MLTA ACT News

Current and recent

CLSA workshops for Term 3 and Term 4, call for presenters, posted 16 June 2026

The Modern Language Teachers Association of the ACT (MLTA ACT) coordinates professional learning workshops each term for ACT Community Language School teachers, in partnership with the ACT Education Directorate. These workshops aim to support language teachers with practical, easy-to-implement strategies across a wide range of areas, including:

Assessment activities
Differentiation for multi-age and ability classes
Activities to promote listening and speaking
Task-based activities
Other topics that you may suggest.

Workshops are held in person on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre in Civic. Many Community Language School teachers are not formally trained educators, so they especially value sessions that are practical, accessible, and immediately applicable. Most community language schools use their own curricula and not the Australian Curriculum. 2025 workshop topics included: TPRS, Assessment Activities, Task-based Activities. Presenters are paid $450 in recognition of the time spent preparing and delivering a session.

We are now calling for expressions of interest to provide a professional learning workshop to the ACT Community Language Schools Association (ACT-CLSA) in Term 3 and Term 4 of this year on behalf of the MLTA-ACT Inc. If you’re interested in presenting a workshop, please email us at mlta.act.inc@gmail.com or complete the Expression of Interest form for PL presenters.

We warmly encourage you to share your knowledge and experience – it’s a rewarding opportunity to contribute to our teaching community and counts as teacher-identified TQI professional learning.

Conti PL 26 May 2026 – a great success

We were pleased to see that the workshop this week with Dr Gianfranco Conti was a great success. Thanks to Gianfranco and to the MLTA ACT exec team for this, and to Telopea Park School for providing the venue. Copies of slides will be made available to participating members when they become available.

Conti PL 26 May 2026 – what to know and what to bring

A broadcast email went out to members on 22 May about the PL to be held with Gianfranco Conti at Telopea Park School on Tuesday 26 May 2026. For details, please see the flier based on that email.

Call for contributions for MLTA Contact Newsletter, posted 22 May 2026

We would like to receive your contributions for the Semester 1, 2026 CONTACT publication. For details, see Myriam's broadcast email of 21 May from the MLTA ACT mailbox. Please send your articles to myriam.davies@ed.act.edu.au and include "CONTACT" in your email subject by COB Friday 12 June.

Reminder about this afternoon's MLTA SGM, Tuesday 28 April 2026

The MLTA SGM will be held this afternoon from 4:30 pm in the Harmony Room at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre. For more details, please see the earlier post below, or the previous broadcast email to members.

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update, April 2026

The Canberra Region Languages Forum Update for April 2026 has been sent out to subscribers by the Convener, Dr Mandy Scott. News items in this update include:

Using AI in Teaching & Assessment with Liz Easton, Thursday 14 May 2026, 4pm-6pm, online.
ACT Community Language Schools Open Day, Saturday 16 May 11am - 1pm, Dickson College Hall, Phillip Avenue, Dickson.
Webinar: Languages learning supports Literacy and Numeracy skill development, AFMLTA, Wednesday 18 May, 7-8pm AEST, online.
Dr Gianfranco Conti - Using Extensive Processing Instruction, MLTA ACT, Tuesday 26 May 2026 9am-4.30pm, Telopea Park School, Barton.
Languages, Cultures and Schools book launch, Thursday 28 May 5pm-6pm, University of Sydney, New Law School Foyer or Online via Zoom, RSVP by Friday 22 May.
Continuing advocacy to improve Year 12 language pathways for ACT students, inquiry by ACT Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Social Policy, public hearings Tuesday 28 April to be live streamed.
List of 16 Bilingual Playgroups in the ACT covering 14 different languages.
List of main languages spoken at home by school-aged students in the ACT from a response to a Question on Notice in the ACT Legislative Assembly in March 2026.
Some local opportunities to develop your language skills: classes for adults with Das Zentrum; German Film Festival; classes with Alliance Française; free Indonesian classes with the Indonesian Embassy.

Feedback and contribution to future updates welcome.

Details of previous Forum Updates are available at Canberra Region Languages Forum website.

AFMLTA News in Brief, April 2026

The April 2026 edition of AFMLTA News in Brief has been published. News items in this edition include:

AFMLTA webinar series – AFMLTA is continuing a series of free webinars in 2026, with the next websinar on languages learning supports literacy and numeracy sill development, Wednesday 18 May, 7 - 8pm AEDT. Register via the AFMLTA News in Brief page to receive the Zoom link and participate.
Using ELLA in Primary Languages Programs (F-2) recording link.
Call for AFMLTA Executive Positions Nominations.
2026 AFMLTA Awards Nominations.
Nathan Harvey Legacy Scholarship
Upcoming M/LTAs conferences

Call for applications for the MLTA ACT Scholarship, posted 17 April 2026

Applications are now open for the MLTA scholarship for Semester 1, 2026. This scholarship, originally known as the FIPLV Congress 1988 Scholarship, was established after the success of the 1988 FIPLV World Congress on language learning hosted by the MLTA ACT Inc. It provides financial assistance for teachers to further their professional development and/or educational programs. The scholarship is awarded twice each year. For details, please refer to the scholarship flyer. This scholarship is available to current financial members who have been members for at least two years.Nominations close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 30 April 2026. Applications should be submitted via this Google form.

Gianfranco Conti workshop 26 May 2026

MLTA ACT will host a workshop by Dr Gianfranco Conti at Telopea Park School on Tuesday 26 May 2026. Dr Conti will explain the why and how to use EPI through a morning session which will initiate beginning EPI teachers and serve as a refresher for many - and an afternoon session focussing on structured production, effective grammar teaching, how to build fluency and how to use the Language Gym.

You can sign up for a full day, or alternatively for the morning or afternoon sessions. If you prefer to receive an invoice for you or your school, please email mlta.act.inc@gmail.com with full information about the attendees. Dividing the day also gives teachers and schools a possibility to better cover classes as relief teachers are difficult to find at present.

For program details and registration please go to Trybooking.

Telopea Park School

MLTA SGM, Tuesday 28 April 2026

On Tuesday 28 April 2026 from 4:30 pm in the Harmony Room at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre (2nd Floor, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City), we will hold a Special General Meeting to consider nominations for additional executive positions and updates for the MLTA constitution. A broadcast email will go out to members with the agenda.

The Harmony Room is located half-way along the corridor on the right hand side after you turn left on exiting at the top of the staircase.

Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre Canberra

Rencontres francophones 22 April 2026

Rencontres francophones first session for 2026 will be held at the Alliance Française de Canberra on Wednesday 22 April 2026 from 4:30 pm to 6 pm.

Our special guest is Manon Dumas from the High Commission of Canada, a francophone canadienne, who will share her story and experiences with us. Manon will be finishing her post to Australia soon, so it will be a lovely opportunity to meet with her over light refreshments. Nabila, la directrice de l'Alliance, has kindly offered a room for our professional gathering.

This event is free to MLTA-ACT French Section members. Please RSVP via this google form – merci.

MLTA ACT 2026 AGM Thursday 26 March

MLTA ACT 2026 AGM will be held at Mercure Hotel from 4:30 pm to 6 pm on Thursday 26 March 2026. Light refreshments and lucky door prizes will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there at the Annual General Meeting and to working together to support languages education in our community.

Mercure Limestone

At this year’s AGM, all committee positions will be declared vacant, as is customary. Several Executive members will be stepping down, and we sincerely thank them for their dedication and service to our profession.

This presents an important opportunity. All positions are open. Join the MLTAACT Executive Committee and shape the future of language education. We strongly encourage members from all language backgrounds to consider stepping forward. Your association needs your voice, your ideas and your leadership. Your professional association is strongest when it reflects the voices, expertise and diversity of its members. By joining the committee, you will:

Strengthen and advocate for language education in our region
Contribute to meaningful initiatives that support colleagues
Enhance your professional profile and leadership experience
Receive mentoring and support in your role

Committee roles include:

President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Public Officer
Webmaster
Publications
CLSA Liaison
General Committee Members

Documents relating to the 2026 AGM are available below:

Only financial members for 2026 are eligible to vote or hold committee positions. As 2025 memberships will expire before the AGM, please ensure you have renewed your membership.

