AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL WHO ATTENDED
The XV National Community Languages School Conference was held on Saturday, October 6, 2018, in Brisbane. Over 120 teachers from over 30 communities from around Australia attended.
A full day program headed by key addresses but Prof Jo Lo Bionco, Dr Maria Gindidis and Prof Roly Sussex inspired the many attendees. Examining where community languages education sits in the national scheme of things as a major quality provider of language education, leadership in community language schools education and the importance of language education were the trust of the keynote deliveries and set the tone for the day.
The spirit of mateship, cohesion and striving for best education outcomes filled the room.
Participants were welcomed by Stefan Romaniw OAM, Executive Director of Community Languages Australia, Irene Bayldon - President of Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland and Tasos Douvartzidis - Chair of AFESA .
Gary Hart from Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland also offered support in his address,
6 inspiring worships followed in the afternoon. The enthusiasm of participants was amazing – all wanting to learn, wanting new ideas and wanting to form networks.
Students from the Vietnamese school – provides color and excitement with their lunchtime performance
Timea Kovacs -EO ESAQ was on the ball collecting new memberships and ideas for further professional development.
The evening Conference Dinner captured the above spirit. An evening of sharing experiences, discussing how schools can support each other. The Africa Group – created a wonderful atmosphere – Roving musicians Vasyl and Vasyl entertained attendees from the time they walked into the reception.
A night of friendship, feeling good about ourselves as we deliver effective programs, providing opportunities for many , strengthening links and showcasing multicultural and diversity is at grassroot level best describes the evening.
Saturday, October 6, 2018, will go down as a day to remember – a turning point for the ESAQ and community language schools in Queensland and nationally.
The next National Conference will be held in Canberra on Saturday, October 5, 2019, in Canberra.
