NT COGSO partners with School Representative Bodies
to advance public education.

The Department of Education Launches New Campaign to Promote Teaching in the Northern Territory

A fantastic initiative! The Department of Education (DoE) has launched a brand new marketing campaign specifically designed to attract talented teachers to the Northern Territory.

This campaign features four videos showcasing the experiences of real Northern Territory teachers:

• Paddy from Gillen Primary School in Alice Springs
• Aimee from Braitling Primary School in Alice Springs
• Rupert from Centralian Senior College
• Jade from Maningrida College (video coming soon!)

These videos will be displayed across social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, reaching potential teachers across Australia and New Zealand. The DoE encourages everyone to share these videos with their networks to help spread the word about the incredible opportunities for educators in the NT.

In addition to social media, the campaign also includes targeted advertising on digital screens at selected interstate universities. Viewers will be directed to a dedicated landing page on the Join the Territory website, where they can learn more about the Classroom Teacher Recruitment Pool and take the next step toward their teaching career in the NT.

The DoE has taken great care to create authentic and compelling narratives that highlight the unique rewards of teaching in the Northern Territory. The videos focus primarily on the professional aspects of teaching, while also subtly showcasing the amazing lifestyle the NT offers.

A big thank you to the teachers who participated in the videos, along with their school principals and the DoE regional office! Their contributions are invaluable in attracting new talent to our schools.

The DoE is working on replicating this successful approach with schools in the Barkly region, so stay tuned for even more exciting content.

Schools and regions interested in learning more about developing their own marketing content can reach out to the DoE at teachintheterritory@education.nt.gov.au.

Let's all work together to share this fantastic campaign and spread the word about the amazing opportunities for teachers in the Northern Territory!

In October 2023, Full Council passed a motion urging the Department of Education (DoE) to implement a comprehensive strategy to address school refusal.

Our motion called for:

• Distinct coding: Establishment of specific codes within the student administration system to effectively track and understand school refusal prevalence and causes.
• Multi-tiered support system: This includes data collection, professional development for educators, early identification of at-risk students, thorough assessments, anti-bullying initiatives, trauma-informed practices, family-school collaboration, providing alternative learning pathways, mental health support in schools, public awareness campaigns, and the identification of advocacy and support groups for parents.

Whilst the Department has advised the distinct coding is unable to be accommodated within the current student administration system, we will maintain our advocacy for this coding to be integrated with the future system. In the meantime NTCOGSO is pleased to see the DoE highlighting school refusal through their recent resources and initiatives.

NTCOGSO's advocacy efforts continue to strive for more supportive learning environments for all students in the Northern Territory.

Your Regional Council Meeting is coming up!

NTCOGSO quarterly meetings in each region are coming up:

East Arnhem | Wednesday 31 July

Online

To RSVP: https://ntcogso1.wufoo.com/for...

Darwin | Tuesday 13 August

Nightcliff Electorate Office

To RSVP: https://ntcogso1.wufoo.com/for...

Big Rivers | Wednesday 14 August

Contour Hotel, Katherine or dial in online

To RSVP: https://ntcogso1.wufoo.com/for...

Top End | Tuesday 27 August

Goyder Electorate Office, Coolalinga

To RSVP: https://ntcogso1.wufoo.com/for...

Barkly | TBC

These are a great opportunity to:

• To meet with other school council and board members
• Hear challenges/solutions from other schools
• To represent and advocate for families and schools in your region
• To learn more about the NT Council of Government School Organisations
• To learn more about the Full Council and Motions

Building on a Strong Start: Term 3 Training Opportunities

Our dedicated training team continues to deliver impactful programs!

In-Person and Online Options:

We offer a range of relevant and up-to-date training sessions, tailored to your school's needs. Whether you prefer in-person or online learning, we've got you covered.

Our goal is to equip parents, community members, staff, and students with the knowledge and skills to thrive. So, don't hesitate to reach out! The NTCOGSO team is always here to answer your questions and offer support.

Call or email us anytime.

Just some of our training feedback!

"Your session is always so well delivered, thank you for making the information relevant and practical for our members."

"Thanks for being so flexible and providing lots of great examples and ideas that we can try."

"Thank you so much for your assistance and expertise. I always feel more confident having NT COGSO involved and having the correct information at hand to avoid any misinformation and ensuring the meeting is in compliance with our constitution."

"Thank you for your time. There is always something new to learn. Thank you for sharing so many great examples."

Images: NTCOGSO training team visiting schools during Term 1. Left: Walungurru School, Middle: Milingimbi School Council, Right: Jingili School Council

Does your school have a Local Engagement and Decision Making (LEaD) Committee? We can help you thrive!

The NTCOGSO Governance team offers free, customised training for LEaD Committees in urban, rural, and remote NT Government schools. Our training is:

• Contextualised: Tailored to your school's needs and the NT educational landscape.
• Adaptable: We can adjust the content based on your committee's experience level.
• Culturally Appropriate: Sensitive to the diverse needs of NT schools.

Benefits for your LEaD Committee:

• Gain a clear understanding of NTCOGSO's role and its support for LEaD Committees.
• Master the purpose and functions of the LEaD Committee.
• Learn effective strategies for influencing school decision-making.
• Develop strong meeting facilitation skills.
• Understand the principles of good school governance.

Ongoing Support:

Access valuable resources and ongoing mentoring from our Governance team – all at no cost to your school.

The NTCOGSO team is always available to answer your questions and offer support. Reach out by phone or email for any LEaD Committee-related needs.

Images: NTCOGSO Governance team visiting LEaD Committees. Left: Walungurru School, Right: Willowra School

Resources for students with disability and their caregivers

Financial literacy for kids made easy!

MoneyTime is an online course that teaches children aged 10 to 14 the basics of financial literacy, from earning and saving to budgeting and investing. With interactive games and engaging lessons, MoneyTime makes learning about money fun and rewarding!

If you would like to view the program, please fill out a form for an invitation here. For any questions or further information, please contact MoneyTime at: support-au@moneytimekids.com

Help support kids be money masters of the future!

NT Science Fair

16 August 2024

The Northern Territory Department of Education Science Fair will be held Friday 16th August at Charles Darwin University.

The event aims to develop students understanding of our country and the impacts of the choices we make.

Learners will become aware of the critical challenges of sustainability in the NT.

Community groups, organisations, and all schools across the NT are invited to attend the event, present an exhibit, display or demonstration showing how science is used in everyday life.

Up to 16 students from each school will be invited to attend the event in person.

All students will be able to engage in online events, including sharing their work on sustainability.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• view/share students’ displays on sustainability in the NT
• listen to and communicate with guest speakers from experts in the field of science
• participate in activities, games and challenges as well as engage in displays and use digital devices.

Chief Ministers Reading Challenge (CMRC) registrations open!

Nominations close Friday 23 August 2024

The Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge encourages students to read more books for pleasure. Every student from transition to year 6 in the Northern Territory is challenged to read 12 books in 24 weeks.

There are 3 registration categories available:

• school
• individual student
• home education student