13 December 2017

Newsletter Articles

President’s Report

Welcome to our last edition of our Newsletter for 2017. In reflection it has been a very busy year for us as an Association, and for all of you in schools as well.

We have had recognition from the DoE that there has been workload intensification and there is a greater need to support us complete our prime role as educational leader in our schools. The Deloitte’s research reinforced our view that:

• we were being overworked with administrivia & compliance

• The main barriers to managing principal workload are limited training and preparation for the role, not enough administrative support, insufficient access to quality support services, systems and functional tools.
• Principals could better manage their workload if there was better coordinated, streamlined and aligned Department support materials and communications.
• There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to exemplary practice. Practices need to be contextualised to the school, and system support needs to enhance flexibility and collaboration for school leadership teams

As an interim step supporting us we now have additional funding [at the SAO rate] and a commitment to review staffing entitlements and AMU processes in 2018. Work is also being done to review some of those activities that have been sent onto schools under the guise of LSLD.

The other big piece of work that is drawing to a conclusion, and will have significant impact on us, is the Educational Services Review conducted by McKinsey. I am currently reading the draft report which looks at several improvement themes :

• Quality teaching to improve every student
• Tailored support to improve every school
• Prioritising teaching time
• Leading the improvement journey

When these recommendations are finalised and prioritised, Dep Sec Georgina Harrisson, Executive Director Jane Simmons and team will have a huge task to implement them. We look forward to continued discussion to get that support we so desperately need.

But there is more:

Some of the other support initiatives we have on the table for further discussion with both the Minister & the Secretary include:

• Director – Rural Education to oversee the R & R Blueprint
• Increased staffing of AMU
• Director School Staffing – for the difficult conversations principals have
• Increased support for dealing with complex behaviours
• Director Special Education
• Officers who can develop work on stopping vexatious complaints/ develop framework for legislation around assaults on principals
• ICT – increase CC time/ teaching & learning support/ TSO
• Co-ordinator of OHSC

We are committed to following up on these significant supports in 2018 to ensure we can all focus on our key roles regardless of our location, complexity or school size.

Budgeting Tool

As you are aware the BPC budgeting tool is gone as it was seen as not fit for purpose and this was confirmed by feedback from schools. Replacing the BPC is the Excel-based Enterprise Financial Planning Tool (eFPT) which I have heard is a much better tool & schools have been finding it much easier to work with [in spite of SBAR & OMSEE staffing discrepancies].

Many thanks to Executive Director Mark Grant and team for pushing for an improvement and thanks to Joyce Low, Director Financial Planning & Strategy, for extending the time budgets have to be uploaded until February 23.

Principal Bulk Recruitment

As you are aware, the PPA has stridently argued against this process because of its lack of principal voice in the panels and in the central process. From the outset we have been highly critical of this process and were disappointed that Teachers Federation initially, at least, supported this flawed process.

We believed, and pushed for, principals on the panels, but our protest fell on deaf ears. We asked to have an input into the scenarios and development of a rubric that “scored” applicants, but to no avail. To get some indication how the process worked, Robyn Evans [Deputy President] and I were invited to sit in on 4 of the interview panels, so we could be informed on the pilot.

The scenarios were realistic & focused on:

• What they know [ key knowledges]
• What they have done/ experiences [critical experiences]
• What can they do – different contexts [skills & capabilities]
• Who I am – attributes above & beyond [motivation & attributes]

Participants were asked for feedback on the process, and we would really appreciate any feedback sent to me at pseymour@nswppa.org.au .[confidentiality will be kept]

Robyn & I appreciated the opportunity to observe the interviews but had a few concerns still, that we will discuss with Executive Director, Trina Schmidt when the process is over.

Pre-Education Council Meeting

Unlike many of our colleagues around Australia, we have the opportunity to discuss with our Minister, any issues that are on the Agenda for any up-coming Education Council [all the State & Territory Ministers & the Federal Education Minister] meetings.

This last meeting had a few controversial issues on the Agenda including NAPLAN online, Robot marking and Year 1 Phonics check.

Federation President Maurie Mulheron, organised a meeting before the Minister’s local meeting with key stakeholders from the 3 sectors and this is the motion we took to Minister Rob Stokes.

This meeting of parent, principal and teacher organisations from NSW Independent, Catholic and Public school sectors, calls on the NSW Minister for Education to be informed by our unanimous and firmly-held position:

1. That the implementation of NAPLAN Online be delayed until at least 2020 so that the issues and concerns identified by parents, principals and teachers may be addressed over the next two years;
2. That robot marking of student writing in NAPLAN not be implemented, either solely or in conjunction with teacher marking, in either a whole NAPLAN assessment or as part of a trial or partial NAPLAN assessment;
3. Due to the inequities and irregularities that arise from running two systems of NAPLAN testing it is proposed that the opt-in provision for NAPLAN Online not be proceeded with as the results cannot be regarded as valid or reliable.

