Global LYNCS Newletter
November 2017
Editorial
Dear Friends of the Project
Another great year has passed. We are currently preparing for next year and we need your help to locate any additional Victorian classrooms who might like to form partnerships in 2018. They can be government or private, P-10. Please refer them to us if you think you know someone who might be interested or an asset to the project.
We have some big news to share this with you this edition!
Kind regards,
Scarlett, Jo & Keong
SURVEY RESULTSThank-you for your voice!
2017 survey-
From the classrooms
Bacchus Marsh College
The microphones have helped a lot with the quality of the sound and the experience for our partner school. We have noticed that the Boy's school is particularly attentive when the girls are presenting!The November link celebrated all the public holidays in Australia. The students answered questions following presenting their individual group power points.We all sang 'We wish you a Merry Christmas' to finish the link session.
Professor Ku is awarded an Endeavor Fellowship from the Commonwealth.
Great news this month!!! Professor Ku was thrilled to be given an opportunity to learn more about the Victorian Curriculum and how to enhance the work of this project. She will visit Victoria for an extended time in 2018 and conduct some research into a number of our project schools.Jo Tate was a recipient some years ago providing insights and networks that have assisted in the growth of this project to the current day.
We are very grateful that the Commonwealth government sees this project as a value contributor to international understanding and collaboration.
Professor Ku and Ms. Gong visit Vermont SC
Professor Ku had her third visit this year to schools participating in the project thanks to the Australia Korea Foundation. Ms. Gong from the Daegu District Office was able to accompany her which was great!The ladies visited a number of schools and the Ecolinc Science and Innovation Center at Bacchus Marsh College(a new project participant). Here are some lovely photos of their time at Vermont SC in Melbourne.
Victorian Teachers – Have you considered applying for the ROK program?
You can read Corey’s link that tracks his experience teaching in a school in South Korea earlier this year.
Program Information
Developing the expertise and professional capabilities of principals and teachers to deliver quality education for all children and young people, and lead improvement in outcomes is a strong focus of the education reform agenda. This includes supporting professional learning opportunities that build the capacity of emerging and aspiring leaders.
The Department of Education and Training (DET) has entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea (MOE) to facilitate a reciprocal exchange program.
This program is hosted by the MOE, Republic of Korea (ROK) who has designated the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), under the auspices of UNESCO as the implementing agency for this Teacher Exchange Program.
The Republic of Korea - Victoria Teacher Exchange Program aims to:
Foster teachers’ professional development through sharing of good practices of teaching, curriculum and school activities
Enhance teachers’ cross-cultural communication skills and promote education for international understanding
Promote mutual understanding between the two countries
Build the foundation for school-to-school partnership for future collaboration
PLEASE NOTE: Phase one of the 2017 ROK-VIC Teacher Exchange is complete. To participate in phase two of the program, please complete an application form and send to Zoe Horton
Reciprocal Exchange for Victorian Partner teacher to ROK
Phase two Victorian teachers will:
•Arrange their travel in line with Department guidelines
•Ensure they have a valid passport and the necessary visa to enable them to travel to the Republic of Korea.
•Establish their status and coverage with Medicare while overseas and ensure they have appropriate travel and medical insurance prior to travel.
•Continue to be paid by DET while on exchange and will retain their entitlement to WorkCover
•Ensure they have appropriate personal insurance to cover any theft, loss or damage to their notebook computer while traveling. (Notebook computers are not covered by insurance outside Australia)
•Ensure they have provided their schools with all current relevant personal details- including contact numbers for next of kin and any relevant powers of attorney
Inform their host school of any relevant information about medical conditions relating to the exchange
HanSol Middle School – Linton PS partner
Scarlett shown here teaching some more students in Daegu about Australia, and trying to explain the mysterious joys of Vegemite!
Visiting Hamchang Middle and High School (Vermont Secondary College and Bacchus Marsh College Partner)
Professor Ku, Scarlett and Julie travelled out to Hamchang Middle School to meet with the teachers, learn about the school, and to talk about what the Global Lyncs project has been doing in Australia!
Presentation at the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education
Speaking to the Office of Education in Daegu about The Global LYNCs project in Australia, and some of the many reasons why teachers here choose to take part!
Visiting HakJung School in Daegu
Scarlett teaching the students at Hakjung Elementary School (Partners with South Morang) about what living in Australia is like, and to speak like an Aussie! The class was so great at figuring out phrases like “cuppa” and “brekkie”!!
Also a big thank you to Julie for being such a great help to Global Lyncs!
Annual project meeting in Korea
Scarlett McLean visited Daegu in June where she represented the project with the Daegu Region, University representatives, schools and most importantly, teachers. She also visited the Australian Embassy, an annual fixture on the visitation program for the project.
The interest in the project at the Korean end continues to grow. We have a large number of new schools that exceeds the demand currently. One issue that was discussed was that although there is support for coordination of the project in Korea, no such position of support is available at the Victorian end. It relies chiefly on good will and volunteerism that means the project cannot reach its full potential.
Scarlett delivered one of a series of lessons on Australian language and culture to project participants in Daegu schools
We are proud of the fact that this project is freely open to schools regardless of their access to expensive technology. We are also aware that there are so many other schools who could be benefiting from international collaboration through telecommunications.
If you know of any other Victorian schools who might be interested in joining the project please contact Scarlett McLeanat Mt Clear College. There are many schools waiting for partners in Korea right now.
Scarlettattended ameeting with the majority of the Daegu Teachers was hosted at the Daegu District Office.
Many of the Daegu teachers were involved for the first time this year although their school might have been involved for a number of years. They had a series of questions regarding the interest the teachers in Victoria have in the project, planning of curriculum and other related matters.
Please send in your stories and snaps