Jenny Lawrence and Ross Oakes at the Solutions IT WA Education Summit 2023
Welcome to our WATSSA Newsletter
Happy end of Term 3 everyone or if you're reading this in Term 4, welcome to Term 4. Hope you all had or are going to enjoy the school holiday break.
WATSSA Exec Team changes. Due to both Mike Raymond and Jon Stanley standing down from their respective positions, there has been a few changes to the Exec Team. Ross Oakes has stepped up from the committee to become Interim President, Scott Davies has stepped into the Vice President role, Jenny Lawrence has stepped into the role as Secretary and finally Mike Boughton has returned to his previous role as Treasurer.
The WATSSA Exec and Committee would like to formally acknowledge all of Mike R and Jon S's hard work getting WATSSA off the ground. They like others, were instrumental from an idea 6+ years ago in trying to get a true professional organisation, along with a single voice for school-based IT support staff to represent us in at DoE.
Due to the changes in the Exec Team the decision has been made to move the conference into next year. The new dates are 2/3 May 2024 keeping the same venue, Crown Towers. We'll keep you posted once more detail comes to light. Be assured that the committee and our conference organiser are working closely with vendors, exhibitors and speakers to create another engaging event.
That's all from me for now. Thanks for reading.
Ross Oakes - Interim WATSSA President.
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Farewell from Michael Raymond
Thank you and farewell for now as I step down as President of WATSSA,
I want to thank you all for helping make WATSSA such a great association in our community.
I find myself no longer being able to bring the energy and passion I once did to the association. This decision has not come lightly, and I am so proud of what we have achieved in the last 6 years.
We created an official association to help unite IT staff, produced 3 conferences, multiple networking events, the Aspirant Network Administrators course, having our voice heard by the ICT director and with the DG, working closely with the union, ICT recognition awards, IT Support recognition day, Discounted pricing with many of our vendors, getting centrally supported software. And last by not least providing support to people and schools across our great state.
I had no idea that with one email to Glenn Venn in 2017 and a small meeting of DOE colleagues at ICT by the Sea, we would have achieved so much in our small time as an association.
Mike Boughton, I want to say a huge thank you to you as you have been by my side right since the beginning, your insights and friendship have meant a great deal to me.
Shaun Barnett, I know you too have already moved on from DOE, but without Shaun's efforts and enthusiasm it would have been a lot harder to get WATSSA up and running without you. And the amazing work that Shaun put into the Aspirant Network Administrators course was astounding.
Jon Stanley, we had spoken on the phone before the foundation of WATSSA, but it was not until the ICT update day in 2018 with Harold did I first get to meet you face to face, and I still remember sitting there listening to the keynote you gave on how to run ICT in your school, and thinking here is a guy that thinks like me! We must have him on the committee. So, thank you for saying yes and becoming my right-hand man on this journey.
Hats off to JD too, would despite his distance has always remained on the committee and has been our voice of the north for many years.
To the new WATSSA committee, I wish you all the best in taking WATSSA to the next phase in its development. It has been great working with you and giving you guidance when I can. I look forward to seeing what you achieve in the future.
And to all of you, SBNA, Techs, CRMs and support staff in our schools, Thank you.
I have made so many great and true friends with you all.
Who knows I might be back one day, but for now I need a rest 😉
Michael Raymond - Outgoing WATSSA President.
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Important Changes to 2023 WATSSA Conference and Awards Night
It has been a tumultuous time at WATSSA over the last few months. With major changes to our executive team, it has meant that we have been unable to dedicate the time and focus required to finalise our 2023 Conference in time for our planned October 16th and 17th timeline. We have made the decision to defer our conference until May 2024 to allow for us to handover to the new team and ensure we do the event justice, based on the incredible benchmark set by Michael Raymond and the team in previous years.
We are excited to make the conference one to remember, with lots of new ideas coming from the EduTech conference, feedback from members and the committee. The venue will again be at Crown, which we're sure you'll agree is the premier conference venue in Perth. We have heard from members, particularly our country and regional colleagues, who have requested the conference be held on a Thursday and Friday. So enter a 'Save the Date' in your calendars for Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May 2024.