To help us confirm numbers for catering at the AGM, please RSVP via this online form.

FATFA call for papers, posted 25 February 2026

FATFA Conference 2026 will take place in Canberra on 27 to 28 November 2026. The conference overview and call for papers has been updated.

The FATFA 2026 Conference will be hosted by the MLTAACT-French Section in partnership with FATFA (Federation of Associations of Teachers of French in Australia) Held conjointly with ASFS (Australian Society for French Studies) French Program in the School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics ANU (Australian National University).

The organising committee invites proposals for papers, workshops, and panels addressing the theme (un)Knowing and (un)Learning within any aspect of French language teaching, learning, or research. Submissions are welcome from teachers, academics, and community educators working in schools, universities, and other learning contexts.

Please refer to the FATFA Conference call for papers for details. Note: the deadline cited in the attachment will be extended to 31 May.

See also the FATFA Conference 2026 flier here with registration and hotels information.

AFMLTA News in Brief, February 2026

The February 2026 edition of AFMLTA News in Brief has been published. News items in this edition include:

AFMLTA webinar series – AFMLTA is launching a series of free webinars in 2026, commencing with a websinar on support for quality languages teaching and learning, Thursday 5 March, 7 - 8pm AEDT. Register via the AFMLTA News in Brief page to receive the Zoom link and participate.
The second webinar will be on using ELLA in Primary Languages Programs (F-2), Wednesday 18 March, 7-8pm AEDT.
PL modules available in Scootle – AFMLTA has curated a collection of professional learning modules for teachers of languages.
The final issue of Volume 59 of Babel for 2025 was published over the summer break. It is also available to read online via the AFMLTA website.

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update, February 2026

The Canberra Region Languages Forum Update for February 2026 has been sent out to subscribers by the Convener, Dr Mandy Scott. The update is also available via the CReLF website. News items in this update include:

Languages at the 2026 National Multicultural Festival, including ACT CLSA Showcase, 10 am to 12:30 pm, Saturday 7 February, Ainslie Place Stage and Bilingual Story Time, Saturday 7 February, 10:15 am to 11:15 am, Civic Library.
From dialect to dialogue: How language builds civic trust, NFSA, Thursday 19 February, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, $140.
International Mother Language Day Walk Saturday 21 February from 10:30 am.
A Musical Celebration of International Mother Language Day, National Carillon, 21 February from 12:30 pm.
Multilingual Poetry Monday 30 March 7 pm to 9 pm at Smith's Alternative.
Libraries ACT seeking Bilingual Story Time presenters.
A New Academic Year – a chance to start/continue your languages learning journey opportunities in the ACT region to learn and practice your skills.

MLTA ACT 2026 Meet and Greet Thursday 26 February

MLTA ACT 2026 Meet and Greet will be held at Mercure Hotel from 4:30 pm to 6 pm on Thursday 26 February 2026. Light refreshments will be provided. We will also present the Fiona Arthur Language Teaching Award. We look forward to seeing you there!

To help us confirm numbers for catering at the Meet and Greet event, please RSVP via this online form

Mercure Limestone

French network news, posted 30 January 2026

French Network Leader, Lena Britton, has sent out the latest update for teachers of French - see yesterday's broadcast email from Lena. Items include information about Francophonie events this year:

AFFFF 2026 – School screenings – information and booking forms are attached with the email for the School Screenings with the Alliance Française French Film Festival. The Alliance has tried to find more films adapted to a younger audience.
La Francophonie – Lena will be on leave from the start of term. A new French Network Leader will be appointed. Watch this page for updates.
Professional Learning – Dr Gianfranco Conti just confirmed that he will be here with us in Canberra on Tuesday 26 May. Let me know what you are most interested in to learn more about of all his different research areas. The workshop will be supported by LNL funds. Please advise if you are interested in attending.
Survey and address list – Thank you to all who have answered the Google Form. Please, to make it easy for the person who takes on the French Network Leader role, please fill out this form.
French Language Network Leader role – Please consider to apply for the role of LNL. I am enclosing the guidelines. Applications need to be with the Education Directorate by 6 February 2026.
French Network Meeting for Term 1 – This will most likely take place in week 3 at the Alliance but needs to be confirmed. If you have a new colleague at your school, please forward this message to them and let me know their name so I can leave an updated list to the new LNL.

