KU Annual Conference 2018 – New Frontiers from Strong Foundations

Saturday 10 November 2018

The 2018 KU Annual Conference ‘New Frontiers from Strong Foundations’ will focus on igniting a level of excitement for teaching and learning that will propel educators toward “New Frontiers” of education with a sense of anticipation, courage and enthusiasm.

Keynote speakers include technology reporter for the ABC and futurist for 3AW Steve Sammartino, and renowned adolescent and child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

The conference streams will offer opportunities for reflection on foundational practice whilst exploring educator’s preparedness to embrace early education through a more contemporary lens. The aim is to inspire and challenge participants to consider a landscape of possibilities, so that educators can begin to consider the new frontiers of education with confidence. Educators will be encouraged to rethink and reshape teaching and learning that is congruent with the changing demographic of modern society inclusive of the promise and challenge of digital literacy and technologies, issues of social justice and social competence.

The conference will feature an exciting and engaging marketplace with high quality suppliers, interactive booths and breakout areas with new and unique offerings.

KU Annual Conference Keynote Speaker

Steve Sammartino

Steve is the technology reporter for ABC Radio National and the inhouse futurist for 3AW, providing expert assessment on the rapidly evolving technology sector. His breadth of experience gives him an uncanny ability to make sense of how technology is shaping society and the economy.

He has also done some crazy projects including building a full size drivable car entirely out of Lego. Built with 500,000 pieces, it has an engine made of Lego and runs on air.

He is the author of two best-selling books on the technology revolution, his latest The Lessons School Forgot is a manifesto on how to future proof your life and thrive in the technology era.

KU Annual Conference Featured Speaker

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s highest profile adolescent and child psychologists. He currently works within private practice as well as consulting to Innowell, a joint project between PWC, the University of Sydney and the Federal Government.

He has worked as an academic, researcher, and political lobbyist. He is also the author of 12 books and is an Ambassador for Smiling Minds, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and sits on the Board of the Family Peace Foundation and the National Centre Against Bullying.

Additional Speakers

In addition to our Keynote and Featured Speakers, the 2018 KU Annual Conference will also feature the following presenters and sessions:

Dr Elizabeth Riley – Continuing the Conversation: Families, Young Children, Gender Identity and Expression
James Madsen – Beyond Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Dr Kate Highfield and Laure Hislop – Moving from STEM to STEAM
Prof Susan Wright – Early Literacies: The Arts as Foundations for Young Children’s Thinking, Feeling and Learning
Kirsty Liljegren and Sarah Scott – Environments for the Possible and Creative Contexts

Platinum Sponsor

The Australian Government Department of Education and Training is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians access affordable, flexible and high quality early learning and child care. Early learning and child care provides the foundation for children to develop both educationally and socially in a safe environment, while supporting parents into work.

The new child care package commenced 2 July 2018. In 2018-19, the Australian Government is investing a record amount of funding totalling $8.3 billion on the package. The centrepiece of the package is the Child Care Subsidy, which replaced the previous Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate.

The child care package also includes the Child Care Safety Net to give the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children a strong start through access to quality early learning and child care. It has three components: Additional Child Care Subsidy, Community Child Care Fund and the Inclusion Support Programme.

For more information, please visit: education.gov.au/eccc.