Educators from across Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) virtually gathered for the October All System Day, creating a space for engaging discussions around a shared vision of ‘Empowering Practice’. The day’s primary objective was to provide teachers and leaders with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the educational theories they’ve been upskilled in and explore how to practically apply these concepts in the classroom.
To start the day off, educators had the privilege of hearing from Tom Sherrington, who travelled from the UK to deliver his highly anticipated presentation. Tom brought a wealth of expertise on the TAPPLE framework and Rosenshine’s 17 Principles of Instruction, offering valuable insights into how these concepts can transform classroom practice. His ability to break down complex theories and demonstrate their practical application resonated deeply with CET teachers and leaders, providing them with clear, actionable strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
“Tom Sherrington’s practical advice for good pedagogy was exceptional. He explained the importance of the strategies well and the implications for their use. Tom’s address enabled reflection of my current practice and also provided strategies for future focus.”
All System Day Attendee
To follow on from Tom’s session, our educators were treated to a thoughtful and informative presentation by University of Tasmania, Speech Pathologist Dr Sam Calder. Dr Calder provided educators with valuable perspectives on the critical role of oral language as a foundation for student success in the classroom. His presentation deepened understanding of how strong oral language skills can support learning across various subjects, equipping educators with knowledge to better support their students’ development.
Our educators then split into three focused groups: Early years, Primary, and Secondary. In these sessions, participants had the opportunity to hear from Oral Language experts who tailored their presentations to meet the specific needs of each cohort. Early Years educators were guided by Anna Taylor and Dr Anna Desjardins from MultiLit, while primary educators benefited from a session led by Curtin University lecturer, Laura Glisson. Dr Emily Jackson, also a lecturer at Curtin University, continued the conversation for secondary educators, exploring how oral language supports learning in older students.
After an insightful morning, educators had the chance to reflect and recharge over lunch in preparation for a Q&A session with Tom Sherrington. During the Q&A, teachers and leaders were able to delve deeper into Tom’s earlier presentation, engaging in meaningful discussions and gaining additional practical strategies for applying the TAPPLE framework in the classroom. This interactive session provided a valuable opportunity for educators to clarify concepts and explore how to implement TAPPLE techniques effectively.
To conclude the October All System Day, Primary and Secondary teachers broke into their respective cohorts to engage in self-led lessons from Tom Sherrington on the TAPPLE framework. Concurrently, Teacher Assistants participated in a session with Dr Lorraine Hammond, focusing on effective methods for teaching spelling to small groups of children. Additionally, Kindergarten educators benefited from a presentation by CET’s Early Years Subject Matter Expert, Tash Williams, who provided guidance on supporting Early Years students.
The final All System Day for 2024 successfully delivered on the objective of Empowering Practice for our teachers and leaders. Educators enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate in their professional learning and have been readily equipped with new approaches and fresh ideas to enhance their teaching practices. The event enriched our professional knowledge building system wide, while reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering student learning and achievement.
