Empowering women leaders: WISL program strengthens ties between Victorian and Indian schools

Diwali celebrations took on a special significance this year for the twelve Victorian schools participating in the Women in School Leadership (WISL) program which connects women principals between Victoria and India.The festivities includedspecial assemblies, performances by Indianbackground students and staff, rangoli and candlelight holder making, and of course a delicious spread of Indian cuisine. These events were an opportunity to acknowledge a holiday that the second fastest growing community in Victoriacelebrates (FIAV) and brought the spirit of the festival to their school communities.

The Victorian school leaders participating in the WISL program recently concluded a two-week immersion experience in India, during which they spent some time in their Indian partner principals’ schools.

Tania Sorbello, Principal of Fitzroy North Primary School, highlighted the unexpected discovery of ‘deep commonalities between the Australian and Indian education systemsas we strive to improve the academic, personal and social outcomes for the children entrusted in our care.’

The program is part of Victoria’sIndia Strategy: Our Shared Future and is one of three school education initiatives enhancing engagement between Victorian and Indian schools by the Victorian Department of Education.

The schools represent the department's four major regions, including metropolitan and regional areas which will showcase the breadth of experience Victoria's educators have to share.

Ann Turner-Calleri, Principal of Edgars Creek Primary School, emphasized ‘the incredible connection with Indian families and children’, underlining the lasting impact of the program on fostering cultural ties with the Indian diaspora in her school community.

The WISL program, spanning from August 2023 to May 2024, supports school leaders in engaging in online professional learning and reciprocal immersion experiences in India and Victoria, focusing on the theme ‘Leading schools for social change’ with an emphasis on learning and well-being.

One of the program’s highlights has been the formation of a strong network of inspiring women school leaders.

Asha Prabhakar, Chair of the National Progressive Schools’ Conferenceand Principal of Bal Bharati Public School, Noida, India, expressed her gratitude to the Victorian school leaders, acknowledging the special connection forged during the program. “May this beautiful coming together of the IndiaAustralia family forge new bonds of togetherness and collaboration” she said.

As the program progresses, Victorian and Indian school leaders are eagerly anticipating the reciprocal Victoria immersion experience in May 2024. Meanwhile, they will continue to collaborate, engage in online workshops, and participate in coaching sessions, fostering a strong foundation for future collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Women in School Leadership (WISL) Program, an initiative by the Victorian Department of Education, is developed and delivered by Asia Education Foundation (AEF) in partnership with the Australia India Institute and Melbourne Graduate School of Education at The University of Melbourne in Australia, and the National Progressive Schools’ Conferenceand O.P. Jindal Global University in India.

For those interested in learning more about the WISL program, additional information can be found on the Asia Education Foundation website at www. asiaeducation.edu.au. Follow #WISLVicIndia on social media for program updates.