We are extremely proud of our WATSSA Awards and the opportunity to recognise excellence in the ICT Support in Schools space. We will be holding the 2023 WATSSA Awards Night on Friday 10th November at the Pan Pacific Perth. We are currently working alongside our events coordinator to finalise details of the evening, which will be sent out in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, give some consideration to who you would like to nominate for one of this year's awards:
Technical Support Staff Member of the Year
The Technical Support Staff Member of the Year award is presented to an individual for their outstanding support to their school or site(s) over the course of 2022 / 2023. Schools or sites should nominate individuals that go out of their way to support student outcomes and staff development. Individuals can be nominated by their school or site regardless of their official HRMIS title, provided their role includes providing technical (IT) based support to the site.
Innovator of the Year
The Innovator of the Year award is presented to an individual or team that has developed practices, systems or solutions that innovate the way that ICT is used in the classroom or office at their site(s).
Sites should nominate IT support teams or individuals that have played a significant role in developing, implementing and rolling out a new system, platform, tool or process that has increased productivity, student learning and/or staff professional development.
IT Support Leadership Excellence Award
The IT Support Leadership Excellence award is presented to an individual in an IT Support Position (Technical Support Officer, Network Support Officer, Network Administrator or ICT Manager) who is a strong leader or is developing their leadership skills within IT support. Schools or sites should nominate individuals that have provided significant leadership over the course of 2022 / 2023. This can include projects or significant changes within ICT at the site.
To nominate a colleague or team for one of these awards, complete the online form by clicking the link below.
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Solutions IT WA Education Summit
The Solutions IT WA Education Summit 2023 was held in the River View Rooms at Optus Stadium on Thursday 3rd August. Ross Oakes and Jenny Lawrence manned the WATSSA desk, with the assistance of Michael Raymond, chatting with attendees and other vendors, and spreading the word about WATSSA.
We'd like to welcome our new members who found out about the association during the conference and have now joined us.
Congratulations to Erin Bailey from Kulin DHS for taking out the WATSSA spot prize, we hope you enjoy your $100 Gift Card and wear your WATSSA polo shirt with pride.
Thanks to Solutions IT for putting on such a fantastic, professional conference. "Drawing Back the Curtain on AI and Innovation in Today's Schools" was the theme of the event, and with a broad range of speakers presenting some fascinating, thought-provoking and informative sessions, there were plenty of ideas for attendees to take back to their schools.
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WATSSA Networking Day Term 3 2023
Our next WATSSA Networking Day will be held on Thursday 28th September at the North East Metropolitan Language Development Centre. There will be some great sessions presented by SolutionsIT, Ricoh/Papercut, DoE Corporate Information Systems and Superloop, plus an opportunity to network with fellow school-based IT Support Staff.
Thanks to our sponsors, lunch will be provided along with a sundowner at the end of the day.
Come along, meet the new executive team, listen to some fantastic guest speakers, catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
The event is free, please register now for catering purposes.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Date and Time: Thursday 28th September 2023, 8.15am - 4.00pm
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Location: North East Metropolitan Districts Language Development Centre
18 View Street, Dianella
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EduTech 2023
Mike Raymond and I attended EduTech during Week 6 to see all that is new in the ICT space in education and also see how we can do our own conference better. It was an amazing experience, 200 Vendors and thousands of attendees in one place. It was amazing to see the amount of students there trying out the tech or playing in the FUSE Cup Finals. Both Mike (in his last official duty as president) and I got a huge amount out of it and did some serious networking with vendors.
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Professional Learning Opportunities
Apple Education Events
At Apple we are committed to making every aspect of your school's experience with Apple products to be as simple and intuitive as the products themselves. That starts with support for leaders, educators and technical teams at each step of your school's journey. Join our virtual sessions to learn about the latest education features from Apple.
Supporting the Mac for Service Desk Staff
Join Apple for a workshop on supporting the Mac in a business or education environment. This two part instructor-led session will provide an introduction and orientation to macOS, essential troubleshooting techniques, and helpful tips and tricks for service desk staff who may be new to working with Mac.
