Susanne Gervay goes where ‘angels fear to tread.’ She is an author and activist who advocates for peace, inclusion and feminism, through story. In her latest book, The Edge of Limits, she goes further and reveals the reality of CONSENT. Susanne is an ambassador for Room to Read, Patron of Monkey Baa Theatre, heads The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (ANZ), and Role Model for Books in Homes. Her literature ‘demonstrates with great power that we can teach our children profound truths and timeless values.’ Professor of English, D.R. Pattanaik, Banaras Hindu University.

Susanne will be presenting on “Search for Identity is the Journey” at SLANSW's The Strength of Story Professional Learning Summit, 4 March 2023. Registrations open soon: Events

Jantiena Batt is a school leader working as Director of Early Childhood Projects in the ACT Education Directorate. She has worked in a range of settings and sectors including education and care services, OSHC, preschool, schools and, as a literacy and numeracy coach over the last 20 years. In 2022, Jantiena received the Reading Australia Fellowship for Teachers of English and Literacy, supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.

Jantiena will be presenting on “Sharing stories - is your response story driven or issue based?”  at SLANSW's The Strength of Story Professional Learning Summit, 4 March 2023. Registrations open soon: Events

Edwina West is an English Teacher from Oakhill College in Castle Hill, Sydney.  She has a great personal interest in the benefits of reading, not only academically but also personally and socially. This has been the inspiration for her Reading Australia Fellowship research which centres around Aliteracy - the worrying and growing trend of actively choosing not to read. Edwina has investigated how Australian literature can help to combat Aliteracy, focusing on what teachers can do about this persistent issue. 

Edwina has been the Coordinator of Student and Staff Development where she was responsible for developing professional learning experiences for teaching staff and for providing enrichment experiences for students with high academic potential. Previously, Edwina also held the role of Assistant Leader of Learning (English) at Brigidine College in Randwick, as well as English and HSIE teaching roles in NSW public schools. After a year of parental leave in 2022, Edwina has moved back into the classroom full-time in 2023 where continues to foster a love of reading in her students. 

Edwina will be presenting on "Aliteracy and Australian Fiction" at SLANSW's The Strength of Story Professional Learning Summit, 4 March 2023. Registrations open soon: Events

Wondering what SLANSW has planned for 2023?

Check out the 2023 Professional Learning Calendar.

Members can attend Online Meet-ups for free*.

Members-only can register for Flexible Blended Learning Courses, each semester (fee-based).

Professional Learning Summits are offered at a reduced fee rate for Members. 

Not a member? Join now!

*Free for Personal Members, and free for 2 members of Institutional Memberships.

Contributed by Kellie Nash, Teacher Librarian and SLANSW Regional Representative (North Western & Slopes)

A conversation between a Year 9 and a Year 12 student comparing the book, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and the Pachinko television adaptation created by Soo Hugh, explores the question: Is the television adaptation of the book a good idea?

To read the full blog post by Kellie Nash, click here and login to your Member Portal.

Shaun Tan: multi-talented, internationally renowned award-winning Australian author, illustrator and filmmaker.

Contributed by Pooja Mathur, Teacher Librarian and SLANSW Vice-President, Operations

Personally, I feel inspired, motivated and energised after engaging in professional development events. They, in turn enrich my thought process, planning, development and implementation of lessons.

To read the full blog post by Pooja Mathur, click here and login to your Member Portal.

Did you miss the late night mid-week ABC Nightlife show where Holly Godfrey (Students Need School Libraries Coordinator), Cathie Warburton (ALIA),  and Dr Jane Garner (CSU)  talked about libraries of all types and flavours? If so, access via the link:

On the shoulders of giants: Empower, enact, impact

Contributed by Lori Korodaj, Teacher Librarian and SLANSW Member

For the majority of my career, I have had a number of mentors who provided guidance to shape and progress my TL practice. Both local (ACT) and national "giants" gave me the confidence to try new things and step into roles I never thought I could manage . They provided those strong shoulders for me to stand on to see into my TL future.

To read the Top Ten Tips for Mentoring and the full blog post by Lori Korodaj, click here and login to your Member Portal.

Commencing on October 17 and concluding on December 2, this course focuses on Undertaking Action Research in Your School. Over the seven-week course, participants will be provided with access to SLANSW restricted and member only videos and professional readings to support you through the process of undertaking action research in your school. Participants will work at their own pace to complete the viewing and reading of resources. An optional online meetup will be offered for participants, however attendance at this meetup is not compulsory to meet the course requirements. Participants will be asked to post a reflection on their learning at the end of the flexible blended learning course. 

For further information or to register, visit: Flexible Blended Learning Course 2, 2022

Please note: this course is available to SLANSW Members only. Not a member? See how you can join here: Join SLANSW