On May 6, CHS was lucky enough to have been visited by instructors from the group, Australian Educators. These visitors came to CHS for only one day, but they were able to learn a lot while here. The purpose of their trip was to be able to learn about new ways to handle and take part in leadership, so they could eventually apply it back to their jobs in education.

This experience was made possible by the Queensland Education Leadership Institute (QELi), who know that by visiting many school sites, including CHS, it will help their local staff grow as leaders. QELi’s goal was also to make sure to enhance their teachers’ roles in education so the students will benefit. All of the these educators sought to watch Claremont’s teachers and students in action, whether it was using new technology or in just an everyday lesson.

“[The program’s] design and delivery, drawing on current research and good practice both here and overseas, is innovative, collegial and targeted to those leading a Catholic school-Community,” Pam Betts, Executive Director of Catholic Education, the education system at which these educators work, said.

The educators visited many classrooms all over CHS, mainly the ones involving the use of iPads or other technology. The use of the technology attracted the teachers as they wanted to learn as much as they could in order to introduce this new use of technology at their worksite.

“They wanted to look at technology being used in American schools. I know they spent a few hours with us, then the next day spent a few days with the schools over in Riverside. They really wanted to see how we used technology in the classrooms,” Dr. O’Connor said.

Christopher Derwin, one of the Australian Educators, believes that visiting CHS sparked an interest in his fellow educators, particularly in regards to the technology that is embedded in the curriculum. He plans on using all of the information that he learned from Claremont to discern improvements for their educational system.

“Claremont High has so many quality practices in place and the journey the school is on, in regard to the embedding of technology in learning, was of particular interest to us,” Derwin said. “We saw some innovative things happening with this. We we impressed by the enthusiasm of so many teachers, their professionalism and their connection and relationship with the students.”

This program was not only a great chance for the Australian Educators, but for CHS staff as a whole. Dr. O’Connor was able to hear their opinions and how their educational system works, which can allow CHS to also grow.