I am very honoured to be leading the committee this year. They are a group of teachers I admire and enjoy working with tremendously.
At our first meeting of the year, we gathered and re-visited our purpose. Why does TOFA exist? What can TOFA do for teachers in 2024? As we approach the 30th birthday of the association, we note that there is so much that TOFA is, and does. We are a community, a network of friends, colleagues, francophones and francophiles. We communicate regularly with other institutions: Schools, SCSA, AISWA, MLTWA and the amazing Alliance Francaise of Perth to name a few. TOFA shares information on platforms and through newsletters, from special events, to work opportunities sent to us directly by schools. TOFA runs a conference exclusively for French teachers, every year, where our members enjoy connecting or re-connecting with each other whilst deepening their teaching practice knowledge in hands-on workshops. TOFA collaborates with owners of small businesses who sell quality Language Learning resources. The association also financially supports individual projects for motivated teachers to go overseas and reinforce their French proficiency. Finally, through the legacy of a very respected teaching Award, we recognise and publicly acknowledge the exceptional work of WA French teachers.
In the last 7 years since joining TOFA, the association has given me a lot – new skills, fantastic colleagues and memories of great conferences, to name a few.
As the newly elected president, I wonder what I can do in return for TOFA. I will strive to continue serving the association and its members to the best of my abilities. If you would like to join us, or be involved in any way with TOFA, I highly encourage you to get in touch at tofawa.au@gmail.com.
In 2024, TOFA will be hosting the National conference for French Teachers in Australia on November 22nd-23rd and we thank FATFA for trusting us with the organisation. We hope to see you all there.
Finally, I thank the committee, from the bottom of my heart, for the many hours spent volunteering. And to our members, thank you for following us and trusting us.
Amicalement,
Céline Decoux