MLTA ACT End of Year Drinks on Thursday 11 December 2025

MLTA ACT End of Year Drinks will take place on Thursday 11 December in Olims Bar & Bistro at Mercure Hotel from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. A voucher will be provided to each member for the tab at the bar. Afterwards, those interested will adjourn to the Bistro for dinner.

Mercure Limestone

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update, November 2025

The Canberra Region Languages Forum Update for November 2025 has been sent out to subscribers by the Convener, Dr Mandy Scott. News items in this update include:

Call for action: A petition calling for continuation of a centrally delivered senior secondary language education program in the ACT.
Heritage/Community Languages Education: New Directions – free online conference.
France in the Pacific – Friday 7 November at Alliance Française Canberra.
Multilingual Poetry Open Mic Monday 10 November 7 pm to 9 pm, Smith's Alternative, Civic.
Japanese Film Festival, 12 to 18 November, Palace Electric.
Conference of Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators, ANU, 20 to 22 November.
Opening soon: Federal grants to support community languages education – Extension Round for new and existing community language schools; Support for more students to become fluent in Asian languages to Years 11 and 12.

Feedback and contribution to future updates welcome.

Details of previous Forum Updates are available at Canberra Region Languages Forum website.

Petition about senior secondary language programs launched with ACT Legislative Assembly, posted 31 October 2025

A petition has been launched on the ACT Legislative Assembly website to advocate continued central provision of Year 11-12 language courses in 2026 and to bring these within the ACT Education Directorate, starting with year 11 students in February 2026, so that ACT students whose day schools do not offer their chosen language can undertake courses after school hours and continue studying their chosen language at the ATAR level. To sign the petition, please follow this link.

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update, September 2025

The Canberra Region Languages Forum Update for September 2025 has been sent out to subscribers by the Convener, Dr Mandy Scott. News items in this update include:

Bilingual Story Times at Libraries ACT .
Alliance Française Canberra Spring Camp.
International Translation Day 30 September.
Bilingual Toastmasters Club for Canberra.
2025 Canberra Writers Festival.
Official Launch: Itstetl Tonatij: Obsidian Sun.
Centrally-delivered senior secondary languages programs in the ACT.
National Snapshot of Community Language Schools in Australia - Survey.

Feedback and contribution to future updates welcome.

Details of previous Forum Updates are available at Canberra Region Languages Forum website.

MLTA ACT event on Friday 17 October to celebrate World Teachers' Day, posted 25 September 2025

MLTA ACT will hold an event on Friday 17 October to celebrate World Teachers' Day. The event will take place at in the Courtyard Restaurant at Mercure Hotel (formerly Olims) from 4:00 pm for 4:30 pm to 6 pm

Mercure Courtyard Restaurant

There will be a keynote by Mrs Lintang Paramitasari, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra, on the theme of the value of language learning. After the keynote, this event will follow a TeachMeet format. We invite you to give 5-minute presentations on a topic of your choice. It could be language specific, hints and tips, resources, research, feedback on PL you have attended, wellbeing or cultural events. AV will be available if you need it for your presentation. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

When registering, please let us know if you would like to book a 5 minute slot. Presentations that have been booked ahead of the event will be prioritised, but offers from the floor will also be welcome at the event if time allows.

Those interested may adjourn to the Bistro for dinner afterwards. We will check with you at the start of the session so that we can advise numbers to the Bistro manager.

This is a members only event, for which there is no registration fee. If you are not already a member, please join using the link on our home page before registering for this event. Finger food and a welcome drink or tea or coffee will be provided. Please register for our World Teachers' Day event via Trybooking.

Call for nominations for the Fiona Arthur Award, posted 12 September 2025

Information for the 2025 Fiona Arthur Award nomination is outlined in this flier. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of Fiona’s passing, we hope many of you will consider nominating a colleague in her honour. Nominations for this award are due by Friday, 14 November.

