This year’s 2022 OSHClub WAPPA Conference was a monumental success with huge numbers of attendees, including first-time delegates, reaping the rewards of the collegiality and world class professional learning. The conference theme Leaders as Learners was interwoven throughout the keynotes and presentations across the three days.
Gail Barrow opened the conference with a compelling “Welcome to Country” followed by an inspirational performance by the East Hamilton Primary School Choir promoting Noongar Language and Culture.
Tracey Ezard, “Ferocious Warmth”, Rob Edwards, “It’s all about You”, and Steve Munby, “Imperfect Leadership” provided a wonderful start to the conference on day one.
Alkimos Primary School students opened Day 2 with their happy and uplifting performance, reminding us all to be kind to each other. There was a high level of synergy between Lyn Sharratt, “Leadership to put Faces on Your Data” and Kath Murdoch “Getting Personal with Inquiry Learning” presentations followed by Adam Voigt’s inspirational keynote presentation focused on “Restoring Teaching” through embedding affective language and culture.
Day two concluded with a provocative panel session facilitated by Adam Voigt with panellists Dr Deb Netolicky, David Price, Glenn Savage and Lee Musumeci discussing what it takes to be a leaders and a learner.
Justin Langer enthralled the audience on Friday morning with his compelling story of leadership through his journey and learnings as an international sportsman and coach. This year’s Tony Misich Lecture was delivered Kevin O’Keefe who was recently awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to Aboriginal Education. He spoke passionately about our need to create culturally responsive school environments.
Following the outstanding range of concurrent sessions, Pingelly Primary School students lit up the room with their rousing performance. Kendall White then concluded the conference outlining the story behind the Blue Tree Project and the paramountcy of Mental Health awareness and support to enable a mentally healthy future for all.
The 2022 OSHClub WAPPA Conference would not have been the great success that it was without the tireless work of the WAPPA team, the WAPPA Board, the incredible speakers, Crown Perth and their staff, our gala dinner band – Murphy’s Lore, the delegates, our partners and sponsors, and of course, the amazing Karen Tighe.
Look forward to seeing you all at our 2023 conference.