Welcome to the second edition of inForm for 2020. We hope that, despite the current climate, the first half of this year has been fulfilling. While it can be easy to dwell on the negative aspects of this year—and there is no denying there have been many—it is important to also reflect on the lessons learnt from these challenges and our growth as professionals and human beings.

Across my own years of teaching, I cannot remember a time that I have been more motivated to improve my practice. The shift to online teaching in Term 2, coupled with striving to effectively guide students through the first iteration of a new senior syllabus has definitely not been a smooth one. However, it has certainly been a valuable journey, one that has forced me out of my comfort zone and pressed me to find ways to diversify my teaching, to clarify my curriculum understanding, and to connect with colleagues to support my own and others’ practice. In a more holistic sense, it has also taught me to kindle relationships and habits that support my wellbeing. As home economics professionals, we advocate for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. It is important to remember that we are included in this and, as such, we must ensure that we look after ourselves too.

For those engaging with the new General senior subjects, 2020 has been a continuous learning journey as we navigate through endorsement and confirmation quality-assurance processes, and prepare for external assessment. HEIA(Q) recently held two online communities of practice dedicated to Food and Nutrition and to Design, to support teachers through these assessment practices and to provide a platform for colleagues to share their experiences. As we continue to develop our understanding and experiences, engaging with our physical and online professional networks is vital.

As a result of the two successful online communities of practice early in Term 3, HEIA(Q) has committed to continuing to facilitate such opportunities for members throughout Queensland. To ensure the focus of each session is reflective of members’ needs, HEIA(Q) invites your suggestions for topics and subjects on which to focus. Should you wish to recommend a focus or nominate to lead a community of practice, please contact us at heiaq@heia.com.au.

In the Years 7–10 curriculum space, it is important to note that ACARA (the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) is currently in the process of reviewing the Australian Curriculum. Over the next two years, all learning areas will be revised to refine the curriculum documents, taking note of teachers’ desires for a less crowded and more flexible curriculum. ACARA has established learning-area reference groups to lead the changes to the curriculum. These groups are driven by the contributions of the learning-area reference groups from each state and territory. HEIA(Q) has representation at the state level on QCAA’s (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s) Technologies learning-area reference group and, as such, will be seeking member feedback on the current state of the curriculum and draft materials as we move forward. Please keep an eye out for your chance to have your say!

The Technologies and Mathematics learning areas will be the first to be revised, with draft curriculum documents projected to be available from early 2021 for public consultation. Members are encouraged to contribute to this consultation to ensure that our experiences and vision are reflected in the feedback. As we continue through this redevelopment phase, HEIA(Q) will be seeking feedback from our members at strategic intervals to contribute to our response at both Queensland and national levels. For more information about the curriculum review, please see www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/curriculum-review.

HEIA(Q) looks forward to connecting with you through our upcoming communities of practice. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require support or have suggestions for ways to improve our member services.

Rosie Sciacca
President, HEIA(Q)