WELCOME TO MY SCENE
Thanks for the positive feedback we have received on the debut of the My Scene e-newsletter. I encourage you to pass it along to family, friends and colleagues.
The past few months have seen a flurry of activity and exciting news at the campus, here in Burlington. Thanks to a great team effort, the Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, John Milloy, has renewed Charles Sturt University's authority to deliver its highly respected Bachelor of Primary Education Studies (BPES) program in Ontario for another five years as well as approved the delivery by Charles Sturt University of three new university-level business programs at our Ontario location; Bachelor of Business Administration courses in human resource management, marketing and accounting.
At the same time, construction of the first phase of renovations at the campus finished just in time for start of the fall term. Students and staff now enjoy a new Learning Commons, entrance and campus reception, and resource and library area, and student finance office. The new construction is a reflection of the growing and changing face of the University. Read on for more details.
Our student population marks the CSU difference - 80 % of them are forging a second career and reflect a diverse ethno-cultural mix of younger and older individuals. Special best wishes to all 227 of them and to our staff. I hope you have a rewarding and memorable school year!
Sincerely,
Dr Will Letts
Head of School
School of Education, Charles Sturt University Ontario
ONTARIO CAMPUS GETS A NEW LOOK
The first phase of the Ontario campus renovations has included construction of a new entrance and campus reception, and new Learning Commons, resource and library area, and student finance office. All areas have a fresh new colour scheme and furnishings, in-keeping with the CSU brand. In addition, new washrooms, vending area, and student kitchen have been created to better support the needs of students.
The new Learning Commons is based on the concept already available at CSU's Australian campuses and is able to accommodate over 100 students in a variety of semi-formal and informal settings.
"With the University growing in numbers, updates have been made to accommodate the faculty, staff and students. Renovators were hard at work this past summer to create a place for us to continue our studies. What a surprise welcome back!" said Lindsay Brown, a BECS student. For more details, click here.
Clinton Dagg (left), Lanhack Consultants Inc. and Dr. Will Letts, Ontario Campus Head of School on a construction site inspection.
Staff Update
Lots of staff news of note. Let's welcome:
| Dr. Jamie Sutherland who is a Lecturer in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies Program (BECS). |
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| Jill Staples who is a Lecturer in the Bachelor of Primary Education Studies Program (BPES). Jill is seconded from the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) |
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New Faculty supervisors this term include:
| Catherine Briggs |
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| Linda O'Grady |
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| Shirley Chaisson |
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| Susan Clarke |
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| Jerri Popp |
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PROGRAM NEWS
BPES Program Renewed for another five years
The Bachelor of Primary Education Studies is a one-year teacher education program that prepares candidates to teach in primary-junior (JK-6) classrooms in Ontario. As with other Ontario faculties of Education, this is a professional preparation program, and all applicants must be graduates of a three or four year university course.
As this program is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers, CSU facilitates OCT certification of all successful graduates through the provision of transcripts and by linking candidates with OCT processes. Click here for more information.
Three New Business Programs on the Way
The Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities has also just approved the delivery by Charles Sturt University of three new university-level business programs at its Ontario location; Bachelor Administration courses in human resource management, marketing and accounting.
Additional Qualification Courses will be offered in January 2010.
- Intermediate Basic in English, Math, Science, History, Geography, drama and Creative Arts
- Special Education Part 1
- Reading Part 1
- Math Part 1
- The Inclusive Classroom Part 1
All Additional Qualification courses offered through Charles Sturt University are accredited with and regulated by the Ontario College of Teachers.
The CSU Additional Qualifications courses are firmly grounded in the Ontario College of Teachers Standards of Practice and the Ethical Standards. These standards are woven through each of the modules in all courses and form an integral part of the learning. While all of the standards have relevance to all of the modules, some are particularly thematically representative of content covered and are articulated in each of the descriptions of the modules.
Find more information on our website go here.
