Transitions Focus Module Reports

Cairns 19 May

The Rydges Tradewinds was again the venue for the Transitions Focus Module that examined the broad concept of transitions within a school setting, including both personal and professional perspectives. Comments included:

‘Great relevancy to cultural issues.’
‘Informative - gave the tools to achieve some of the school goals.’

Brisbane 3 March 2011

Jane Taylor, State Project Officer, was the facilitator at The Novotel Brisbane for the Transitions Focus Module. Participants came from all education sectors in Queensland – Independent, Government and Catholic.

This module demonstrated how transitions are a part of life and yet are times when school staff and students may lose their connection with school. Participants used a set of principles to plan successful transitions for school community members

The module explored a range of transitions for students and school staff (eg transitions between schools, regions, cultures, health agencies, work, training and care facilities).

Outcomes chosen to work on included:

special needs referral process – monitoring referrals through the process – reviewing
transition of Special Education Program (SEP) students into classrooms
being open to implicit as well as explicit signs/signals from staff who are experiencing challenging situations
providing a common (whole school based) framework on transition from Year 7 into Year 8.

Brisbane 31 August 2010

This was the first Transitions module to be held in the metropolitan region of Brisbane. State Project Officer Jane Taylor facilitated the session for participants from four education facilities. A range of potential transitions for both students and staff were explored, including between schools, regions, cultures, health agencies, workplaces, training and care facilities.

Feedback included:

that participants liked the diversity of activities
that the session was very useful in orienting participants to the broad scope of transitions in the lives of students and staff
that it provided a greater understanding of both risk and protective factors
that is was helpful in developing strategies for better managing transitions.

Toowoomba 18 March 2010

The Downs Club in Toowoomba was the venue for the final workshop of Term 1. State Project Officer, Jane Taylor was the facilitator for the workshop that was attended by participants from nine education organisations in the Darling Downs/South West region of Queensland. This focus module explored a range of transitions for students (and staff) including between schools, regions, cultures, health agencies, work, training and care facilities.

Feedback included:

‘Very thought-provoking; as usual, thoroughly prepared and useful resources.’
‘Thorough coverage of subject. Good resource provision and strategies for reflection and data collection.’
‘I found this a valuable resource.’
‘A good presentation – very motivating.'

Merrimac 2 March 2010

Thirteen educators from eight schools in the South Coast region attended this module held at the Lakelands Golf Club on the Gold Coast. Facilitated by Queensland’s State Project Officer, Jane Taylor, this module explored a range of transitions for students (and staff) including between schools, regions, cultures, health agencies, work, training and care facilities. Participants used a set of principles to successfully plan for key transitions.

Feedback from the workshop included:

‘Created timely and useful awareness of a host of possible understandings for issues.’
‘Broadened my understanding of different types of transitions and how they are happening all the time for everybody.’
‘Great day, motivated presenter; enthusiasm flowed to participants.’
‘Excellent and informative.’