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Anne Dunstan, AISSA Chief Executive
2025 is the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia’s (AISSA) 50th anniversary year, and it is my pleasure and privilege to lead the Association at this significant milestone.
Since our inception in 1975, the Association has championed diversity and choice in education and supported and advocated for the Independent schools that serve families and students across South Australia.
Reflecting on the AISSA’s journey to date, it is clear to me that while the educational landscape, social contexts, technology and political agendas have changed since we were first incorporated in 1975, many of the challenges remain the same. We continue to advocate for a balance between independence and interdependence, working to support schools to maintain their ability to educate according to their own ethos and pedagogical approaches in an increasingly compliance-driven environment.
The Early Days: Laying the Foundations
The establishment of the AISSA in 1975 was a response to a growing recognition of the need for a unified voice for Independent schools. Our founders envisioned an organisation that could champion the unique contributions and value of Independent schools, while working collectively to share knowledge and cooperatively address the challenges they faced. From modest beginnings, with a small team and limited resources, our early work centred around building a strong network and advocating for equitable policies that recognised the value of Independent education.
Milestones and Achievements
Over the past five decades the AISSA has achieved numerous milestones that have helped to shape the educational landscape in South Australia:
At our heart lies a commitment to and belief in diversity and choice. Over the years, countless students and their families have benefited from the unique, enriched learning environments Independent schools provide; environments that reflect their personal values, needs and aspirations.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
As we celebrate this golden milestone, we also look to the future with optimism, determination and a strong resolution to share the outstanding impact of our sector.
Our new Strategic Plan 2025-2027 articulates the strategic context within which our schools, and us as the peak body, are operating. We affirm that the pressures on member schools are high and that sustainable revenue sources are critical for our schools to continue to offer excellent educational options for students and their families. Our strategic goals focus on capacity building, growing engagement and delivering exceptional services to our member schools.
Gratitude and Celebration
Our 50th anniversary is a testament to the tireless efforts of many—our founders, leaders, staff, and volunteer supporters who have contributed throughout. I express particular appreciation for our member schools; their dedication, passion, and vision have made the organisation what it is today.
In marking this anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to leading, supporting, representing and advocating for Independent education. Together, we look forward to the next 50 years shaping a bright future for Independent schools and the communities they serve.
The AISSA is thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to a remarkable group of educators from the Independent school sector who achieved Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher status.
At a ceremony held at Adelaide Oval on Friday 20 September, Danielle Keynes from Immanuel College, Su-Sim Lynch and Jacinta Wild from Westminster School were recognised as newly certified Highly Accomplished Teachers, while Sasha Loveday from Trinity College graduated with Lead Teacher certification. Alison Barr and Anna Partridge from Westminster School also renewed their Highly Accomplished Teacher status for another 5 years. These teachers were amongst others from across South Australia’s schools.
“As the peak body for Independent schools in South Australia, we are deeply invested in the professional growth and success of our educators,” said Mrs Anne Dunstan, Chief Executive of the AISSA.
“National Teacher Certification recognises and affirms exemplary teachers and enables our best teachers to lead from the classroom. This has real impact on the outcomes for students, whilst also building an impactful learning and teaching culture within a school.”
Certification as a Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher is recognised nationally. It is one of the only nationally accredited processes that speaks to a teacher’s impact and success in the classroom. The governing framework, which ensures the nationally consistent approach, is led by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
“This is a deeply involved and rigorous process,” said Mrs Dunstan. “I extend my very best wishes and congratulations to those graduating from the Independent sector, and all teachers from across other sectors.”
In achieving their status, each of the graduates underwent a meticulous process to demonstrate the quality of their teaching, and their positive impact on student learning and supporting their peers. The process, which can take up to 18 months, requires teachers to provide evidence of their success in accordance with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Their evidence is critically reviewed, and independently observed and verified before being finally endorsed by the SA Teachers Certification Committee, which is governed by South Australia’s three education sectors.
Friday’s graduation event was attended by Ms Erin Thompson MP, Member for Devonport, representing Minister for Education Blair Boyer. Mr Danny Pinchas, General Manager, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, and Heads and representatives from across each of South Australia’s educational sectors. The event was a wonderful celebration and opportunity to bring South Australia’s best teachers together to acknowledge and celebrate their achievement.
Through our support of the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher program, the AISSA aims to help achieve the national goals for schooling expressed in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration on educational goals for all Australians.
Congratulations, once again, to all graduates.
The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia is thrilled to congratulate our CE, Anne Dunstan, for winning this year’s Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) South Australia Alby Jones Gold Medal Award.
The Award is the highest honour granted by the ACEL South Australian branch and is conferred to a “South Australian educator whose influence and contribution to the study and practice of educational leadership is most outstanding at the state level and whose significant contribution to education is recognisable at the national level.”
