innovative learning Contemporary, student-centred education Learning Innovation takes many forms and no two schools or two In the short term, areas where you may immediately notice elements of teachers are on the same path. As Director of Learning Innovation, I will innovation or reimagination in 2017 and beyond are as follows: Signature support the Ruyton School Community by creating and sustaining the programmes and experiences from ELC-Year 9, which focus on the conditions for contemporary, student-centred education. This includes Ruyton values of Character, Citizenship, Endeavour, and Integrity providing teachers with greater autonomy, responsibility, joy and praise; (building on the successful, pre-existing values programmes), supporting teachers to develop more powerful learning implementation Collaborative Learning Investigations (CLIs, with particular pedagogical strategies, with a specific focus on the quality and character of school focus on Inquiry-based and Project-based learning practices), and life. My intention is to create more opportunities for school-community Transition programmes and initiatives between high-impact years, such partnerships to support and engage students in their learning, welcome as Years 6–7. parents to participate in the development of rich student experiences, It would be unrealistic for me to claim that I will accomplish such and endeavour to remove perceptions of systemic barriers to widespread change alone. As members of this esteemed community, we implementing future-focused teaching and learning. all have a part to play in order to inspire meaningful change and provide I am also committed to ensuring equitable access to the curriculum the very best holistic education for our girls. That being said, I would like through empowering students to have a voice and choice, wherever to thank you, as parents and guardians, for your investment in your appropriate, through a broader range of teaching and learning practices, daughter’s education and extend my gratitude for your future support experiences, and programmes and through more rich, personalised and involvement as we embark on this incredible learning journey collaborative relationships between teachers and students. Furthermore, together. I believe in our girls and look forward to designing empowering I will support the Ruyton School Community as we, together, prepare learning experiences at Ruyton Girls’ School. students for lifelong learning and civic life by continuing to focus on Mr Jake Plaskett, Director of Learning Innovation. applying academic knowledge, skills and abilities. Jake is a product of project based learning. He was a graduate of High Tech High, San Diego, and returned post-university to teach mathematics, music, and coach soccer. He holds a Bachelors in Music Education from California State University, Chico, a teaching credential from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education, and is completing both a Masters in Educational Psychology from Capella University and a Masters in Education from Australian Catholic University this year. Jake has worked across the state, catholic, and independent school systems in the US and Australia boasting leadership roles at MLC Sydney and Rosebank College; he was also a lead consultant to the NSW Department of Education Future Learning Unit to inform change and create toolkits to reimagine learning and teaching statewide. Jake has presented masterclasses and keynotes at a range of conferences and has worked with over 60 schools nationally and 20 schools internationally to help reimagine teaching and learning through the co-construction of authentic, purposeful educational initiatives and professional development experiences. 8 the ruyton reporter