Welcome to MY SCENE
Spring is always busy at CSU with students and teachers wrapping up their academic year, and administrators preparing for the high point of university life, graduation. This month's ceremonies, on June 17, marked special milestones: the bestowing of a degree upon our 1,000th graduate from the BPES program; and the Dean's List Awards for 2010-2011, which included a special commendation to CSU alum, Alison Wojkowski, who won Ontario Premier's New Teacher of the Year Award. Alison epitomises what we hope for all BPES graduates. She extends her Charles Sturt University education in creative and meaningful ways. This is the second year in a row that a CSU graduate has won the prestigious provincial award, with Ms Michelle Jerzyk recognised in 2010.
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Graduation drew CSU Chancellor Lawrie Willett, University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter, Ontario Provost Dr Bob Meyenn, Dean of the Faculty of Education Professor Toni Downes and a number of other academic and administrative staff from Australia. For a week or so, Campus was a flurry of meetings as Ontario staff and faculty and program leaders from Australia shared and planned together. The timing was perfect because 19 of our Ontario staff had just taken part in our first-ever off-site Learning and Teaching Retreat, on June 6-8 at the Westover Inn in St Mary's, about an hour's drive northwest of Burlington. The Retreat featured a great program focused on blended and flexible learning, lots of time to work, loads of insights and best of all, no distractions in a serene setting.
This issue features an interesting profile of Dr Peter Wilson, lecturer in our BPES program. Peter is a great teacher, renowned artist, and accomplished musician. Recently, the Burlington Arts Centre hosted a reception for him before his return to Australia. President Ian Goulter and Chancellor Lawrie Willett found time to join the event on June 16. Some of Peter's work was on sale at the reception, and the pieces were snapped up quickly. He generously contributed the proceeds to the Burlington Art Centre, specifically for youth and art programs.
I am looking forward to returning to Australia in July for a good visit.
Sincerely,
Dr Will Letts
Head of School,
Ontario School of Education,
Charles Sturt University
New CSU Dean of Studies puts focus on student experience
The new Dean of Studies at CSU, Professor Ken Dillon, is passionate about getting the best for students - whether that's through developing pathways to education, improving curriculum or enhancing academic support. Click here for more.
Staff Update
CSU announces new Professor of Practice in Master of International Education program to lead education research and foster education innovation
There are many examples in business, industry, healthcare and other sectors where leaders are called upon to act as research and best-practice 'lighthouses' who spur collaboration and idea and information sharing. Charles Sturt University has applied this concept to university life by creating a very innovative Professor of Practice position, in Canada. Click here for the full story.
Jan Cahusac wins Excellence Award
Jan Cahusac, School Executive Officer and Practicum Manager at the Ontario Campus has won CSU's Faculty of Education Award of Excellence. Jan is only one of two recipients in the Faculty to receive such recognition for her outstanding contribution to CSU. Well done Jan!
The Charles Sturt University Faculty and Division awards are an annual celebration of excellence and outstanding achievements demonstrated by individuals and teams within each management area of the University.
Dr Brent Pickard takes up new post as Program Director, Master of International Education
Dr Brent Pickard will share duties as Program Director of the MIEd with Ontario Campus Associate Head of School, Cam Fraser. They take over from Dr Zeffie Nicholas. Dr Pickard is one of Canada's leaders in the field of advanced education program design and development. Click here to look ahead with Dr Pickard and read a short biography.
Dr Zeffie Nicholas returns to Australia
My Scene caught up with Dr Nicholas as she prepared to return to Australia to pursue new career directions. Click here for the conversation.
Master of International Education program builds partners and prepares to go global
On 21 June, 2011, Dean of the Faculty of Education at CSU, Dr Toni Downes and Patricia Manson, the Executive Director of Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario, signed a formal partnership agreement between the two organizations. The CPCO joins the Ontario Principals' Council as the latest partner in this CSU degree.
In 2012, CSU will open up the MIEd (School Leadership) degree at the Ontario Campus to the world. No longer will it be accessible to Ontario students only.
Presentations rock Staff retreat
Excellent presentations at the recent staff retreat at the Westover Inn in St Mary's ON. Thanks go to Dr Umar Umangay for "Ohahase" = New Road: Indigenizing the Professional Practice; Dr Zeffie Nicholas for Internationalizing the Curriculum; and Making Children's Learning Visible by Dr Pat Dickinson and Karyn Callaghan, organizing committee co-chaired by Jill Staples and Jan Southall and everyone else who helped pull together and participate in such a memorable team-building experience.
Thanks go to Linda Ward, Educational Designer, Faculty of Education Bathurst Campus for sharing her passion for using technology to enhance student learning and create a quality student experience at the recent Ontario Campus staff retreat.
2010 Grad and student excellence
Dean's List Award and ACE Awards
Dr Will Letts and Dean of Education Toni Downes with BECS Dean's List winners.
Dr Will Letts and Dean of Education Toni Downes with BPES Dean's List winners.
CSU Grads 2011 Look Back and Look Ahead
Recently My Scene editors reached out to seven graduates of the CSU Bachelor of Primary Education Studies Program (BPES) and the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECS) an got their thoughts about their CSU experience and their plans for the future.
We asked them three questions. The conversation is insightful and inspiring. Have a read.