FACULTY PROFILE: MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Interview with Dr. Zeffie Nicholas
Working with its partner, the Ontario Principal's Council (OPC), CSU has forged a successful new Program, Master of International Education (School Leadership). The initiative is specially designed for educational leaders and aspiring leaders, that is, teachers with a minimum of five years of teaching experience, who wish to do post-graduate learning to gain insights to take their leadership in education to the next level. My Scene recently interviewed Program Director Dr. Zeffie Nicholas, to find out what's behind the growing interest in the course of studies. Read the interview.
The Master of International Education (School Leadership) in a nutshell
- Based at the Burlington campus and aimed at aspiring and current school leaders
- Offered in Ontario under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
- Developed and updated in partnership with the OPC
- A 10 course program in which you can receive credit for up to five courses including the Principal's Qualification Program (Standard and Master's Dimension), Experienced Principal's Development Course (EPDC) and Specialists
- Courses are focused on leadership
- Distance education delivery allows candidates the flexibility to customize their program to meet their personal study schedule
Applications for a November 2010 start are now open. For more information please visit www.charlessturt.ca or email Zeffie at znicholas@csu.edu.au
SPECIAL EVENTS: LEADERSHIP IN LEARNING
Odyssey Sets the Stage for international Principals Conference
The Ontario campus will take part in the Ontario Principals Odyssey Conference: Inclusive Leadership, Engaging Your School Community, November 18-20 at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. In support of efforts to make the event a resounding success, CSU will sponsor the opening reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as have a booth at the Conference. Presentation topics include: engaging students, teachers and parents, community support partnerships, inclusive programs and programs supporting mental health initiatives.
Dr. Zeffie Nicholas, Director of the Master of International Education Program (School Leadership) is presenting at the Conference on the topic: Inclusive Leadership: Attending to school culture.
Ontario Campus Open House
Plan to attend a special Ontario campus 'Open House' early in the new year. Watch My Scene for details.
Ontario Faculty of Education Equity and Social Justice Conference, Friday, October 22, 2010
Topics include:
- LGBTQ community at Hill Park Secondary School-- a safe space for students
- Who's Got the Power?
- Hamilton Restorative Justice Project
- Cultural Proficiency
- Aboriginal Perspectives Through Sharing Circles Bullying
- The Unique Needs of the English Language Learner
Click here to see the conference program.
Upcoming Professional Learning Sessions for Ontario Campus Staff
- Growing Success, student success and Best Start presented by Leanne Tovey
- Feedback: What can it look like and how can we use it? presented by Carol Burgess
- Teacher Education for the 21st century presented by Paige Bennett
- Blogs for process and product presented by Jenni Munday
THE CSU EXPERIENCE: OUTSTANDING PEOPLE
Interview with Dr. Pat Dickinson
One of the best attributes of an education at CSU is the outstanding character of its teaching staff. Recently My Scene interviewed Dr. Pat Dickinson, Program Director, Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECS) at Charles Sturt University.
Her teaching experience spans countries and decades; and her passion for students, children and learning continues to glow red hot.
Read on to discover what drew her to CSU and how academic staff like Pat make a difference.
ALUMNI NEWS: THE MAKING OF ME!
Australia and Beyond
One of the interesting aspects of attending CSU is the opportunity for a professional experience in Australia. Recently several students returned from studies in Australia. Here are a few some wonderful memories and photos that BPES graduates Angelica Barone and Laura Ann Donnelly want to share:
"The students there were truly amazing. I learned so much about their culture and lifestyle."
Laura Ann Donnelly
"I am so thankful for my experience and I would recommend it to any future CSU students."
Angelica Barone
For more from Angelica and Laura Ann go here.
PHOTO left-right, Laura Ann Donnelly and Angelica Barone |
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Me and My Class
"CSU, thanks for helping me get here. I am having the time of my life!" A bientot, Sheri Martincourt
PHOTO Sheri Martincourt and her class |
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