The CEO

NAIDOC Week 2008

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has become the name of the week itself. The week is celebrated not just in the Indigenous community, but also in increasing numbers of government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces. This year's NAIDOC Week theme is "Advance Australia Fair?" A whole range of activities will be taking place all week right across Victoria. Reconciliation Victoria has a downloadable copy [236KB] of the official calendar of events . Related Links: Reconciliation Victoria National NAIDOC Posted by Bill Coppinger on 9 July 2008; 12:38:58 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Do you Know?

Posted by Bill Coppinger on 5 July 2008; 2:57:53 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Victorian Budget 2008

The Victorian State Budget for 2008-2009 was presented to Parliament today Tuesday May 6th 2008 by the Hon. John Lenders MP. According to the Treasurer's speech, ...the 2008-09 Budget takes action to deliver the infrastructure, projects and services needed to secure Victoria’s future. This budget tackles pressing issues in areas such as health, education, transport, community safety and climate change, as well as meeting the challenges posed by our rapidly growing population. This budget also delivers new investment in regional Victoria and Melbourne's high growth suburbs, and a major package of support for families. This budget has a number of very significant implications for LLEN Members and stakeholders. As a service to members we have provided a detailed set of focused links to key budget areas which includes YouTube interviews with key Ministers. Included are links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from a range of Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an assessment of the details of the announcements. Treasurer Lenders on YouTube. We encourage LLEN members and stakeholders to review, digest and comment on areas relevant to their specific field[s]. Please point your web browser to Victorian State Budget 2008 www.centralrangesllen.org.au/vicbudget0809   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 6 May 2008; 6:07:41 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Dust in the Central Ranges

Dust Storm over Kilmore Gap - Wednesday 2nd April 2008   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 2 April 2008; 5:36:15 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Fifteen Foundation - The Kitchen is OPEN!

Do you know anyone ...16-24 yrs old? Unemployed? Not in full-time education? Have they experienced homelessness, drug or alcohol problems, or been involved with the law? More importantly... do they love to cook? The Fifteen Foundation training program is OPEN again. The programme combines time spent at TAFE, work placement at Melbourne’s top restaurants, fantastic produce sourcing trips and cooking in the Fifteen Melbourne restaurant under the expert guidance of a team of talented and passionate chefs. If you know any young people that might benefit from this, send them to the link below! Applications are open from Monday 17th March and close Friday 18th April. http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/ourfuturesvoices/   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 20 March 2008; 4:30:39 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (3 responses)

National Apology To The Stolen Generations

Today at 9:00am, the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd, unconditionally apologised to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on behalf of the Parliament and Government for the forced removal of children [The Stolen Generation] from families during a large part of the 20th Century. The speech was read at exactly 9am, as the very first action of the second sitting day of the 42nd Parliament of Australia. Former prime ministers Paul Keating, Bob Hawke, Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser and former Governor General Sir William Deane were all seated on the floor of the Parliament as well as 17 people representing the stolen generation. After the motion, Mr. Rudd went on to say: "These stories cry out to be heard, they cry out for an apology. "Instead from the nation's Parliament there has been a stony and stubborn and deafening silence for more than a decade. "A view that somehow we the Parliament should suspend our most basic instincts of what is right and what is wrong. "A view that instead we should look for any pretext to push this great wrong to one side. "To leave it languishing with the historians, the academics and the cultural warriors as if the stolen generations are little more than an interesting sociological phenomenon. "But the stolen generations are not intellectual curiosities, they are human beings, human beings who have been damaged deeply by the decisions of parliaments and governments. "But as of today the time for denial, the time for delay, has at last come to an end."   A full copy of the speech can be found online here: The Apology 2008 Listen to the Prime Minister's Speech here.   Related Links: ABC Online - The Apology The Age Newspaper Sydney Morning Herald The Associated Press The BBC Bloomberg Christian Science Monitor CNN Voice of America New Zealand Herald SkyNews Online Posted by Bill Coppinger on 13 February 2008; 10:59:38 AM from the The CEO dept. National_Apology2008.mp3 Discuss (2 responses)

Congratulations to CRLLEN Members!

Congratulations to our two iPod Winners! Our "Shift Happens" iPod was won by Carol Fisher, congratulations! Our member survey 2007 [have your say] prize was won by Leni May, congratulations! Both iPods have been dispatched and should arrive this week! Thanks again for supporting the work of the Central Ranges LLEN.           Posted by Bill Coppinger on 4 February 2008; 3:23:00 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

S H I F T - H A P P E N S

S h i f t H a p p e n s   www.centralrangesllen.org.au/shifthappens Congratulations to Carol Fisher you have won an iPod!     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 17 December 2007; 5:57:11 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (8 responses)

Premier announces new model for future schools

The State Government has unveiled a plan for the private sector to design, build and operate 10 schools in Melbourne's outer suburbs. Premier John Brumby announced the public-private partnership (PPP) proposal, under which a private consortium would run the schools for 25 years, in Melbourne's outer west. The consortiums would build the schools on public land and be responsible for the management, maintenance and cleaning of the properties, Mr Brumby. They would have no say on teaching or the curriculum. "These partnerships will deliver modern schools for modern teaching," Mr Brumby said. Education Minister Bronywn Pike said the plan would provide better facilities for public school students. “These projects will help us to bring plans for new schools forward and deliver new schools for students in growing parts of Melbourne,” Ms Pike said. “While we have a record level of investment in our schools with a $1.9 billion program to rebuild, extend or renovate every government school across the state by 2017, we know we could do even more. “Investment in school infrastructure can improve the performance of individual schools and contribute to broader educational improvements across the State.” Today’s announcement follows an investigation into the feasibility of using public private partnerships to create new schools conducted by Minister Pike and Treasurer John Lenders. [Source: Dept Premier and Cabinet & The Age ] Related Links: Press Release - Premier of Victoria The Future of Schooling in Australia [Premier and Cabinet] ABC News Online The Brisbane Times The West Australian Posted by Bill Coppinger on 6 December 2007; 7:54:43 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (6 responses)

New Minister and "Super" Ministry for Education

Former Victorian education minister John Lenders has been named as Treasurer in Premier John Brumby's new Cabinet. Premier John Brumby has made major changes to the planning, education, and community portfolios in the Cabinet reshuffle announced this afternoon. The Hon. Bronwyn Pike will head what the Government calls a new "super department" for Education and Early Childhood Development, assisted by new Cabinet member Maxine Morand. Ms Morand will become the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. Under the plan, children's services will move from Human Services to Ms Pike's new department. "It will be great news importantly for young children... starting off in the kindergarten system and being better prepared as they go on to school and later in life," Mr Brumby said. The full press release with the entire Cabinet rundown, can be downloaded from here.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 2 August 2007; 4:38:38 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (1 response)

Victorian Premier Resigns

News services across Victoria are reporting that Premier Steve Bracks has stepped down as Premier and resigned from Parliament. News services report: VICTORIAN Premier Steve Bracks has stunningly quit politics, citing personal reasons for his decision and a realisation that he could not continue to dedicate all his energy to his job. Mr Bracks said he intended to make "a new and different life outside of politics". "I leave politics proud of what has been achieved, proud of what we have done, and confident of Labor's future in this state," Mr Bracks said. "For me, it is the right time to step down."   News.com.au ABC news Posted by Bill Coppinger on 27 July 2007; 11:14:16 AM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

And the Winners Are....

Congratulations to...... Narelle Pritchard from Gisborne Secondary College and Jo Whiteman from Broadford Secondary College Congratulations to Jo Whiteman and Narelle Pritchard. They have each won an iPod Nano as part of the LLEN promotion to encourage users to leave comments and feedback about the Future Minds Forum ! We will be giving away three additional iTunes Music Store Vouchers, each to the value of 30 Dollars , over the coming week, so please consider leaving a comment or feedback in our forums! The link is: http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/discuss/ [You will need to register, if you have not already done so! ]   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 19 July 2007; 3:07:33 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Future Minds - Followup

Information for Participants Future Minds Forum July 2007 For the benefit of participants, we have added a series of online resources or "conference kit" that includes an exclusive list of materials, research, podcasts, and web links, all available for participants of the Future Minds Forum 2007. These can be found in the online forum here. [A login is required]   We will post copies of presentations and additional podcasts to this forum. As an added incentive to encourage you to introduce yourself online or simply leave a comment, we will be giving away two Apple Ipod Nanos early next week. All you need to do to enter the competition is to leave a short introduction or comment. Something about yourself, your work or your thoughts about our Future Minds Forum. We will draw the prizes on Tuesday 17th of July.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 13 July 2007; 1:55:11 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Future Minds Forum Now Closed

Registrations Now Closed!   We have now closed registrations to our Future Minds Forum with Professor Howard Gardner. We are very proud to be offering this opportunity to the education community and we thank your for your support. A 'digital' conference programme will be circulated to all participants shortly.   Programme information can be found here . Posted by Bill Coppinger on 15 June 2007; 3:17:50 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Who's looking at us?