Call for nominations for the MLTA ACT Scholarship, posted 12 September 2025

In a broadcast email to members today, MLTA ACT announced the second MLTA ACT scholarship application round for 2025. All details are included in the scholarship flyer (link below) and there is a Google form through which you can apply. This scholarship is available to current financial members who have been members for at least two years. The due date is Friday 31 October 2025 at 5pm.

Nominations must be submitted by COB Friday 31 October, 2025 in this Google form.

Refer to this flier containing the relevant information. If you have any queries, contact the MLTA ACT Executive Committee at mlta.act.inc@gmail.com

LTWA Wednesday webinars, posted 9 August 2025

Webinars from LTWA may be of interest. Our thanks to LTWA colleagues for letting us know about these. Topic include:

Using ChatGPT and emerging AI tools to transform teaching and learning
Fostering Motivation, Engagement & Efficacy in Language Learning
Using games for communication to drive language acquisition.
Creative and Interactive Activities for Language Learning Engagement

MLTA PL for Term 3, posted 3 August 2025

A reminder about the MLTA ACT PL event to be held on the morning of Saturday 9 August at Burgmann Anglican School Forde Campus Francis Forde Boulevarde and Hurrell St, Forde ACT 2914. This event is TQI accredited. The agenda is as follows:

SGM – election of president tbc and constitution updates
Comprehensible Input (CI) – Mei Turnip
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Myriam Davies & Gaelle Pajot
BSSS Languages Framework redevelopment – Orion Lethbridge

No fee for members, Fee $40 for non-members. Register via Trybooking.

AFMLTA News in Brief, August 2025

The August 2025 edition of AFMLTA News in Brief has been published. News items in this edition include:

From the President – notes on the 2025 AFMLTA Conference and the National Assembly, and announcement of AFMLTA Office Bearers 2025/26
AFMLTA Medal for Outstanding Service to Language Teaching: Dr Sherryl Saunders (2024) and Professor Lesley Harbon (2025)
2025 Patji-Dawes Award: 2025 recipients Jannette McCormack (Senior Arrernte teacher), Jindan Ni (Mandarin, RMIT University), and Hiroko Ohashi (Japanese, RMIT University)

French network news, posted 25 July 2025

French Network Leader, Lena Britton, has sent out the latest update for teachers of French - see today's broadcast email from Lena. Items include information about Francophonie events next year:

Please advise whether you plan to take part and for which age groups you are likely to submit recitals. Please use this Google form to assist us. Winners will be informed week 1 Term 4 and the date for the Prize giving ceremony is preliminary set to 24 or 31 October, but will be confirmed. If you are willing to assist, please let Lena know.
Teaching positions available: St Clare's College is looking for a French teacher as is Gold Creek school. There will be other positions available in the ACT government teacher Round from 7 August.
Network Meeting Term 3: The Language Network Leaders Meeting will not be until week 4, so our meeting will not be until Week 5. Please consider if you could be the MLTA representative for the French Network and also, if you are interested to be the Network leader for 2026. The workload can be divided into Primary and Secondary again as the needs are quite different.
Update of address list: Please assist to keep the address list current by ensuring your contact details are correct. Also, if you do not want to receive information from the Network, let Lena know.

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update, July 2025

The Canberra Region Languages Forum Update for July 2025 has been sent out to subscribers by the Convener, Dr Mandy Scott. News items in this update include:

Workshop: Building on Students’ Strengths, Sat 9 August 2–4pm.
Professional Development for languages teachers, Sat 9 August 9am–12.30pm.
Multilingual Poetry Open Mic, Mon 11 Aug 7–9pm.
Inaugural 2025 Canberra Writers Festival Schools Day, Thurs 23 October.
Conference of Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT), Thurs 20-Sat 22 November.
Multilingual films.
Uncertain future for ACT centrally-delivered senior secondary languages programs.
ANU CIW China Studies Fellowship Program, closing date 27 July.
Semester 2 and Term 3 language programs about to begin!.

Feedback and contribution to future updates welcome.

Details of previous Forum Updates are available at Canberra Region Languages Forum website.

CLSA workshops, posted 3 July 2025

Promoting listening and speaking
Managing multi-age/multi-level classrooms
Assessment and reporting
Engagement and classroom management
Integrating IT tools into language learning

Workshops are held in person on Wednesday evenings, 5:30–7:00pm, at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre in Civic. Many Community Language School teachers are not formally trained educators, so they especially value sessions that are practical, accessible, and immediately applicable. Presenters are paid $450 in recognition of the time spent preparing and delivering a session.

If you’re interested in presenting a workshop, please complete the Expression of Interest form for PL presenters.

We warmly encourage you to share your knowledge and experience – it’s a rewarding opportunity to contribute to our teaching community and counts as teacher-identified TQI professional learning.

MLTA Contact Newsletter July 2025 edition published, posted 2 July 2025

MLTA ACT has published the 2025 Semester 1 edition of MLTA Contact Newsletter. Our thanks go to Myriam Davies, Contact Editor, for bringing together another excellent newsletter edition.

News items in this edition of MLTA ACT Contact Newsletter include:

Message from the Vice President and Immediate Past President – Prudence Roveta
Future of senior secondary languages – Frank Keighley
Upcoming MLTA PL and events for 2025 – save the dates!
Message from the French Section – Myriam Davies
Professional Development with Dr G. Conti at Alfred Deakin HS – Nadege Maurin
Canberra Sanskrit School Highlights – Ravi Krishnamurthy, Principal & Founder
French at Macquarie Primary School – Laurence Barthelemy
Indonesia Trip at Trinity College – Mei Turnip
French at North Ainslie Primary School – Chrystel Wille
Paris and Olympic games at North Ainslie Primary School – Chrystel Wille

AFMLTA News in Brief, June 2025

The June 2025 edition of AFMLTA News in Brief has been published. News items in this edition include:

25th International AFMLTA Conference
Conference Dinner
2025 Patji-Dawes Award
Communication with the University of Tasmania – concern about proposed discontinuation of Indonesian and German programs

Future of centrally-delivered senior secondary courses in languages, June 2025

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) confirmed on 17 June that from next term, CIT will take over delivery of language education programs from its subsidiary CIT Solutions for all current students completing their senior secondary certificate in 2025. Two key questions remain about plans for senior secondary language programs in the ACT. For more details, see the CAL website.

AFMLTA News in Brief, May 2025

The May 2025 edition of AFMLTA News in Brief has been published. News items in this edition include:

25th International AFMLTA Conference
AFMLTA Executive Nominatons: Vice President, Secretary, Promotions Officer
2025 AFMLTA Awards Nominations Open
Babel 58.3 now available

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update, May 2025

The Canberra Region Languages Forum Update for May 2025 has been sent out to subscribers by the Convener, Dr Mandy Scott. News items in this update include:

ACT Community Language Schools National Open Day, 11 May.
German Film Festival, 30 April to 21 May.
Fun with languages Sunday 9 February 1-3pm.
Tania Dutel Stand Up Comedy in French, Street Theatre, 20 May.
Events through the Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages ACT: Dr Misty Adoniou, What Makes English Hard? ATESOL NT, online 15 May; Skye Playsted, Effective Teaching & Listening Lessons, 29 May
2025 Immersia at ANU 8–19 September
Russian-Speaking Playgroup ACT, Scullin, Saturdays 10am-12noon
Other language-based playgroups in the ACT

Feedback and contribution to future updates welcome.

Details of previous Forum Updates are available at Canberra Region Languages Forum website.

Call for contributions for MLTA Contact Newsletter, posted 1 May 2025

We would like to receive your contributions for the Semester 1, 2025 CONTACT publication. For details, see Myriam's broadcast email of 1 May from the MLTA ACT mailbox. Please send your articles to myriam.davies@ed.act.edu.au and include "CONTACT" in your email subject by COB Friday 20 June.

Gianfranco Conti – teaching vocabulary and promoting listening skills, Tuesday 6 May 2025

On Tuesday 6 May 2025, Gianfranco Conti will present impactful ways of teaching vocabulary and give us tips on promoting listening skills.

The workshop will run from 1:45 pm to 5:30 pm at Campbell High School.

13:45 – 14:00 Registration and Welcome
14:00 – 15:30 Impactful, evidence-based vocabulary instruction
15:30 – 15:45 Afternoon tea
15:45 – 17:15 Promoting Listening skills
17:15 – 17:30 Question and Answers – discussions and reflection time

The registration fee is $90 for members, $160 for non-members. Sign up by Monday 5 May 10:30 am, using this TryBooking link.

In the morning of Tuesday 6 May, Gianfranco will also give a masterclass at Alfred Deakin High School. This class is limited to maximum 20 participants. One place will primarily be offered to the Education Directorate’s eight Language Networks and to the hosting school. If you are interested in attending, please let Lena Britton know as quickly as possible. The cost will be $ 120 per person.

Pre-Election Statement from Australian Alliance of Associations in Education (AAAE)

The AFMLTA is a member of the Australian Alliance of Associations in Education (AAAE) and has been part of drafting a pre-election statement to both the Education Minister and Shadow Education Minister asking for a call to action for some key policy reforms in education. Please follow this link to view the position statement that has been shared by the AAAE.

MLTA-ACT (FIPLV) scholarship for Semester 1 of 2025

Applications for the MLTA ACT Scholarship for 2025 are now open. Please find attached a flyer with all the relevant details about the scholarship, including the link to apply.

This scholarship, originally known as the FIPLV Congress 1988 Scholarship, was established after the success of the 1988 FIPLV World Congress on language learning hosted by the MLTA ACT Inc. It provides financial assistance for teachers to further their professional development through travel and participation in educational programs or to develop a special language program. The scholarship is awarded up to twice each year.

In Semester 1, 2025, preference will be given to supporting members to attend the AFMLTA conference in Adelaide in July 2025, for those who have not attended a similar conference before. Special consideration will be given to early career language teachers who are already MLTA-ACT members. You are not limited in applying for something other than this conference.

Submission due 5:00 pm on Friday, 16 May 2025. No late applications accepted.

Please read this information about the Scholarship rules and requirements: Scholarship Information.

You can apply for a scholarship via this link.

Cognitive Load Theory in Languages

Cognitive Load Theory has been described by Dylan Wiliam, a well-known writer and speaker on educational pedagogy, as the single most important concept for teachers to understand. Here is a link to a webinar with Clare Slyth, consultant for school improvement in WA, on cognitive load theory in languages. This is one of the webinars that AFMLTA and M/LTAs have prepared for our use.

MLTA-ACT full day PL Wednesday 30 April 2025

The next MLTA-ACT Professional Learning (PL) event is scheduled for Week 1 of Term 2 on Wednesday, 30 April. We’ve scheduled it during the week based on feedback from members who requested the opportunity to attend on a weekday, similar to their colleagues in English, Maths, and Science.

The PL will cover a range of topics relevant to all language teachers, including:

Differentiation (Nabila Aliane)
PowerPoint & Presentation Skills (Philippe Messer)
Language Masterclass (Stuart A Blair)
Engaging Neurodiverse Students and Colleagues (with Stuart A. Blair)

This event has TQI accreditation (5 hours). These sessions are designed to support teachers of all languages, not limited to any specific language, and aim to provide practical strategies and skills that will benefit us all. If you haven’t yet requested approval from your Executive to attend, now would be a great time to do so.

Date: Wednesday 30 April, 2025
Time: 8:30 to 4:30
Venue:Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching & Learning, Fremantle St, Stirling
Price : $50 (Members) $120 (Non-members)

To book for this event, use this Trybooking link. For more details, see the event flier here.

If you wish to benefit from the special rate for members with this PL event, please register as a member of MLTA-ACT for 2025, prior to booking the PL.

