Introduction

The Department and the Italian Consulate, recognising the importance of supporting the teaching and learning of Italian in NSW government schools, have developed this Memorandum of Understanding (the Memorandum).

They intend to work collaboratively and individually in their support to achieve the objectives of this Memorandum.

This Memorandum is developed in the context of the Program of Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the Italian Republic and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia signed in May 2015 and is entered into in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation.

This Memorandum supersedes the 2008 Memorandum between the signatories.

General objectives

The signatories recognise the significant linguistic and cultural links which exist between New South Wales (NSW) and Italy, as well as the large number of people born in Italy or of Italian background living in NSW. In this context, improving and extending the teaching and learning of Italian in NSW schools would serve to strengthen the economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The NSW Government recognises the considerable support provided by the Italian Government and the Italian regions to enhance the teaching of the Italian language in NSW through the assistance and financial contribution allocated to Co.As.It. (the Italian Association of Assistance) and other organisations.

The Italian Government recognises the efforts and initiatives of the NSW government to enhance the teaching and learning of Italian in NSW government schools, one of the most widely taught languages other than English in NSW.

This Memorandum is not intended to create binding legal obligations on either signatory.

The relationship between the signatories is one of co-operation and mutual support. Neither is a licensee, agent, partner or joint venturer of or with the other.

Specific objectives

As part of this Memorandum, the Italian Consulate in Sydney agrees, within limits of the available financial resources, to support the teaching and learning of Italian in NSW government schools by:

1. Providing advice and support to the Department, school leaders, teachers, administrators and communities in relation to the teaching and learning of the Italian language and culture;
2. Strengthening learning pathways for Italian language and culture from Kindergarten to Year 12 (K-12)
3. Supporting teachers of Italian in NSW schools to enhance their linguistic and cultural knowledge and pedagogical skills, and providing advice on resources, including digital resources suitable for NSW schools
4. Selecting, when possible, Italian assistant teachers and short term Italian visiting teachers, including young graduate Language Assistants from Italy to provide native speaker support to students in Italian programs.

As part of this Memorandum, the Department, within limits of available resources, will continue to promote and support the teaching and learning of Italian in NSW government schools by:

1. Continuing to staff NSW government secondary schools with teachers of Italian to meet curriculum needs;
2. Providing curriculum implementation support for teachers of Italian in NSW government schools;
3. Providing institutional support for short term visiting Italian teachers and Language Assistants
4. Expanding opportunities for learning Italian through flexible delivery strategies,
5. Promoting awards and scholarships for teachers, students and sister school agreements
6. Facilitating opportunities to host teachers and educators from Italy in NSW schools and education institutions

Duration, revision and termination of the Memorandum

1. This Memorandum, being written in both the Italian and English languages and both equally authentic, will commence on the date of signature by the last signatory and will operate for a term of five (5) years.
2. The Memorandum may be renewed at the end of this term by mutual agreement between the signatories.
3. The signatories, in agreement, may revise and vary the terms of this Memorandum, at any time, during the period of its operation. Any variation must be made in writing and signed by both signatories.
4. This Memorandum may be terminated by one signatory giving to the other ninety (90) days' notice in writing.

Correspondence

1. All correspondence to the Department in relation to this Memorandum should be directed to the Director, Early Learning and Primary Education, Learning and Teaching Directorate, Level 3, 1 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW2010.
2. All correspondence for the Italian Consulate in relation to this Memorandum should be directed to the Director, Consulate General of Italy, Education Office, Level 19, 44 Market St Sydney

Further agreements

This Memorandum signifies the Department's and the Italian Consulate's commitment to work together. The specific details of each project or activity arising out of this Memorandum will be the subject of separate agreements between the two organisations, or parts of the organisations as appropriate.

Other agreements and relationships

Subject to any other agreement or relationships not adversely affecting the development and delivery of collaborative projects, nothing in this Memorandum precludes a relationship between either organisation and any other party, between the two organisations jointly and any other party, or require that either organisation approves or endorses any other relationship.

Confidentiality

Both signatories agree that information exchanged between the parties under this Memorandum shall be treated as strictly confidential by the receiving party and shall not be divulged under any circumstances to a third party without the written consent of the originator.

Any termination of this Memorandum does not negate the obligation of the signatories with respect to the protection or use of information received prior to termination of the Memorandum. These obligations shall continue for a period of five (5) years from termination of the Memorandum

Dispute resolution

The signatories to this Memorandum expressly agree to endeavour in good faith to settle any dispute by negotiation.

This Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the signatories on:

11 May 2016 at Bridge Street in the State of New South Wales

Signed for and on behalf of the State of NSW by its Department of Education by:

Signature of Delegate of NSW

Executive Director, Learning and Teaching Directorate

NSW Department of Education

Date: 11-05-2016

In the presence of:

Director, Early Learning and Primary Education, Learning and Teaching Directorate

Signed for and on behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Italy in Sydney by:

[Name/signature of third party removed]

Consul-General of Republic of Italy

Date: 11-05-2016

In the presence of:

[Name/signature of third party removed]

Director of Educational and Cultural Office, Italian Embassy in Canberra