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A new Stronger Smarter Institute
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Dear subscriber
As you may be aware, the Stronger Smarter Institute has recently embarked on its next phase as an independent non-profit organisation. It is an exciting position from which to reflect back upon our journey so far, from 2006 when the Institute opened in Cherbourg with three staff, to having facilitated the 50th Stronger Smarter Leadership Program.
During these years participants have taken the message back to schools, and had the hard conversations that lead to changes in staff attitudes and beliefs. Indigenous student attendance, retention, engagement and academic outcomes have improved.
School and community leaders are working alongside each other, and networks have grown to empower both educators and community members. Teachers are collaborating to apply innovation and knowledge unique to their regions, connecting the program’s learnings with their contexts to sustain its impact. A significant number of program participants have gone on to take up educational leadership roles.
While the Stronger Smarter Institute would not claim the successes achieved by these leaders and their schools, we are proud to have played some part in generating significant shifts in Indigenous education across the country.
We will continue to work with an outstanding group of people from a diverse range of backgrounds to deliver excellence in all Stronger Smarter programs. An experienced and talented board of directors will oversee and guide the development and operation of the Institute. We look forward to walking together with you on this continuing journey. 2013 is an exciting year!
Chris Sarra
Chair, Stronger Smarter Institute Limited
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Thank you - Telstra Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund
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Our aspiration to share the knowledge, passion and hope that grew out of the Cherbourg State School journey, with other school and community leaders throughout Australia by establishing an Indigenous Education Leadership Institute, could not have been realised without the support of philanthropic foundations with vision.
The Telstra Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund committed to a significant investment in the Institute over the six year establishment and growth period, to help create innovative and sustainable change in Indigenous education across Australia. The recent compilation of a comprehensive acquittal report to the foundations has provided a wonderful perspective on how far we have travelled together – with so many inspirational success stories along that road.
From 2006 to 2012, while hosted by QUT, the Stronger Smarter Institute reached more than 1,100 school and community leaders and through them up to 27,000 Indigenous students. The tide of low expectations of Indigenous students in our schools has changed. Students are developing and embracing a positive sense of their own cultural identity. Indigenous students are moving toward enjoying educational outcomes that are comparable to those of any other Australian child.
We recognise that further exceptionally hard work is required. However without the belief in, and support of, the Institute’s work by these foundations, we would not have reached this tipping point. We thank them for this.
Stronger Smarter Team
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Stronger Smarter Leadership Program 2013
The year is shaping up to be an exciting one, kicked off with the milestone first regional program in South Australia, followed by other regional programs in Casino, Ballina and the Hunter-Central Coast region of New South Wales. The first Victorian regional program for this year is currently underway in the Yarra Valley, and later this month the team will be heading to Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia.
Numerous other regional programs are scheduled in Mt Isa, Rockhampton and Cairns in Queensland; in Perth and Broome in Western Australia. National programs will also be held this year – please keep an eye on the Stronger Smarter website for dates and online applications. If you would like further information, please contact Toby Adams on email toby.adams@strongersmarter.com.au.
Photo: South Australian Leadership Program
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Kimberley Stronger Smarter Facilitator Recall
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Coordinated by Kimberley Stronger Smarter Leadership Consultant, Dan Walker, a significant gathering took place in Broome earlier this month, when a dozen educators who have previously undertaken Stronger Smarter Facilitator training in order to facilitate professional learning opportunities in their schools, came together, along with several staff of the Kimberley Regional Education Office, to re-engage with each other and to move to the next phase of facilitation.
During the two days the group developed a cultural action plan for the region, including a visioning statement. Individuals also decided upon their “next most powerful step” and devised specific, inspirational, achievable goals that would focus their energies. Participants found the processes incredibly rewarding and have already scheduled another gathering in September.
In their commitment to embedding change and ensuring the long-term impact of high-expectations, excellence-oriented school cultures, the Kimberley has demonstrated once again why it is known as a Stronger Smarter Region!
Photo: Dan Walker facilitating a Kimberley Leadership program in 2011.
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Principal appointment for Tammy Anderson, New South Wales
We congratulate Tammy, who has just been appointed to her first permanent Principal position, at Briar Road Public School in Airds NSW, which she attended herself as a child. Tammy is excited and “honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead in our amazing community”.
This was one of Tammy’s goals after participating in a national Stronger Smarter Leadership Program in Cherbourg last year, and she feels strongly that “involvement in the program helped me grow and transform into the leader that I want and need to be.” We wish you every success in your new role, Tammy!
Photo: NSW Department of Education and Communities
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