From the President
After a brief hiatus, it is wonderful to welcome you back to InForm, our HEIA(Q) newsletter. As we have settled into a COVID-normal environment, it has been exciting to restart face-to-face networking and professional-development opportunities. Highlights from the year have included a fashion-focused afternoon at Southbank TAFE, an exploration of Eat Street Northshore’s food-industry practices and, of course, the return of our (usually) annual state conference. These events would not have been possible without the efforts of those who volunteer their time to initiate and organise the events. Thank you to all those who have contributed to the successful running of HEIA(Q) events so far this year. HEIA(Q) is committed to being guided by its members’ needs when developing professional-development opportunities. As we look to 2023 events, HEIA(Q) welcomes members’ ideas and feedback to ensure the events organised provide valuable and valued learning opportunities.
The year 2022 has certainly been a busy one in the curriculum space. In the P–10 arena, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) released Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. Whilst timelines for implementation are not cemented yet, the revised curriculum prompts us to critically review our current programs to ensure they are not only reflective of the intent of the curriculum, but also address the contemporary needs and wants of our stakeholders, the students. This is a time for us to ponder our purpose as not only home economics educators, but also as teachers of Design and Technologies. Education has evolved significantly over the past several decades, and it is imperative that our approaches align with today’s education priorities.
In the senior phase of learning, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has been working intently revising the applied and general syllabi. For teachers in these areas, it is advisable to engage with feedback opportunities to ensure that the revisions are appropriate for the school climate and students’ learning needs. QCAA has commenced its review webinars—keep an eye on QCAA and HEIA(Q) platforms for more information. HEIA(Q) will also contribute to these reviews as a professional body, considering the needs of our members and their students.
HEIA(Q) is a volunteer association. Without the active support of its members, it cannot function effectively. We welcome those wishing to be more involved with HEIA(Q) and ask you to contact us to see how you can help us support our profession. Being part of the Committee of Management (COM) is a wonderful opportunity to share with peers and to lead initiatives that impact positively on our colleagues and their students. Now that we use our Zoom platform to facilitate meetings, location is no barrier to participation! If you are interested in learning more about the work of the COM, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any of the other COM members. We are always happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have. Of course, member contributions are not limited to holding a position on the COM. They also include organising communities of practice, making suggestions for professional-development events and contributing to conference planning. All contributions are welcome and greatly appreciated.
As we head into the final part of 2022, HEIA(Q) wishes its members all the best.
Rosie Sciacca
President, HEIA(Q)
