Earlier this year, Mosman Park School for Deaf Children (MPSDC) unveiled their new school uniform. Based on the colours of the Deaf Flag, it was designed to promote pride, visibility and connection for the school community. We speak to Principal Monique Smith to find out more about the design process and the impact on student belonging. 

In her latest Teacher column, Associate Principal Rachael Lehr shares how insights from mindset coach and author Ben Crowe about the ‘dreaded “E” word’ have prompted her to reflect on what it means to hold high expectations in ways that give purpose and build aspiration for students and staff, rather than add pressure or burden.

In this episode of School Improvement, Dominique Beech is joined by teacher Gus Humphries who tells us all about the professional learning program he developed, Questions for Thinking (Q4T). Q4T allows teachers to investigate and develop an area of their practice through a confidential partnership. In our conversation, Gus expands on the program design and the impact it's having on staff and school culture. 

Australia introduced social media age restrictions at the end of last year, sparking widespread global interest. The eSafety Commissioner has released an update on the first 3 months of implementation and in this article, we explore the early impact of the reforms, areas of good practice and concern, and insights from educators and parents.

St Theresa’s Primary School Albion in Melbourne’s west is strengthening science learning through a knowledge-rich curriculum focused on Australia’s Great Southern Reef. In today’s article Literacy Leader Jackie O'Connor-Croydon shares more about the P-6 program that integrates field experiences, expert-led learning and sequenced content, to deepen students’ scientific understanding. 

Age restrictions preventing under-16s in Australia from creating or keeping accounts on major social media platforms come into force today. The responsibility rests with platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to take ‘reasonable steps’ to comply. We look at how teachers can help students and families navigate the change, what the legislation means for schools, and resources out there to support educators.

What strategies do you have to smooth the transition for children in their first year of formal schooling? Students feeling like they belong at school is a key factor, and new research has uncovered what makes young students feel like they belong at school. 

‘There is no shortage of professional commitment in schools, just hours in the day. So, what might it look like to craft professional learning in a way that tries to respect both time constraints and hunger for quality?’ In this reader contribution, Lia Sharma – Head of Professional Growth at Roseville College, NSW – shares a differentiated model.

Teacher editor Jo Earp sits down with Mali Jorm, Madison Dearnaley and Tracy Kelly to talk about managing school library and reading spaces, including building a student-driven collection, creating fresh and welcoming spaces, and strategies to encourage reading for pleasure. They also share their personal and student book recommendations. 

Have you asked your students if they can see the writing on the board, in their own textbooks, or on devices clearly? Here, optometrists Amanda Lea and Rebecca Dang share common eye-related behaviours to look out for in the classroom and practical teacher tips for encouraging good visual behaviours at school.