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August Newsletter
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A message from the MLTAWA President
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It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the August edition of our MLTAWA Newsletter. As we reflect on recent accomplishments and look forward to upcoming initiatives, I am reminded of the incredible commitment and passion that our community of educators, linguists, and cultural advocates brings to the field of Languages Education.
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Our biennial conference, held earlier this month, was a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our profession. The theme of this year’s conference, Advancing Languages Education: Bridging Cultures, Connecting Communities, was not just a title but a call to action—one that we will continue to champion in our schools, universities, and communities.
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I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making this event a resounding success: our esteemed keynote speakers, the diligent MLTAWA committee, and most importantly, you, our members, whose participation and enthusiasm made this conference truly unforgettable.
As we move forward, let us carry the insights and inspiration gained from the Conference into our classrooms and professional lives. Together, we can continue to build bridges across cultures and foster a sense of connectedness within our diverse communities.
Warm regards,
Colleen Barclay
President, MLTAWA
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Conference Recap
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On August 2-3, the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of Western Australia (MLTAWA) proudly hosted its biennial conference at the Novotel Perth Langley Hotel. This year’s theme, Advancing Languages Education: Bridging Cultures, Connecting Communities, resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the essential role of Languages Education in fostering intercultural understanding and community cohesion.
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The Conference featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who brought fresh perspectives and critical insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Languages educators today. Dr Libby Lee-Hammond delivered a thought-provoking address on the importance of making meaningful connections with local Aboriginal communities, emphasising the need for culturally responsive pedagogy. Emeritus Professor Joe Lo Bianco captivated the audience with a timely discussion on the necessity of human interaction in the age of AI, reminding us that technology should enhance—not replace—the human element in education. Matt Absalom’s exploration of gender dynamics in the Languages classroom provided valuable strategies for fostering inclusive learning environments. Kate Xavier’s plenary address eloquently underscored the role of intercultural understandings in bridging cultures and connecting communities, urging educators to embed these principles into their curricula.
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With over 150 participants from across Australia attending either in person or via Zoom, the Conference was a vibrant exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices. The success of the event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the MLTAWA committee and our wonderful presenters. A sincere thank you to everyone involved in making this event a remarkable achievement. Photos of the Conference can be found HERE.
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The Conference High Tea provided a perfect setting to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals within our community. This year, the annual Principal’s Award was proudly presented to Kylie Bottcher of Melville Senior High School. Kylie’s unwavering dedication to expanding and supporting a vibrant Languages program has set a benchmark for excellence in Languages Education. Congratulations, Kylie, on this well-deserved recognition!
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Emeritus Professor John Kinder was honoured with the prestigious AFMLTA Certificate of Merit, acknowledging his longstanding and impactful contributions to the MLTAWA. His work has left an enduring mark on our association and the broader Languages Education community.
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In a moment of deep reflection and appreciation, Nathan Harvey was posthumously awarded the AFMLTA Medal for Outstanding Service to Language Teaching. Nathan’s extensive contributions to the Languages community, both in Western Australia and nationally, continue to inspire and guide us. His legacy will undoubtedly endure in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege to know him.
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Student Competitions
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As part of our ongoing commitment to providing enriching opportunities for students, the MLTAWA committee has made some significant decisions regarding our student competitions. After much consideration, it was decided to retire the Let Me Tell You a Story, Let Me Tell You in My Language competition. This beloved competition has had a great run, but it is time to make way for new initiatives that align with our evolving goals.
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In addition, the Languages Live Competition will now be held biennially, alternating with our conference. This decision reflects the need to balance the committee’s workload while ensuring that each event receives the attention and resources it deserves.
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Excitingly, the revised Side-by-Side Competition was launched at the Conference. This year’s competition will include a live component, scheduled for October 17. Entries must be submitted by September 23. We encourage you to incorporate this competition into your Languages programs, providing students with a dynamic platform to showcase their linguistic talents. For further details, please visit HERE.
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Mentoring Program
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We are thrilled to announce the launch of our inaugural mentoring program for beginning teachers, unveiled at the Conference. This initiative is designed to provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities for new educators. If you are a beginning teacher seeking mentorship or an experienced teacher eager to share your expertise, we invite you to register HERE to be part of this exciting program. More information can be found HERE.
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Nathan Harvey Languages Education Scholarship
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A reminder that applications for the inaugural Nathan Harvey Languages Education Scholarship close on September 20. This $2000 scholarship is designed to support a Year 12 student in continuing their language studies into tertiary education. We strongly encourage you to support your students to apply for this invaluable opportunity, which honours Nathan Harvey’s enduring commitment to Languages Education. More information can be found HERE.
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Thanks to everyone who has already completed Copyright Agency’s questionnaire about materials you have copied and shared with your students in the past 12 months. It’s not too late if you haven’t.
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By completing the questionnaire you can enter a random draw to win one of five eGift cards from GiftPay worth $500 each.
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The information you provide will help Copyright Agency make copyright payments to writers, artists and publishers of the material you use.
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The questionnaire should take you less than 10 minutes to complete.
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We appreciate your support in this important initiative. These payments help Australian publishers, authors and artists to continue to create quality local educational content for our classrooms.
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We would love to hear from you!
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Please note: This is an automatic newsletter with no replies monitored - if you wish to contact MLTAWA, please email [email protected] . If it is a membership related concern, please email [email protected] or for website access issues please email [email protected].
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Do you have an article or news you would like to share with our members? We would love to hear from you at [email protected]
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Stay tuned for more news, updates, events and resources on Languages Education with our monthly Newsletter.
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