THEAC - Spring Newsletter

Spring is one of my favourite times of the year.  It signals new beginnings, longer days and brings with it a new level of energy and enthusiasm for the adventures ahead.  Already we are hearing the birds become lively in the mornings, observing the blossom blooming on the trees, witnessing bare branches being replaced by tinges of green as they sprout their new leaves and observing tiny patches of colour in the garden as the bulbs burst into flower.  Spring is truly a time of colourful beauty!

Spring is also a time where we become slightly more energised by the promises that blue skies bring.  The frosty mornings slowly start to disappear and are replaced by gentle warm rays of sunshine spreading feelings of happiness and joy.  Spring brings energy and excitement for new projects around the house and garden (or for finally completing last year’s projects!) and for planning adventures out and about.  The days become slightly more drawn out and lively.

Sadly, THEAC have recently said goodbye to two of our members.  Anne French and Eileen Height have both farewelled us.  Both Anne and Eileen brought years of knowledge and experience to THEAC, and we will miss them and their valued input.  On behalf of THEAC we thank them both for their support during their time on THEAC. With their departing, we welcome two new members to THEAC.  One of these is a past member of THEAC, we welcome back Martin Hamilton.  We also welcome Christine Buist to council.  Both Martin and Christine each have four children and many years of home educating experience.  We are looking forward to their input during their time on THEAC.

Home Education figures continue to remain steady and, as of September 1, 2022, there were 1376 students registered for Home Education representing 812 families from across the state. 

THEAC will be announcing the date for the online seminar on diverse learning needs with Catherine Silcock in the coming weeks.  We look forward to presenting this and hope to be able to provide several more over the course of the next year.

We hope you have all had the opportunity to view the new document published by the OER titled ‘Understanding the Standards’.  The aim of this document is to make the HESP writing process clearer and therefore help alleviate the stress that can be associated with writing a HESP.  If you haven’t already seen the document, you can access it on the OER website or by requesting a copy by contacting the OER office.

As always, THEAC are continuing to work in consultation with the Office of Education Registrar (OER) in many different areas and appreciate the support we receive from the OER.  2022 has brought many challenges and the OER have been under an enormous workload, and we thank the home education community for their patience during this time.

As we slowly start to peel off the winter layers and emerge from the cosy cocoon winter places us in, take the time to smell the sweet perfume of the blossoms, to notice the new growth in the garden and feel the warmth of the sun’s rays on your face.  I hope Spring brings many new and exciting learning opportunities for you all and may you enjoy the slightly warmer days and blue skies.

Kind regards

Denise Cox - Chair, THEAC