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Hi,
Welcome to the October edition of the Higgins Principals Bulletin, a platform designed to keep you abreast of the various federal government initiatives that are shaping the future of education.
I welcome feedback from our educators, whose attention and care turn children into scholars, sportspeople, and creatives, or a touch of all three.
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
‘…children are balls of energy, curiosity and wisdom. Not far, standing like sentinels, are their devoted teachers, skilfully marshalling the life force in children towards purpose and self-exploration.’ Dr. Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP, Speech to Parliament, 20 March 2023.
Sincerely,
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Dr. Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP
Free Short Courses to Help Teachers in the Classroom
Great news for educators! The Albanese Government is investing over $3 million in free micro-credential courses for teachers, focusing on phonic, classroom management, and teaching strategies. These courses offer teachers and school leaders credits towards post-graduate study awards at the University of Adelaide. This initiative is part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan and complements the Engaged Classrooms project. Stay tuned for the online micro-credential courses coming next year!
‘Launch of Community Language School’ Grant Program
The Albanese Government is investing $15 million in supporting children learning languages other than English, delivering on our election promise with the new Community Language Schools grant program. Eligible schools can receive grants of up to $30,000 over two years, enabling them to expand classes for preschoolers, acquire resources, improve learning environments and assist disadvantaged students with fee relief. Starting September 1, the program details and application form will be available on GrantConnect at www.grants.gov.au. Applications are open from 1 September to 9 October 2023.
Return of the Higgins Lionheart Award 2023
I am excited to announce the return of the Higgins Lionheart Award in 2023. It is important that we recognise the incredible diversity of talent among students in our electorate. Through the return of this award, I am hoping to inspire our students to embrace participation and engagement in our community.
This award is for students who would not otherwise be recognised for their achievements, but whose contribution to their school and the broader community is to be commended. There are no strict criteria to be nominated for this award – selection of the student is solely at your discretion.
I would be honoured to present the winner with a certificate and prize at a school assembly or end-of-year presentation ceremony, or in my electorate office. Nominations for the award are currently open and can be submitted via this form here. Nominations will close on 1 October 2023.
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School Leavers Pack
We are thrilled to introduce the School Leavers Resource Pack, ‘Stuff You Should Know,’ designed to help young people navigate the next stages of their lives, whether its pursuing further studies or entering the workforce. Packed with valuable information, this resource covers essential topics like accessing government services, MyGov, ATO tax and super, obtaining passports and birth certificates, exploring TAFE and employment opportunities, understanding Medicare, and promoting mental health. Additionally, it provides insight into democracy education and demystifies HELP.
If you would like to obtain this pack for your Year 12 students, please reach out to my office on (03) 9822 4422, or [email protected].
Fee-Free TAFE
Young people are flocking to our Fee-Free TAFE. Our allocation of 180,000 places has been exhausted, and we are releasing another 300,000 places. Young people need alternatives to university, and I recently had the pleasure of handing out medals for excellence in vocational training at the World Skills Australia Championships. To find out more about Fee-Free TAFE, visit this link.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing in new ways to support victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence. We are investing more than $103 million in pilot programs to support victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence. We have a vision – to end gender-based violence in one generation. It is ambitious, but not impossible.
Employees now have access to ten days paid family and domestic violence leave. Understand your obligations at: Family & Domestic Violence 10 Days Paid Leave (10dayspaidfdvleave.com.au).
Recognising the signs of family violence in adults can be challenging. Here are some clues, which I discussed in my speech to Parliament here: (342) Domestic and Family Violence - YouTube
· Often being late or not coming to work.
· Having trouble concentrating.
· Making mistakes that surprise you.
· Changes to the quality or quantity of their work.
· Injuries such as bruises, black eyes and broken bones.
· Changes to their dress or makeup to hide injuries.
· Unconvincing explanations for how the injuries occurred.
· Showing signs of emotional distress, such as:
· unusual quietness
· increased isolation from coworkers
· unusual or repeated emotional upset during or following contact with their partner.
· Jumpiness or tearfulness.
· Making suggestions that a former or current partner is making unwanted contact with them.
· Receiving an unusual number of emails, texts or phone calls.
· An abrupt change of address.
· Unwelcome visits or frequent visits to the workplace by their partner.
· They have a strong negative reaction if their partner visits the workplace.
· Limited access to money (e.g., no ATM card, or a tight financial allowance).
· Restrictions on where or when they can travel or work, or who they can connect with (e.g., they are not able to attend events after hours or at certain locations or take part in social activities with work colleagues).
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family, domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Strengthening Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care
New resources have been developed to enhance inclusivity and bolster the capabilities of staff and educators in early childhood and education settings. Aligned with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 Early Childhood Targeted Action Plan, these resources will facilitate collaborative efforts between state, territory, and Commonwealth programs, and will be publicly available on the Department of Social Services website here.
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‘Securing Faith-Based Places’ Grant Program
The Securing Faith-Based Places grant program provides $40 million over four years to improve security at religious schools and preschools, places of worship and faith-based community centres. This grants program will be an open, competitive and merit-based program.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants between $25,000 and $500,000 to address risks of crime and violence resulting from religious and racial intolerance. The program will support security infrastructure upgrades, including fencing, lighting, security cameras, traffic barriers, alarm systems, and access controls, as well as engagement of security guards.
Applications open from 10:00am (AEST) on Monday, 31 July 2023 and close at 5:00pm (AEST) on Monday, 11 September 2023. Submit your application here: Securing Faith-Based Places | business.gov.au
Free NBN to Students
The School Student Broadband Initiative aims to provide complimentary internet access to support underprivileged students. The government will be offering free broadband to approximately 30,000 families for a duration of 12 months.
For more information on this initiative, visit: School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
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Canberra Comes to Town
Discover exciting ways to enhance students’ understanding of government and democracy, with my help! Engaging in Q&A sessions and interactive civics lessons will give students a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world politics. From explaining the roles of different levels of government to discussing current issues that affect our communities, our sessions are designed to inspire and educate. To schedule a visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Civic Education Pack for 18-year-olds
We have valuable resources available to help empower students as they become eligible to vote. Our Civic Education Pack contains essential information on voting, civic education, and becoming active participants in our democratic process.
Please reach out to my office on [email protected] to order our Civic Education packs and advise eligible students (citizens 18 years and above) to enrol to vote at the link below:
Enrol to vote – Enrol to vote - Australian Electoral Commission (aec.gov.au)
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