Behaviour Strategy

Executive and Chairs have been involved in multiple briefings and consultations. The Department has sought regular feedback from PPA this term and will continue into next semester. The new policy and procedures are anticipated ready for implementation on Day 1 Term 3 2021. Professional Learning and support tools are being developed.

The current Student Discipline Policy and Suspension and Expulsion of School Student Procedures remain the same and are to be used during term 1 and 2 2021.

Professional and Ethical Standard (formerly EPAC):

This week the Legal Standing Committee members and I met with Acting Executive Director Daryl Currie and the PES team. Many whom have school backgrounds. This was a broad discussion which was candid and open. When conduct and performance issues are raised through PES we have a commitment that communication about the allegation and timeliness of the response will be prioritised.

PES Useful resources website links:

High Impact Professional Learning:

The HIPL Policy is currently in its final stage before being released. Stacy Quince has led this work – the intent is to provide a policy to support Professional Learning in our schools. The five elements of the policy include:

• PL is driven by identified student needs
• School Leadership teams facilitate PL
• Collaborative and differentiate PL strengthens teacher and leader practice
• PL is ongoing and deliberately planned for
• School leaders and teachers are to focus on student growth and attainment

COVID Intensive Learning:

With the announcement of $337.0 million being released for this one-off initiative the Department has charged Paul Wood to lead this piece of work. The team have extensive plans for the initiative. Recruitment of interested teachers in underway – they are also looking at securing 4th year University students to add to the workforce. What we know right now is: WE WILL be able to recruit our own staff and WE WILL have access to a pool of teachers to employ if we wish. WE WILL have online resources available (like the learning hub). WE WILL have a monetary amount for each of our schools by the end of Term 4. WE WILL have more information as it is developed and collaborated on with PPA and SPC. WE WILL be provided with details on what WE CAN and what WE CAN’T use the funding for hopefully by the end of term so we can be planning forward. There will be an expectation that we use the funding for the purpose it is intended. WE WILL have flexibility around what it looks like in our schools – small group in-class support, withdrawal groups, online learning, before and after school sessions etc and/or a variety of these models. WE WILL be able to contextualise the provision. Right now, that is as much information as we have as the team are working on it as we speak. A valuable resource in response to COVID.

Meeting with the Secretary:

We met with Secretary Mark Scott covered off questions in regards to HCM, Staffing Methodology Review, Principal Classification, The Master Schedule, COVID Intensive Learning Support Program and Principal Wellbeing.

Meeting with the Minister:

We have a scheduled meeting with the Minister on Tuesday 24 November. We have a number of agenda items from the Budget announcement as well as key actions forward around COVID funding, Principal Classification and the NSWPPA Anxiety Project.

Connected Communities:

The first tranche of schools has been advised they had been identified for inclusion in the Connected Communities Expansion. Once DaPCo (NSW Government Delivery and Performance Committee) meet on Friday 4 December a second tranche of schools will be informed.

Term 4 State Council Meeting next week via zoom:

In accordance with the Term 4 COVID guidelines State Council will again be held via zoom. You can look forward to the latest updates from your PPC Delegates. Please note, I sent out an update regarding AGM Meetings and PPC gatherings to all members. Safety is the priority.

Thinking ahead…Reference Group Standing Committee and Working Party Membership:

In term 1 at State Council we will again be recruiting for vacancies on Reference Groups from Regions. If you are currently a CONTACT in your PPC area, please look out for the opportunity to join as vacancies arise – let your PPC President know. In term 1 vacancies will be shared.

Vale – our colleague and friend Colin Labrie:

It is with great sadness that I advise you of the passing of our good friend and colleague, Colin Labrie.

Colin passed away this week after suffering a number of long-term illnesses over recent years.

During his career he taught at Carlingford West PS, as Deputy (with Reg Pollock) at Merrylands PS and Principal at Parramatta East from where he retired.

Colin was a tireless worker for principals and schools and served on the Met West Principals Council Executive and in his capacity as 1`Treasurer of the NSWPPA from 1995-6.

During the 1970' Colin took on the role of Teachers Federation Organiser to support teachers and schools. In retirement he became the inaugural Secretary of our Retired principals Association and served in that position for many years.

In 2002 he was awarded Life membership of the NSWPPA in recognition of his contributions to the service of principals. Colin was a passionate Parramatta Eels supporter (a very skilled player himself) and a recognised connoisseur of wine with an amazing wine cellar, the envy of all wine lovers.

Colin will be remembered as a great character of his time and highly regarded as a good man. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Colin.

Thank you all for your amazing support as I step into this role – I am, along with the State Executive - Rob Walker, Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Jude Hayman, Trish Peters, Norma Petrocco, Michael Trist, Stuart Wylie, Greg McLaren, Greg Grinham, Mark Pritchard and Lisa Beare very excited to serve the Principalship across NSW. We look forward to working with you and catching up with you in person at your 2021 PPC Meetings and Conferences.

Have a great week everyone and remember…you matter and the work you do in your school is simply extraordinary!

Take care of yourself and each other.

kind regards
Robyn Evans