AFMLTA News in Brief, March 2025

The March 2025 edition of AFMLTA News in Brief has been published. News items in this edition include:

25th International AFMLTA Conference
AFMLTA Executive Nominatons: Vice President, Secretary, Promotions Officer
2025 AFMLTA Awards Nominations Open
2025 Patji Dawes Award Nominations Open

Urgent Call for Nominations and MLTA ACT Committee Participation

At this time, we urgently need to fill the position of President in order to continue driving forward our professional learning initiatives and community events for the year. It is essential for the health and success of our association that we have leadership in place. We also require active members to represent Italian, German, Japanese, and Mandarin language groups. We are also seeking general committee members to assist with a variety of tasks. The current status of committee positions is outlined on the home page on MLTA website.

Being part of the MLTA-ACT committee offers an incredible opportunity for professional growth and leadership, and the scope to make a significant contribution to the future of language learning and teaching in the ACT. We also provide mentorship to those taking on new roles, ensuring you have the support needed to succeed. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please complete the nomination form by accessing either the PDF version (this will display on your screen) or the MS Word version (this will save to your downloads folder) and send it to mlta.act.inc@gmail.com.

AFMLTA News in Brief, February 2025

The February 2025 edition of AFMLTA News in Brief has been published. News items in this edition include:

Babel Volume 58 Issue 1 published
25th International AFMLTA Conference
AFMLTA 2024 year in review

AFMLTA Babel Volume 58 Issue 1 published, February 2025

The latest edition of Babel has been published and has been mailed out to members.

In this edition is a paper developed by Andrew Scrimgeour, titled "Language program provision and student participation in Australian schools". This is one of two reports that provide the basis for a National Plan and Strategy for Languages Education in Australia, which the Australian Government commissioned the AFMLTA to develop.

Commencement of Senior Secondary Language Programs with CML, CIT Solutions

CML will hold the 2025 orientation session for senior secondary languages online at 6 pm, Thursday 6 February (Term 1, Week 1) for the latest updates on program plans, assessments, and everything students need to know about senior secondary language classes with the CIT Solutions Centre for Modern Languages (CML). Select this link to join the event.

Classes will commence in Week 2 of Term 1. Students and families can check out the "Timetable" section on our CIT Solutions Language Hub for scheduling details. In 2025, we will continue offering programs in six exciting languages: French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil.

Wishing all our current and future students, families, and CML friends an amazing year ahead! Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!

MLTA ACT AGM 2025

The MLTA ACT Executive Committee warmly invites you to attend the MLTA ACT Inc. Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Date: Thursday, 6 March 2025
Location: Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie
Time: 4:30 PM (prompt start)

Following the AGM, we will celebrate the Fiona Arthur Award Presentation and enjoy a networking session with light refreshments.

We encourage you to attend to gain insight into the work happening behind the scenes and to consider joining the Executive Committee to help support and shape our vibrant association. During the AGM, all committee positions will be vacated, and nominations will be taken for new committee members, including specific roles. We encourage all interested members to consider joining the Executive Committee— all positions are open!

Membership Reminder: Only financial members for 2025 are eligible to vote and hold committee positions. Please note that 2024 memberships expired on 28th February 2025, so we encourage you to renew your membership if you haven’t already done so. Here is the link to renew the membership.

Canberra Region Languages Forum Update, January 2025

The Canberra Region Languages Forum Update for January 2025 has been sent out to subscribers by the Convener, Dr Mandy Scott. News items in this update include:

Bilingual Story Times as part of Libraries ACT Festival Program, Friday 7 February and Saturday 8 February.
Languages showcase Sunday 9 February.
Fun with languages Sunday 9 February 1-3pm.
Tongan language workshop: 3.30-4.30pm Sunday 9 February.

Feedback and contribution to future updates welcome.

Details of previous Forum Updates are available at Canberra Region Languages Forum website.

Join MLTA, posted 20 January 2025

Are you a passionate language teacher looking for professional support and development? The MLTA-ACT is here to help you thrive in your teaching career! As an independent non-profit professional association, we are dedicated to supporting teachers of all languages. Early bird membership is available if you register by 28 February. For details, see the MLTA-ACT flyer.

Previous years

MLTA ACT news items for previous years are available as pdf documents, listed below, commencing with the most recent year.

Last updated

Canberra

The MLTA ACT Works 4U!