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December Newsletter
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A message from the MLTAWA President
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As the year comes to a close, I reflect on the incredible journey we have had this year. 2024 has been a year of growth, celebration, and innovation for the MLTAWA. Together, we’ve continued to champion the importance of Languages Education in our schools and communities.
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This edition highlights some of the outstanding achievements within our community. I hope these stories inspire you as much as they have inspired me. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to language learning. Here’s to another exciting year ahead in 2025!
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Warm regards,
Colleen Barclay
President, MLTAWA
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Introducing the MLTAWA Committee for 2025
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We are delighted to present the MLTAWA Committee for 2025! This dynamic team of professionals will guide our association into another exciting year, ensuring we continue to support and advocate for Languages Education in Western Australia.
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- President: Colleen Barclay
- Vice-President: Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis
- Secretary: Paula O’Donnell
- Treasurer:
- General Committee Members: Dr Hua Li, Hema Shankar, Moya McLauchlan, Simona Carniello, Maria Lo Presti, Mimma Harrison and Laura Liu.
This year, we also bid farewell to two incredible committee members whose contributions have left a lasting impact:
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- Clare Slyth, who has served as Membership Secretary for the last two years, has been instrumental in maintaining our membership database and fostering strong connections among our members. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to ensuring smooth membership processes have been invaluable.
- Marisa Schiavi, our Immediate Past President, has been a guiding force in shaping the direction of the MLTAWA. Her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the profile of Languages Education have been truly inspiring.
We thank Clare and Marisa for their tireless efforts and dedication to the Association. Their contributions have been deeply appreciated, and they will be greatly missed on the Committee.
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As we welcome a new team, we remain committed to serving our members and strengthening the Languages Education community in WA. Stay tuned for updates on our plans and initiatives for 2025!
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Please join us in congratulating the 2025 committee and expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Clare and Marisa for their remarkable service.
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Hilde Dixon Award Winner: Julia Mueller
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We are delighted to announce that Julia Mueller is the recipient of the prestigious Hilde Dixon Award for 2024. Julia has demonstrated unwavering dedication to Languages Education throughout her career.
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Since beginning her teaching journey in Australia, Julia has been a passionate advocate for language learning. Her innovative and inclusive teaching practices engage and challenge students across year levels, creating a supportive learning environment. She generously shares her expertise through mentorship, professional learning, and conference presentations at both state and national levels.
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As Vice-President of the TAGWA and a longstanding contributor to the MLTAWA, Julia has been instrumental in promoting the German language and fostering a vibrant teaching community. Her recent attainment of Level 3 Classroom Teacher status further reflects her exceptional commitment to teaching excellence.
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Congratulations to Julia Mueller, a truly deserving recipient of the Hilde Dixon Award for 2024!
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Inaugural Nathan Harvey Languages Education Scholarship Winner: Nikole Cserepanyi
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It is with great pleasure that we announce Nikole Cserepanyi from Fremantle Christian College as the inaugural winner of the Nathan Harvey Languages Education Scholarship.
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Nikole has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the study of Mandarin and has ambitious goals to pursue a career in international finance. Her vision is to become a global leader, using her language skills to promote cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity. She plans to master Mandarin to navigate complex Chinese business practices and contribute to intercultural dialogue.
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This scholarship will support Nikole’s academic journey and her aspirations for an in-country immersion experience to deepen her understanding of the language and culture. We are proud to support Nikole’s remarkable journey and look forward to witnessing her future achievements.
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Welcome to Our New Life Members
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This year, we proudly awarded three outstanding individuals with Life Membership of the MLTAWA: Helen Kuehs, Kate Reitzenstein, and Lynne Rockliff. Each of these incredible teachers has made a lasting impact on Languages Education in WA.
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Helen has been a cornerstone of the MLTAWA, serving in multiple committee roles, including President. Her innovative leadership during pivotal moments, such as the shift to virtual platforms during COVID, ensured our association continued to thrive. Helen has been instrumental in organising professional learning events, fostering collaboration among SLAs, and elevating the profile of Languages Education. Her vision and dedication to our community have been exceptional.
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Kate's decades-long contributions to Languages Education span teaching, leadership, and advocacy. Her linguistic expertise, publications, and work in bilingual curriculum development reflect her deep commitment to language learning. As the MLTAWA President, she spearheaded the innovative Languages in the Mainstream project and strengthened relationships across diverse teaching communities. Kate’s ongoing mentorship and consultancy continue to inspire teachers across WA.
