December 2017
www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.auSpeak Out
13
Sydney workshops
Speech pathology in schools:
a whole school approach
The aim of the NSW Department of Education’s Speech
Pathology in Schools resource for principals, teachers and
parents is to encourage NSW principals to employ speech
pathologists within their schools using a whole school approach.
Speech Pathology Australia facilitated two, one-day workshops
on Friday November 10 and Saturday November 11. Eight
presenters shared their experiences using this approach in
special, primary and secondary schools. All the presentations
were recorded and will be available for viewing via SPA’s CPD
Events Library in December 2017.
Victorian Curriculum
Assessment Authority (VCAA)
Specific Learning Disorders
Advisory Group
Speech Pathology Australia was represented on this group
by Mary Gornik, Dr Tanya Serry and Nichola Harris (Acting
Senior Advisor Professional Practice). The advisory group
met on four occasions to review the Special Provision Policy
and procedures. The final recommendations will be used to
update the VCAA Special Provision Policy and Procedures. The
revised policy will be available on the VCAA website at http:// www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/exams/specialprovision/ specialprovisionreview.aspx from December 2017.Victorian School disability
funding model development
SPA was invited to send representation to a workshop facilitated
by Deloitte Economics to discuss the proposed funding model
following the PSD review. Mary Gornik and Nichola Harris
attended the workshop and discussion centered on the
functional needs-based model for school disability funding.
Further updates will be shared as they become available.
Mary Gornik
National Advisor Education, Early Childhood and Projects
Presenters at the Sydney workshop were Dr Charlotte Forwood,
Mary Gornik, Pamela Thuan, Dr Julia Starling, Brooke Butt,
Jenny Rayner, Claire Formby and Trish Nicoll. Pre-recorded
presentations from Sara Gold and Glenda Lingard were included
at the workshops. Thanks to all the presenters for donating their
time and for sharing their experience.