The Australian Education Reporter
Fresh ideas
The 2017 Western Australian Primary Principals’ Association (WAPPA) Conference and Exhibition will be held from 14-16 June at the Crown Perth Convention Centre.
“DELEGATES WILL LEAVE WITH FRESH IDEAS ON HOW TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOLS AND MAKE INNOVATION A CORE DRIVER OF STRATEGY AND CULTURE.”
THE annual WAPPA Conference and Exhibition has long been earmarked as one of the most important professional learning opportunities on the calendar, this year attracting more than 400 delegates and exhibitors over the three day event.
It provides a platform for high level networking and collegiality opportunities for Western Australian primary educators looking to speak with industry leaders from across the globe.
The program includes State, national and international keynote speakers addressing the current issues and new innovations in primary education, with exhibitions and events designed to showcase the latest trends.
WAPPA president Ian Anderson said it was a must attend event for any principal, deputy or aspiring school leader that wished to gain a solid understanding of how to initiate positive change and foster innovation in their school community.
“Delegates will leave with fresh ideas on how to enhance performance in schools and make innovation a core driver of strategy and culture,” Mr Anderson said.
“They will hear from successful education experts on the latest issues, trends and outcomes to support you to effectively overcome complex challenges.
“International, national and local speakers will share evidence-based research, practical strategies and inspirational stories as we discuss the future in educational leadership.”
Day one will include six speakers talking on a range of topics; a highlight of which will be Essa Foundation director of development Abdul Chohan’s Leading change through changing belief.
“Abdul Chohan is known for his pioneering work on mobile-based learning at ESSA Academy in the UK,” Mr Anderson said.
“His programs focus on the idea of ‘Changing Belief’ through ‘Simplicity and Reliability’ and have extended beyond the traditional school environment to impact families and the wider communities that the schools serve.
“Apple refers to Abdul as ‘one of the most innovative educators in the world’.”
On the same day, Judy Halbert and Linda Kaser from the University of British Columbia, Canada, will present the topic ‘Spirals of Inquiry for Equity and Quality’, outlining the key ideas that create the foundations for collaborative professional inquiry and introduce participants to the six key phases that comprise the spiral.
“Judy and Linda have done a lot of work around the networks of inquiry and innovation and the Aboriginal Enhancement Schools Network in Canada,” Mr Anderson said.
“Another high profile speaker attending WAPPA 2017 is Dr Simon Breakspear.
“He is known internationally for helping educational leaders navigate disruptive change, develop innovation capabilities and drive continuous improvement for better learning.
“He will focus on how to design deeper learning in a digital age and how innovation can lead to better learning outcomes.”
More information on other exciting speakers at this year’s conference, including their full bios and session information can be found at: www.wappa.asn.au/conference-2017/overview.