Dean's Report

I’m sure we are all relieved that the federal election campaign is over although it was certainly an interesting election night. I’m looking forward to seeing how the new Government’s policies develop in both the higher education sector and particularly in initial teacher education.

I am currently in Singapore with Professor Larissa McLean Davies and Associate Professor Russell Cross to attend the International Network of Education Institutes (INEI) Conference. This year’s conference theme is ‘Bridging Humanity and Emerging Technologies for the Future of Education’ and colleagues from Singapore, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark and Japan, Korea, the U.K and U.S.A are attending, some in person and some online. It felt quite novel to be flying internationally again after such a long time and it is wonderful to have this opportunity to spend time discussing emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics and the future of education.

Teacher Education academic group

The new Teacher Education academic group, led by Professor Larissa Mclean Davies, will be effective from 30 May. Many thanks to all those who submitted Expressions of Interest to join this new group. Larissa’s presentation on the new Teacher Education Group at MGSE Talks is available to view and the organisational chart is on the intranet. The co-location for this group will occur during the mid-year break, alongside other MGSE Academic and Research group movements.

Associate Professor in Indigenous Education

I’m delighted to announce that, after an external recruitment process, MGSE’s Melitta Hogarth has been appointed to the position of Associate Professor in Indigenous Education. Congratulations to Melitta who will bring a wealth of knowledge in teaching, learning and research in Indigenous education to the role.

Next Level Collaboration

We have a series of MGSE events over the next week including the launch of the Next Level Collaboration social enterprise today at Melbourne Connect. This program is a unique example of innovative research merging with entrepreneurial thinking for social impact. Congratulations to Dr Matthew Harrison and Jess Rowlings for all their work in bringing this to fruition and watch out for the ABC TV news story on this program.

National Reconciliation Week

Friday 27 May – 3 June is National Reconciliation Week (NRW), where the dates commemorate the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The theme this year is Be Brave, Make Change, which certainly aligns with the new Government’s commitment to fully implement all aspects of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We will be celebrating NRW with the launch of the MGSE Reconciliation Statement at a morning tea next Tuesday 31 May at 10.30 am in the Level 9 meeting room.

MGSE Awards

The MGSE Awards evening is next Thursday 2 June when we will honour the students and staff who have won awards this year. Our last ceremony was in 2019 so it is terrific that we can once again host an in-person event. The evening will commence with refreshments on the Ground floor of The Spot building at 5 pm with the ceremony starting at 6 pm. If you haven’t already registered you can do so here.

I will be taking some annual leave from the 7 – 14 June and my thanks to Professor Janet Clinton who will be Acting Dean during this time.

Jim