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Lynne’s unwavering dedication to Languages Education is evident in her long-standing service to the MLTAWA, WAATI, and PTCWA. A regional teacher and tireless advocate for professional learning, Lynne has held multiple leadership roles within the MLTAWA, including Secretary and Professional Learning Coordinator. Her meticulous work organising events, maintaining memberships, and preserving the MLTAWA’s history demonstrates her enduring commitment to our association.
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We thank Helen, Kate, and Lynne for their extraordinary contributions to the MLTAWA and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition!
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Changes to the MLTAWA Constitution
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At the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 23 November 2023, several motions to amend the constitution of the Modern Language Teachers' Association of Western Australia (MLTAWA) were successfully passed. These changes reflect the evolving needs of the Association and its members. Below is a summary of the key updates:
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- Association Name: The organization will now operate under the trading name "Language Teachers Western Australia," reflecting a broader scope of its mission.
- Membership Criteria: Eligibility for ordinary membership has been broadened to include anyone involved in the "Languages Education community," enhancing inclusivity.
- Committee Structure:
- The number of elected committee members was increased from 5 to 10.
- A new rule caps consecutive terms for office-bearers at three, with a two-year break before re-election (except the president, limited to two terms).
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These amendments aim to modernise the constitution, enhance governance, and support the growing diversity within the Association. If you’d like further details about these changes, the updated constitution will be available soon on the website.
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Save the Date: MLTAWA Sundowner 2025
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Mark your calendars! The annual MLTAWA Sundowner is back and promises an evening of connection and collaboration:
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🗓 Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
📍 Location: Subiaco Hotel
⏰ Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
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Join us for light food and a complimentary drink as we gather to network with colleagues, share ideas, and enjoy the company of fellow Languages teachers. Additional drinks will also be available for purchase from the bar.
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Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle!
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Call for Logo Ideas: Help Shape Our New Look!
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As we embrace our new trading name, Language Teachers Western Australia, we are excited to announce a fresh opportunity to reimagine our logo! This is your chance to leave a lasting mark on our Association by submitting your design ideas for consideration.
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We’re looking for a logo that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our Languages Education community while embodying the values and vision of the MLTAWA. Your creativity can help shape the future identity of our Association.
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- Deadline: Submissions are due by Thursday, February 20, 2025 (one week before the Sundowner).
- How to Submit: Send your design ideas via email to Paula O’Donnell at [email protected].
- Format: Designs must be submitted in JPEG, PNG or PDF format.
At the Sundowner on February 27, members will vote on their favourite design, so bring your best ideas to the table!
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We encourage all members to participate and contribute their vision for a logo that represents Languages Education in WA. Let your creativity shine!
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Announcing a New Initiative: Wednesday Webinars
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The MLTAWA is excited to launch a new professional learning initiative for 2025: Wednesday Webinars!
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Starting in Term 1, we will be hosting free fortnightly webinars designed to support our members’ professional learning and keep you updated on the latest trends, tools, and strategies in Languages Education.
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- Topics: Webinars will cover a range of subjects, including innovative teaching practices, curriculum updates, technology in the classroom, and much more.
- Format: Each session will feature expert presenters, practical insights, and opportunities for Q&A.
- Accessibility: Attend from anywhere—these webinars are online and free for all MLTAWA members!
- Day: Every second Wednesday during term time
- Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Platform: Zoom (details to be provided prior to each session)
This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality professional learning opportunities for all members. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to the profession, Wednesday Webinars will offer valuable resources and insights to enhance your practice.
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Stay tuned for the full Term 1 schedule, which will be released next year. We look forward to seeing you at our first session and to sharing this journey of learning and collaboration with you!
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Mentoring Initiative Update
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We are thrilled to announce that the MLTAWA Mentoring Initiative has been progressing well! This initiative aims to foster professional growth and collaboration among Languages teachers by pairing experienced mentors with mentees seeking guidance and support.
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We are pleased to inform you that the mentoring partnerships will be finalised and announced at the start of the next school year. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in participating. We look forward to the positive impact this program will have on strengthening our teaching community and sharing best practices.
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2025 MLTAWA Event Calendar
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Sundowner 2025 - Thursday February 27th
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Gianfranco Conti PL – Saturday May 3
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AFMLTA Conference – Adelaide 11-13 July
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Languages Week – August 4-10
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MLTAWA AGM 2025 - November 21st, 2025
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We would love to hear from you!
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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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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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