What's Hot June

President’s Report:

Simon Sinek is one of my favourites – aligning my purpose, following through with actions and striving to grow and serve better. Leadership for us encompasses much – professionally and personally. Leadership is a service to be given. Creating something that can last is the challenge. Starting with the WHY is fundamental. ‘Progress is fuelled by the undying belief that the future is bright’

Optimism and hope are key in our roles. We also need to take action in order to have desired impact.  How we move forward together matters even more. By focusing on what you can influence and make gains there is progress.  

The Association pillars Support Empower Advocate and Lead are also a model of the work you do in your own schools. Our schools are incredible places – they are the heart of our communities and truly amazing places for students and staff – never underestimate the key role you have in your school. Thank you all for leading as you do. YOU are the difference in your school!

The NSWPPA Story | Yidung Yerreeningga

The artwork is simply beautiful and I know many of you have seen it in the office. Your Delegate has a small token for you. The Association story and this artwork is shared on the postcard and the pin signifies how each of our schools are at the heart of the work of the Association by supporting, empowering, advocating and leading. We have ordered a limited edition run of scarves and ties using this beautiful artwork – will keep you updated when available.

Sharon Robbie the artist: ‘The gathering circle symbolises PPC’s and school communities. The prominent arches are the Principal’s the smaller circles within the circles are the students. These elements in a spectrum of colour illustrate the diversity of the groups and individuals coming together. The mountains at the base symbolise ancestral lands with connecting journey lines. The dreaming dots in clusters represent the many opportunities and narratives that meld our identity. The Pleiades constellation in the sky signifies the ‘Seven Sisters Dreaming’ – a revered indigenous story woven into the songlines of numerous clan groups across Australia. The banksia flowers symbolise nourishment and wellness in our culture.’

The National School Reform Agreement:

The joint agreement between Commonwealth, States and Territories to lift student outcomes across Australia – the New South Wales Government is holding the line on ensuring the agreement meets the needs of NSW students. This was discussed at the recent meeting with Deputy Premier | Prue Car and at the Roadshows Secretary | Murat Dizdar addressed this funding. An announcement is imminent.

Road Shows | Secretary and Deputy Secretaries:

The Roadshows have been well attended and the coverage of questions has been similar as well as varied. Questions were invited and actions committed to. Murat addressed this on the webinar whilst on the roadshow in Ballina this week.

The Bathurst Roadshow is being rescheduled and there will be at least two Roadshows hosted in the Metropolitan area in term 3. A compilation of the questions asked at each venue will be made available too.

Behaviour Support for Schools:

The behaviour support for schools has been incredibly well attended and the feedback has been positive for the team. Thread 3 and 4 information is available for these workshops. The practical nature – tips and resources for classrooms and playground feature.

Upcoming events to register for:
Monday 22 July – Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Dubbo
Tuesday 20 August – Penrith, Wagga Wagga and Batemans Bay.

The Executive Teaching Time Review:

We can anticipate clarity on the recommendations in term 3 so as we can plan for the start of 2025 when the recommendations become practice. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey, participated in interviews or attended round tables – the representation of the PPA and SPC was noted by the team - this is a matter the DoE and NSW Teachers Federation negotiate. The voice of the workforce and the Association has been strong and valued.

Meeting with the Deputy Premier | Prue Car:

The NSWPPA Executive met with Deputy Premier Prue Car and her team. We discussed matters pertaining to the Budget, NSRA and next steps, Enrolments, the Executive Teaching Time Review, the Staff Wellbeing Strategy and a number of other current issues. The Deputy Premier is well aware of the tension points schools are experiencing and we remain focused on solutions and planning for what’s ahead.

NESA Changes to Professional Learning - announcement expected soon:

Staff will require 100 hours of Professional Learning over five years. There are announcements pending regarding the hours that can be counted – accredited and non accredited including many forms of PL – podcasts, readings, course attendance etc – there will also be a variety of ways you can log your PL..

The School Leadership Institute, DoE and the Professional Learning of the Associations are collaborating to ensure the PL meets the needs of School Improvement Plans, Leadership and Curriculum delivery.

There is also a conversation that compliance training could be recorded as part of the 100 hours. THAT’S great news for us all!!

2024 SPC Conference | Acknowledging President Craig Petersen:

Last week the NSWSPC membership  attended their Annual Conference in Sydney at Hyatt Regency. The theme of their Conference wass: ‘Better Together’ -collaborate, embrace difference and celebrate diversity. Keynotes included: Craig Foster | Kylie Captain | Craig Reucassel | Nicole Mockler and Kylie Moore Gilbert.

The SPC acknowledged the Presidency of Craig Petersen and inducted the newly elected Executive led by Denise Lofts. At State Council last week the NSWPPA acknowledged Craig Petersen – a wise and incredible leader of the NSWSPC over the past five years. It has indeed been a privilege to work with him and his members throughout this time. An amazing period at that you would agree!!

Next term we will invite the newly elected President Denise Lofts to join us at State Council. The way we continue the business now and into the future of the Associations individually and together matters.

Upcoming NSWPPA State Executive Election | 2024-2026:

Mark Pritchard | Executive Officer presides over the NSWPPA State Executive Elections. Term 3 is nomination and election time.

Please note the dates:

Week 5 Wednesday 21 August Nominations Open

Week 7 Wednesday 4 September Nominations Close

Week 8 Wednesday 11 September Election Opens

Week 10 Wednesday 25 September Election Closes

Week 10 Thursday 26 September Election Result Broadcast to all members

The role description and commitment of individual positions is explained in the ‘Handbook for members of the NSW Primary Principals’ Association’ available on the website. Take the time to speak to one of the current Executive if you are considering nominating for the upcoming election. Any one of us would be happy to share the privilege of being an elected member of the Executive. The newly elected and incoming Executive commence at the conclusion of the NSWPPA State Conference 2024.

Updating your information on the website and financial status:

As we lead into term 3 and in preparation for the NSWPPA Executive Election and the NSWPPA State Conference registration, I urge you to check your financial status and your information listed on the website.

Currently we are having issues with logging into the website if you haven’t done so for a while.

If you require any assistance contact our Business Manager: Lisa Beare – admin@nswppa.org.au or 0438233045.

Federal Budget Announcements this week | Education:

On Tuesday, the Minns Government announced their Budget – I quote directly ‘ We are repairing schools that have been neglected for over a decade – we’ll provide overdue upgrades to bathrooms , classrooms. Labs and workshops in some of our most neglected schools to secure them for generations.’

We look forward to more details on this announcement and where we will see the funding land and when.

2023 funding – NAP budget adjustments:

As you are aware, NAP funding is provided as a monthly budget adjustment in arrears to eligible students for a maximum of 4 terms. Based on the 2023 school budgets, most schools had sufficient funds to cover these expenses and any remaining funds should have been managed in accordance with Carry Forward Policy. In line with the Carry Forward Policy, the November/December 2023 payment will not be included in 2024 transfers to schools.

2024 EAL/D funding:

There will be no impact on funding provided this year to support your EAL/D learners who are eligible for NAP support. Monthly budgets adjustments will continue to be processed for all eligible students throughout the 2024 calendar year. You should continue to make staffing decisions to ensure that the students eligible and funded under the program can be supported throughout the year. There will be review of the  end-of-year processes to ensure the full entitlement can be paid within the calendar year.

If you have any questions about the New Arrivals Program, please contact Paul Wood, Executive Director, Educational Standards via Paul.Wood@det.nsw.edu.au. For any questions or concerns regarding your total school budget, please contact your Director, Educational Leadership.

Enrolment Roundtable Update:

As a way of an update following the enrolment policy and enrolment share roundtable held on 23 April 2024, the department’s Executive met recently to discuss ideas raised and discussed from the roundtable.

It was clear at that meeting that there is a lot to unpack. Murat wants to move quickly here and has asked the team to work through potential feasibility, impacts and benefits of any changes, with an eye to giving us the best chance of achieving our shared goals of an outstanding and equitable education system and increasing public school enrolment share.

The Executive will meet again in early July to agree on ideas to be implemented. Murat has committed to updating us on the measures we will push ahead with and continuing to work with us to refine these and ensure schools are supported through any change.

Delivering the necessary boost to public school enrolment share will take time, energy, sustained focus and partnership.

Distance Education:

As announced last week, the department will be conducting a review into the provision of distance education and will consider current departmental approaches to the education of students accessing distance education in and through NSW Public Schools.

The review will provide insight into how the department provides access to the curriculum, teaching and learning through the 11 schools for Distance Education in NSW. Consideration will also be given to the role of distance education alongside other virtual and hybrid educational provision currently occurring in NSW, including Aurora College.

It will also provide insight into the provision of alternate hybrid and virtual models of teaching and learning across NSW, Australia and other jurisdictions, identifying options to develop an approach that ensures all students can access best practice modes of delivery.

The review will seek opportunities for future policy directions, programs and services that optimise equity and excellence in outcomes for students and ensure statewide consistency and focus. We will conduct the review over the next 9 months in extensive consultation with key stakeholders across the state and is a key strategic priority for the department.

For more information, please refer to the attached Terms of Reference. If you have questions regarding this review please contact Sally Blackadder, Deputy Secretary Strategic Priorities on 0461 546 622 or Lynne Irvine, Executive Director Strategic Priorities via DistanceEducation@det.nsw.edu.au.

NSWPPA Charity Partner | Stewart House | You can help a Stewart House child for $2:

Stewart House participates in two raffles annually – now and at the end of the year. These raffles are a vital source of funding for Stewart House. Your support significantly helps raise more than $5 million needed annually to provide the program to over 1,600 of our students.

Tickets can be purchased to support Stewart House in the  Community Lottery - Stewart House Children's Charity previously known as People’s Choice

• Tickets are $2 each
• All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Stewart House

Stewart House appreciate your support and consideration in helping provide students in need with a transformative 12 day stay.

Vale Fred Armstrong:

The NSWPPA received the following sad news about the passing of 2008 Life Member Fred Armstrong from his daughter, Sue Cooper. 

‘It is with great sadness that I advise you that my Dad and long-term member, Fred Armstrong, passed away last Thursday. He was so very passionate about his career and was still talking about his teaching and principal memories at the end of his life. Dad kept up to date with education issues and read all related articles in the paper, loving a discussion on each to express his thoughts with me as I am still in the profession.’

Fred was a member of the first NSWPPA State Executive 1981 and served a number of communities as Principal including being the founding Principal of Tharawal PS in the Sutherland Shire. Fred’s daughter and grand daughter are both teachers – his legacy in education lives on.

The NSWPPA is stronger because of Fred’s leadership, innovation and wisdom.

Annual Conference News:

Tuesday 29 October - Friday 1 November at Sofitel Wentworth Sydney. 

Conference theme: The Power of Legacy 

The registration cost remains the same as the last two years.  

Face-to-face $1050 / Virtual (online access) $500. 

Registration opens Tuesday 23 July 2024

Confirmed speakers:  
Dean Boxall – Olympic swim coach
Kate McClymont AM – journalist for SMH
Dr Jordan Nguyen – engineer and inventor
Vanessa Stoykov – CEO financial education media company
Dr Gina Cleo – Habit expert
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts – First Nations human rights advocate
Dr Arne Rubinstein – CEO & founder of The Rites of Passage Institute
Dr Dinesh Palipani OAM – doctor, lawyer, scientist and disability advocate
Prof. Georgina Long AO – 2024 Australian of the Year
Dr Simon Breakspear - MC – educational leader, researcher & advisor

Thanks to the schools and principals who put forward their students for the opening performance. Donna and Kylie W said it was brilliant to have so much choice!

We have organised for a new tab to be added to the PPA website for conference. This will be updated regularly, particularly leading up to conference. All the information you need will be on there.

Polly and Louise are working hard in the sponsorship area. There were 35 registrations within 30 minutes of sponsorship opening! Remember that sponsorship covers the cost of our social events so lock in the EXPO date for your office staff and exec members to attend on Tuesday 29 October. The EXPO theme is Carnival of Legacies, so start planning your accessories/props/outfits.

Daryl and Vicki are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that registration opens on day 2, week 1 of next term, and Michelle is liaising with the Retired principals and PPA Life Members to organise their functions to be held on Wednesday 20^th October to coincide with the NSWPPA Awards Ceremony.

Note that Murat has mentioned repeatedly that the PPA state conference is not affected by budget constraints and fully supports our attendance. The recent SPC conference had more principals than usual attend, so let’s see if we can do the same.

NSWPPA Awards | State Conference:

One of the absolute highlights of the NSWPPA State Conference is the recognition of our colleagues.  Start these conversations now as at the start of term 3 you will receive detailed information on how to nominate and the criteria for these awards.

We have listened to your feedback on the Awards and recommendations will be put to the Executive and ratified at the Week 9 Executive Meeting. Thank you to Norma Petrocco and Leah Martin for leading this work.  Stay tuned and start thinking.

NSW Primary Deputy Principal Network Conference:

The annual NSW Primary Deputy Principal Network conference will be held on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September at Novotel Northbeach, Wollongong. The four key words for the 2024 conference highlight some of the many characteristics we build on as school leaders. Adapting to the changing educational climate and requirements of our role. Continuing to develop the knowledge to be the best leaders we can be. Pausing and exploring the compassion and empathy we exhibit to develop cultures of care. Coming together as a community to celebrate our strength as leaders and people.

Registration link: 

New transition to high school resources:

In March this year, colleagues from the department’s CESE – Schools Policy team attended the PPA State Executive meeting to discuss what the department is doing to complement the excellent work already happening in NSW public schools to support students during the transition to Year 7. 

As a first step, in 2024 the team launched a Transition to high school webpage on the NSW Department of Education (staff-only) website and is excited to let you know the webpage will be updated to include additional resources for schools before the start of Term 3. This will include:

• a downloadable and editable PDF version of the Transition scope and sequence section of the webpage. This is in response to feedback received via the webpage feedback form
• 3 illustrations of practice sharing transition to high school practices in some NSW schools – CESE would like to thank the principals and staff from Corowa High School, James Cook Boys Technology High School and Kotara School who have shared their practices and worked closely with the team to develop an illustration of practice.

Following extensive consultation and co-design with schools across NSW, CESE is also currently developing a new Student on a Page dashboard to automate the sharing of key student information between primary and high schools during transition. CESE aims to release the dashboard later this year and will communicate this broadly through department communication channels, including this newsletter. CESE would like to thank all school colleagues who have shared valuable insights to help shape this work.

New National Study – The Impact and management of Secondary Trauma in Educators:

A recent Australian review by Oberg et al (2023), published in Frontiers in Education, identified the need for additional research into the impact on teachers working with traumatized students.

Although many educators are implementing trauma informed practice to better support the wellbeing and learning of students who have experienced trauma, there is a lack of focus on the impact of this important work on educators. Supporting students with trauma exposes educators to secondary trauma (commonly called vicarious trauma in the community). This could include the distress of learning about the trauma experienced by a student or their family member and/or managing consequential behavioural changes within the school environment.

Deakin University and Dr Adam Fraser have partnered up to further study this issue. The aim of this study is to answer four key questions:

1. How prevalent is this issue in Australian schools?
2. What are the key factors that lead to secondary trauma in educators?
3. What are the strategies that are used to manage it?
4. What strategies are most effective in minimizing the impact of secondary trauma?

COMPLETE THIS QUICK 10 MINUTES SURVEY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE OR CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.

There is also an option at the end of the survey to participate in an interview with a senior researcher at Deakin University. This important part of the research will allow us to identify what are some of the key factors that are helpful in managing and mitigating the impact of vicariously experiencing trauma.

Harvard Scholarship opportunity for school leaders:

The Harvard Club of Australia (HCA) has over 40 scholarships to The Principals' Centre in Australia - a joint program of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and Harvard Club of Australia (HCA). The five-day leadership program will be hosted in Sydney from 13 - 17 January 2025.

Applications are now open, and the deadline for the first round of Scholarships is 30 June. Further information about the program and a link to apply can be found here. On applying via the website, applicants will be asked to create an account to manage their application. To be considered for a scholarship, an applicant must tick a box on the application form to indicate their intent. 

You may be eligible for the HCA Scholarship. This includes 80% of the program tuition, hotel accommodation and breakfast, and a travel stipend. Available scholarship funding will focus on school leaders who lead Australian public schools with an ICSEA score of less than 1000 or those in regional and rural Australia. The attached one-pager provides more details.

Anxiety Project | Deputy President Rob Walker:

There has been recent media about The Anxiety Project. What’s it all about? Here are some links.
ABC TV News Breakfast
ABC Breakfast Radio
2GB 7.30am news
The Educator

Key facts about the Project

• Reducing anxiety & building resilience in children in NSW Public Schools
• 2 year project in each school
• 39,172 students currently involved
• 3,500 teaching & non-teaching staff
• 2,500 parents
• 113 schools
• 4 impact measures over multiple time periods
• Impact intervention reports provided to each school

Layers of support

• School leader training
• Implementation coach training
• Teaching & non-teaching staff training
• Lesson delivery to students
• Parent training
• Coach Cafes fortnightly
• Principal Cafes termly
• Newsletters fortnightly
• LearnWorlds – learning management system with extensive project resources

What is the data showing?
The project sees schools use four (university designed) instruments to measure the impact of the project.

• Teachers reflection on student anxious behaviour
• Students reflection on student anxious behaviour
• Teachers reflection on their own confidence to identify and know how best to respond
• Parent accommodation of anxious behaviour

The data collected is interpreted by tertiary researchers funded through the PPA by our Department. The data from the 23-24 cohort of schools is showing us the project is impacting on student anxious behaviours (reducing) and teacher confidence (increasing). We are still waiting on the data from the parent tool.

From the Teacher Report (on student anxiety) measure

• 34% schools reported a reduction in anxious behaviours in students
• 63% schools reported no change in anxious behaviours in students
• Reduction in means scores for
  • Social Anxiety (social interactions)
  • Generalised anxiety (their world generally)
• % students shifted from clinical & extreme categories of anxiety to borderline and non-clinical

From the student’s read of self data:

• Significant reduction in mean scores for child’s worries about matters inside the home
• 72% of schools showed a drop in mean scores from T0 to T1
• 70% schools aligned on Teacher Report and CALIS measured

From the Teacher’s reflection on their confidence levels

• At T0 more than half the teachers rated themselves as ‘not confident’ or only ‘somewhat confident’ for addressing and effectively assisting anxious children to manage their feelings and worries
• At T1 more than 50% rated themselves as ‘confident’ or ‘extremely confident’.
• Teachers continue to use behaviour as their primary strategy for identifying anxious behaviour and significantly less so for physical cues, emotional cues and direct verbal advice from students.

Individual schools involved in the project are reporting on the positive outcomes for students and school staff involved in the project.

This is a PPA Good News story.

Schools wishing to express interest in joining the project should complete the EOI form on the PPA website. Further enquiries to Deputy President, Rob Walker (rob.walker@det.nsw.edu.au) or Vice-President Trish Peters (trish.peters@det.nsw.edu.au .

Reference Groups, Standing Committees and Working Parties | Deputy President Rob Walker:

The Association has 12 reference groups, 9 standing committees and 2 working parties. Our priorities are principal wellbeing, leading learning and school operations. We address our priorities by working in our core roles: support, empower, advocate and lead (SEAL).

Our reference groups, standing committees and working parties are a key part of our association which effectively deliver in each of our roles. We are a collaborative group. Reference groups have representatives from each of ten regions of the state plus and executive liaison. Our standing committees have appointed members who have been identified as holding specialist expertise in the area of work of the standing committee. Our standing committees operate on an ongoing basis while our working parties tend to be shorter term and focused on specific task outcomes. Through these groups, and the local area contacts, we have 980 (of 1760) members regularly supporting, empowering, advocating and demonstrating leadership to colleagues. If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. The work of these groups is future focused and reactionary. Future positions are shaped and we liaise with the various directorates of the Department and other stakeholders in education to ensure to the best of our ability, NSW public education most effectively services the learning needs of the nearly 800,000 students enrolled in our schools. It’s an invigorating, at times, demanding, act of service – on top of leading a school.

We see the chairs of these groups as part of the extended executive of the association. They are routinely called upon by State Executive for advice in shaping discussions and positions with DoE senior management. The relationships the chairs establish with the DoE officers in their work space lead to positive outcomes for us in our work. Our culture matters. Solution-focused.

Let’s take a moment to pause and value the work of so many amongst us who act in service to colleagues, whether its being in one of the groups mentioned here, fulfilling the role of area contact, or being a member of a PPC and regularly attending because we might be the one a colleague reaches out to.

NSWPPA Priorities Update | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

The NSWPPA Priorities have been updated and uploaded onto our website.

The document details key aspects of our work organised into 3 key broad priority areas.

Just like your school plan, the priorities document in no way reflects the length and breadth of how we collectively support, empower, advocate and lead to advance public education.

A huge thanks to our chairpersons, delegates and state executive for their collaborative efforts to help update the document.

Amplifying Our Advocacy –Research into Trauma and Vicarious Trauma

“Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument” has become one of the NSWPPA mantras that underpins our association’s constructive, solution’s focused culture.

There are currently two important research projects our state and national associations are involved in that are seeking to quantify the impact of trauma and vicarious trauma on our colleagues.

Each survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and both are seeking huge numbers responses to ensure valid and reliable data.

Please take the time to read and complete the surveys.

‘Understanding the psycho-social impact on principals leading school communities through critical incidents’.    

The Tasmanian Principals’ Association (TPA) has gained a PARF funding grant to undertake research on the impact of critical incidences on school principals. – ‘Understanding the psycho-social impact on principals leading school communities through critical incidents’.    

We are seeking your support in helping educational systems and stakeholders build an understanding of contemporary school leaders experiences of critical incidents in completing this simple survey - Click Here  

EV Taskforce Update | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

The EV Taskforce is continuing to work on streamlining Self-Assessment and External Validation processes by addressing processes and improving SPaRO. The consultation on this piece of work has been exemplary and we can see from the ongoing iterative changes that our voices have been heard.

It is vital to remember that focusing on school excellence through effective planning and evaluation processes is some of the “right work” for school leaders to focus our time on to improve student outcomes.

Our association has been deeply invested in this project from the very beginning of the school excellence journey. The NSWDoE and NSWPPA /NSWSPC have shared a preferred vision for a professionally led model (based on a codesigned School Excellence Framework) rather than an Ofsted style inspectorial model of accountability.

Staff Wellbeing Strategy Advisory Group Update | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

We continue to advocate for the implementation of initiatives that address core staff wellbeing issues in the Principal Occupational Health and Wellbeing survey, and the People Matters Survey.

The team has been focused on executing the strategy mainly within the remit of their own directorate within their direct circle of influence. The NSWPPA is advocating for their remit to be radically expanded to use a risk management approach to mitigate the clear psychosocial hazards across the system.

The Flourish Podcast | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

The Flourish Movement Podcast hits 20,000 plays!!!

Our colleagues continue to generously share their personal stories and the impact of the flourish movement strategies on their leadership effectiveness and sustainability.

Over 20,000 plays have been clocked up, with school leadership teams and PPCs sharing the episodes as part of professional learning sessions around the episode themes.

In this very special episode, we talk about the deep meaning and purpose that sits behind school leaders. Our guest, the incredible Melinda Smith, shares her inspiring story and the journey that led her to a leadership role at a special education school, revealing the profound meaning and purpose that drives her work each day.

She opens up about her personal connection to special education and how it shaped her career path. Drawing from her own experiences and insights, Melinda shares valuable lessons emphasising the importance of living in alignment to your meaning and values. She reminds us that school leaders, as well as educators in general, have the extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students and communities, so long they don’t lose sight of what’s really important.

In this podcast episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Principal Adam Downes. Join us as we unpack the concept of Kevin and how Adam used it to evolve his leadership. Through vulnerability and self-awareness, he has managed to take a new approach to the way he engages with his inner critic. 

We explore how he uses self-awareness and acceptance to get perspective on his leadership style, as well as practical strategies he developed to improve his capability as a leader.  

If you want to find out more about how you can re-imagine the relationship you have with your inner critic, make sure you tune in to this great episode, as we explore the fascinating relationship we all have with our thoughts and emotions. 

AGPPA National Council Report | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

The Term 1 AGPPA meeting was held after the NSWPPA State Council so this report includes information from term 1 and term 2.  

Annual General Meeting  

The term 1 AGPPA National Council included the Annual General Meeting and election of office bearers:  
President: Patrick Murphy (QASSP) 
Vice President: Robyn Evans (NSWPPA) 
Secretary: Neil Smith (WAPPA) 
Treasurer: Andrew Dalgleish (VPA) 

To note: There is an ongoing discussion around the future of having a full-time (funded) AGPPA President to elevate the Association’s voice and to be a regular visibility at the respective State and Territory Association’s State Councils/Assemblies/Meetings. 

A Better and Fairer Start for All: A case for funding all government primary school to their schooling resource Standard as soon as possible.  

AGPPA commissioned a paper by a research team, Pasi Sahlberg, Trevor Cobbold and Caitlin Senior to underpin our position that all government primary schools should be fully funded at 100% of the SRS at the commencement of the next National School Reform Agreement.  

The paper is available via the AGPPA Website and in the State Council resources. 

Please share with PPC Meetings.  

AGPPA Strategic Plan 

The national council spent time at term 1 and term 2 meetings reviewing the AGPPA Strategic plan. There is an acknowledgement that AGPPA is maturing and there is optimism about the future influence of the association.  The plan strengthens the purpose and direction of the association, with a strong focus on enhancing our advocacy.  The plan is being updated and will be published on completion.  

APPA Conference Hosting Protocols 

The AGPPA Executive are leading a review of the protocols for hosting the APPA Conference.  

The State Of The Nation 

Every state provides a snapshot of the positive changes and challenges to the national council.  

As part of the evolution of the association, the state of the nation themes are now being used to identify our strategic focus each term, as well as guide the development of position papers to strengthen our advocacy.  State position papers will be shared at the term 3 meeting with a view to strengthening national positions on key issues. 

Good Signs for NSW Public Schools | Vice President Michael Burgess:

Police and Principals | Vice President Greg McLaren:

NSW Police and NSW Department of Education Principals

A positive partnership between schools and police is essential. Similarly to Principals, NSW police has various powers, but the two groups also have limits to their authority. For example, generally our authority is most things within the school boundary and for police it is to reduce crime and violence as well as to improve public safety in the community. Both groups have legislation and judicial precedent supporting their roles.

NSW Police and schools (NSW Department of Education) have a formal active agreement. An updated version of this agreement is imminent. The current Memorandum of understanding with NSW Police (MoU) is found on the DoE Legal Services website. The MoU details various aspects of NSW legislation with sharing of information about students and responsibilities to protect children.

Principals should keep informed and build a partnership with their local police. Section 9 of the MoU states that for “each year, local Police Area Commanders eg Superintendents and Chief Inspectors, are required to convene two meetings with Primary Principals in their Local Area Command. Principals are expected to attend these meetings”. Further information about the purpose and scope of these meetings is found in the abovementioned MoU link.

IMPORTANT: Principals and school staff are encouraged to call Triple Zero (000) when you require urgent assistance from police. This option is recommended rather than directly calling the local police station or mobile number of a known local police officer. It will ensure the police follow through, follow up and have a record of your notification. Not all calls to the local police station are logged nor do all have a desired response. For non-urgent matters call the local police station.

When police attend your school site you should notify your DEL. If their attendance is due to an emergency or incident, you are also required to call DoE Health and Safety directorate (HSSW) on 1800 811 523 within a reasonable time. Seconded senior police in HSSW can further assist your needs. This practice of reporting is not only for police but all emergency services eg ambulance on school site.

Police Interviews with Students and School Staff

Police may seek to interview students or school staff. Principals are encouraged to understand protocols in relation to this request. Some initial considerations are to cooperate fully with police where possible. Firstly, establish the purpose of the interview. Students may need additional support and their parents to be notified. For Principals being interviewed, you do not have to answer any questions asked of you. It is also suggested that police do not conduct interviews of students or staff on school premises. Generally permitted is for you, school staff and students the entitlement to a support person. Another point to note is to never sign a statement unless you have read it thoroughly and seek legal representation if relevant. Further information can be found in Legal Issues Bulletin # 13 Police or DCJ - interviews in schools additionally DoE Legal Services https://education.nsw.gov.au/inside-the-department/legal-services and/or HSSW can be contacted. If a Principal requires direct support assistance can be given by the NSWPPA. 

Crimes Act NSW 1900 60E

Legislation specifically Police will directly act in relation to “a person who assaults, stalks, harasses or intimidates any school student or member of staff of a school while the student or member of staff is attending a school, although no actual bodily harm is occasioned”. ‘School premises’ includes parks and other premises being used by the school. Interestingly, a defence to the charge is that the conduct amounted to reasonable disciplinary action by a member of staff against a student.

Serious penalty carrying a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison is given to someone prosecuted beyond reasonable doubt under section 60E of Crimes Act 1900 No 40

Exclusion Notice for Trespass

Schools are prescribed premises under the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901. A police officer may issue a penalty notice to a person if it appears to the police officer that the person has committed an offence against this Act. See Legal Issues Bulletin #58 Unauthorised entry onto departmental premises  for more details about the Act. For most matters it is recommended that a warning letter be issued prior to the banning notification. Paramount consideration must be given to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff if such strategies are contemplated. Police can directly issue a banning letter on behalf of the school to the alleged offender. Additionally, DoE Legal Services can be contacted. If a Principal requires direct support the NSWPPA can assist. 

Schools are encouraged to build a positive rapport with their local police and especially with the assigned local Police Youth Liaison Officer in their Police Area Command and/or Police District.

This paper was compiled by Greg McLaren. A copy will be forwarded to DoE Legal Services.

General Assistants in schools | Vice President Greg McLaren:

As the conditions of employment for general assistant (GAs) is currently under review some information to guide you at-point-in-time is below.

GAs are employed under the Government Sector Employment Act 2013  and their conditions are provided in the Crown Employees (General Assistants in Schools - Department of Education) Award . In addition to this, some conditions are provided in the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award

GAs perform a range of tasks relating to the routine maintenance and upkeep of departmental school grounds in accordance with health and safety requirements. The GA role description can be viewed from the school-based role description library.

GAs must record their attendance in accordance with the provisions in section 10.3 of the Finance in Schools Handbook. The school sign on process may be printed or electronic as determined by the principal.

The ordinary hours of work for full-time GAs are 38 hours per week between the hours of 6.00 am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday (inclusive) for eight hours (not including the unpaid lunch break) per day on 19 days of each 20 day cycle. A GA cannot work their ordinary hours on a Saturday or a Sunday. The starting and finishing times that a GA works are determined by the principal, taking into account the operational needs of the school. The ordinary hours of work for part-time GAs are up to 35.5 hours a week or 7.6 hours per day (7 hours 36 minutes not including the unpaid lunch break) or pro-rata for part of a day.

GAs are entitled to a 30 minute unpaid lunch break when they have worked for more than 5 hours on any given day. They are also entitled to a paid 10 minute morning tea break. The timing of these breaks is determined by the Principal, taking into account the operational needs of the school.

The GA Award includes the provision for a rostered day off (RDO) for full-time GAs. Full-time GAs who work an eight hour day accrue 0.4 of an hour (24 minutes) per day for 19 days of a 20 day cycle. This time accrues towards an RDO which can be taken on the 20th day of the cycle. If the Principal and the GA agree, RDOs can be accumulated and taken in the next occurring school vacation or in some other way. A GA who is absent on recreation leave or sick leave will continue to accumulate credit towards their rostered day off.

General Assistants - protective clothing and equipment

Below is information for schools on the provision of personal protective equipment for general assistants. The information on this page is based on Industrial Relations Circular 12/06. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, workplace managers are obliged to take certain steps to ensure the safety of employees.

Principals, as workplace managers, should consider the risks of the particular work undertaken by general assistants and provide personal protective equipment as part of that risk assessment and as appropriate. The following is an example of the equipment that a school may provide to a general assistant:

2 x dust coats OR 2 x overalls OR 1 x dust coat and 1 x overalls OR 1 x shirt and 1 x trousers. PLUS….
1 x plastic raincoat with hood 1 x pair plastic trousers.
1 x pair industrial gloves, leather 1 x pair rubber gloves.
1 x pair earmuffs, medium attenuation, if operating a ride-on mower.
1 x pair safety goggles and 1 x pair safety boots – if operating motor mower 1 x pair wellington boots.
1 x sun hat.
Sunscreen cream as needed.

The cost for purchasing this equipment is absorbed through school global budget funds and should be replaced due to wear or tear, or if an item is lost. It is not an entitlement that general assistants have access to each year, but instead as the protective clothing and equipment is required.

For further information, please contact the Employees Relations directorate: 

This paper was compiled by Greg McLaren using information provided by various sections in the DoE.

Transitioning from one Third Party Supplier to another | Vice President Leah Martin:

To better support schools that are planning to replace their current Administration Marketplace Panel for Schools (AMPS) supplier with another AMPS supplier, the department has developed and published the Guide to transitioning between AMPS supplier products.

The guide outlines essential information that schools should be aware of and the actions to be undertaken.

Key information and resources include:

• Prerequisites: Factors to consider within the planning stage, prior to initiating the transition.
• School Transition Checklist: Instructions to navigate the transition process.
• Transition-in Plan Template: Outlines tasks and responsibilities during the transitioning in process.
• Transition-out Plan Template: Outlines tasks and responsibilities during the transitioning out process.
• Migrated Data Verification Document: List of data verification checks to ensure accuracy of migrated data.

The department will keep refining the guide as we work with the suppliers to make it easier for schools to transition between AMPS suppliers. Therefore, we encourage all schools to visit the AMPS website https://education.nsw.gov.au/amps for the latest information.

Digital Citizenship revamped! | Vice President Leah Martin:

The Digital Citizenship website provides advice and resources for schools and communities to support educators in continuing to deliver online safety and good digital skills and has just had an excellent revamp.

What can I get from this website?

You can find advice and resources on various topics for yourself, students parents and carers, such as:

• Lesson plans and classroom resources
• Banking and shopping online
• Password hygiene
• Spotting scams and hoaxes online
• Gaming and social media safety
• Screen time and digital footprints
• Conducting research online
• Looking after your health with technology
• Protecting privacy online

Related resources that you might like to check out:

• Cybermarvel online safety awareness program
• Cyber Safety intranet
• Cyber safe families
• Contact the Digital Citizenship team

Curriculum Reform Update | Vice President Norma Petrocco:

NSW Curriculum Reform Key Messages | Megan Kelly
Executive Director | Curriculum & Reform

This term has been action-packed, and we're excited to share the latest resources, advice, and opportunities as part of our ongoing NSW Curriculum Reform efforts:

• High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE): At the recent HPGE Working Group meeting, members expressed interest in our illustrations of practice (IOP). These tools help school leaders build capability and engage staff in rich discussions. Each IOP includes differentiated professional learning questions for school leaders and teachers. For more information contact hpge@det.nsw.edu.au.
• Updated reporting to parents advice: We have updated our reporting to parents advice for English and mathematics K–6, including sample reports now available online in PDF format.
• Join the Curriculum Reform Community (CRC) for Schools for Specific Purposes (SSP): There’s still time to join our new CRC for SSPs and Support Units. Nominate a school coordinator to represent your school.
• Support for school leaders and transition coordinators: We have developed support for school leaders and transition coordinators, including an Illustration of practice to facilitate the continuity of learning from primary to high school. You can use these resources to analyse best practice and evaluate the current practices within your schools.
• Reminder to set up SRE/SEE options: For schools that use the Online Enrolment System (OES), please ensure you have set up your SRE/SEE options before the end of Term 2, 2024 deadline. See reminder on the staff noticeboard for more information.

New resources and microlearning for syllabus implementation

We released new resources to support primary teachers during the ‘enact’ phase of new syllabus implementation for English, mathematics and modern languages.

English

• Sample units for English 3–6.
• English Stage 2 first year Unit 4 has been amended.
• English instructional sequences for grammar and punctuation have been developed for Stage 2, Stage 3 and multi-age.
• A new English 3–6 microlearning module ‘Extending reading practices in Years 3–6’ is now available

Mathematics

• Sample units for mathematics 3–6
• The full suite of mathematics microlearning modules is now available for leaders and teachers. Access the mathematics K–2 microlearning and mathematics 3–6 microlearning

Modern languages

• New sample units for modern languages are available on Planning, programming and assessing languages K-6 for:
• Early Stage 1 – Chinese – ‘Show and tell’
• Stage 1 – Korean – ‘Who is it?’
• Stage 1 – Vietnamese – ‘Party time’.

For more information or support, please email us at: curriculumprimarylearnerscorrespondence@det.nsw.edu.au.

SRE / SEE | Secretary Michael Trist:

The NSWPPA executive continue to promote our position paper on Special Religious Education & Special Education in Ethics - https://nswppa.org.au/position-papers . To try and address ongoing concerns from our members, we are currently asking the program providers, the DoE and the NSW government to agree to a review of how these programs are running in our schools - stay tuned.

In the meantime, if you have concerns about the performance of any of the SRE or SEE volunteers in your school, you are encouraged to notify the bodies which they represent - please contact NSWPPA Secretary Michael Trist if advice is required.

Annual Executive Review Process | Secretary Michael Trist

At State Council a presentation was made on tips to help navigate the process whereby schools gain or lose executive positions as their school enrolments rise and fall. The State Council kit includes a powerpoint which can assist principals to maximise their chances of a favourable outcome, and your PPC delegate may share it at your next meeting - please contact NSWPPA Secretary Michael Trist if further advice is required.

2024 Professional Learning | PLO Drew Janetzki:

We are excited to share key highlights from the recent State Council updates on our Professional Learning Programs.

CLARITY LEARNING SUITE

Currently we have over 350 participants register into Clarity Learning Suite from 30+ schools.

The CLARITY 14 Parameters alignment demonstrates clear alignment with the NSW Public Education Plan. Thanks again to the amazing CLARITY Learning Suite Team Lyn Sharratt, Maggie Ogram & Sue Walsh.  If you are seeking further CLARITY visit: https://nswppa.org.au/clarity-learning-suite.

Successful Pilot Program: The Semester 1 pilot has been a great success, Semester 2 is now open for expressions of interest via: https://forms.office.com/r/d3EyfUafFE

Our Semester 2 Pilot 2 EOI is also available via: https://forms.office.com/r/d3EyfUafFE

CLARITY Coaching Program: Available through the CLARITY Team. Sign up now to benefit from evidence-proven, long-term impact programs aligned with the School Excellence Framework and Public Education Plan.

Direct CLARITY coaching EOI via: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XOjfCVuhp0eecAo6mMlG3FiNXOKtkTtPjbP8UUrAelRUQTNLQ1pSWDVGRTBXOUMxOTRNRDdJU002NC4u

ART OF LEADERSHIP 2024 PROGRAM

Programs for 2024: All programs are fully booked except for the Orange session (September 2-4 and November 18-20). Only 8 spots remain, so act quickly!

Participants: Over 240 leaders have joined, celebrating the program's 10th anniversary with evidence-proven effectiveness and 45 hours of accredited learning.

Limited places available for the second Art of Leadership Masterclass in Newcastle:

Only 4 spots remain again so act quickly! (Please note that participants are only eligible if they have completed Art of Leadership)

Dates: Monday 9th September until Wednesday 11th September,2024

Book directly via: https://cvent.me/KeVbeW

2025 dates are coming out soon.https://nswppa.org.au/art-of-leadership

ANXIETY PROJECT:

Impact: Significant results with teacher competence and student anxiety reduction. Baseline anxiety levels dropped from 19.6% to 14.6%.

A recent article on The Educator highlights the success of the Anxiety Project initiated by the NSW Primary Principals Association (NSWPPA). The program trained school staff to identify and manage student anxiety, leading to a significant reduction in anxiety levels. Teacher confidence increased from 43.8% to 66.4%, and the number of students reporting high anxiety dropped from 19.6% to 14.6%. The project emphasises helping children develop coping skills through practical techniques, with further expansions planned for 2025.

Media Coverage: Featured on ABC TV News, 2GB Radio, and NSWPPA podcasts.
https://nswppa.org.au/the-anxiety-project

2025-26 EOI via:
https://nswppa.org.au/the-anxiety-project

Direct 2025-26 EOI via:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqZ3P9dpBn-7683TuPKwtlBjXRbvw1dfjUG3XGkPuFzRXv-w/viewform

FLOURISH MOVEMENT:

This award-winning program has engaged over 1,067 participants since 2016, focusing on sustainable leadership practices and well-being.

Join Now: Registrations are open at The Flourish Movement.
https://www.theflourishmovement.com/
https://nswppa.org.au/flourish

MULTIPLIERS: Breaking Promotion: Franklin Covey Australia!

Current Promotion: Franklin Covey Australia is offering an end-of-financial-year promotion on the Multipliers program until 5 pm on Thursday, June 27th. For more details, reach out to your PLO. Email: djanetzki@nswppa.org.au

Participant rates to date: Over 100 leaders registered in 2024, focusing on leadership strategies that maximize team capabilities.
https://nswppa.org.au/multipliers

For more information on our programs, visit our Professional Learning Catalogue.
https://nswppa.org.au/catalogue

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance with your Professional Learning needs.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNINGS PODCAST for Educational Leaders is an initiative to support and inform NSWPPA members of the NSWPPA Professional Learning suite offerings.

Listen via:
https://professionallearningsnswppa.buzzsprout.com/

Stay updated with all our offerings and book a time with your Professional Learning Officer via Calendly. Book a time with your Professional Learning Officer.
https://calendly.com/nswppaplo/djanetzki

TM Bank School Planners 2025:

Your 2025 planners can be ordered now. Please follow the below link for ordering. Order by 25 August 2024. Digital Planners can also be downloaded here. 

Healthy Harold launches school garden grants– Life Ed:

Life Ed and its iconic mascot Healthy Harold have teamed up with Bakers Delight’s Healthy Solutions range to give primary schools, preschools and early learning centres the chance to win from a share of $25,000 in school garden grants as part of their Growing Good Grains Grants (GGGG) program.

From 3 to 29 June 2024, schools are invited to apply for one of 25 grants - valued at $1,000 each -by sharing their vision for their school food garden.

As part of the GGGG program, schools are also able to access free resources online to boost their applications and create unique learning experiences in the classroom. From taking a journey through the life cycle of bread, through to growing their own wheat and making their own fresh dough, Life Ed and Bakers Delight’s Healthy Solutions range have created a variety of hands-on activities and easy lesson plans that can be tailored according to class needs. “Understanding where our food comes from is an incredibly important part of the way we educate our kids on how to make healthy eating choices, so we and our network of franchisees around the country are delighted to be partnering with Life Ed on this important grants program,” said Elise Gillespie, Bakers Delight Joint CEO. “The journey that a single seed of wheat goes through before it winds up in a delicious sandwich is a fascinating one and we can’t wait to start educating kids on where their ingredients come from today, so we can help them have a happier and healthier tomorrow.” To find out more and to secure your share of $25,000 in grants, visit lifeed.org.au/gardengrants

And finally….

On behalf of the NSWPPA Executive – Rob Walker, Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Leah Martin, Trish Peters, Norma Petrocco, Stuart Wylie, Greg McLaren, Michael Trist, Scott Sanford, Mark Pritchard, Lisa Beare and Drew Janetzki, I want to express my appreciation for your incredible work this term – it has been one that has kept us all focused on prioritising  - our people and how we move forward in our schools with a reduction of funding. The work has been hard. YOU have been instrumental in ensuring you have done everything possible to minimise disruption to the teaching and learning focus in your schools.

We are still working through individual school complexities this term.  I thank you for remaining energised and focused  -  your colleagues and community  look to you,  and this energy is contagious. Leading in the good times is far easier than when the challenges are of significance and not in our control.. and yet we rise to manage it. Being present and working through it has been the role we have all needed to take. Our schools are vibrant and energising and ever changing places and whilst the budget adjustments have been a focus, I am certainly cognisant and all too aware that the ‘everyday’ continues in your schools and that undoubtedly is where your time is and should be spent. YOU are to be championed for this.

I am confident the business of the Association will be shared by your Delegate at your upcoming PPC meeting – the information and messaging is strong.  Questions from the floor from Delegates and Chairpersons that are not answered in the State Council sessions have been sent forward by the Executive member hosting the session. Our Education Support Team colleagues in attendance are on the Road Show this week and we will get back to individual colleagues as well as include in the Council Kit as way of following up.

Look forward to time over the weekend to catch your breath and regroup and reset. Remember to take the time to celebrate each day and with your staff each week.  Our people really are working hard with us to achieve so much for the students and communities we serve.

And finally, as you drive to or from work today or tomorrow (hands free) call a colleague and let them know just how much they are appreciated – we are all in this job together – it really is a privileged position and a wonderful profession (yes with some of the toughest days)… showing gratitude .. the person receiving it will undoubtedly stop in their tracks and take on board what you say and walk with it all day – likewise your expression of gratitude and their response will do the same.

Never underestimate the strength of collegiality and how kindness and recognition matters.

We can see a two week break in the distance to really take stock and reflect on the term that has been – we’ve got this …together!!

Kindest regards,
Robyn
Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President