Federal Review - Extension: March 14th

Extended date for submissions - Federal Review - Friday March 14th: https://submissions.deewr.gov.au/Forms/AustralianCurriculum/pages/index

Christopher Pyne's Federal Review into education - extended date for submissions.  Now that The Arts is published, the committee will accept submissions on the matter.  There are several hyperlinks within the review document - please have a quick read of the Terms of Reference, and make a submission.  

3RRR today

sMAG committee members, Carl and Catherine, interviewed today on 3RRR at 11.00 am - Janelle O'Callaghan. http://www.rrr.org.au/
Listen to playback of sMAG interview on 3RRR's Radio on Demand service - http://ondemand.rrr.org.au/grid/20140226110018 … Picks up at 2 hours into the show.

FURTHER ACTION

sMAG would encourage all in the community to write via email or hard copy to their local Victorian MPs, expressing how important this report is to local communities.  From major cities, to regional Victoria, every voice counts towards encouraging the government to adopt the recommendations outlined in the report.  The addresses of local Vic MPs can be found with a simple search on Google.  A copy to the local community papers, the local opposition MP and local school principals would also assist in garnishing further support.

To assist in this process we have outlined a simple generic example which you may choose to use if you wish:

Dear (insert name) MP,

Following the Victorian Parliamentary's Inquiry into the Extent, Benefits and Potential of Music Education in Victoria, I would like to express my appreciation of the work involved, and the subsequent report and recommendations.  http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/etc/article/1965

It is vital that the recommendations be put into place because in our local area (cite the local engagement with music, or cite the local lack of music education, or cite your personal observations).

I would strongly encourage you to advocate that the recommendations be adopted by the Victorian government to strengthen quality and equity of music education in schools. 

I believe that school music education is valuable because - (your personal belief).

When parliament returns, please ensure that this vitally important report's recommendations be implemented for the benefit of all future generations.

Kind Regards/Yours sincerely,

Your name and position

FEDERAL REVEW

Please remember to look at Christopher Pyne's Federal Review into education.  Now that The Arts is published, the committee will accept submissions on the matter.  There are several hyperlinks within the review document - please have a quick read of the Terms of Reference, and make a submission before Friday.  Several links in the post below are listed to assist.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

YouTube:

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbRgPh9_ZHU&feature=youtu.be
Audio and slides: http://youtu.be/5ZnFPRj-tb0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sMAGVic
Twitter: @sMAG_Vic

GM report and Federal Review

GENERAL MEETING

The general meeting at Melbourne High School was productive.  In summary, Anne Lierse, the previous chair, provided an update on where sMAG was up to, a new committee was nominated and finalised, and drafts of a letter to the Premier were discussed.

The 2014 sMAG committee will have an its first meeting on March 5^th when new members will be welcomed, and the new co-Chairs will be inducted.  Outcomes will be emailed to sMAG members.

sMAG has written to Premier Napthine to endorse the inquiry report and recommendations, with a request to adopt, and implement in the 2014 year along with an open offer to assist implementation from the broader music community.  Seventeen major music associations signed off and endorsed the letter to Premier Napthine.  Copies were sent to the Hon Martin Dixon, Hon Peter Hall and Mrs. Jan Kronberg MLC.  We are very pleased to have received the support of the broader music community.

FEDERAL REVIEW

The Hon Christopher Pyne has commissioned a review into the National Curriculum.   sMAG members who were present for the meeting over 12 months ago, at the ABC centre Melbourne will be particularly interested.  This presents an opportunity for our view to be heard at Federal level.  Submissions - closing date Feb 28th!

We encourage those with the time this week to become familiar with the material and submit - https://submissions.deewr.gov.au/Forms/AustralianCurriculum/pages/form Christopher Pyne's press release: http://ministers.education.gov.au/pyne/review-national-curriculum-put-students-first

sMAG is putting together a submission – however, individuals with an investment in music education are encouraged to put their view forward.

To assist, the links to the Australian Curriculum – The Arts.: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/TheArts/Rationale-Aims    It is advisable to read the curriculum before making a submission.