During Term 3 I had the pleasure of attending a number of local PPC meetings. This provided a wonderful opportunity to not only inform members about the outstanding professional learning programs that are currently available to school leaders, but to outline what we have in development for 2020. It was also an important opportunity for me to gain feedback about professional learning provisions that would be valued by principals. If you would like me to attend your PPC meeting I can be contacted at mcharlton@nswppa.org.au or on 0408 905 051.

Term 4 has been an exciting time for professional learning within the PPA, starting with the International Confederation of Principals Conference in Shanghai. A great opportunity to learn from international colleagues as well as showcase the outstanding work the PPA has done with the Principal Credential. Last week at PPA State Conference over 600 Principals from across NSW connected with an outstanding program of speakers to enhance their leadership. Both conferences emphasise the great commitment and work of our Association in promoting the effective leadership of Principals across NSW.

Art of Leadership & Art of Leadership Masterclass 2020

These highly successful leadership programs are proving very popular once again. Registrations for 2020 courses are currently being taken, with some venues already full.

Art of Leadership and the Masterclass are programs designed by NSW Principals, for Principals and other school leaders. They are practical, interactive programs that address the skills, processes and knowledge needed to lead a successful school. In these experiential programs, participants practise the skills learned and begin to apply these in their own workplace context. The AOL Masterclass builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the Art of Leadership program.
Program information and registration for both these courses can now be found on the following link to the NSWPPA website. Register soon to avoid disappointment.

NSWPPA Principal Credential

Congratulations to the 2018/19 cohort of school leaders who have recently completed the validation phase of this program. Completion of the program; the assessment of a Portfolio of Evidence, the presentation of an Executive Summary and refereed validation has led to recognition of leadership capacity and award of the NSW Principal Credential. Successful participants will receive recognition for 50% of a Masters of Educational Leadership at Wollongong University. These successful participants were recognised and received their NSWPPA Principal Credential award at State Conference.

This outstanding program provides participants with the opportunity to reflect on and strengthen their own leadership exploring the evidence of their practice using the Australian Professional Standard for Principals. Participants are supported in their learning by our experienced systems leaders; PPA principals with a commitment to the development of effective leaders.

Information and registration for these programs for 2020 will be available next week on the NSWPPA website under the Professional Learning tab.

2020 Professional Learning – Coming Events

The last two terms have been very productive with the identification and development of professional learning opportunities for school leaders. Following on from the results of the Professional Learning survey we currently have a number of programs under development. All of these are being designed by, or in consultation with, NSW Principals for Principals and school leaders. These programs will be rolled out throughout 2020.

Taking the Challenge out of Challenging Conversations will focus on the common features of challenging conversations that are critical for school leader effectiveness. This focus will include four conversation types; Performance, Boundaries, Alignment and Coaching conversations.

Creating an Effective and Productive Team will work participants through the purpose and process of creating effective team culture and practices within their schools. The program will replicate team-creation and team-building practices as well as trust and connected relationships that are enablers of effective team cultures.

Financial Management Best Practice will provide support to school leadership teams to develop a greater understanding of strategic financial management strategies. This support shares the best practice strategies developed by current Principals.

Effective Middle Leadership is a leadership development program for current Assistant Principals. The program will focus on building the capacity of our middle leaders to operate effectively within their role and school context, to effectively impact the quality of teaching and enhance student learning.

Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Leading at the Speed of Trust are also being investigated as possible professional learning options that will support school leaders.

Margaret Charlton l Professional Learning Officer