Whilst there has been no communique yet from the Education Council meeting held last Friday, my understanding is that there will be no robot marking of Writing in NAPLAN & there will be some trial schools who will use NAPLAN online next year [this causes angst if people start comparing results of the two different versions of NAPLAN].

Year 1 Phonics Check

Jennifer Buckingham, from Centre for Independent Studies, addressed the Education Council on her push for a Literacy & Numeracy Check for year 1 students. Her position initially was to import the UK’s Phonics check as a light touch…..but it has now morphed into a Literacy & Numeracy check.

Steven Capp, Principal of Bentleigh West PS in Victoria, gave anecdotes about his school’s use of the phonics check and how his school’s reading has improved. The following recommendations were presented:

• An initial trial of the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in 2018 in a representative sample of schools
• Develop a new Year 1 tool to assess ‘number sense’ and position/location, to be trialed in 2019.
• Set the threshold/’pass’ scores to align with the Australian Curriculum.
• Develop an app-based platform for scoring and data collection to reduce administration and make results immediately available.
• Results made accessible to the teacher and school, reported to parents/carers, but not published.

Ministers were asked to discuss with the relevant Departments.

Along with the apparent push by sections of our DoE to implement synthetic phonics, this push for a “mini NAPLAN” for Year 1 is a concern. Basically our belief is:

• that this “check” is too late,
• that our schools & teachers would have identified children earlier than mid-way through year 1,
• that if this tool is “housed” in the Learning Progressions, teachers can opt into using it if there is a need, whenever they see the need
• any data collected should remain with the teacher & the school – not collected at a system level.

More discussion to follow on this.

New Directors

As part of the Leadership Strategy, many more Directors have been appointed to support principals and schools. They are currently involved in staged Professional Learning in preparation for the commencement of the near new roles Day 1 Term 2. On Tuesday, Dep Sec Murat Dizdar announced the new Networks, their schools and the Directors.

John Laing Award:

Lyn Davis, our Vice President & Executive Liaison for our Leadership Standing Committee deservedly was awarded this PAI [Principal Australia Institute] Award by Minister of Education Rob Stokes, for her outstanding work in leadership in our system. Congratulations & many thanks Lyn.

Part of the citation read:

“As former chair of the NSWPPA Leadership Standing Committee she transferred her enthusiasm for leadership development across the membership of the Association. Lyn has played a pivotal role in influencing not only individuals but also the NSWPPA to become a professional body delivering registered professional learning across the state. Lyn coordinates the Art of Leadership course across the state for the NSWPPA and this has been attended by more than 500 school leaders and aspiring school leaders over the past 5 years. Participants’ training is registered at lead for 35 hours with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority. She played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the NSWPPA Principal Credential which utilises the Principal standard as a learning tool and for validation of the work undertaken in schools against this standard”.

SPC Deputy President Christine Dal Gallo also received a John Laing Award for her great work within the SPC in leadership development. At the PAI Awards, two of our primary principals were awarded completion certificates for the PAI principal certification process. Congratulations to Mercedes Wilkinson and Melissa Scully.

Around the Traps:

In the last 2 weeks I have visited Albury PPC, Ryde PPC and Lismore PPC. Thank you for your hospitality, great discussions and interest.

School Spectacular

What an absolutely awesome performance this was again. To see performances by such talented students and know the work that has gone on before-hand by staff just blows you away. An incredible show highlighting the talented students and staff in our Public Schools. Well Done !

School Excellence Framework

Robyn Evans, Deputy President,; Bob Willetts,Chair of Assessment, Planning & Accountability Reference Group, and myself are all NSWPPA representatives on SEAG (School Excellence Advisory Group). Along with our SPC colleagues, we have had some protracted, iterative & robust conversations about the use of SEF and the relevant SEFSaS, and when we should be utilising them.

We strongly believe that the use of SEFSaS version 1 should be used to inform the 2017 Annual Report which is due at the end of Term 1 2018. Unfortunately, this system hasn’t been available until today (see today’s email from Dep Sec Murat Dizdar) which puts much pressure on schools in the last week of school. We have negotiated an extension of time when this feature will “be up” until Sunday February 18. It is our strong suggestion that you use this version of SEFSaS to inform your 2017 Annual report. It makes no sense to use the new SEFSaS v 2 to report on your last year’s efforts.

Schools have already been using SEFv2 to plan their 2018-2020 School Plans and our recommendation is that you utilise SEFSaS v2 in Term 3 if you are in the next round of EV, or if not, in Term 4 to inform your 2018 Annual Report. Some of our colleagues may wish to use SEFSaSv2 in Term 1 as it will be available – that is your choice as it is not mandatory!

The process to get to this point has been arduous and has highlighted the problems associated with School Excellence Policy being owned by School Operations and the SEF being owned by CESE.

