St Mary’s Primary School Moruya teacher, Rebecca Keough and Sts Peter and Paul Primary School Garran Assistant Principal, Garreth Wigg recently presented at the 2019 Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (ALEA) Conference in Melbourne.

The central theme, ‘Literacy Empowering Voices: Reflecting the Past, Viewing the Present, Scripting the Future’, provided insight and discussion on pedagogical approaches from national and international speakers.

The Catholic Education representatives shared innovative approaches on developing literacy in primary years through digital technologies and writing with colleagues from around Australia.

Canadian Founder of WordWorks Literacy Centre, Peter Bowers, challenged the traditional pedagogical approaches towards spelling present in classrooms and discussed the notion of scientific word inquiry as a powerful mechanism to target word structure.

Garreth Wigg said that he was inspired by the quality of each presenter’s views and the material they shared.

“The conference affirmed many of the significant initiatives already taking place in our Systemic schools, while providing thought and consideration for new approaches to excite young readers and writers,” he said.

“The feedback from attending delegates was very positive and full of constructive commentary for consideration, moving forward with our respective projects.”