Turning her classroom into a grocery store is just one example of how Charles Sturt University (CSU) teaching graduate, Ms Alison Wojkowski, strives to make learning fun and meaningful. Ms Wojkowski, who graduated from CSU Ontario’s Bachelor of Primary Education Studies (BPES) in 2008, has been recognised in the Teacher of the Year category of the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence. She said the primary school teaching program at CSU helped prepare her for the classroom. “The program provided hands-on lessons, applicable ideas and theories, and a significant period of time in each work placement,” Ms Wojkowski said. “I was able to develop a number of effective teaching, classroom management and relationship building strategies.” It is the second year in a row that a CSU graduate has won the prestigious award, with Ms Michelle Jerzyk recognised in 2010. The Head of the Ontario School of Education at CSU Dr Will Letts, said “Alison epitomises what we hope for all BPES graduates, to take their Charles Sturt University education and extend it in creative and meaningful ways.”  Ms Wojkowski is now teaching kindergarten at W H Morden Public School in Oakville. “Every day at least one thing happens with my students to make me smile,” she said. “I will continue to strive to help all of my students see the joy in learning, something I hope they will carry with them for life.”

A motivated young man will move closer to realising his dream of becoming a teacher when he graduates from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Ontario  on Friday 17 June. Mr Chad Pilon, who uses a wheelchair, will be awarded his Bachelor of Primary Education Studies  from CSU. Mr Pilon said graduation is an important milestone both professionally and personally. “I truly believe that disability is a state of mind. There are challenges but I always look forward to meeting them head on,” he said. “I'd like to thank Charles Sturt University for creating an inclusive environment which has allowed me to succeed.” Mr Pilon said the CSU teaching program has prepared him for the classroom. “The program equips us with proven teaching strategies that in some cases are just now being implemented in schools. I really feel ready to face all of the challenges of the teaching profession.”

Equity and social justice was the focus for a conference hosted on Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Ontario Campus in Canada in October. The annual, one day Equity and Social Justice Conference, including 210 students enrolled in the University’s Bachelor of Primary Education Studies program, began with a keynote presentation from Mr Chris D’Sousa, the Equity and Diversity Officer from Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. The CSU students were then able to investigate specific topics including Aboriginal education in Ontario; An Australian perspective on the role of Aboriginal English in achieving learning equity for young Indigenous students; culturally proficient education; developing and implementing an equity, diversity and social justice perspective in the classroom and equity through the arts. One of CSU Ontario’s 2007 graduates currently teaching in an inner-city school in Toronto shared his experiences as a first year teacher. Mr Nigel Bariffe’s workshop, Experiencing Equity/Social Justice from the Inside Out and Outside In challenged candidates to fully engage in their chosen profession, both within and beyond the classroom.

In the rapidly changing field of biotechnology, education is crucial to keep up with cutting edge technology, says Australian scientist and Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic Dr Thiru Vanniasinkam. Dr Vanniasinkam, who works in the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Australia, will visit a number of colleges in Ontario to outline the Bachelor of Science (Forensic Biotechnology). This internationally recognised program is offered through CSU in Ontario and allows graduates with an Ontario Biotechnology, Health Biotechnology Diploma or equivalent to upgrade their qualifications to degree level. “The program can improve job prospects for graduates and open avenues for further education,” Dr Vanniasinkam said. “Students can also undertake short-term study tours in laboratories in countries including Korea, Switzerland and USA.” The program has been developed with industry bodies to address the rapid technological changes and growth in the biotechnology and forensic industries worldwide.

The Charles Sturt University (CSU) community was saddened to hear of the recent death of Mrs Sheila Swain, AM. Mrs Swain was first appointed to the Council of Mitchell College of Advanced Education, a predecessor institution of CSU, in 1981.  She became Deputy Chair in 1984 and was Chair from 1986 to 1988. The building housing the School of Nursing and Midwifery on the University’s Bathurst Campus was named after Mrs Swain in 2000. Mrs Swain was a councillor on Hunters Hill Municipal Council in Sydney from 1971 to 1991, becoming the first woman elected mayor of the suburb in 1980-82 and was re-elected in 1987-89. She was also active in the Australian Local Government Women's Association - as treasurer, secretary, president of the NSW branch and later national president. In 1986 Mrs Swain was named Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Australian Federation of Business and Professional Women, and in 1987 was appointed a member of the Order of Australia. In 1989 she established and funded four scholarships for female students at CSU suffering financial hardship.