This week, we celebrate the #Thislittlegirlisme campaign in honour of International Girls Day tomorrow, October 11th. This powerful initiative, launched by Inspiring Girls International , shines a light on the challenges girls continue to face globally while inspiring the next generation. Since its inception in 2021, this campaign has achieved global reach, positively impacting millions of girls around the world. If I could meet the #Thislittlegirl in the photo below, I would tell her to trust in her passions, strengths, and interests. I’d remind her that she holds the power to shape her future, to pursue her dreams, and to excel in whatever path she chooses. And to all those who once said she was "too bold," "too outspoken," or "too daring," as if these were faults, look where I stand today. To those who didn’t support my decisions, thank you for adding that extra challenge—it only made me stronger. So, to every little girl out there: be bold, be fearless, and know that your potential is limitless. The world is waiting for the unique mark only you can make.

Still recovering from the inspirational overload that was the Australian Council for Educational Leaders - ACEL National Conference and starting to look ahead to another fantastic two days coming up at the The Mathematical Association of Victoria Conference. Last year's MAVCON was a delight and ended in the formation of a 'Mutual appreciation society' of sorts as many of us found camaraderie and inspiration in each other. Looking forward to catching up with my fellow members of the society Nadia AbdelalMichaela EpsteinAlex BoxNadia WalkerAylie Davidson, PhDPaul Staniscia FACEL (Vic)Dr. Jennifer Sze PhDJennifer BowdenDianne Liddell Michael Minas Also privileged to be presenting two sessions with my colleague - the incredible James Dixon - Numeracy Learning Specialist on the topics seen below. Do join us if you can:) #MAVCON24 #mutualadmirationsociety

The last and probably the most significant agenda on my list was meeting a few legends, both known and new. Me as a small part of a larger network On this #worldteachersday, I can truly attest to the outstanding educators I met and learned from at Australian Council for Educational Leaders - ACEL National Conference. Many of them are pictured below- the awesome #NextGen and #NVS crew. Do take some time to read about their achievements on the ACEL webpage. Inspiring, thoughtful and beyond generous commitment to their chosen field and cause making the crew a stellar constellation of stars. Thank you Lynette George Emma Cross Dr Andrea Stringer Braydon Giles Anam Javed Tom Cazaly Sophie O’Donnell Jay Chew Cassandra Maldonado Callum Shaw Melissa Kennedy Steven Trotter Dr Shyam Barr Dr Christopher Hudson Amie Fabry PhD A special shout out to my 2023 #NextGen batch mates Nicholas Barca and Kylie Chatto and our OG captain Hayley Dureau And to everyone else who I met, had a yarn with and learnt from, you all are what makes ACEL So special and feel like home! Briony Scott Barbara Watterston Sue Buckley GAICD, FACEL (VIC) Tammy Baart Tracey Ezard FACEL,CSP Dr Paul Kidson Ben Calleja Av Swami Martin Westwell Jim Knight Rachael Lehr Maree Whiteley Mathilda Joubert, PhD Frank Crowther Sophie Specjal PhD Dr. Annette Rome FACE FACEL Louka Parry Peta Barker Lisa Newland

The second theme on my agenda for the Australian Council for Educational Leaders - ACEL National conference was the presentation we did representing Mount Waverley Primary School. Me as a presenter Campbell McKay, Vania Tiatto and I spoke about how we are working on embedding Coaching in Real time at the school as a way we work, plan, teach and converse with each other. Having been on this journey for sometime, it was about sharing our story and the positive impact we see in building a culture that has its foundations in partnership, co agency and collaboration. With an audience of almost 100 educational leaders representing a cross section of all sectors and states, we found the practical implementation aspects resonate. Here are a few key takeaways our audience noted: Investing structures to strengthen instructional leadership Build collective efficacy in others Build capabilities of middle leaders Implementing some practical leadership tips in my work To consider better supports for middle leaders in my school, to consider how coaching could benefit us Explore more into coaching conversations Working alongside staff starting with simple conversations Creating time and space for the important work To engage in coaching practices And some of the feedback we received: “Loved the use of ‘we’ in the presentation- showed how it was all a collective effort!” “Hard work evident in the impact” Thank you to ACEL Barbara Watterston Sue Buckley GAICD, FACEL (VIC) Briony Scott for the opportunity to share our work. Thanks Maree Whiteley for being our wonderful host. Thanks to Sharissa Temple-Smith Esther Y. Peggy Reevell and all the ACEL Teal team for their behind the scenes support! And thanks to our cheer and photography squad including Steven Trotter!!