Promoting Inclusive Education in High School Preparation Programs
Highlights from the Inaugural High School Preparation PD Festival
10 October 2023 I The Queensland Institute
Celebrating success at the inaugural HSP PD Fest, 2023.
Imagine a vibrant gathering of highschool educators, administrators, and support service professionals, all sharing a passion for creating inclusive and enriching learning environments for international students.
This was the scene at the inaugural High School Preparation Professional Development Festival, hosted by John Paul International College (JPIC) in Brisbane, Queensland, on Saturday 7 October 2023.
Celebrating Excellence in High School Preparation
With over 45 educators from Queensland and interstate in attendance, the event marked a celebration of best practices and networking opportunities in high school preparation programs.
Mr David Ferguson, Director of International at JPIC, warmly welcomed everyone and emphasised the importance of the event's role in sharing knowledge and developing sector-wide connections. Mrs Jo Kwai, Deputy Director of JPIC and event organiser, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of celebrating cultural diversity in the classroom.
"Our classrooms are special places of learning for our international students who have a wonderful opportunity to learn from our talented high school preparation teachers. Our school communities are richer for celebrating the cultural diversity the students bring with them." Mrs Kwai remarked.
Our Contribution
The Queensland Institute played a central role in supporting the event. Our Co-Founders, Ms Fiona Wiebusch and Ms Philippa Coleman, delivered a dynamic 20-minute keynote address. They explored the vital role of high school preparation programs in fostering inclusivity, with a focus on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).
Their presentation showcased successful examples from the ELICOS sector and their partnerships with international schools to support teacher development and social support initiatives for students. The strategies presented contribute to students' academic success in lessons and integration into school communities.
Inspiring Sessions
Throughout the day, the QI team had the privilege of attending a series of inspiring sessions led by colleagues. These sessions included:
How to Embed Numeracy into Your Everyday English Programs by Liz Paynor, JPIC.
Student Wellbeing and the Importance of Fostering Student Interaction and Engagement by Leisl Bruhn, Dean of International Students at Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Writing Programs in High School Prep Programs by Mary Gabriel-Kavalieratos, JPIC Teacher.
Arts-Based Pedagogy by Andrea Pugh, Director of Studies at Whites Hill State High School.
NEAS Professional Development Planning with Rima Ibrahim.
Community of Practice: Student Support and Welfare Panel with Leisl Bruhn, Zack Milverton, Michael Bos, Rima Ibrahim, and David Ferguson.
Closing Remarks and Lucky Door Prize with Jo Kwai, supported by The Language People and Allianz Care Australia.
All of the sessions offered valuable insights into successful teaching practices and social support and wellbeing initiatives for international students in highschool prep programs.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to continue our support for colleagues in the school sector in Australia and abroad. If you share our commitment to empowering global educators and promoting inclusivity in education, we invite you to connect with The Queensland Institute via email or the links below.
Discover how we can support your school’s internationalisation strategy and English language education goals, upcoming events and professional development programs for global educators.
Connect to learn more:
