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- President’s Report
- Education Week | 26-30 July | Celebrating Lifelong Learners:
- Welcome Back Murat Dizdar | Deputy Secretary School Performance:
- Welcome to the Principalship:
- Joint Statement P&C, NSWTF, NSWSPC, NSWPPA | Behaviour Strategy | Policy and Procedures:
- Knives in Schools | New Policy being collaborated:
- Principal Classification |NSWTF | NSWSPC | NSWPPA:
- Save the time and Date | NSWPPA Principal Check in | Tuesday 3 August 3.15pm:
- Executive Director Regional Rural Remote Education Policy | Ben Ballard:
- Principal Wellbeing | The Flourish Movement:
- Principal Wellbeing | headspace- Kristen Douglas | National Manager and Head of headspace Schools:
- NSWPPA Annual Conference:
- Technology and Issue Log:
- NSWPPA Professional Learning:
- Film By…..:
- Key Updates from the NSWPPA Executive:
- And finally…..
With all that is happening in the world, we have to count our bright spots each and every day.
I read this great quote this week about strength growing in the smallest of moments:
Conversations will not be cancelled.
Relationships will not be cancelled.
Friendship will not be cancelled.
Love will not be cancelled.
Music will not be cancelled.
Reading will not be cancelled.
Self-care will not be cancelled.
Hope will not be cancelled.
May we lean into the good stuff that remains.
The Principal 'family' is really something special - thankyou to those of you who have been connecting with each other via phone, text, email and 'social' zooms.
Keep that momentum going - find time to laugh and have fun. Remember - all storms pass.
Every day at 11am, most of us are jockeying for a position to hear the daily update Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant offer. Our greatest hope is that the ‘numbers’ are on the decrease, in particular those who are active in the community.
The anxiety about the unknown and the ‘how long’ is the answer we all seek. We can all acknowledge the frustration, the limitations, the concern and heavy load the Principals, leaders, teachers, support and administrative staff are carrying in all school settings. The Level 4 schools and the lockdown LGA’s across NSW both in Greater Sydney and in Regional Centres have responded with agility and purpose. The health and safety of family, friends, colleagues and our communities remain at the forefront of our minds. The constant agility and uncertainty have continued to bring about many challenges for us all.
EVERY school across NSW needs to be alert to the Public Health Orders and be vigilant in reading the latest information provided by NSW Health. The Situation Report (SIT REP) is the SOURCE OF TRUTH. We are not to respond to or send out correspondence or advice unless we have the SIT REP in front of us. We are reminded by the DoE to communicate out information to our staff and communities using the suggested wording.
We were fortunate to have information recently PRIOR to us hearing it in the media – we were provided with an EMBARGOED media release until 11am on that day. Georgina Harrisson sent it to both NSWPPA and NSWSPC for the Principalship to hear the information first. At 10.54am both Craig Petersen and I were called to say the media had intercepted a Principals communication to their community about the announcement of the lockdown. NSWPPA Executive are working REALLY hard with our DoE colleagues so that we are the first to be informed and in doing so we are creating a relationship of trust. Can I ask for your continued support in this matter.
Minimal staff on site for many colleagues has been problematic yet capably managed by the Principals in our schools – remember YOU know what is required for your site – pick up the phone to your DEL and explain the ‘why’ and how’. Some Principals are unable to go on site and this in itself it is taking its toll on some of our colleagues as they live outside the 5 LGA’s. This action is to minimise transmission.
A very special thank you to the Executive, teaching, support and administrative staff who live in the LGA’s and are supervising the onsite students. It is also timely to thank the Principals living in the LGA’s who have extended support to colleagues’ schools at this uncertain time. One thing is for certain, we are seeing some of the greatest examples of kindness – human spirit is the anchor that keeps us optimistic and hopeful.
For many we are in the 5th week of lockdown – it matters not where you are in NSW you need to be vigilant and prepared – as we can see the Delta variant does not distinguish. We continue to encourage our communities to take great care and stay at home. We all have a part to play in getting back to ‘normal’ – the new normal.
This week, we will hear about restrictions for the next two weeks – we can anticipate some remaining the same and perhaps others being introduced. Some communities will see the easing of the restrictions currently in place. The only certainty is change. NSW Health will advise and so the information will be delivered to us in due course.
All communities are feeling the strain of this outbreak – we are all in the storm one way or another – think about how you are feeling and recognise how full your battery is. We are in a time of relational leadership – WE are the anchors for the community and for our staff – celebrate the bright spots daily with your teams and NOW is the time to deepen your collegial network. The human spirit is resilient, strong and agile – WE’VE GOT THIS – slow down and connect with your families, friends and colleagues.
Take care and stay safe
Robyn
Education Week | 26-30 July | Celebrating Lifelong Learners:
This year’s theme ‘Lifelong Learners’ speaks for itself. It highlights the importance of seeing ourselves as lifelong learners. What an appropriate theme as we face some of our most difficult of circumstances across New South Wales, nationally and internationally.
Look around you – be it on the ground in your school or via zoom or teams. Celebrate the learning that takes place for your teachers, students, communities and teams. For us as leaders our ability to be agile and creative has certainly been seen across the state. You are to be acknowledged and applauded for the work you do in your school each and every day. Stand tall – you have much to be proud of.
Hope you have taken the time to watch the Education Week livestream – a beautiful celebration of learning and a message from Secretary Georgina Harrisson.
Welcome Back Murat Dizdar | Deputy Secretary School Performance:
We can welcome Murat back to his role this week. I have extended our good wishes for a quick recovery and a reminder that that he too needs to prioritise his health and wellbeing. There is nothing more important than ensuring we look after ourselves and listen to and recognise our need to slow down and reset and/or seek medical attention. It’s terrific having Murat back on board this week and we can look forward to catching up with him via zoom at NSWPPA Term 3 State Council meeting.
Rebecca |
Saunders |
Clarke Road School |
David |
Roberts |
Marrickville Public School |
Sharlene |
Percival |
Tuggerah Public School |
Ann-Marie |
Smith |
Maroota Public School |
Zillah |
Gleeson |
Pleasant Hills Public School |
Peter |
Chase |
Stuart Town Public School |
Candice |
Barnard |
Gladesville Public School |
Lauren |
Fernando |
Gillieston Public School |
Caszandra |
Fitzgerald |
Bodalla Public School |
Ketryna |
Coupe |
Bradfordville Public School |
Ruth |
Rogers |
Karonga School |
Nicole |
Henderson |
Eastwood Heights Public School |
Patricia |
Laird |
Naremburn School |
Lauren |
Sten |
Double Bay Public School |
Cherie |
Stone |
Rose Bay Public School |
Jillian |
Mudford |
Waverley Public School |
Adrian |
Davies |
Kurrajong North Public School |
Toni-Leigh |
Lyle |
Karuah Public School |
Jane |
Fuiono |
Sandy Hollow Public School |
Suzanne |
Bowyer |
The Oaks Public School |
Robyn |
Bishop |
Bellata Public School |
Mark |
Stephens |
Currabubula Public School |
Justine |
Griffin |
Stokers Siding Public School |
Peter |
Roddy |
Temora West Public School |
Elizabeth |
Markovski |
McCallums Hill Public School |
Nicole |
Katen |
Mainsbridge School |
Justine |
Abell |
New Lambton Public School |
Susan |
Tink |
Mian School |
Madeleine |
Birkett |
Mullaley Public School |
Jo-Ann |
Glazebrook |
Rowena Public School |
Katie |
Sullivan |
Gwabegar Public School |
We warmly welcome these colleagues to the Principalship - a noble and rewarding profession – such a privilege to lead a school through the successes and celebrations as well as through periods such as these. Together with our staff, students and communities we lean on our colleagues and share in our next steps. Please know there is much support available to our early career principals including your mentor, Principal School Leadership, Primary Principal Council Executive and colleagues as well as the NSWPPA Executive and Professional Support Officers – Wendy Buckley 0403 560 814, Geoff Scott 0427 451 359 and Phil Seymour0412 673 378. I am also available at the end of the phone anytime, email or text 0429 547 619.
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome – your communities are very fortunate to have you. Remember to update your details on the NSWPPA website so your contact details are accurate and you are contactable.
Joint Statement P&C, NSWTF, NSWSPC, NSWPPA | Behaviour Strategy | Policy and Procedures:
Please find attached the Joint Statement we sent to the Secretary and Minister of Education and the response provided by Secretary | Georgina Harrisson. Be reassured NSWPPA is strongly voicing their recommendations forward in this area of policy. Vice President Trish Peters and I were back at the table last Friday with Sally Blackadder and Karen Hodge.
Knives in Schools | New Policy being collaborated:
Last week I attended an important meeting with NSWSPC and Deputy Secretary Ruth Owen. One incident occurred in a High School setting regarding a kirpan being pulled out in a threatening manner. The kirpan is a sword or knife that is part a religious commandment given to Sihks – it is one of the five articles of faith.
A new policy is being collaborated on with the Sihk community regarding school safety and protection for all. This new policy refers to students only – not adults on school sites.
Principal Classification |NSWTF | NSWSPC | NSWPPA:
Michael Trist and I have entered into preliminary conversations and modelling with key stakeholders with a view of presenting this to the Secretary and Minister. In order to proceed with this modelling the SPC and PPA have agreed that there needs to be a review of the current classification and associated award. It is critical important work and the conversation is being facilitated by NSWTF. It has been said that currently there is ‘no appetite’ for the Department to be looking at Principal Classification. Collectively we believe otherwise and will proceed.
The collaboration between the Associations and Federation is both welcomed and outcome focused. A very exciting move forward. The Human Resources RG will be engaged in this work as the shared position is established. Both Michael and I are very encouraged by this piece of work.
Save the time and Date | NSWPPA Principal Check in | Tuesday 3 August 3.15pm:
Next week we are planning an Association CHECK IN - time to connect together - grab a coffee and take 20 minutes next Tuesday afternoon to connect. DETAILS will follow in a separate email.
Executive Director Regional Rural Remote Education Policy | Ben Ballard:
Leanne Nixon last week confirmed Ben Ballard A/Executive Director |Inclusion and Wellbeing has been recently appointed to Executive Director Regional Rural Remote Education Policy. Last week Ben was on leave and we can expect Ben to make connection with the NSWPPA Rural Education RG this term. Congratulations Ben.
Principal Wellbeing | The Flourish Movement:
Such an invaluable opportunity …
Last year, NSWPPA held a special Professional Learning event with Dr Adam Fraser and, in an effort to help those members of the NSWPPA who are under increasing pressure with the current lockdown, Dr Fraser and his team are making the presentation available to re-watch for those who registered last year. It’s a great chance to remind yourself of your wellbeing and of perhaps share this with your staff. The link to the recording was sent out on Monday26 July to those colleagues who joined the PL in 2020 by Dr Adam’s team.
Looking forward to 2022
Dr Fraser ran incredible Professional Learning events over the past few years and again this year. Something rather special is scheduled for early 2022. Keep an eye out for an email from Dr Adam Fraser's team on the 16 August for more details.
Flourish is a movement - it’s time for solidarity
Extraordinary times call for us to join together and create strength through support and sharing. We are calling on all Flourishers to share on social media what you are doing to support your wellbeing. Use the #theflourishmovement hashtag so you can follow your fellow flourishers and re-share their posts. We all need some support, connection, hope and inspiration, let’s create that for each other.
Principal Wellbeing | headspace- Kristen Douglas | National Manager and Head of headspace Schools:
Principal and Leadership team forums | Reflection |Rebalance |Recalibrate |Reorient
Craig Petersen NSWSPC President and I collaborated with Kristen Douglas to present 4 forums in two weeks to provide the Principalship with a raft of ideas for themselves as well as how they can best support their colleagues, students’ and communities.
Kristen spoke about mental health literacy and how to lean in and support each other during times like these. The art and skill of reflective practice has never been more important for high performing leaders. In essence we need to s l o w down to speed up. Trauma, grief and loss manifests just like prolonged disruption and that is exactly what we are experiencing through COVID 19. Humans ‘process’ or ‘park’ such events in life. Kristen spoke about the importance of processing the feelings and emotions we are feeling as we go – to lean in on our families, friends and colleagues who are experiencing many of the same emotions.
We are all in the same storm right now – we have different vessels – being impacted differently – we have different sailors and we are all moving at a different pace. We all have an anchor. The anchor is our rock-solid go to. You are tethered to that anchor. Kristen spoke about how important it is to protect and privilege that tether line as it is our way to heal.
Kristen provided each participant with the slide deck and one such slide was the battery – the thermometer about how you are feeling. She noted that on any one day that could vary and how to ensure we fully recharge to draw on our resilience as required.
Now is a time for relational leadership and our staff and communities are all looking to us to move forward and also to nurture when required. Sleep as we all know is KEY to our wellbeing – Kristen again reinforced the importance of rest and recovery.
If you haven’t yet been able to jump in on one of these sessions, I encourage you to do so – feedback has been amazing. Two sessions are being offered on Thursday this week.
As you know, in light of the Public Health Orders Greater Sydney remains in lockdown and we are all too aware that the likelihood of us all being approved to come into Sydney and move with freedom is very slim. Decisions needed to be made in terms of the venue and accommodation. We also need to coordinate the keynote speakers to either prerecord or come in remotely.
We are currently able to confirm the NSWPPA 2021 Conference will be online and be $500 per Principal. Registration will open on Monday 2 August. It would be our GREATEST HOPE that subject to the current restrictions at the time and subject to the approval of the DoE and Department of Health, PPC groups would be able to meet to share the conference in person, meet in groups of 8-10 or, if the lockdown restrictions remain in place, you may well be enjoying the conference from your loungeroom or study.
As soon as I am able to provide you with specific details about ‘how you can meet’ and I have approval, I will communicate with you.
I ask you to join me in supporting and acknowledging the brilliant work our NSWPPA State Conference Standing Committee are doing to ensure the highest quality conference is being delivered for 2021.
Kylie Donovan Chairperson will keep us all updated – registrations open Monday 2 August. $500 is paid on your PCard.
If you have any IDT issues, questions or queries please complete the PPA Technology Reference Group form below:
The issue log closes on Monday 2nd August, 2021
PS: Don’t forget to log the ITD item through EDConnect, this can be done directly through the NSW Department of Education portal by clicking on the Get Support on the left-hand side of the Portal.
Stay up to date on T4L as well as ongoing Professional learning through:
If you haven’t already please subscribe to the T4L Newsletter via:
School ICT Contacts in NSW Public Schools (google.com)
Regards,
Drew Janetzki
NSW PPA Technology Reference Group Chairperson
All NSWPPA Professional Learning until further notice will be online. We were so looking forward to the Professional Learning Office being an engaging learning hub this term and sadly with restrictions that will not be so. In order to maintain the invaluable resource we have in professional learning for the Association, I encourage you to consider the online options we are offering for yourself and your teams. Contact our Professional Learning Officer | Margaret Charlton | 0408 905 051
Hi all,
Here is a one page flyer that explains us in a nutshell. These posters would be great pinned up in a school's staffroom.
We also Have 9 Films being played during Education week.
They were the shortlisted films from our recent competition 'Every Day Counts' They are really inspiring films. ( playing Tuesday of Ed week in the Virtual activity)
Glen Carter
Film by Projects officer
Key Updates from the NSWPPA Executive:
SPaRO and Annual Reporting | Deputy President Bob Willetts
The PPA executive are continuing to work on reducing the administrative burden by continuing to with the department to improve the functionality of SPaRO for planning, monitoring progress, self-assessment and external validation.
Over the last 5 years annual reporting processes have been significantly streamlined. Recently the executive have provided feedback through the School Excellence Advisory Group on ways to continue to enhance the 2021 annual reports.
NSWPPA Awards | Vice President Jude Hayman (repeat)
Every year we have the honour to recognise the work of our colleagues through the nomination and selection of recipients of the following awards which are presented to the successful recipients at the NSWPPA State Conference.
Awards are
LIFE MEMBERSHIP or FELLOWSHIP
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
PROFESSIONAL AWARD
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION AWARD
SOCIAL JUSTICE / EQUITY AWARD
Please see the attached document for nomination criteria and submission information
Nanga Mai Awards | Vice President Jude Hayman
The 16th Annual Nanga Mai Awards ceremony will be held by the NSW Department of Education on December 1 at the Sydney Opera House. Celebrating the outstanding achievement of Aboriginal students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff, Aboriginal community members and public schools demonstrating excellence across a diversity of areas.
Nominations Close On 30 August 2021
Online EALD professional development for teachers and school executives | Vice President Jude Hayman
The Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships directorate and the Connected Communities directorate are pleased to announce a new online professional learning course for teachers and school executives. The Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander English as an additional Language or dialect Learners (EALD Hub) has been developed in collaboration with the NT, WA, Queensland and South Australia departments of education.
The Hub is made up of 8 online units which will provide teachers with high quality professional learning in relation to meeting the language learning needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander EALD Learners. Topics include; Identifying EALD Learners, Assessment and Reporting and How Standard Australian English Works.
Each module is comprised of e-books and a learning journal which will enable teachers to reflect on their learning as they progress through the modules. All participants will receive a certificate of completion once all requirements have been met.
For staff in NSW public schools the Hub will provide additional strategies and knowledge for teaching Aboriginal students who use Aboriginal English as their main home dialect.
The Hub is based on the Capability Framework: Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander EALD Learners which was launched in 2013. A copy is attached for your information.
The self-directed course will allow teachers to claim up to 15 hours of teacher identified professional learning for NESA accreditation purposes.
The Hub can be accessed here; https://nswealdhub.powerhousehub.net/ New users will be required to register before accessing the learning materials.
Please contact Adrian Robinson, EALD Advisor, AOPD for additional information.
Behaviour Strategy | Vice President Trish Peters
The joint statement of the NSWPPA, Secondary Principals Council, the NSW Teachers Federation and P & C Federation was effective in pressing the pause button on implementation. Although we had strong alignment with other organisations on many points in the statement, the PPA has a strong commitment to the intent of the strategy, particularly in the areas of inclusion, disability and early intervention.
President, Robyn Evans, and I had a high-level meeting with Sally Blackadder and key members of the implementation team last Friday to put the PPA position on the table. Robyn advised that our two priorities were confidence that the strategy was to be well-resourced to deliver its intent, including further detail about what that resourcing would look like, and she also spoke strongly about the major concerns we have in the suspension and expulsion space.
Sally’s presentation showed that many of the concerns the PPA had raised were considered and had been acted upon. The issue of in-school suspension was acknowledged as a major concern and, although not off the table completely, will be further explored and any response co-designed with principals.
Suspension was hotly debated. We saw that our feedback that continued misbehaviour and persistent disobedience should be considered in the categories for suspension was acted on.
Still not resolved is suspension length; we were adamant that a five-day suspension in K – 2 was not sufficient time to mobilise all the resources and personnel needed to resolve in that time, particularly for our rural and remote and small schools where access remains an issue. The team committed to including this concern in future co-design workshops.
All in all, a good result from the joint statement to pause and reset. There’s more work to do and the NSWPPA is in a strong position to influence the outcome.
Conflicts and Secondary-Private Employment | Secretary Greg McLaren
In recent times a number of Principals have been questioned by their DEL and/or PES about their own Conflict of Interests and Private and Secondary Employment declarations.
Conflict of Interests Explained
Conflicts of interest arise when personal interests may conflict with the interests of the department or the public. Employees must be objective and impartial and be seen to be so. Particular care should be taken in respect to recruitment, personal relationships, m selection of service providers, and financial decisions.
All Principals and other members of staff are responsible for declaring any conflict, or reasonably perceived conflict of interests, that may arise in their work. More information can be found at:
Private and Secondary Employment Procedure & Private and Secondary Employment policy
The Private and Secondary Employment Procedure contains mandatory provisions that must be read and applied in conjunction with the Code of Conduct, and the Fraud and Corruption Control Policy. It contains guidance for employees wanting to undertake employment other than their primary employment with the department.
All Principals and other full-time permanent employees as well as temporary employees are required to seek approval for private or secondary employment under the Private and Secondary Employment Policy. Undertaking private or secondary employment without written approval is considered to be a breach of discipline. Proactive suggestions and training:
- Maintain registers of employees completing all mandatory training, including Code of Conduct training.
- Consider supplementing mandatory training with further school-based discussion. Use the Private Secondary Employment Policy and case examples in the Guidance on Misconduct to reinforce expectations of staff and the processes associated with private and secondary employment. Draw particular attention to the specific requirements of working as a tutor as outlined in Private employment in the tutoring industry advice to staff, noting possible conflicts of interest.
- Discuss policy requirements with employees and that applications must be submitted for approval, with any conflict of interests appropriately considered.
- Schedule a reminder to staff at the beginning of, and midway through, each academic year by providing the link to the Private and Secondary Employment Policy, Procedures document and application form. This could occur as part of Term 1 and Term 3 School Development Day agendas in addition to inclusion in regular written communications from the Principal.
- Complete a twice-yearly check of previously approved Private and Secondary Employment applications and check with staff as to their current situation. Update school personnel files accordingly.
- Submit approved Private and secondary employment applications to the appropriate EDConnect email address as shown on the application form, that copies are filed appropriately within the workplace, and that the employee receives their approved copy.
Primary Principal Council Membership | Executive Officer Mark Pritchard
A number of Principal colleagues have made enquiries with the Executive about moving from one PPC. Schools are aligned with PPC Groups across NSW. Historically, these have been arranged geographically so that all PPCs are functional. As custodians of our school sites we are aligned to specific PPC’s.
Occasionally, there has been a member moved from one PPC to another for extenuating circumstances. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as some would believe as by stacking PPC’s with many colleagues it actually weakens the operation of another. Whilst we understand the requests regarding working with community of schools’ colleagues, friends, proximity to your home, we are not always in a position to approve the requested moves.
All requests are taken to the Executive to consider and review. We aim to honour the operationalisation of the Association.
Please note:
6.7.1 "Area Primary Principals' Councils will operate across the state. Their prime function is to be the peak advisory body on matters related to primary education for their area."
6.7.2.3 "The Area Council will:
provide a regular forum for the discussion of educational leadership and management, professional development and welfare matters pertaining to Primary Principals within their area"
On behalf of the NSWPPA Executive – Rob Walker, Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Jude Hayman, Trish Peters, Norma Petrocco, Michael Trist, Stuart Wylie, Greg McLaren, Gregory Grinham, Mark Pritchard, Lisa Beare and Margaret Charlton
Connection lifts your spirits – keep smiling colleagues – keep that battery charged, focus on self - care and keep an eye on your energy levels. Focus on playing your part.
Robyn
Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President
0429 547 619