The Central Ranges LLEN Website has had 1,590 visits from 178 cities in the past week. The top nine cities in order are: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Bairnsdale, Canberra, Ballarat The top ten [other] international cities in order are: Dublin, Buenos Aires, Miami, Babson Park, Ottawa, Washington, Moscow, Thomasville, Orlando, Mountain View [Source: Google Analytics] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 9 June 2007; 3:11:03 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Australian Federal Budget at a Glance: VET funding increased

The Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello handed down his twelfth federal Budget last night, Tuesday 9th of May. As we do for each State and Federal budget, we will provide a set of focused links to key budget areas. Included in the list below will be links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from the Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN. This is a short "at a glance" response. More details will follow. At a glance.. First and second year apprentices under 30 will be given a tax free $1,000 wage boost; other apprentices will be provided with up to $500 each year towards their TAFE or other training fees; and FEE-HELP will admit full fee-paying students in a VET accredited Diploma and Advanced Diploma where agreed credit for a university degree is granted to the student. People with a disability will also receive $8.7 million in new funding to access post-school education and training. We will post a detailed summary next week.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 9 May 2007; 10:52:55 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Victorian State Budget

The Victorian State Budget for 2007-2008 was presented to Parliament on Tuesday May 1st 2007. According the Treasurer's speech, the 2007-08 Budget delivers the commitments made to the Victorian people by the Bracks Government at the 2006 state election. The budget continues to create the conditions for sustainable economic growth in a difficult global environment, with a focus on building a competitive economy and tackling Victoria's future challenges. The budget also delivers a major new affordable housing package and commences the biggest school rebuilding program in Victoria's history. This budget has a number of very significant implications for LLEN Members and stakeholders. As a service to members we have provided a set of focused links to key budget areas. Included are links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from a range of Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an assessment of the details of the announcements. We encourage LLEN members and stakeholders to review, digest and comment on areas relevant to their specific field[s]. We have established a separate discussion forum topic to raise questions and discuss issues. To view the full budget summary, please point your browswer to Victorian Budget 2007 Posted by Bill Coppinger on 7 May 2007; 5:28:05 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

How do you save Five Million Dollars?

Easy.... Community Partnerships... Based on our calculations using the Business Council of Australia's "cost of dropping out" research, the combined CBVCAL programmes across Mitchell and Macedon have supported 109 young people as at 31st December 2006 and have saved the community between 4.03 and 6.54 Million dollars in lost productivity, additional welfare/policing or justice related costs. An amazing set of numbers. More importantly than the effects we can easily count, is the undoubted life-long impact a young person benefits from by re-connecting with their own talents and opportunities for a constructive and fulfilling life in the community. The Kyneton/Macedon project alone has saved the National and State budgets between 2.96 and 4.80 Million dollars and had a direct impact on over 80 young people. We are working very hard to get extra resources to maintain support for this amazing programme. The Macedon programme alone is catering for approxiately 60% of the total "at-risk" population of 15-24 year olds, [based on original 2003/04 figures] which is approximately 2.5 % of the TOTAL 15-19 population. Related Links Central Ranges LLEN Community Based VCAL FoodTalks - Community Building in Macedon Ranges 2006 Herald-Sun Reports on CBVCAL Impacts Macedon Launches CBVCAL 2004 Mitchell Shire Celebrates 12 Months of CBVCAL 2004 "YEA" -Youth Education for All -Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN Education Department CBVCAL Reources "Beyond the School Gate" - 2004 Research -EduWeb   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 2 March 2007; 8:58:09 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Welcome to 2007!

The Central Ranges LLEN is looking forward to working with all our members and stakeholders in 2007 to improve educational outcomes for young people across the Macedon, Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires. We have some very big announcements coming up in the next few weeks and some opportunities for all members of the CRLLEN. Watch this space closely over the coming weeks! It was wonderful to be driving across the district this morning and seeing so many "littlies" starting school for the first time, with bags and hats bigger than they are! What an amazing job our primary schools do each year! It was also wonderful to see so many of our secondary schools taking the next wave of enrolments of what I kindly and light-heartedly like to call "planet-teenager". I don't think any of us should under-estimate just how much work goes in to supporting our young adults make the transition from school to adult life.   It is clearly evident that many schools across the LLEN in the State, Catholic and Independent sectors have been hard at work over the summer, getting ready for the new school year. We hope to feature the work of many district schools in a series of online interviews and podcasts over 2007, to help the community get a better idea of what is happening in schools and TAFE's across the district and look to build links with the opportunities these new developments will present. One example of special note is the work being done at Broadford Secondary College. It is interesting to see considerable building works underway [ approx $3.7 Million] at present, designed to establish a new individualized approach to education and support of young people. We look forward to learning more about the unique plans both at Broadford and other district schools. We look forward to 2007   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 31 January 2007; 3:44:26 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Remembrance Day 2006

Remembrance Day 11:00am 11th November 2006 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Hear the last Post [MP3] [Source: Dept Veterans Affairs] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 11 November 2006; 3:23:51 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (1 response)

Youth Guarantee, Early School Leavers Can Keep Learning

The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 provides a guaranteed place in TAFE Institutions, the Centre for Adult Education, Adult Multicultural Education Services and participating adult community education providers, to young people who have not completed Year 12 or its equivalent. This is an Australian first that guarantees a place at a school, TAFE or participating adult education centre for early school leavers until they reach 20 years of age, so they can finish year 12 or a training equivalent. Under the legislation, a person is eligible for a guaranteed place if he or she is under the age of 20 years on 1 January of the year in which the training takes place, and has not completed Year 12 or equivalent. The Youth Gaurantee website and additional information can be found by following this link. [Source Dept. of Education and Training] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 6 October 2006; 8:52:41 AM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Aptitude tests bypass VCE

The Herald Sun reports today that Victoria's biggest university is bypassing the VCE and moving to choose some students with aptitude tests. Monash University is running a pilot scheme where up to 500 students from underachieving schools can sit an aptitude test instead of using their ENTER score. Students usually receive a tertiary entrance ranking out of 100 at the end of their VCE and courses require a specific score for entry. But there are concerns ENTER scores do not reflect some students' potential to succeed at university, and students from poorly resourced schools are missing out. The new exam will be available for undergraduate degrees at Monash's Berwick campus, which include business/commerce, communication and IT. "There are large inner-city independent and Catholic schools that get a lion's share of the uni places," Dr Jensen said. "We believe that in outlying schools and schools in areas that don't have those resources, there are students that could still do well at university but may not be getting an ENTER score that reflects that." Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Parker said the university's aim of the trial was to admit the best students irrespective of means or circumstance. The full story can be found here. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 6 September 2006; 5:22:08 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Applied Learning Network Begins!

The first meeting of the newly formed Central Ranges Applied Learning Network [CRALN] held its first phone conference today at 3:30pm. All teachers, trainers and educators interested in Applied Learning are more than welcome to participate! In the first instance, we hope the network will be a simple sounding board for good practice, and knowledge sharing. We also hope to expand the network over time to consider longer-term professional development and community engagement models. Possible travel or study support for network members will also be something we hope to support. Participating in the first meeting was Bruce McInnes from Mansfield Secondary College, Christine Cox - Coordinator of the Local Community Partnership, Geoff Barett, Chairperson of the Central Ranges LLEN and Cobaw Community Health Service, and Bill Coppinger from the LLEN. A small but enthusiastic group! All agreed to continue to support and promote the idea of an applied learning network to colleagues. Support for teachers new to the field, interesting examples of timetabling and support for VET, SBNAs and an explanation of upcoming professional development opportunities were part of the agenda for the meeting today. Future meetings of the network will be supported by free-call phone conferencing and postings on the LLEN Applied Learning Network web pages. To register your interest in the future Tele-conferences, please reply to the discussion topic below and leave your name, and email contact. As this is a closed discussion forum, your email is safe from "spammers". Related Links Applied Learning Network    Discussion Forum for CRALN [Login required]     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 10 August 2006; 5:11:46 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

