Background

Schools' achievements have been celebrated during National Literacy and Numeracy Week (NLNW) for more than 10 years.  Until last year ceremonies were held to recognise the successes achieved by individual schools.  Grants were awarded each year and national events occurred during the week.  These included:

• Reach for the stars, a numeracy event for primary and middle school students
• National reading day, a literacy event bringing the nation together to enjoy reading
• Dorothea Mackellar poetry awards, a national poetry competition for school-aged students.

Last year

In Tasmania, a professional learning program, with input from all of the educational sectors, was developed.  Schools hosted professional learning conversations in 5 venues across the state leading up to NLNW.  Informal sessions were presented so that teachers could learn about innovations in literacy and numeracy happening in their local schools.  Approximately 350 teachers attended the sessions.

During NLNW 45 schools received grants of up to 1,500 dollars to conduct activities based around the theme of partnerships in learning. 

National events Reach for the stars, National reading day and the Dorothea McKellar poetry competition awards were held.

Celebrations of literacy and numeracy took place in October and November.  Teachers showcased successes in literacy and numeracy that had occurred during the year.  The popular events were attended by 208 teachers in the south, 100 in the north and 87 in the north west regions.

This year

NLNW will be held from 31 August until 6 September.  This year's theme is getting the basics right.

National events Reach for the stars, National reading day and the Dorothea McKellar poetry competition awards will again be held during the week.

In Tasmania professional learning events will occur during NLNW.  Further details will be available when the program is finalised.

For further information please contact
Pam Powell
NLNW Project Officer
English-literacy Project Officer
Learning Services (South East)
Curriculum Team
269 East Derwent Highway
Geilston Bay 7015
Phone:  03 62123306
Fax:  03 62123320
Email:  pamela.powell@education.tas.gov.au