Filter Content
- President’s Report:
- Return to School
- What a Conference
- An Offer for the NSWPPA Membership
- Recognition and Awards Ceremony
- AGM Reports
- Welcome to the Principalship
- Women in Leadership Australia
- Attendance at PPC meetings for 2022
- NSWPPA Professional Learning- Term 4 | PLO Margaret Charlton
- A Word From Our Sponsors
- Key Updates from the NSWPPA Executive
- And finally…..
Colleagues
I open this week’s What’s Hot with a chat with Deputy Presidents Rob Walker and Bob Willetts. As part of the Association’s digital strategy, I ask you to press play and let us chat to you whilst you are doing something else. Kind of like a background message to remind you of the importance of looking up, focusing on what you can control – do something new each day and smile and laugh with those you are with both at work and at home.
Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President
0429 547 619
Week 4 sees our schools open to all students across NSW. Many of our schools are well into the rhythm of Term 3 as they commenced at the start of the term with Level 3 restrictions. For a number of our communities, they have recently become hotspots.
Community transmission is concerning, and this is impacting on students and staff being close and casual contacts. Please be reminded if this impacts on your staff and they are deemed close contacts, they are to access specific leave related to COVID as per SITREP guidelines. Colleagues have also expressed the problems arising in staffing their schools and adhering to the guidelines. We are encouraged to work to the guidelines as close as feasibly possible.
NSW Health and the DoE are working in collaboration LGA’s across the state to improve the second dosage rate in order to supress transmission of the virus. Likewise, the communication out to our communities in certain LGA’s will be strengthened so that not only the school is minimising transmission the community will have recommendations to follow also. The DoE are consulting with NSW Health, exploring ideas including the possibility of using at home antigen testing kits for Primary aged students’ families. This is currently in the consideration stage only. The DoE are being proactive in a suite of strategies to minimise transmission and ramp up the safety and wellbeing of our staff, students, and the wider community. We all have a part to play.
Across the state we are seeing champion partnerships between DoE, H&S, DEL’s, ED’s and Principals. Frustration arises when there is a lag in timing of the communication. Often community and staff hear about the positive case before Principals are informed. Principals at all times need to wait for the advice from NSW Health and the DoE BEFORE they communicate out or close their schools. Murat Dizdar has communicated that there has been a recent increase in false positive cases in communities causing unnecessary angst.
In terms of COVID communications sent to our communities by NSW Health and the DoE when a positive case has been identified, we have raised the turn-around time with the Deputy Secretaries. Some communication is being sent out late into the evening. It was explained that the workload and time taken to speak personally with the person testing positive can extend the timing of the wider community being notified.
Take a bow – Kylie Donovan |Convenor, Karen DeFalco |Administrator, Daryl McKay |Treasurer, Cameron Upcroft| Show Caller, Polly Palaitis |IT Cvent and Sponsors, Vicki Harris | Sponsors, Lyndall Droscher |Sponsor Support, Michelle Davies |Performances, Michelle Sarjana |Life Members, Deb Claxton from Claxton Speakers International and the Go Live Team – Jamin, Joel, David and Nick. WHAT A TEAM!!!!!! THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!
Conference came to you from the tiniest of studios in Marrickville in Sydney. This Conference had its challenges – firstly it was like no other – this one was both remote and online. When all the Conferences in NSW and nationally were being cancelled, the Association and the Conference Committee forged ahead. The number one priority for the Association is Principal Wellbeing so having something to look forward to this term.
On the Wednesday we experienced major difficulties with Microsoft and email accounts and the Cvent third party provider. Without doubt we became the masters of calm in a stormy sea. I wish to acknowledge and thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked through it.
Throughout the Conference too we experienced some technical issues also – many of them not from our end. The Go Live team were incredible-they worked through every one of them. We were able to offer the recording of the two days to be re-viewed. The Awards ceremony was also offered to our Award recipients to share with their families who would have been present if we were meeting face to face.
There wouldn’t be too many Conferences that have such an agile and committed team – Cameron called the entire Conference from Crescent Head and Kylie and Karen were the absolute masters of calm and considered. THIS was a herculean effort!!!!
Our MC Stan Grant was the master of calm as well and shared his expertise in asking all the right questions of our keynotes. The Q&A sessions were FABULOUS!!!
We, the membership thank the entre team for delivering on a suite of the richest professional learning. Building in wellbeing breaks gave a brain break and an opportunity to move around – it really allowed us to maintain focus and actively listen. The added bonus was we had the option of meeting with colleagues (within the guidelines offered by H&S). Many too joined us from the comfort of their home and some, stayed close to their schools.
Let’s hope 2022 sees us all together face to face for State Conference, PPC Meetings and Regional Conferences.
I thank the many colleagues who offered such fabulous feedback on the quality of the speakers who presented over the two days – it was absolutely mind-blowing hearing their individual stories and how they have overcoming challenges that we all as humans face in life.
The absolute privilege colleagues, was hearing and seeing the way these remarkable humans faced the challenges presented as they move forward in their lives. Very humbling and great humility was shown by each of them.
I was also heartened to rpeatedly hear the celebration of success and how rich and valuable human connection is – kindness, tribe, family, friends, society and communities.
A really strong message was about raising our heads and extending ourselves – being the change we want to see, psychological safety, doing something you have never done before, listen deeply, connect to nature, show passion and commitment, expose parts of your mind that you never have, stay calm in the sea of storm, ethical and moral purpose, grit and determination, professionalism and pride, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ , pillars of high performing people, passion reflected in purpose, service model of leadership, acts of kindness, humans at their best …. in summary – what it is that connects us and binds us – our human spirit truly is remarkable.
The line up of keynotes speak for themselves:
Sam and Cam Bloom
Dan Haesler
Dr Catherine Ball
Samantha Gash
Peter Bol
Jennifer Robinson
Mark Wales
Hugh Mackay AO
Professor Stan Grant
An Offer for the NSWPPA Membership
Claxton Speakers International has sent us a great discount if you are interested in purchasing one of Sam Blooms books through Booktopia.
Here is the Information. A generous post – speaker offer.
Promotional Code: BLOOM
Recognition and Awards Ceremony
Congratulations to these most worthy recipients of the NSWPPA Awards: -
Aboriginal Education and Communities
Tammy Anderson
Fellowship
David Munday, Ian Reeson
Life Membership
Wendy Buckley, Graeme McLeod, Diane Roberston, Graeme Ross , Sue Ruffles
NSWPPA Credential
Rebecca Adams, Rachel Andrew, Jacqueline Attard, Christopher Baker, Kerrie Beeby, Jodie Bishop, Donna Blatchford, Diana Burtenshaw, Tracie Carruthers, Monica Cidem, Nathan Collins, Daphne Constantinou, Tina Cowley, Leigh Creighton, Lynn Dallas, Skye Davis, Michelle Davy, Deborah Deratz, Brent Fennessy, Jennifer Ferlazzo, Scott Fisk, Brendan Gray, Kylie Hamersma, Kim Harris, Billy Hodgetts, Genevieve Hogg, Tara Hosking, Alison Jackson, Drew Janetzki, Kelly Jesser, Michael Lord, Geraldine O’Brien, Shay O’Day, Roxanne Picoaga, Karen Pierson, Donna Quinn, Rebecca Reynolds, Lisa Ritherdon, Samantha Said, Emma Tamsett, Brad Tate, Miriam Treton, Chad Tsakissiris, Lisa Wicks
Please find attached copies of the President’s Report, Treasurer’s Report,|AGPPA and APPA Reports.
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.
Wendy Pike - Royal Prince Alfred Hospital School
Darren Isaacs - Comboyne Public School
Haylie Craig - Shepherds Park School
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.
Women & Leadership Australia is currently offering professional development scholarships for women across all areas of the Education sector, and we encourage you to share this opportunity with your staff, members and networks.
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) supports emerging, middle, and senior women leaders across all sectors and industries. Our career-defining leadership programs bring together a focus on applied learning with the latest in leadership theory and practice. We believe that advancing gender equity, especially in leadership, is central to creating a more fair and inclusive society.
Through our Industry Partnership Framework, we work with hundreds of Australian associations and professional bodies to increase awareness and action around gender equity. With your support, we can continue to create meaningful opportunities for women leaders across the country.
Partial scholarships of $1000-$5000 per person are available for women in Education
To encourage more women to step into leadership roles across the Education sector, WLA is offering scholarships for three leadership development courses. Apply by 30 November or find out more by clicking here:
Attendance at PPC meetings for 2022
It has been such a joy for the Executive and I to be invited into your PPC Meetings this term. We have attended in a variety of ways – to update and share the current business of the Association, attended PPC Executive meetings, engaged in Principal Wellbeing sessions and have worked hand in hand with PPC delegates to co-present.
In planning for 2022, I ask you look at the NSWPPA 2022 Calendar prior to locking in your PPC Meeting dates and PPC | Regional Conferences. The Executive and I really value being invited to your meetings and combined conferences. The meeting dates are on the Website calendar.
Could all PPC Executives please send their 2022 dates to Business Manager Lisa Beare admin@nswppa.org.au as soon as they have them locked in. Thank you so much.
NSWPPA Professional Learning- Term 4 | PLO Margaret Charlton
Congratulations to our NSWPPA Principal Credential validated participants
Congratulations to the 2020-2021 cohort of school leaders who have recently completed the validation phase of this program. Completion of the program; the assessment of a Portfolio of Evidence, the presentation of an Executive Summary and refereed validation has led to recognition of leadership capacity and award of the NSW Principal Credential. Successful participants will receive a pathway for 50% of a Masters of Educational Leadership at Wollongong University. I would like to congratulate the following educational leaders:
Rebecca Adams, Rachel Andrew, Jacqueline Attard, Christopher Baker, Kerrie Beeby, Jodie Bishop, Donna Blatchford, Diana Burtenshaw, Tracie Carruthers, Monica Cidem, Nathan Collins, Daphne Constantinou, Tina Cowley, Leigh Creighton, Lynn Dallas, Skye Davis, Michelle Davy, Deborah Deratz, Brent Fennessy, Jennifer Ferlazzo, Scott Fisk, Brendan Gray, Kylie Hamersma, Kim Harris, Billy Hodgetts, Genevieve Hogg, Tara Hosking, Alison Jackson, Drew Janetzki, Kelly Jesser, Michael Lord, Geraldine O’Brien, Shay O’Day, Roxanne Picoaga, Karen Pierson, Donna Quinn, Rebecca Reynolds, Lisa Ritherdon, Samantha Said, Emma Tamsett, Brad Tate, Miriam Treton, Chad Tsakissiris, Lisa Wicks
The Principal Credential provides a substantial pathway of learning for school leadership. This program enables leaders to focus their influence and their learning on the core business of teaching and learning to have the greatest influence on student learning outcomes. Within the program, formal learning is provided through a series of seminars that enable access to international best practice, educational research and thinking. The program also includes facilitated collegial learning and focused individual learning with an experienced principal coach. The Principal Credential is founded on the Australian Professional Standard for Principals and provides personalised professional learning that is evidenced through a professional learning portfolio of artefacts of practice.
Information and an expression of interest for the next program for 2022 is available through the attachment below.
For more information please contact:
Margaret Charlton l Professional Learning Officer
Mob: 0408 905 051
mcharlton@nswppa.org.au
Essential Assessment
Monitor your School’s Strategic School Improvement Plan in real-time with Essential Assessment.
Our Numeracy and Literacy summative and formative assessments show continuous data progression for each student, class and cohort aligned with outcomes and indicators of the NSW Syllabus Maths and English from Early Stage 1 to Stage 5.3. PLAN2 Schools can instantly generate Numeracy and Literacy progression data for ALAN reporting.
Teachers Mutual Bank
Please see attached Advertisement from our partner Teachers Mutual Bank.
Please click on the link to show our support to our Corporate Partners
Key Updates from the NSWPPA Executive
COVID Intensive Learning Support Program | Vice President Michael Burgess:
Following intense lobbying by the state executive, Curriculum Reference Group and Finance and Administration Reference Group the Minister has announced an extension of the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program into 2022.
The methodology for the distribution of the funds is being reviewed. The NSWPPA has advocated for the earliest possible release of 2022 COVID ILSP funding allocations as staffing decision need to be made imminently.
Carry Forward Policy | Vice President Michael Burgess:
The NSWPPA Finance and Administration Reference Group and the state executive continue to highlight issues around the Carry Forward policy.
The NSWPPA agrees with the concept that this year’s money should be spent on this year’s students but argues that current systems make planning and actioning full expenditure difficult. We also argue that Principals should be allowed to plan strategically for operational efficiency and to meet school targets.
A reminder to all:
Automatic carry forward of funds in 6100 from 2021 to 2022 will be restricted to 3% or a cap of $100,000. (6300, 6101 funds aren’t affected)
If you plan to carry forward an amount beyond the allowable limit you must apply by the end of Week 5 to your DEL. It is important to have the discussion with your DEL prior to apply to get their support.
The Exceptional Carry Forward application process is now available on the intranet. Closure date for applications is end of Week 5 – Friday 5 November to your DEL.
Link to the SBAR information as well as Webinars (supporting both SBAR release and Carry Forward policy):
2022 SBAR release webcast and webinar (nsw.gov.au)
Link to Carry Forward Intranet page that includes updated FAQs:
Carry Forward Policy Schools (nsw.gov.au)
Frequently asked questions (nsw.gov.au)
Link to the application and guidelines:
Carry Forward Application and Guidelines (nsw.gov.au)
Support for budgeting is available from the SSR Field Services Team
Contact |
Phone |
Adam Baczynskyj |
0436 803 167 |
Dean Files |
0419 874 520 |
Lynda Skinner |
0436 811 176 |
Mark Gill |
0436 803 166 |
Philippa Furner |
0436 811 175 |
Sandra Heffernan |
0436 922 895 |
Simon Abbott |
0436 808 494 |
Changes to EAL/D Funding | Vice President Michael Burgess:
In this year’s SBAR significant changes occurred to the EAL/D funding formula. This shift moved funding to target refugees and in particular EAL/D students in later years of Secondary Schooling. The argument being these students have less time in school to learn English and thus need more support.
The background to the reasoning behind the changes is outlined in this document.
The NSWPPA has previously and continues to argue that there should have been an increase in funding rather than a redistribution of the resource to secondary students.
Parent Online Payment System (POP) Upgrade | Vice President Michael Burgess:
An upgraded Parent online Payment system has been trialled in 42 schools. After the success of this trial the new POP system will be rolled out to schools in term 1 2022.
The upgrade makes enhancements to the web app and also allows parents to pay from a mobile phone or tablet.
HPGE Pulse Check 3 Minute Survey | Vice President Norma Petrocco
HPGE Pulse Check 3 Minute Survey
The HPGE Team is requesting principals complete the 3-minute HPGE pulse check on the status of the HPGE Policy implementation in schools.
The aim of this survey is to identify areas of the HPGE Policy implementation excellence, as well as areas where additional support and resources are required.
Please click on the link or use the QR code attached on the PowerPoint slide attached.
As an incentive, principals who complete the survey will receive a hyperlinked email containing a range of HPGE support and resources for your staff and schools.
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 – have a fabulous week 4 – stay connected to each other and remember that’s it’s you who sets your priorities. Adjust the sails for term 4 and leverage off the strength of your teams, your students, and your communities. Really listen to each other and be present.
Enjoy the excitement of your students and staff returning to school and that beautiful sound of laughter and learning for all. Thankyou for the role you take in your school as you lead with heart and clarity.
Robyn
Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President