State-wide Youth Engagement Forum

Are you interested in Community Based VCAL Programmes? This forum is for Community VCAL practitioners, managers and stakeholders who collaborate to create alternative and engaging education programs for young people who are disengaged from mainstream schooling. Youth Commitments. This is for LLEN members and stakeholders interested in establishing a collaborative regional approach to sharing responsibility for ensuring that all young people are supported to attain Year 12 or an equivalent qualification. When: 18th August 2006 Where: Western Oval, Footscray West Cost: Nil: Registration is essential. RSVP: Ms. Louise Stewart Email. admin@sellen.org.au Please find attached a Registration Form for the State-wide LLEN Youth Engagement Forum (Community VCAL / Youth Commitment Initiatives). Download here: [919KB] Registrations are to be sent directly to Louise Stewart by Friday 11 August 2006.     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 1 August 2006; 7:06:28 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Statement from the 20th MCEETYA Meeting.

State, Territory and Commonwealth Ministers with responsibility for Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs, met in Brisbane on 6 and 7 July for the 20th meeting of the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs [MCEETYA]. Motions unanimously passed by all members of the Council included:National literacy and numeracy testing; Literacy and numeracy reform; National standards for Year 12 curriculum and assessment. Ministers agreed to further examine a common minimum school starting age. The financial implications of a common school starting age of 4 years and 6 months will be investigated, together with whether this would have an educational benefit when compared with starting ages currently in place. [Source:EdNa]   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 19 July 2006; 6:55:49 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Join our World Community Grid Project Team Today!

This is the home page of IBM's World Community Grid. The Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network received confirmation last week from Robin Willner, Vice President of Global Community Initiatives for IBM Corporation, New York, that the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network had become an official World Community Grid partner. The World Community Grid web site is displaying our Logo as one of the five newest partners. www.centralrangesllen.org.au/communitygrid   What is World Community Grid? World Community Grid's mission is to create the largest public computing grid benefiting humanity. The work is built on the belief that technological innovation combined with visionary scientific research and large-scale volunteerism can change the world for the better. Our success depends on individuals - like you - collectively contributing their unused computer time to this not-for-profit endeavor. The Central Ranges LLEN wants to use this as a demonstration project for all its members and has allowed us to develop a constructive relationship with IBM as a community/business partner. Like a screen saver, grid technology is easy to use, safe and free. For all the details and a chance to win a great prize, please point your web browser to:   www.centralrangesllen.org.au/communitygrid   World Community Grid, the name and logo, are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the U.S., other countries, or both, and are used under license.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 26 June 2006; 4:35:24 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Victorian Budget 2006 - 2007

State Budget 2006-2007 The Victorian State Budget was presented to Parliament on Tuesday 30th May 2006. According the Treasurer's speech, the 2006-07 Budget invests to record levels in schools, skills and infrastructure. This budget has a number of very significant implications for LLEN Members and stakeholders. As a service to members we have provided a set of focused links to key budget areas. Included in the list are links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from a range of Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN. We encourage LLEN members and stakeholders to review, digest and comment on areas relevant to their specific field[s]. www.centralrangesllen.org.au/vicbudget0607 We have established a separate discussion forum topic to raise questions and discuss issues around the budget announcements. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 2 June 2006; 9:58:56 AM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Aust. Budget 2006 - 2007

The Australian Federal Budget was handed down on Tuesday the 9th of May with a number of implications for LLEN Members and stakeholders. As a service to members we have provided a set of focused links to key budget areas. Included in the list are links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from the Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an assessment of the details of the annnouncements. We encourage LLEN members and stakeholders to review, digest and comment on areas relevant to their specific field[s]. A number of announcements have been made that may [and will] compliment a number of initiatives currently being pursued by the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN and its partners. The full budget outline can be found here.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 14 May 2006; 1:53:44 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Where is the LLEN?

