The AGCA National Conference 2009

was held in Hobart in April. The themes included latest research in neuropsychology and implications for pedagogy and curriculum, evidence based directions for teaching, evidence based best practice for School Psychologists, Guidance Officers and Counsellors and the capacity of minds to change.
Keynote speakers included Dr. Joe Tucci (CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation) presenting on how early trauma affects children's attachment; Professor John Geake (co-founder and Convenor of the Oxford Cognitive Neuroscience and Education Forum) presenting on how the brain learns with applications for the classroom and some challenging thoughts on debunking prevalent neuromyths.
Conference proceedings including some papers, can be obtained from the Tasmanian page on the website.

SSD CONFERENCE 2009

As part of the proceedings of a successful SSD Conference we were able to organize a meeting of members and prospective members of AGCA. The meeting was well attended and addressed by National Executive member, Coosje Griffiths. The meeting provided an opportunity to consider and discuss the current and future role of AGCA in the NT.
Discussion around the possibility of establishing an NT branch of AGCA highlighted the challenges of geography and very busy workloads. However, the idea of a 'sub-branch' possibly affiliated with another Branch, was suggested and met with some interest. Further exploration of this idea remains a work in progress ...! Thanks to AGCA National Executive for providing drinks for the occasion.

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GUIDANCE IN THE TERRITORY
(a little bit of background)

In the Territory, Guidance Officers are required to have educational and psychological training (sufficient to meet requirements for Registration with the NT Psychologist's Board) and a minimum of two year's teaching experience.

Guidance Officer positions are located in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. They are office-based positions responding to requests for service from schools. Remote areas are serviced from the closest geographic Regional Centre.

NT Guidance Officers provide psycho-educational information, through assessment and consultative procedures for schools and parents. The key focus of Guidance intervention is assessment of students and provision of information relevant to students' learning needs. This occurs in three domains: intellectual and academic domains; adaptive behaviour; social and emotional assessment.

THERE ARE FREQUENTLY GUIDANCE POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE TERRITORY. WORKING IN THE TERRITORY IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AND I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONSIDER IT!!

IS IT TIME FOR AN NT BRANCH OF AGCA??

The Northern Territory has, for the first time in its history, sufficient numbers of Guidance Officers and School Counsellors to consider establishing an NT branch of AGCA.

Over the last few weeks information has been distributed to Counsellors and GO's providing information on AGCA, to encourage membership and also to assess whether there is sufficient interest to establish a Branch. The potential advantages of an NT Branch include: (1)a professional association able to advocate for the interests of school psychology, guidance and counselling; (2)opportunities for professional development; (3)links with other States and the National body of AGCA as well as affiliated International organizations.

Information has been added to the NT Membership page which should make it easier to access Application for Membership forms. The Home Page Membership link provides comprehensive information on AGCA which may assist in forming your decision.
Please contact me regarding your thoughts on the establishment of an NT Branch and thank you to those you have already done so.