June 2024

View the Early Career Teacher Conference photo gallery

Over 80 new PDHPE teachers came together for the ACHPER NSW 2024 Early Career Teacher Conference in Sydney on 31 May. The annual event supports teachers in their early years when support and encouragement are vital.

“It’s always exciting to meet the next generation of PDHPE teachers,” said Tracy Puckeridge, CEO ACHPER NSW.

“We know starting out can be a huge challenge. We run this conference to support new educators with professional learning and provide the opportunity to network and connect with others on the same journey.

“We’re always very grateful to all the presenters for sharing their knowledge and offering encouragement to build the new teachers’ confidence.

“This year, ACHPER NSW formed an Early Career Teacher subcommittee made up of students, pre-service teachers, experienced teachers and academics. The committee is guiding our work with early career teachers, including having valuable input to the conference.

“Special thank you to conference sponsors Australian Catholic University, RHSports and Tennis NSW along with the exhibitors, the event is only possible with their support,” said Tracy.

The conference opened with a keynote panel exploring the importance of creating relationships in the early years of teaching. Panellists included:

• Ross Montague, Highly Accomplished Teacher, PDHPE, Danebank
• Carly McPherson, Assistant Head of PDHPE, International Grammar School
• Rhiannon Lambert, Highly Accomplished Teacher, PDHPE teacher, R/HT Teaching and Learning, Warrawong High School
• Bethanie Baynie, PDHPE Teacher, Loreto Normanhurst
• Emily Carr, PDHPE and Dance Teacher, The Jannali High School

They discussed key connections that can help new teachers thrive, each delivering great insights and advice.

Following the keynote, the teachers selected specialised workshops to attend including:

• Navigating sexuality and sexual health education
• Hybrid games to boost engagement and movement competency
• Designing lessons for students of all abilities
• Vaping and e-cigarettes
• PE lessons that engage all students, not just the sporty kids
• Portfolios as an assessment tool
• Trauma-informed practices in PDHPE
• Developing thinking players
• Health Literacy in PDHPE
• Teaching about mental health and normalising the conversations
• Observation and feedback in PE lessons
• Effective use of collaborative learning.

ACHPER NSW Early Career Sub-committee members:

• Reece Bell, Student, ACPE
• Bethany Baynie, PDHPE Teacher, Loreto Normanhurst
• Cristy Budd, NESA
• Emily Carr, PDHPE and Dance Teacher, The Jannali High School
• Brooke Garland, PDHPE Teacher, Wellington High School
• Ross Montague, Highly Accomplished Teacher, PDHPE, Danebank
• Nick Mulvihill, previously a Highly Accomplished Teacher, Singleton High School
• Dr Kelly Ann Parry, Lecturer, Australian College of Physical Education 
• Tracy Puckeridge, CEO ACHPER NSW
• Clare Roden, Associate Lecturer, University of Wollongong
• Hannah Rowbotham, Student, ACPE
• Jessica Sears, Lecturer of Education and Discipline Lead Health and Physical Education, Charles Sturt University.