Mapping the CRLLEN A handy little tool called 'FRAPPR' and using the power of Google Earth, we have been able to map the location of members of the LLEN and users of our web site. The map opposite shows the distribution of around 40 members of the Central Ranges LLEN. We know we have over 120 members of the association and over 170 subscribers to the Web Site from 4 countries. It is completely voluntary, so why not consider sticking a pin in the map? To get the full details and some helpful hints about using this mapping technology, have a little fun along the way and win a mystery prize, point your web browser to: http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/googlemap   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 22 February 2006; 10:06:38 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

COAG has Education on the Agenda

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) held its 17th meeting recently in Canberra. The Council, comprising the Prime Minister, Premiers, Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association, had detailed discussions on a number of issues of national importance. Among the education and training issues discussed, COAG made committments in the areas of early childhood development, literacy and numeracy, transition from school to work or further study, and adult learning. The Communique from COAG contains further information. Details can be found here.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 14 February 2006; 10:11:39 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

CRLLEN providers meet with Cisco

CRLLEN Education providers meet with Cisco Networking Academy. Educators from all sectors in the Central Ranges LLEN Region were invited to attend a morning presentation at the beautiful Kilmore Town Hall Cafe, by Sean McCormick, Area Manager -Australia and New Zealand for Cisco Networking Academy. Participants included representatives from the Kinglake Neighborhood House, ACFE Regional Councils, Kyneton, Gisborne, Euroa, Yea and Assumption Colleges and Cutting Edge Youth Services. The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a not-for-profit initiative of Cisco Systems to provide schools with low cost equipment, professional development and high quality e-learning materials linked to IT industry certifications. In addition to its highly regarded CCNA program, a range of other academy programs now exist from computer maintenance to wireless networking and security. Most programs can be easily integrated within VCE technology subjects. With some new programs requiring little additional equipment, schools can establish academies at relatively low cost. Cisco Systems is working with Central Ranges schools and community houses to provide free instructor training to assist with the development of the program.  The required instructor training will enable an education provider to become an academy for its computer maintenance curriculum – Information Technology Essentials 1. For the full story, please follow this link To download course outlines and details for VCE and VCAL 'mappings', please login to the discussion area here. [Login required]   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 14 November 2005; 2:18:22 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (21 responses)

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day 11:00am 11th November 2005 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Hear the last Post [MP3] [Source: Dept Veterans Affairs] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 11 November 2005; 11:48:50 AM from the The CEO dept. LastPost.mp3 Discuss

Broadband Rollout to 1600 Victorian Schools Underway

Work has started to provide broadband Internet services to more than 1600 Victorian Government school under the Victorian Government's $89 million VicSmart initiative funded in this year's State Budget and launched in Mitchell Shire's Upper Plenty Primary school.   Related Links The Age Newspaper article 24th October. CRLLEN's - COINS Initiative 146 Million ICT Announcement 'SmartOne' Announcement Summary of State Budget 2005-2006   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 24 October 2005; 5:58:43 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Web usage phenomonal !

In the last 24 hours, the Central Ranges LLEN Website has experienced a relatively huge spike in the number of downloads and subscriptions to our three Podcasts! We have experienced a 15000% [yes that's right] increase in bandwidth use overnight. The rate is currently still climbing! This is an excellent result, although it also highlights how difficult it is to plan for exponential growth on the internet! We have inadvertently exceeded the Monthly Bandwidth Usage of our internet service provider and some aspects of our service have been disabled until we can increase our bandwidth. We are working with our Hosting Company to ascertain the appropriate additional levels that we believe will support the current and projected demand. We apologise to our members and site users if they have been disadvantaged in any way. All content has been maintained and we have scaled up our bandwidth to ensure users and members are not disadvantaged in any way. We apologise for any inconvenience. You can read the full story here. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 11 October 2005; 5:54:26 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (2 responses)

High Pressure!

While not directly related to the LLEN, but certainly this tidbit of information from our live weather station will interest many. It shows we have had one of the highest "high pressure" systems ever recorded for this time of year, with a top of 1041hPa recorded at the Kilmore Gap today. An online tutorial produced by the Bureau of Meteorolgy on predicting the weather can be found here:     Highest recorded pressure: 1041.0 hPa on 20-Jul-2005 at 11:56     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 20 July 2005; 7:58:13 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Dr. Gardner wins ASTD Lifetime Achievement Award

