Welcome to the April edition of TA Talk. With April and the Easter holidays behind us, we have lots of exciting events to look forward to in the coming month. Between 13th and 15th May, we will be in Glenelg, SA, for the Adventist Schools Australia conference for principals and other school leaders. We will be attending, exhibiting and speaking! and we look forward to learning and sharing with conference participants.
Whilst in SA, we have also been invited to meet with the Inclusive Teaching and Learning Directorate within the Department for Education to discuss best practice in the deployment of teaching assistants, and, without a doubt, the recently published Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS) will inform our perspective for that conversation.
We are also preparing for the next ATAPS Partner School Leadership Course on 27th and 28th May. We have had exceptional feedback from the first course, delivered in March. Melissa from Padua College said: This workshop was of an extremely high quality. Kim was exceptional, her energy and tone did not waver for the whole two days. The content was clearly presented and beautifully aligned to the companion guide. You've made the implementation seem less overwhelming, and have provided such excellent resources to assist us. Congratulations on this piece of work. It's clear that it was a huge project and it shows in the quality outcome.
Lastly, the Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards are back! Nominations open in just one week on Thursday 1st May, so keep your eyes peeled and your pens poised ready to acknowledge an extraordinary teacher aide or teacher aide team from your school. Tomorrow is ANZAC day; lest we forget. Warm regards Stella and Mandy |
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ATAPS FACILITATOR TRAINING WORKSHOPS |
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ATAPS Facilitator Workshop |
We recently launched the ATAPS workshops for school leaders, and the response has been amazing! Twenty school leaders from across Australia got their first taste of the Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS) facilitator training, gaining essential tools, resources, and strategies for supporting their TAs to use the ATAPS framework. "I feel that I am more equipped to introduce ATAPS to our Learning Enhancement staff and school leaders. Thank you so much for your work with developing the resources and materials. They are fantastic!" – Sharon (Head of Learning Enhancement). “The course was highly informative and gave me a starting point to move forward with implementing the standards in my school.” – Laura (Director of Individual Needs). “I loved the step-by-step implementation suggestions and their varied approaches.” – Melissa (Learning Support Officer).
Ready to enhance how you utilise teaching assistants in your school? Sign up today for the next ATAPS Facilitator Training in May. We hope to see you there! |
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Teamwork in the Classroom: Insights from a Secondary Teacher
3:30pm Tuesday, 13 May 2025
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Our upcoming web event brings together ATA teacher and ATAPS facilitator, Kim Nuske, secondary teacher Amanda Bond, and teaching assistant Jolaryenne Elia for a practical and engaging conversation about effective collaboration in secondary school classrooms.
This session highlights real-life strategies and personal insights into how teachers and teaching assistants can work together to support student learning.
Kim, Amanda and Jolaryenne will share their experiences, explore what makes classroom teamwork successful, and offer practical advice for building strong, student-centred partnerships.
Designed for both new and experienced educators, this webinar provides useful, ready-to-apply ideas to improve collaboration and classroom outcomes. Don’t miss out, register now to attend this web event. |
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| The Science of School Mental Health and Wellbeing Check-ins
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Mental health challenges affect 1 in 7 young people in Australia, but most don’t get the support they need and early identification is key.
Schools are in a powerful position to help. My Mind Check is a new, evidence-based mental health check-in tool designed to support student wellbeing through early, proactive intervention. In this webinar preview, Dr Lauren McLellan, Director at My Mind Check, shares the science and research that informed the tool’s development and shows how My Mind Check helps schools identify students who may be struggling, in a way that’s simple, safe, and effective. Dr McLellan also discusses the practical, three-step implementation process: Plan, Check-In, Respond and explains how schools can easily implement My Mind Check by outlining the support available for educators and school leaders throughout the process. Watch the preview to see how My Mind Check is shaping a new way forward for student wellbeing. |
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UNDERSTANDING ATAPS - ONE STANDARD AT A TIME |
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| Standard 3 - Collaborate with teachers to implement effective learning and teaching support. |
An important aspect of the teaching assistant’s role is communicating regularly with teachers, and other relevant education professionals, to discuss student learning, plan support, and gather resources.
Standard 3 details the professional practice teaching assistants require in their roles: - Focus Area 3.1 Communicate with teachers to support planning for student learning and wellbeing.
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Focus Area 3.2 Implement planned support.
- Focus Area 3.3 Use resources to support learning that are authentic, relevant, age, and ability appropriate.
Here are a few resources to help enhance your practice in communicating with the teachers you work alongside:
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AUSTRALIAN TEACHER AIDE OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 |
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Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards open Next Week! |
The 2025 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards are an opportunity to recognise outstanding teacher aides who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students every day. This year, in addition to the written nomination, we are offering schools the opportunity to submit a supporting video of their TA or TA team reflecting on, or showcasing their work. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to support learning and wellbeing in your school?
To learn more and read about last year’s inspiring winners, visit our website. Let’s come together to celebrate excellence in education support.
Nominations open 1 May! |
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OUTSTANDING PARTICIPATION IN ATA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING |
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Congratulations to the following schools for achieving most highly, over the past month, in their professional development journey: Al Iman College VIC
Wodonga Senior Secondary College VIC St James College QLD St James Primary School - Muswellbrook NSW |
Keep up the great work, everyone! |
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WHAT'S TRENDING ON THE ATA FACEBOOK PAGE |
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It’s no surprise our top-performing Facebook post featured the Easter Bunny! We hope you had a restful Easter break and are feeling refreshed and ready to hop into Term 2 with enthusiasm and energy! 44,409 views 114 reactions, 9 comments and 29 shares |
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Leaders in Professional Learning for Schools
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