CSU alumni wins prestigious teaching award
For the second year in a row, a graduate from Charles Sturt University's (CSU) highly respected Bachelor of Primary Education Studies program (BPES) has won a prestigious provincial teaching award. Alison Wojkowski, BPES 2008, is the recipient of the 2011 Premier's Award for Teaching Excellence in the New Teacher of the Year category. The Burlington, ON resident teaches the full-time kindergarten program at W. H. Morden School in Oakville. This year, Alison was one of only three individuals recognised across Ontario in this category. Faculty of Education Dean Toni Downes presented Alison with a special commendation at the recent Dean's List ceremonies, June 14, 2011. Click here for more.
At CSU, Outstanding People Make the Difference
Interview with Dr Peter Wilson, Senior Lecturer, Creative Arts, Bachelor of Primary Education Studies.
The newly renovated student-friendly surroundings at the Ontario Campus and an approach to learning that encourages student-teacher interaction, collaboration and opportunities to apply skills and knowledge reflect CSU's commitment to an excellent, student-focused experience. That learning journey is made more rewarding, memorable and fun by staff members who bring deep understanding of their subject areas and a passion for learning to their classes. Click here for an interview with Peter Wilson and discover why his classes are so popular.
Campus Events
Alumni Learning Series
The successful alumni learning sessions continue! During the coming year, the Faculty of Education plans to offer two sessions on assessment. Learning goals, success criteria, rubrics, checkbrics, descriptive feedback and student-led conferencing are some of the assessment topics being considered. Series planners are also looking at sessions next spring that focus on inquiry, critical thinking and new curriculum documents.
Expert Speaker Series
A CSU Expert Speaker Series is in the planning phase. This series will showcase the expertise within Charles Sturt University. Organizers will work closely with two area school boards to choose topics that connect with teachers and experts at the University. The evening sessions may include video conferencing if the presenter is speaking from Australia. It is anticipated the events will include time for discussion and questions. This series is in the early planning stage and more information will follow as topics, speakers, and dates are finalized.
Feedback, questions and ideas on topics and presenters for the Alumni Learning Series and the Expert Speaker Series can be e-mailed to Linda Charko at lcharko@csu.edu.au
Program News
AQ update
Summer session July 4-21, 2011
Technology Facilitated Learning
Launch of three new Business programs rescheduled
Program launch of the three new undergraduate degrees in Business have been rescheduled to August of 2012. This provides program staff and education partners with extra time to calibrate the courses and fine-tune program design, marketing, and recruitment efforts.
The four-year Honours level degrees are:
Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing)
Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies update
Professional panels provided for BECS grads
Students in their last semester of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECS) program have been enjoying a series of panel discussions related to future career opportunities. These panels, February 24, March 1 and March 29, featured speakers from local School Boards and regional child care agencies, as well as presentations on preparing for interviews, resume writing and portfolios.
BECS support for local Professional Learning Series
CSU program staff, Karyn Callaghan and Pat Dickinson, along with four BECS students, provided sessions on play-based learning for regional early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers. The first of these sessions immediately reached capacity (60) so a second session is planned. These sessions were held on the evenings of April 11 and May 18 at CSU. BECS students supported the first of these evenings on April 11.
CAPE 25 years young!
Consultants/Coordinators of Primary Education (CAPE) celebrated their 25th anniversary with a provincial conference held at CSU on Saturday, June 4. The keynote speaker was Pat Holborn, Educational Consultant and former faculty member at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.
Watch My Scene for the exciting line-up of sessions for fall 2011 BECS students and staff.
Student and alumni news: The making of me!
The CSU alumni are a hotbed of bright and engaging talent.
Grad innovates with play and learn golf club
Andrew Oliver, a Charles Sturt University BPES grad 2007, is now teaching a Grade 5/6 class at Eastview Public School, in Oakville, ON. Together with fellow teacher, Marc Laretei, he has his class take part in an innovative new sport program called National Golf in Schools (NGIS). Click here for more on how Andrew helps students putt to better learning and better health.
AQ and beyond: the making of me!
Discover how some students use Additional Qualification and Additional Basic Qualification courses to excel at teaching and advance their careers. This issue we profile Sharon Deery, Adam Howick, and Carl Creatchman.
Click here for more.
Calling all alumni! Got an interesting piece of news to share? We want to hear from you. Email the editor of My Scene at mgregory@csu.edu.au
The comings and goings
CSU Staff Return from Australia
Jill Staples and Mary Taylor travelled to CSU campuses in Australia recently. Catch up on their stories! Click here for more.
Students do practicum in Australia
The following BPES students went off to CSU Australia to do a final practicum. Wish them well!
Connor Marien
Adele Moylah-Baksh
Dave McGowan
Krystina Coleman
Kate Valiquette
Burlington braces for Aussie invasion
For the first time, five Australian students will arrive at CSU Ontario in August to take courses there in the fall. Look for more in the September Issue of My Scene.
News from Australia
A new chapter: CSU chooses new Vice-Chancellor
Professor Andrew Vann will succeed Professor Ian Goulter as the new Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University (CSU).
Professor Vann will take up his appointment in January 2012.
Click here for more.
Supporting families as children start school
Better focused support for families with complex needs makes it much easier for children in the family to enjoy their early schooling, according to a research group that included educational researchers from Charles Sturt University (CSU). Click here for more.
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