Harvard Graduate School of Education Professor Howard Gardner has won the American Society for Training and Development's Lifetime Achievement in Workplace Learning and Performance award. The award recognizes an individual for a body of work that has had significant impact on the field of workplace learning and performance. Howard Gardner's pioneering theory of multiple intelligences has transformed the understanding of leadership, education, and human development. The CRLLEN was honoured to have Dr. Gardner as the keynote speaker at our 2005 Annual General Meeting and Industry Forum. You can listen to his presentation from this link. On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the CRLLEN, we congratulate Dr. Gardner on this award. Pioneer of Multiple Intelligence Theory Receives Lifetime Achievement Award. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 1 July 2005; 2:27:51 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

PodCast Network lists CRLLEN

The Education Podcast Network is an effort to bring together into one place, the wide range of podcast programming that may be helpful to teachers looking for content to teach with and about, and to explore issues of teaching and learning in the 21st century. They have recently listed the Central Ranges LLEN Podcast of Dr. Howard Gardner at our "Three Pillars Forum" in May 2005. The Education Podcast Network can be found at: http://epnweb.org/ The Podcast of the Three Pillars forum can be found here: http://www.centralrangesllen.org.au/forum2005 What is PodCasting? Posted by Bill Coppinger on 24 June 2005; 9:12:34 AM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (1 response)

Minister Thomson in Seymour - Broadband Framework

The Honourable Marsha Thomson, Minister for Information and Communications Technology and Minister for Consumer Affairs, met with representatives of the CRLLEN Board, Industry, Local Government Economic Development groups and education providers from the Mitchell, Murrindindi and Macedon Shires, for a light dinner at the Seymour Campus of the Goulburn Ovens TAFE to discuss the release of the Victorian Broadband Framework and the "SmartOne" initiative. The Minister said "the government is committed to improving government service delivery through new and innovative technologies and access to broadband is critical to achieving this objective." To read the full story, please follow this link. Related Links • Central Ranges LLEN Telecommunications Infrastructure Plan "COINS"     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 11 May 2005; 11:43:07 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (1 response)

Aust. Budget 2005-2006

The Australian Federal Budget has been handed down last night/today with a number of very significant implications for LLEN Members and stakeholders. As a service to members we have provided a set of focused links to key budget areas. Included in the list below are links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from the Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an assessment of the details of the annnouncements.We encourage LLEN members and stakeholders to review, digest and comment on areas relevant to their specific field[s]. A number of announcements have been made today that may [and will] compliment a number of initiatives currently being pursued by the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN and its partners.   Follow this link to read the full story.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 11 May 2005; 6:57:52 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (1 response)

State Budget 2005-2006

State Budget 2005-2006 The Victorian State Budget has been handed down today with a number of very significant implications for LLEN Members and stakeholders. As a service to members we have provided a set of focused links to key budget areas. Included in the list below are links to full budget documentation as well as summarised Press Releases from a range of Ministerial Portfolios relevant to the work of the LLEN. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it an assessment of the details of the annnouncements.We encourage LLEN members and stakeholders to review, digest and comment on areas relevant to their specific field[s].   A number of announcements have been made today that may [and will] compliment a number of initiatives currently being pursued by the Board of the Central Ranges LLEN and its partners. Included in these budget summaries is information from the following portfolios. MINISTER FOR EDUCATION & TRAINING MINISTER FOR EDUCATION SERVICES MINISTER FOR INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE MINISTER FOR HEALTH OFFICE OF THE TREASURER For the full details, please follow this link Posted by Bill Coppinger on 3 May 2005; 9:17:34 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

State Govt Launches A Fairer Victoria

The Victorian Government’s social policy action plan The Premier, the Hon Steve Bracks MP, and the Deputy Premier, the Hon John Thwaites MP, launched A Fairer Victoria today, 28 April 2005. A Fairer Victoria is the Victorian Government’s social policy action plan. According to the release today, the plan sets out 85 actions the Government will take within fourteen major strategies to address disadvantage in Victoria.  These actions will improve access to services, reduce barriers to opportunity, strengthen assistance for disadvantaged groups and places, and ensure that people get the help they need at critical times in their lives. The actions comprise new initiatives and reforms to the delivery of services.  There is significiant reference to the work of LLEN's. To download A Fairer Victoria follow this link [2.2Mb] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 28 April 2005; 6:06:16 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss (1 response)

Anzac Day 2005

The Age newspaper reports that Thousands pack Melbourne Shrine       [Source: The Age]     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 25 April 2005; 2:25:47 PM from the The CEO dept. Discuss

Growing Victoria Together Mk 11

The State Go