the year’s work.

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4. ACAL Conference 2008 • ‘Surfing outside the flags: catching waves, avoiding rips’

Surfers Paradise  October 2 to 4, 2008.                  Early bird registrations close August 19

Register online http://www.astmanagement.com.au/qcal8/

The Pre-Conference Forum on Thursday 2 October will be titled “Adult literacy, numeracy and lifelong learning: a cross-sectoral dialogue”. Join Senator Ursula Stephens (Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion) and Dave Tout (CAE)) in examining the implications of the ALLS survey for different sectors and work towards developing a framework for social inclusion through building literacy into a whole of government approach to policy development.

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5. DET sponsorship for ACAL conference

The Department of Education and Training has a scholarship fund for adult literacy practitioners to attend relevant professional development events like the ACAL conference.  Due to the expected popularity of this event, a closing date has been advertised for sponsorship applications which is next Thursday 14 August 14th  Please submit an application on the form provided to Becky on rebecca.willock@det.wa.edu.au

Application forms are available  by contacting Becky on 92644618 or on VETInfoNet: http://www.vetinfonet.det.wa.edu.au/adultliteracy/ProfDev.aspx    

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6. ACAL Literacy Live Room Tuesday 19th August at 8pm

Aboriginal Literacy: Bridging the Distance to Learning • A Snapshot from Canada

The Sioux Hudson Literacy Council is making groundbreaking strides to reach adult Aboriginal learners who reside in 35 remote, isolated communities of Northwestern Ontario, Canada, often only accessible by plane in the summer months and ice roads during the winter. Over the last three years, the Sioux Hudson Literacy Council has been offering solutions for the literacy learner at a distance with a unique website with direct links to synchronous online classrooms and offers a solution to the growing number of Indigenous learners who have little or no education.

Presenter: Michelle Eady is the Distance Projects Coordinator for the Sioux Hudson Literacy Council in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada and a Ph D Candidate at the University of Wollongong, NSW.

More details and registration at http://www.acal.edu.au/litlive.htm  

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7. Development of the Western Australian Adult Community Education Strategy: 2009 - 2013

The Department of Education and Training, with the support of its Adult Community Education Advisory Committee, invites contributions to the review and development of WA’s Adult Community Education Strategy 2009-2013. All feedback must be received by 1 September 2008.  The discussion paper is available on-line at: www.vetinfonet.det.wa.edu.au

 

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8. Unsubscribe?

If you don't want to receive this newsletter or wish to suspend it while you are away on leave, please email the WAALC secretary, Sheila Rod [sherod_au@yahoo.com.au].

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9. New members?

Who do you know that should be a WAALC member?  You are welcome to forward this newsletter to colleagues who you think should be a member of WAALC.  Or perhaps invite a prospective member to attend events like our conference and AGM to meet other members.

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10. Issues? Contributions?

WAALC seeks to represent all adult educators who deliver adult literacy and numeracy programs in Western Australia.  If there are issues that you think WAALC should take action on, let us know. 

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11. ‘Contacts’ update

Let us know if your address changes through one of the contact methods listed below. 

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e-WAALC News is the electronic newsletter of (WAALC) the Western Australian Adult Literacy Council.

 

Web:                        www.waalc.com                                                       E-mail:                   sherod_au@yahoo.com.au

Postal:                      PO Box 6892

East Perth Business Centre

PERTH WA 6892


Phone:                     Sue McKay WAALC Chairperson
(08) 9593 2124