From the President

Welcome to our first issue inForm for 2020. My goodness, what a start to the year it has been! I think the following quote from Lenin captures the essence of 2020 thus far, ‘There are decades where nothing happens and weeks where decades happen’. This has certainly been true as we find ourselves shifting our pedagogy and engaging in intense professional learning to support students in their transition to continuous online learning.

There is no denying that the shift to online learning is immense. It has been wonderful to see the valuable support we have been providing to each other as a professional community through our online and offline networks. While the learning curve has been steep, it is worth considering the nature and tenure of this shift. Is this shift temporary, so we can weather the current storm? Or, is this shift an opportunity to facilitate conversations about best practice, a way to improve our pedagogy to better engage students, and a way to embrace the online tools native to our students? An article in this edition explores some reflections about nearly two weeks of continuous online learning. As we continue to navigate the continual changes in education, I encourage you all to continue to contribute to your professional networks and to share your successes and your struggles, as well as your tips and resources. Together we can thrive through the challenges of these times.

Thus far, 2020 has been a time of rapid change for HEIA(Q), starting with our inaugural digital edition of inForm! This newsletter is the first edition in our transition to a digital platform. Embracing the roles that technology plays in our personal and professional spheres, we hope that online newsletters will improve members’ access to articles. We invite you to provide constructive feedback on this edition to ensure that the digital newsletter is accessible, informative and of a high quality.

This year also brings with it a variety of opportunities for both students and teachers. For those undertaking Home Economics-related tertiary studies, please consider applying for a King & Amy O’Malley Trust scholarship (see page 3). Those interested in enhancing their leadership studies are encouraged to apply for the scholarships offered by NESLI (National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative) in conjunction with HEIA (see page 10). For the students, keep an eye out for information about the McCormick Flavour Forecast Competition (see page 22). For more information about any of these opportunities, please visit www.heia.com.au

Despite having various professional learning plans in place for 2020, HEIA(Q) committee members are currently revising these to ensure the wellbeing of our members. As we continue through these transient times, we are working to explore alternative options to meet the professional learning needs of our members. Stay tuned for more information.

Please note: To comply with restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual General Meeting has been changed to an online format. I encourage all members to attend the meeting via the link that will be provided to all members via email.

The members of the HEIA(Q) Committee of Management wish you all the best in the coming months. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us should you require support through these trying times.

Stay safe. Stay connected.

Rosie Sciacca
President, HEIA(Q)