Part 1: September 21 at 12:00pm AEST
Part 2: September 22 at 12:00pm AEST
JB Hi-Fi Education - Planning Essentials
Facilitated by Paul Hamilton from Using Technology Better. Paul, an Apple Professional Learning Specialist, is a specialist in a swag of Apple creative tech tools, who aims to inspire and empower people to harness their limitless inner creative power. This 3-hour workshop is designed to help leaders define their technology vision and align it to their school's priorities. During the workshop, you will be guided through several activities that will provide your school with a tailored project deployment plan for successful implementation.
You're welcome to bring your iPad or Mac with you to the workshop, but this is not essential.
Morning tea will be provided.
Who should attend: Education leaders who are ready to begin or revisit their technology vision. Ideally 3 members from a school representing Leadership, IT, Teaching & Learning.
Date and time: Wednesday, 20th September 2023 9:30am - 12:30pm AWST
Location: 133 St George's Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
JB Hi-Fi Education are taking Expressions of Interest for the following training programs
Learning with Mac
Learning with Mac is a series of three workshop modules designed to help teachers go further with productivity and creativity tools on their Mac. Mac is ideal for teachers who want the ability, power and performance to be productive and create engaging teaching materials on one device.
Leadership Coaching
Executive Leadership Coaching is designed for education leaders who want to identify, explore and support effective student learning with Apple technology. During six remote sessions, an Apple Professional Learning Specialist will provide personalised, one-on-one coaching and mentoring using collaborative apps and online conference tools.
Inspire Innovation
Inspire Innovation is a program designed to enhance teacher practice, build capacity and ensure your school's investment in technology is making a positive impact. Tailored to align with school priorities, Inspire Innovation provides a structured approach to professional learning allowing teachers to develop, question and refine ways of integrating technology into their practice.
Inspire Innovation is a three phase program which includes 10 days of professional learning across two terms:
- Phase 1 - Connect & Understand
- Phase 2 - Identify & Build
- Phase 3 - Amplify & Influence
Schools should meet the following expectations and criteria:
- Leadership support and willingness to commit to the program
- IT infrastructure capable of supporting innovation
- Identified educators willing to learn, share and be supportive of innovative practices
- Teachers and students learning in an established iPad or Mac one-to-one program
- Select no more than 5 teaching staff to participate
- Support staff through time release where appropriate
Submit your Expression of Interest for any of these training programs by emailing education.wa@jbhifi.com.au
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CSA ICT Working Group Update
Following our meeting with Labour Relations and Tim Yorke (Director of ICT Operations and Customer Services), the ICT Working Group prepared and submitted a proposal relating to the key issues of Access, Security and Trust that were identified by members in our survey of school-based ICT Support Staff in schools last year.
Whilst the issues remain the same as those raised back in August 2022, the proposal specifically addressed these areas, as they relate to ongoing concerns raised by ICT staff in schools both via the CSA Union and WATSSA.
The Department of Education and Civil Service Association Joint Consultative Committee was established to promote regular, open and genuine communication and consultation between the CSA and the Department. We were fortunate to have Jim Bell - Deputy Director General, Student Achievement attend the Joint Consultative Committee meeting on the 7th of September 2023.
The ICT Working Group provided background information to Mr Bell regarding the work that has been done so far and the concerns members have specifically with regards to access, security and trust, essentially being that professional, qualified ICT staff in schools do not have the necessary permissions to access the tools required to carry out the configuration of network devices or even to identify where network issues lie, by way of read-only access.
Delegates cited examples and details of how this affects schools in regard to delayed issue resolution times and the extensive cost of engaging external integrators to carry out this work.
Mr Bell acknowledged that these issues need to be followed up with the ICT leadership at DoE and committed to be involved with this process.
The ICT Working Group was buoyed by Mr Bell's willingness to listen to the concerns delegates have and is looking forward to subsequent meetings involving DoE ICT leaders, the Director General and Mr Bell, to continue working towards the resolution of these identified issues.
We thank WATSSA for their support of the CPSU/CSA Union, indeed the crossover of CSA delegates and WATSSA committee members has strengthened this partnership and enhanced the level of expertise and knowledge within the Working Group. We will continue to update WATSSA members on our progress.
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