APPA’s focus has recently been on the survey focused on the increasing occurrence of anxious behaviours in our students. We have been working with psychologist Michael Hawton. Analysis of the survey with 700 principal respondents showed:

• Levels of primary students’ anxiety are major concerns for principals
• Principals say that student anxiety is increasing & is a major topic of discussion between themselves, with their teachers and with parents
• Principals say they are under-prepared & under-resources to provide adequately for anxious students
• Principals see parents as heavily implicated in solutions for students
• Many parents come to school with their concerns but feel very much like the principals & teachers to whom they come; they feel uncertain & confused and look to schools for solutions

APPA is working with National parent groups, Early Childhood Australia and Michael Hawton to address our concerns.

Some principals/ staff might be interested in Michael Hawton’s Workshop featured below: