Archive for February, 2010

Magic Garden

Posted in Inspired Centres - Aotearoa on February 20th, 2010 by Wendy – Be the first to comment

Early this year it became apparent that we needed to give more attention to how we managed our transitions between the three centres.  Little incidents indicated that we needed to give attention to our practices between teachers and teachers, teachers and children, and teachers and parents.  We had in place a meeting point – where the three supervisors and manager met weekly to plan and discuss centre issues.  ‘Transitions’ became an area for reflection with the possibility of development and change.

REANZ our story, 2 Dec 09                                    REANZ Inspiration Centres report, Nov 09

Embracing Educational Change

Posted in Conferences, Events, Seminars on February 17th, 2010 by Wendy – Be the first to comment

The power of pedagogy and teaching in the early years 

 “We have the knowledge and the wisdom to change; early years teachers can take the lead”

Join Janet Robertson, Associate Professor Alma Fleet, Anthony Semann, Wendy Shepherd and Toby Honig, presenters from the ‘Unpacking Conference’ held in Sydney, for this wonderful professional learning opportunity.

These Seminars were held on April 12th, 16th & 17th

Please read a personal reflection from one participant.  Others are welcome to send in their thoughts and reflections to start an on-line discussion.  Reflective Notes   Click here. Embracing Educational Change Reflection

Anthony Semann – Director Semann & Slattery
Unleashing the potential of play: moving from ages and stages to equity and social justice
and Social justice and equity: curriculum and beyond. NZ Social Justice  Click to read presentation notes

Toby Honig – Consultant Semann & Slattery
Out of the mouths of babes: what infants and toddlers tell us, if only we had the eyes to see and the ears to listen


Proudly supported by AUT

The Auckland Symposium is proudly supported by AUT

About the presenters and their topics:


Janet Robertson – Mia Mia Child and Family Study Centre

The Gardenista: exploration of thinking outside
and Stories past, present and future from the outside

Janet Robertson has taught at Mia-Mia Child and Family Study Centre at Macquarie University for 13 years, prior to that she was an Advisor and Director.  Her move forward to teaching was prompted by the thinking from the educational experience in Reggio Emilia.  Since 1992, after her first visit to Reggio Emilia, Janet has spoken and written about the implications arising from the work in Reggio Emilia for Australian education. Janet is co author of Insights, which she co-edited with Catherine Patterson and Alma Fleet.

Associate Professor Alma Fleet
Associate Professor Alma Fleet is the Coordinator of the BTeach (Early Childhood Services) Program at the Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University. Her interest in learning includes working with people investigating their own practice as a key component of educational change.  Her thinking is influenced by her work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as by her study of the educators in Reggio Emilia, Italy.  Her most recent book (Insights), co-edited with Catherine Patterson and Janet Robertson, explores relationships between pedagogical documentation and social justice issues.  She received a Macquarie University Award for Outstanding Community Outreach activity in 2003.

Anthony Semann – Director Semann & Slattery
Unleashing potentials in play: moving from ages and stages to equity and social justice
and Social justice and equity: curriculum and beyond

For the past 15 years Anthony has worked as an educator, innovator and advocate with a broad range of government, non-government and private organisations.  Anthony’s achievements have been publicly recognised by his peers and the broader community and he has been awarded the Young Manager of the Year Award and the Inaugural Advocate of the Year Award. Anthony is currently completing a PhD at Macquarie University studying courage and leadership.

Wendy Shepherd
The semiotics of early childhood environments

Wendy is the Director of Mia-Mia Child and Family Study Centre and also works in the academic program of the Institute of Early Childhood in the Management and Young Children and the Arts Units. As an early childhood teacher, Wendy has had experience teaching in early primary, preschool and currently as a long day care director. Wendy is also a member of the Early Childhood Justice Group.

Toby Honig – Consultant Semann & Slattery
Out of the mouth of babes : what infants and toddlers tell us, if only we had the eyes to see and the ears to listen

Toby is an early childhood teacher graduate and he plays a critical role in a range of research projects at Semann & Slattery. With comprehensive knowledge of research methodologies, Toby takes a leading role in organising and participating in a range of research projects applying his skills with both qualitative and quantitative research frameworks. Toby is a dynamic professional who is driven by a passion for transformation.