State Council

Our last State Council meeting was held on November 23 & 24 at the Novotel Sydney Central in Haymarket. Delegates, chairs and Executive heard from the following Senior DoE officers:

• Executive Director – Jane Simmons
• Secretary – Mark Scott
• Dep Sec School Operations – Murat Dizdar
• Director ,Disability, Learning & Support - Melissa Clements
• CEO Schools Infrastructure NSW - Anthony Manning
• Dep Sec Corporate Services - Peter Riordan

For details on what was discussed at State Council, log onto our website, go to the members section and look at Speaker Summaries under Term 4 State Council

APPA & AGPPA

Both National Associations worked hard to finalise their Gonski submissions to inform the Federal Government’s directions. Past PPA President, Geoff Scott, as research officer for AGPPA, has been heavily involved in the AGPPA submission.

Literacy and Numeracy update

Paul Wood, Director of the Literacy & Numeracy Strategy has asked to pass on the latest information. The National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions are expected to be released by ACARA in January 2018. The progressions will be released nationally and be available electronically through the ACARA website.

Implementation in NSW Public Schools from 2018

Schools involved in Early Action for Success and a group of nominated schools began professional learning in Term 4 and will commence using the learning progressions, PLAN2 and the revised Best Start Kindergarten from the beginning of 2018.

All other schools will be able to access professional learning from Term 2, 2018. Planned professional learning will be led by School Services and includes:

• One day introductory workshops for school leadership teams on the progressions and PLAN2 (All schools)
• Two day workshop for early years executive on Effective Reading and Phonics (K-2)
• Intensive professional learning in writing and numeracy for literacy and numeracy leaders K-12 (further details will be provided early Term 1)

The professional learning will focus on developing leadership capacity to support literacy and numeracy professional learning in schools and will assist school decision making around when to engage in learning progressions and the use of PLAN2.

All primary schools will commence using the revised Best Start Kindergarten from 2019 with professional learning in term 4, 2018. A trial of an entry to Year 7 assessment in reading and Maths will commence in Term 2, 2018.

For more information about the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, please visit the website below.

NSWPPA CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

State Executive extends to all Principals, best wishes for the Christmas season and the summer break.

Let us take a brief minute this Christmas by making a solemn recommitment to the students of our public schools and to each other as Principals.

Let us also pledge to teach our students to the best of our abilities, to nurture them and give them strong public school values to make the most of their given talents.Let us resolve that they will grow up in a world that is harmonious and at peace

The NSWPPA extends its thanks to:

• All Chairpersons and members of Reference Groups, Standing Committees, Observer Delegates and Working Parties – your tireless efforts have made a significant betterment to the lives of all Principals. As one voice, you have presented views to government and the department on important Principal issues;
• Area Council Presidents, State Delegates and all Area Executive members –; each day, in every way these colleagues are the heart and soul of our Association. All members of the NSWPPA treasure the collegiality of this Association above all else. The ability to regularly network with colleagues, to share thoughts, issues and concerns with like-minded professionals in trusted and friendly environment.

2017 has been quite a year.

We broke ground during the Upper House Inquiry into the education of students with a disability or special learning needs and submitted a raft of reforms to the Gonski review. The increased support and funds following into our most needy of schools and SSPs has at last been acknowledged and acted upon.

We continued work with Dr. Adam Fraser and the Flourish Program. This initiative has made a priority of Principals living a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. It inspired individuals and systems to make Principal health and wellness a priority.

We successfully advocated for a more co-ordinated overview of system deliverables and deadlines by the beginning of each Term to make school planning more manageable.

The NSWPPA Executive helped deliver on a multi-million dollar leadership program beginning in 2018 that should provide significant benefits to all members. Through regular robust meetings, our voice was clearly heard around the new Strategic Directions document, leadership development, Principal workload, Counter-Terrorism, Violence & Extremism, numerous Literacy/Numeracy initiatives and learning progressions. Just to name a few.

The department listened to our need for additional support around curriculum and student wellbeing. We look forward to the findings and recommendations of the review of Educational Services

On the horizon, the appointment of the new NSWPPA professional development officer creates an exciting new opportunity and a potential new chapter for this Association in providing better targeted support to members.

We wish to publically acknowledge the sterling work of our Principal Support and Research Officer. Together with our NSWPPA support structures we continued make a difference, often the most difficult of times for Principals.

All of these things are making schools a better place, and all of them have been accomplished because of members like you.

Thank you!

In the coming year, we hope you’ll continue to share your talents when and where you can, to give new hope to those who need it, and to foster positive change in your own backyard and in all public schools.

Please remember, colleagues remain the most trusted and valued first port of call to Principals. The Association, through either your local Area Primary Principals’ Council President or State Executive members, can provide support or a friendly ear.

The NSWPPA executive sends best wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas season and every happiness in the New Year.

Finally, to colleagues who are retiring at the end of the year - your selfless dedication has made us a better nation – rejoice in the next stage of your life.

On behalf the Executive, Robyn Evans, Rob Walker, Lyn Davis, Diane Robertson, Louise Green, Ian Reeson, Terry Fisher, Jackie Malecki, , Mark Pritchard, Andrew Stevenson, John Mularczyk and myself . . .

Phil Seymour
PRESIDENT

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