It is hard to believe that it is December … already! It seems like just yesterday I was having conversations with VALBEC members about possibly becoming President. And what a ride it has been. After the return of our face-to-face conference in May, we hit the ground running. Trying to take advantage of the things that COVID taught us around online education while still retaining the authentic relationships that VALBEC is known for. And largely, we succeeded. We have spoken to so many people in the sector about education and what we would like to see moving forward. We have discussed potentially life changing and unreleased policy documents. We have facilitated professional learning sessions that have impacted the way we do our jobs. It has been so fascinating, that I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings.
With all of this in mind, I want to extend a hearty ‘thank you’ to everyone who is a member of this amazing council. To the members who engage with our content and understand what it is we are trying to achieve. To the individuals who present at our conferences and professional learning sessions, the key-note speakers, the forum members and the facilitators. To the proof-readers and editors of Fine Print for getting our words out to the public and, last but not least, to the members of the VALBEC committee. It never ceases to amaze me how fulfilling and far reaching this committee has become.
To this end, and I know this is doubling up a bit, but we are calling for presenters for our 2023 conference. I am really looking forward to seeing some different and challenging perspectives next year, so if you’re on the fence about applying, my advice is to take the plunge! We’d love to hear from you.
So, from all of us at VALBEC, have a restful holiday season and a safe new year!
Liam Frost-Camilleri
VALBEC President
VALBEC Membership
You can join or renew online.
https://valbec.org.au/membership/
If you join in August, September or October, deduct 50%. Renewal falls due the following February.
Members receive:
- Fine Print three times a year – a high quality journal for discussion and debate about good practice, theory and policy issues. Feedback and contributions are actively sought from members about content and issues.
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eVALBEC – our e-mail communication keeping members informed of professional development activities, general committee activities and more up to date policy changes.
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Discounts for the Annual Conference and other VALBEC statewide professional development.
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Issues-based forums.
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Focus on significant policy issues impacting on the field.
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Free numeracy resources.
REFOCUS: Learner Centred Practices, VALBEC Conference, 2023 - Call for presenters!
VALBEC’s next conference is booked for May 19, 2023 and will feature a focus on learner centred practices. To facilitate potential presenters for this conference, we have provided three focus areas: ‘Classroom Practices’, ‘Programs of Innovation’ and ‘Workplace Connections’. If you feel you could present something in one or more of these focus areas, please consider submitting a proposal through our online form: https://valbec.org.au/SubmitProposalPresent.
We will be closed to submissions on the 19th of February. We look forward to seeing you there!
AMEPOnline
AMEPOnline is a new free way to learn English. You can learn on a computer or mobile device at a time and place that suits you. You can access AMEPOnline anywhere in the world, whether you are enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) or not. The site has no log in requirements.
https://ameponline.homeaffairs.gov.au/
English Grammar Online
Useful exercises for grammar and punctuation that students can practice online.
The final edition of Fine Print for 2022 is being mailed out this month and is jam packed with features, news, practical tips, interviews and reviews!
Don’t forget that current issues of Fine Print can be viewed and downloaded by members and older issues are available free to the public at https://valbec.org.au/Fine-Print-Archive
If you have an idea for an article, we would love to hear from you. Email your ideas to Editor Deryn Mansell
fineprintvalbec@gmail.com
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Organisation: United Nations
Australia celebrates the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) every year on 3 December to acknowledge the valuable contribution people of all abilities make to our community.
National/State: International
Pone: 1800 440 385 (TTY users please phone 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 440 385)
Website: www.idpwd.com.au/
eVALBEC
eVALBEC is the monthly electronic newsletter of (VALBEC) the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council and is sent to about 1000 practitioners on the first of each month (other than January). It is also available in the ‘News’ section of our web site
Disclaimer:
The activities, goods and services mentioned in eVALBEC are not endorsed by Valbec in any way. People should make their own judgment about the suitability of each item.
How to submit items: https://www.valbec.org.au/evalbec