As Chief Executive of the AISSA, Anne represents South Australia’s Independent school sector. She leads the advocacy and support work the AISSA provides its member schools. Prior to this role Anne was a passionate teacher, senior leader and Principal in Independent Schools across Adelaide, Perth, and Launceston.
Anne’s pragmatic approach to leading self, leading others and leading systems has created impact across the education sector. Anne is much admired for her work supporting and mentoring the next generation of school leaders.
Anne has found great joy throughout her career in teaching. She strongly believes that it is through education that one can effect the greatest good for the greatest number.
The AISSA would also like to extend our congratulations to other Award recipients, pictured with Anne at last night’s ceremony; ACEL SA Fellowship Award winner Warren Symonds, ACEL SA Educational Leadership Medal winners Cezanne Green, Paul Belton and Yvette Swaalf, ACEL SA Media Award, Dr Deborah Netolicky and The Pip Field Emerging Leaders Award winner, Matthew Rotolo.
The Alby Jones Gold Medal Award is presented in honour of South Australian educator, Dr Albert Walter Jones AO (1912-2033). ‘Alby’ Jones was a man of great intellect and compassion. He believed in access, equity, and justice for all, especially those for whom circumstance made these difficult to attain.
An abiding influence nationally and internationally, Alby received many honours throughout his life including a Fulbright Scholarship, gold medals from the Australian College of Education and the Australian Council of Educational Leaders, the Mackie Medal and Fellowships from several professional bodies. He was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1979.
Wednesday, 24 November 2021
WORLD-FIRST VIRTUAL REALITY CLASSROOM STUDY
Three schools in South Australia will spearhead world-leading research into virtual reality (VR) technology and its place in the next generation classroom.
This ground-breaking VR research project puts in the hands of students a new way to demonstrate their learning and enables them to create educational content for other students.
The Students Create Virtual Worlds for Learning research project is led by the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) in partnership with nationally and internationally recognised expert Associate Professor Erica Southgate, University of Newcastle and VRTY, an innovative VR company specializing in educational software designed for student creativity. Teachers from Trinity College, Pembroke School and SEDA College SA are co-researchers in the project.
“Students Create Virtual Worlds for Learning is the first international longitudinal study of VR in real classrooms, where teachers collect evidence about student learning over a year,” said Mrs Grantskalns.
“We are particularly interested in emerging pedagogies and how students might learn. Schools are investing in VR technology but there is limited evidence of how teachers can use this technology to accelerate student learning.”
The study will involve a Year 9 class at Pembroke School, a Year 11/12 class at SEDA College SA and a Year 7 class at Trinity College. These students’ VR products will be used in other classes at the respective school with continual feedback to the students who created the VR content.
Associate Professor Erica Southgate of the Education Faculty at the University of Newcastle, an internationally acclaimed expert in VR, is the lead researcher.
Results and findings of Students Create Virtual Worlds for Learning are expected to be published nationally and internationally in 2022 and 2023.
CAROLYN GRANTSKALNS
Chief Executive
Association of Independent Schools of South Australia
Video link for AISSA VR research project launch HD (6.09 min): https://vimeo.com/646694289
During the school holidays (24 September to 11 October), anyone who works at a school, preschool, or children’s centre who hasn’t yet been able to book a COVID-19 vaccination, will have walk-in access at select SA Health run vaccination clinics.
Staff who haven’t had a first dose can receive a vaccination without an appointment at the following clinics:
Staff taking up this opportunity should bring evidence of employment from the education site at which they work. Evidence can include staff identification, a letter from the school/ preschool confirming their employment, a payslip or similar.
Walk-in spots are limited, so staff are asked to please be patient. It is recommended to go as early in the day as possible.
Due to logistical issues, SA Health are unable to offer walk-in access at regional clinics. However, staff can book an appointment at any COVID-19 vaccination clinic, at a GP clinic or pharmacy. Appointments are regularly added.
The Women and Children’s Hospital and Enfield clinics have appointments available now for next week onwards.
Further information on vaccination appointments is available on the SA Health website.
The program is designed to provide educators with a unique experience of living on Country with the Yolngu people who live on the pristine coastland of remote East Arnhem Land. This immersive program contributes to providing the Yolngu people with an economically sustainable way of maintaining their culture.
This program is designed to provide school leaders, boarding house supervisors, curriculum coordinators and educators in ELC and school settings with deeper intercultural understanding that they can share with their students and school communities. Schools are welcome to include a small number of secondary students. The all-inclusive cost per person is $5,150. A deposit of $750 is required by 28 May 2021 and the final payment by 28 June 2021. The booking form, itinerary and additional information are available on the AISSA website or by contacting Monica Williams (ph 8179 1417).
Please read the latest AISSA Bulletin: