What's Hot May

President’s Report:

Dear Members,

Wow, the start of week 4 already! Thank you for your leadership in your public primary schools each day.

Over the last few weeks we have been reminded of the importance of public primary schools to their communities.

• Through school ANZAC services and participation in RSL commemorations our public primary schools have led the way in every community around the state. Marching, speaking, and performing. Principals, staff and students giving time in their holidays to remember and stand with their communities.
• Then with the federal election our public primary schools opening their doors and providing democracy sausages and cakes to citizens exercising their democratic rights.

The senior DoE executive are currently undertaking ‘roadshows’ and visiting areas across the state. I encourage Principals to attend the closest roadshow and have a voice. Raise the issues that are concerning you. Don’t be afraid to raise issues that have been covered in the opening addresses, the DoE executive are keen to know the issues.

In this issue is an Expression of Interest for a temporary role as Professional Support officers as one of our PSOs takes leave. Please share with recently retired Principals whom may be interested.

As we mark Disability Recognition Week, I want to acknowledge the incredible work being done in our public primary schools to support students with a wide range of needs. Across NSW, thousands of children are learning and thriving in both mainstream and specialist settings—this is only possible through strong, intentional leadership and a deeply committed staff.

I also want to recognise our principals and staff living with disability. Your leadership and example continue to show what can be achieved when we focus on strengths and capability. Thank you for the inspiration you provide to your communities, your colleagues, and most importantly, your students.

Leading Through Tragedy:

One of the more sobering aspects of this role has been seeing how often our schools are touched by tragedy. When you hear of a traumatic event involving young children on the news, there is a good chance one of our public schools is impacted. In just the first three weeks of this term, several of our schools have faced the heartbreaking loss of students or staff.

In these moments, principals have reported strong support from their DELs and departmental officers. Just as significant has been the unwavering support from neighbouring schools—colleagues stepping in to help on-site, delivering meals, and simply picking up the phone. These gestures matter. But we also know that the burden of leadership in these moments often falls heavily on the principal, especially in small schools. Supporting the victim’s family, the staff, the students, and often the wider community, requires extraordinary courage and care.

This is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the exceptional leadership shown by principals in these situations. It's also a reminder: the impact of trauma doesn't end with the initial crisis. Ongoing care and support—for yourself and those around you—are vital. Please prioritise your wellbeing.

Amplifying Your Voice:

Over the past week, we’ve met with both Secretary Murat Dizdar and NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra to raise key concerns on your behalf.

One issue discussed was the impact of the one-hour meeting restriction under the current industrial agreement. While we understand that a full revision is unlikely, we strongly advocated for Learning Support Team (LST) meetings to be exempted. We also sought clarification around short-term or one-off professional learning sessions. Linked to this, we spoke to Henry about the ongoing issue of additional release time for primary executive staff.

We continue to advocate for a second educator in small schools. The modelling is complete—we are now focused on building the political and policy momentum needed to get this over the line.

Principal wellbeing and the management of extreme behaviour from parents and community members remain front and centre. As both our employer and union, the Department and the Federation have a shared responsibility to ensure the health and safety of school leaders. Both Murat and Henry recognised the seriousness of these issues and committed to further work. We will continue to follow this closely as the Department’s staff wellbeing strategy rolls out.

Early Learning, Funding, and Conferences:

Another key topic in both meetings was preschool resourcing. Our position is clear: the establishment of a preschool should include executive FTE allocation and additional administration time to ensure sustainability, student safety and educational quality.

The Funding Deed with the Department is in its final stages of negotiation. This deed outlines our Association’s responsibilities in relation to the funding we receive—including grants, staffing, and professional learning support.

We are also developing a set of protocols for meetings and conferences that meet departmental expectations around value for money and a clear focus on teaching and learning. While the full protocols will be shared soon, I can confirm that we will prioritise PPC meetings and the state conference. If PPCs or combined PPCs wish to host a local conference, it must be a one-day event held locally to minimise travel and accommodation costs, with a strong educational focus and departmental involvement wherever possible.

Federal Landscape:

The recent federal election result ensures that the Better, Fairer Funding Deal, negotiated before the campaign period, will be honoured. The retention of Minister Jason Clare is also welcome news—he has demonstrated a genuine understanding of public primary education and has been a strong supporter of our sector.

Our focus now is twofold:

• Building the case to bring forward the delivery of federal funding.
• Advocating for a much-needed capital works funding boost for public schools.

Beyond the issues outlined above your executive team has been working across a range of areas, outlined below

New Administration Officer:

Next week we welcome a new Administration officer to our Association. Virginia Valla joins us with years of experience in administration, social media and graphic design. Virginia will work Tuesday to Friday.

Lisa Beare continues to work on our membership lists and website.

Explicit Teaching - Lyn Sharratt – Manly West:

One of our flagship professional learning partnerships is the Clarity Learning Suite/Essentials program.

At the end of last term I was able to spend a day at Manly West Public School with amazing Principal Julie Organ and her team watching explicit teaching in action. We undertook learning walks to see what students were doing. Lyn Sharratt joined us in our learning walks.

What stood out to me was the consistency across the school with each classroom following the key components of explicit teaching. At the same time there was scope for teachers to add their own ‘teacher personality’ to their work.

Students were very clear on what they were learning and what they needed to improve and had ideas how they could go about making those improvements.

Plan For NSW Public Education 2024 Report Card:

The 2024 report card on the Plan for NSW Public Education has been release and is available here.
The report card outlines achievements in 2024 and the work to be undertaken in 2025.

Public Education Foundation Scholarships:

Each year we sponsor scholarships to primary students through the Public Education Foundation. This year’s scholarships were presented this week. Thank you to Deputy President Norma Petrocco

This year’s scholarships were presented to:
ALISHBAH - Merrylands East Public School
ISABELLE - Alexandria Park Community School
TYAHN - Binalong Public School
DOMINIC - Rooty Hill Public School

Thank you for all that you do—every day, in every school, in every community. Please contact me if the Association can help you.

Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Accreditation (HALT):

There have been significant improvements to the process to be accredited at Highly Accomplished or Lead. This has involved policy changes and improved support.

The DoE will reimburse NESA fees once teachers achieve their accreditation.

There is a MYPL course that walks potential candidates through the steps. I encourage Principals to talk to their teachers to revisit HALT accreditation. The blockers that dissuaded previously have been removed. A great first step for potential teachers is to do the MYPL course.

Stewart House – Pyjama Day – 20th August

Stewart House does amazing work to provide students with opportunities they may not otherwise be able to access. Stewart House the NSWPPA’s, the Department of Education and Federation’s charity of choice. They are holding a Pyjama Day fundraiser on 20^th August and members are encouraged to have their school involved. Put the date in your school calendar.

On another note the team at Stewart House is doing some great work in reducing workload and improving the application process. We thank them for that work.

EOI Temporary Professional Support Officer:

Temporary NSWPPA Professional Support Officer (1X position)

The Association seeks expressions of interest from Principals who are current or former financial members of the NSWPPA to be a relieving NSWPPA Professional Support Officer (PSO). This opportunity exists from 29 May-4 July 2025.

About the Role

• Positions of PSOs add an important extra dimension to the structures within the NSWPPA that provide direct support for NSWPPA Principals.
• Position strongly supports two of the pillars of the NSWPPA – Support & Advocacy
• Line of responsibility is through the NSWPPA President.
• Paid 0.4 at Deputy Principal salary level.

Application

Candidates will be required to submit an expression of interest cover sheet with their employment history, names of two referees and up to 300 words in total to address the below four criteria areas.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will be required to have demonstrated:

• knowledge of the current DoE Code of Ethics and Conduct as well as other policies and procedures that apply to matters such as Principal-Staff, Principal-Parent, Principal-Student and Principal-Director interactions.
• understanding and empathy with colleagues from the full range of school and community settings in a highly confidential manner.
• capacity to liaise with DoE Executive Directors, other Senior DoE Officers and relevant stakeholder groups to achieve positive responses and outcomes.
• ability to utilise their experience of the key role of the NSWPPA in providing for the professional wellbeing of Principals and the role of the NSW Teachers Federation and DoE in the areas of wellbeing, support and development.

Submission

Applications must be received by NSWPPA President, Michael Burgess, by 4:00pm Tuesday 27 May 2025 and should be submitted on the attached template by email to mburgess@nswppa.org.au. Please ensure the subject line reads: EOI NSWPPA relieving PSO.

More detailed information about this position can be obtained by contacting NSWPPA President, Michael Burgess, on 0429547619.

Please draw this vacancy to the attention of any eligible person.

Should there be a selection pool each candidate may be considered for up to one year after the close of this application date.

Premier’s Teacher Scholarships – promotion closing soon:

Are you ready to enhance your career with a NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship? Successful applicants will receive $15,000 to complete a 5-week study tour in their chosen focus area.
To assist you in successfully submitting your application, we have put together the following tips:

1. Choose a topic that is relevant to your area of professional expertise and of personal interest to you. For inspiration, you may like to review the alumni reports from previous years.
2. Review the scholarship categories and consider how your focus or topic might fit within one or more categories offered.
3. Research existing information on your topic and consider how your idea can build on that knowledge.
4. Brainstorm your ideas with your colleagues.
5. Consider including a variety of experiences and activities when drafting your itinerary.
6. Review the scholarship webpages and check your application against the guidelines within the FAQs for applicants.

Don’t leave it to the last minute, start your application today. Your future self will thank you. APPLY NOW.

Don't miss out on this incredible professional development opportunity and apply before applications close Friday 30 May 2025, 11:59 pm (AEST). For further information, please view the NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships webpage and Frequently Asked Questions, or contact the program team via premierscholarships@det.nsw.edu.au or (02) 7814 3820.

Suspected Trespassers and Visitors Who Become Disruptive – Deputy President, Greg McLaren:

Unauthorised entry onto departmental premises: Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 (NSW)

Through newsletters and school assemblies it is important to remind members of the school community of the standard of behaviour expected of them while they are at school. Until there is something else, the School Community Charter is a resource: School Community Charter . These and other expectations should be expressed positively and regularly reinforced.

People who would usually have a legitimate reason for being on departmental premises may have their entry restricted by the principal or other person in charge of those premises. Depending on the circumstances this could including banning the person entering the school site or placing conditions on their entry onto the site (for example he or she can only enter the site to attend a pre-arranged meeting with the principal).

Where practicable, principals should consult with their Director Educational Leadership prior to banning/placing conditions on the entry onto the school site of someone who ordinarily has a legitimate reason for being on departmental premises.  If the Director Educational Leadership is unavailable urgent advice should be sought from Legal Services.  More information is available here: Legal Issues Bulletin 58: Unauthorised Entry Onto Departmental Premises (LIB#58) Unauthorised entry onto departmental premises.

If an intruder is found on departmental premises, the Principal or person otherwise in charge of the premises should, if safe to do so, inquire about the person's reason or purpose for being there and determine whether or not the person should be allowed to remain on the premises. If a legitimate reason is not provided the person should be advised they are trespassing and be requested to leave. If the person refuses to leave:

֎ contact the police immediately (000) if an incident involves threats of, or actual violence to, persons on the school premises;
֎ as per local guidelines invoke lockdown, pending the removal of the threat if students and/or staff are at threat from physical harm; 
֎ report all incidents involving suspected trespassers and visitors who become disruptive via the Incident Report and Support Hotline: 1800 811 523. This step should be taken irrespective of whether an injury has occurred.
֎ inform your DEL.
֎ consult with any staff member whose safety may be at risk from the person’s behaviour and consider legal obligations under the duty of care and other laws.

Should further action be necessary use the template letters to issue the warning letter or banning or conditions letter. Further information is available in Legal Issues Bulletin 58.

Principals should note that action available to them under the Inclosed Lands Protection Act must not be used as a substitute for complaint handling procedures or school discipline policies – but as a method of managing health and safety risks. Should principals be in any doubt as to what action can be taken, they should contact their director educational leadership, the Incident Report and Support Hotline or Legal Services.

This paper was compiled by Greg McLaren using information provided by various sections in the DoE. No part of this paper can be regarded as legal advice.

Closed-Circuit Television CCTV in Schools and incidents – Deputy President, Greg McLaren:

Schools with CCTV may be asked by parents or carers to view footage when an incident involves their child.

Privacy law applies to CCTV footage collected, used and disclosed by the department.

If Police or PES wish to extract and take a copy of any footage, the officer in charge is to request the footage extraction via email to SSUCustomerservice@det.nsw.edu.au .

Alternatively, if other persons seek access to footage under the Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA Act). The usual procedures for GIPA Act requests apply and enquiries regarding those requests should be directed to the Right to Access unit online or by email to GIPA@det.nsw.edu.au.

An incident recorded on CCTV should otherwise be treated the same as an incident witnessed in person. An incident report should be prepared, including obtaining statements from the persons in question plus any potential witness. The incident should be reported to Incident Report and Support Hotline: 1800 811 523 (or via the Incident notification form) and to the police if the conduct is criminal. Note: Incident notification team are in process of amending some of their resources: https://education.nsw.gov.au/inside-the-department/health-and-safety/our-services/contact-us/incident-notification---support.

Further information about installation guidance and lawful use especially with privacy considerations is captured in Legal Issues Bulletin #41 The Use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV). Please use the Legal Services Advice Request Form if you would like any further assistance.

This paper was compiled by Greg McLaren using information provided by various sections in the DoE. No part of this paper can be regarded as legal advice.

NSWPPA 2025 Conference – Conference SC Chair, Kylie Donovan:

Registrations for this year's state conference will open early next term. Principals are encouraged to highlight this their diary.

The committee is working on delivering another conference with presenters who will inspire, motivate and elevate your leadership.

Principals are reminded that PPA activities should be included in their PDPs with the State Conference explicitly included in your PL plan.

A few reminders:

• It will be important, when planning your attendance at the conference, Principals follow their financial and policy requirements when using school (government) funds. Compliance with policy and guidelines will assist in securing the future of the conference.
• Follow the Travel on Official Business guide (my suggestion is that you discuss with your DEL and get approval using the SAP BATT application).

• Principals will need to ensure their accommodation is under the daily limit for Sydney. At time of writing this is $358.90 per day (including accommodation, meals and incidentals)
• Principals must not approve their own PL expenditure (my suggestion is that you use your Principal PCard and ask your DEL to approve the expenditure)
• Principals must attend the entire program day, each day as you are ‘on duty’. Attendance at social events is optional. If you are unwell during the conference you should apply for sick leave.

In your planning please note speakers area presenting at both the Tuesday and Thursday events and the speaking program for Wednesday will run until approx. 6:15pm. Please manage potential fatigue. It is recommended by Safe Work Australia that you have a minimum of 12 hours rest. This includes enough time for commuting, meals and sleep

HPGE & OC Feedback – HPGE & OC Chair, Jono Coombes:

The HPGE & OC Standing Committee seeks your honest feedback on the recent DoE SDD. We understand each school's HPGE journey is unique, and we want to share your insights on the HPGE focus and available support and resources for not only HPGE, but all mandated system designed SDDs to the HPGE Business Unit, Tch & Learn Directorate. 

Please provide both positive feedback and suggestions for improvement. 
Thank you for your input!
Survey will close Friday 23^rd May, 4pm

Professional Learning Newsletter – Key Updates – PLO Drew Janetzki:

The Art of Leadership continues to thrive, reaching over 280 enrolments for 2025! Spots remain available for Semester Two programs:

Masterclass Newcastle (requires completion of the Art of Leadership course) 23rd -25th June 2025 (Last Masterclass for 2025!) (Limited places)

• Coffs Harbour (6 spots remaining)
• Sydney 6
• Penrith 7
• Sydney 9
• Canberra 10
• Wagga Wagga 11

Secure your spot here: Art of Leadership Registration

New Professional Learning Opportunities:

Clarity Learning Suite Essentials (12-month program, requires full FTE Teaching allocation)

• Register via CVENT Link

AMP Series

• Explore the AMP Series free for NSWPPA members: Access Here

• EOI opportunities
• Anxiety Project: Join for 2025-26; EOIs close Monday 16th June 2025. More Info

Catalogue out now: https://www.nswppa.org.au/catalogue

• Franklin Covey has distributed an EOI to your Presidents and Delegates: The NSWPPA and FranklinCovey Education are offering members the chance to become Accredited Level 1 Facilitators for NSWPPA, with access to FranklinCovey's world-class content.

Alignment with the NSW School Excellence Framework:

The FranklinCovey programs and the Train-the-Trainer model align strongly with the NSW School Excellence Framework, particularly within the domain of Leadership. For example:

• Leading Improvement: The programs equip participants with the skills to lead and facilitate improvement initiatives within their schools and the broader association.
• Developing Staff: By building the capacity of staff to deliver high-quality professional learning, the program directly contributes to the development of staff expertise.
• Professional Learning: The programs themselves represent high-quality professional learning, modeled on evidence-based practices.
• This alignment demonstrates the programs’ potential to support schools in achieving excellence across key domains.  Further down, we will outline research and additional benefits participants will gain from the Train-the-Trainer model.
  
• Has your PPC done their GAP analysis? Book a time with your PLO to review your PPC's Professional Learning needs:
• Access a suitable time: here
• Or email: djanetzki@nswppa.org.au

NSWPPA Professional Learnings Podcast:

Over 3000 downloads! Listen to our latest podcast with Sean Covey. Access on your favourite platform or here

AMP it Up Series:

We’re aware that some colleagues have experienced issues logging into the AMP it Up Series.

Just so you know, the NSWPPA Learning Management System (LMS) is not linked to the NSW Department of Education, so you will need to create a new account to access the content.

To assist with the login process, please view the following video guide:

If you continue to experience any issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch for support.

The Anxiety Project Impacting:

The data is now flowing in regarding the impact of The Anxiety Project in participating schools. In April the researchers provided an update to the project leadership team. Project data analysis is now showing consistent reduction in anxious behaviours amongst students, growth in confidence of school staff to recognise the various forms of anxiety and knowing what to do next, and reductions in the number of unhelpful accommodations by parents.

2024-25 Teacher Report results (shows reducing presentation of anxious behaviours by students over time):

Of interest is how many of these schools have closed the gap between their scores and that of their SSG and the cohort as a whole.

2023-24 cohort Teacher Response data shows teacher confidence and competence to help children manage their anxiety increased from a baseline of 43.8% to 66.4%

Percentage responses to the item: Rate your skills / understanding (efficacy) for addressing child anxiety.
Source: Hilton Education Consulting, Anxiety Project 2023-24 T2-T3 Summary Report for Steering Committee, October 2024

At each data collection point, the confidence and competence of teachers has continued to improve. At both T2 and T3, there were no teachers rating themselves not confident / not competent. At T3 more than 60% of teachers rated themselves as confident / extremely confident or competent / highly competent to recognise child anxiety and for addressing and assisting anxious children.

Data captured through the 2023-24 Parent measure is showing a reduction in unhelpful accommodations by parents from T0 to T1.

Source: Hilton Education Consulting, Anxiety Project 2023-24 T4 Summary Report for Steering Committee, January 2025

Paired sample t-tests indicated that the total accommodation mean score was significantly lower at T1 than at T0, (p < .05), with a small effect size. This indicates a reduction in parent accommodation of children since the beginning of the project.

129 schools have been or are currently involved in the project, with 46,972 students, 3,500 school staff and 2,500 parents involved. The project runs for a minimum of two years in each participating school.

This year, for the first time, the PPA is offering a mid-year intake for schools that would like to join the project. An information session will be held on Wednesday 21 May, 9.30-11.00am. To register for the information session click here.

Expressions of interest in joining the mid year intake will close Monday 16 June 2025, 3.30pm. Click here for the EOI form. On the form you can indicate you’re interested and would like further information OR that you are committed to joining the Project.

Further information:
Hayley Cravigan (Project Manager) gm@parentshop.com.au 0404-011 135 or
Rob Walker (Project Lead) rob.walker@det.nsw.edu.au

Updates from the PSOs:

Principals are reminded that Top Tips are available on the PPA website. https://www.nswppa.org.au/top-tips-from-the-pso-s Current topics are:

• Use of P Card
• Authorising Asset Management Works
• Child Protection
• What to Do if you receive an allegation from PES

There will be more to come later in the year.

The AMP it Up series is available on the PPA website through the members log in. Topics covered are areas in which the PSOs have been working in supporting Principals. Principals are advised to review these as a proactive strategy to avoid pit falls. They have been designed to stimulate group discussion so why not get a few Principals together and complete a module.

Remember …… If you have an issue/complaint/concern/ PES allegation etc. please make contact with a PSO early.

Lyn Davis 0417 465 652 Geoff Scott 0427 451 359 Phil Seymour 0412 6573 378

AMP it Up Series:

We’re aware that some colleagues have experienced issues logging into the AMP it Up Series.
Just so you know, the NSWPPA Learning Management System (LMS) is not linked to the NSW Department of Education, so you will need to create a new account to access the content.
To assist with the login process, please view the following video guide:
 https://www.loom.com/share/212db03b1a97472ba134dc417521e29d
If you continue to experience any issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch for support.

NSW Curriculum Key Messages - Megan Kelly Executive Director, Curriculum:

We're excited to share the newest developments and opportunities in support of our ongoing NSW Curriculum initiatives.

English and mathematics K–6 professional learning – Term 2

Teachers and school leaders are invited to join the Primary Curriculum team for a half-day online professional learning session across Weeks 4 and 5 in Term 2. Each session comprises 2 separate workshops designed to strengthen teaching and learning in English and mathematics K–6:

• Grammar K–6 in the English K–10 syllabus workshop
• Developing number sense workshop. Register in MyPL for a morning or afternoon session on the available dates. For more information, see the department’s Staff Noticeboard.

CHPS K–6 professional learning – Term 2

Teachers and leaders are invited to register for upcoming face-to-face professional learning on the new creative arts, HSIE, PDHPE, science and technology (CHPS) syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 6. This PL will strengthen capability to support and facilitate the implementation of the new CHPS syllabus in a school.

The session runs for 5 hours with 1 hour dedicated to each KLA. It is suitable for:

• K-6 classroom teachers who will be implementing the new CHPS syllabuses
• curriculum leaders supporting syllabus implementation in their schools
• school leaders guiding staff in the transition to the new syllabuses.

Prior to the session, attendees are encouraged to view the recordings of the Term 1 CHPS online professional learning (available in the Primary Curriculum Statewide Staffroom). The Term 2 PL workshops will continue the deep dive into each syllabus. Interested teachers can register in MyPL for their preferred session. For more information, see the department’s Staff Noticeboard.

Primary Languages Networks collaborative days

Primary language teachers are invited to register for a full-day professional learning session for their relevant language at their closest Sydney location. An online session is also available for regional teachers.

In this session, primary language teachers will:

• explore a multi-tiered approach to differentiate lessons for different student needs
• understand how and when to use evidence-based communicative activities and games in language classrooms
• apply explicit teaching strategies to support students’ language learning
• engage in collaborative discussions with colleagues from different contexts. Interested teachers can register in MyPL for any of the remaining sessions. For more information, see the department’s Staff Noticeboard.

Evaluation of primary languages programs

The Curriculum Directorate invites principals to provide feedback on the teaching of languages in primary settings.

We are interested in hearing from all primary schools, including those that:

• currently offer department-funded language programs, such as the Community Languages Program K-6 or the Bilingual Schools Program
• run self-funded language programs
• have previously offered a language program
• have never implemented a language program. Please complete the questionnaire to share your insights by Friday 6 June 2025. It takes approximately 2-5 minutes to complete. Your feedback will help us better understand how language programs are being implemented across NSW public schools.

Thank you for your time and contribution. For any questions about this evaluation, please contact the Primary Languages team at primlang@det.nsw.edu.au.