Independent Schools Tasmania

Rosalie is right!

The science is right!

The intent is right!

And so much of the effort and work is right.

Independent Schools Tasmania concurs strongly with the opinion piece of Rosalie Martin in last week's Mercury.

Three years into the Lifting Literacy journey, we should take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment being demonstrated across Tasmania's school sector.

We have seen strong leadership from school leaders who have embraced both the what and the how of evidence-based literacy instruction.

They have led change thoughtfully, courageously and with a relentless focus on improving outcomes for students.

We have seen remarkable professionalism from teachers who have reflected deeply on their practice, engaged with new learning, adopted evidence-based approaches and implemented them with integrity and fidelity for the benefit of every learner.

We also acknowledge the significant contribution of Independent Schools Tasmania Consultants Suzie Keil and Deb Button, whose expertise, support and advocacy have helped schools navigate this important work.

Most encouragingly, we are seeing positive signs in student achievement data.

While there is still much work to do, there is growing evidence that these efforts are making a difference.

Rosalie is right.

This is a long-term journey.
We are on the right path, but we are not at the destination.

Independent Schools Tasmania remains committed to supporting, empowering and walking alongside our member schools as together we continue the important work of lifting literacy outcomes for every student.

Great teaching doesn't happen by accident.

Across Tasmania today, teachers and teacher assistants are coming together for Moderation Day — taking time to stop, reflect, evaluate and discuss student learning.

While much of the work of education happens in classrooms, days like these are equally important.

They provide valuable opportunities for educators to examine student work, share professional insights, challenge assumptions and build a shared understanding of achievement and progress.

At its heart, moderation is about improving practice so that every student receives the best possible learning experience.

It is a reminder that great educators are lifelong learners themselves.

Behind every moderation conversation is a deep commitment to professional growth, collaboration and continuous improvement.

It is work that requires expertise, curiosity, humility and a willingness to learn from one another.

Independent Schools Tasmania acknowledges the dedication of the teachers and teacher assistants who invest in this important process.

Their commitment to strengthening practice today helps create better opportunities for students tomorrow.

Because when educators learn together, students achieve more.

A six-hour drive from Hobart to Smithton.
A room full of educators.
Deep expertise meeting daily practice.
Conversations continuing long after the official session has ended.

As part of the Independent Schools Tasmania MIND Project, we were privileged to welcome Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)'s Rachael Whitney-Smith, Manager of Mathematics Curriculum, to Tasmania this week.

Together with IST consultant Trudy Ward, she began a statewide tour connecting with schools, teachers and leaders across our island.

At Circular Head Christian School, the impact was immediate.

There is something powerful about being in the room.

While webinars, resources and online learning all have their place, nothing quite compares to the energy that is created when educators gather together, challenge ideas, share experiences and make connections between research, theory and classroom practice.

The spark is unmistakable when expert knowledge meets the realities of teaching and learning.

You can see it in the questions being asked, the professional conversations that continue after the session, and the excitement of educators discovering new ways to support student learning.

There is also something profoundly important about bringing national expertise directly into regional and remote communities.

Too often, distance can be a barrier to professional learning.

Opportunities like this ensure that teachers and leaders across Tasmania have direct access to some of Australia's leading curriculum and education experts — not through a screen, but through genuine collaboration and conversation.

Equally important is the opportunity to showcase the outstanding work taking place in Independent schools across Tasmania.

Visits like these allow national leaders to see first-hand the innovation, commitment and student-centred learning happening every day in our schools, regardless of postcode.

Thank you to the team at Circular Head Christian School for your warm welcome and commitment to professional learning, and to Rachael Whitney-Smith for sharing her expertise so generously.

This is what meaningful collaboration looks like.
This is what professional learning at its best looks like.
And this is what impact looks like.

Circular Head Christian School
ACARA
Department for Education, Children and Young People

Safe.

Respectful.

Resilient.

That is the focus of an important professional learning opportunity Independent Schools Tasmania is hosting on 3 & 4 June.

This is crucial learning in the face of emerging online harms, including the rise of the “manosphere” and deepfake technology.

We are delighted to welcome two leading national voices - Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones and Daniel Principe - whose work has supported thousands of young Australians, schools and families to navigate issues of online sexualisation, respectful relationships and digital wellbeing.

This free cross-sector event will provide practical strategies schools can implement immediately to support students and strengthen protective school environments.

We encourage educators and school leaders across Tasmania to join us.

Please go to the IST website to register.
https://independentschools.tas.edu.au/