We are now into the second half of term 4 already !!

It’s been a fabulous term having had the opportunity to talk with many colleagues across the state celebrating their schools successes.

The School Spectacular weekend was simply brilliant – a showcase of what Public Education offers our students and our teachers. A huge thank you to Jane Simmons Executive Director School Services for her superb leadership in this area. Igniting opportunity for students across New South Wales in a world class performance. Two thousand, seven hundred individual student and group performance delighted the audience. THIS is an event you will return to year after year and one you will never forget. A huge congratulations to the Principals and teachers of the schools involved and an enormous applause for each and every student involved.

Thank you to the Principals who attended and enthusiastically engaged in the NSWPPA State Conference in Week 3 this term and wasn’t it absolutely sensational. ‘Believe It. Own It, Make It Happen’ was hosted by the inspirational Michael Crossland who was extraordinary. His story is truly inspirational and his ability to connect to the audience during the week was palpable. Inspirational speakers included: Turia Pitt, Eric Sheninger, Leigh Sales, Ann McIntyre, Professor Adrian Piccoli, Michael McQueen, Murat Dizdar, Ben Abbatangelo and Dr Nikki Stamp. I think everyone walked away filled with dose of positivity, a dash of new found inspiration and certainly with a whole lot of energy to see it through term 4! Credit and thanks to the Conference Committee led by Kylie Donovan and her team – what an achievement! We are very appreciative of the time and energy you all invested in producing the conference you collectively did. Looking forward to what’s ahead for 2019 !

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the State Executive past and present for their AMAZING support and work this term whilst Phil has been on leave. Everybody stepped up. What a fabulous experience it has been for me to see the Association through Phil’s eyes – what big shoes to fill tho ! We as the Executive sit in a very privileged position to represent each and every member of our Association. The work you do in your schools – in your context – each and every day matters – to your staff, to your community but most importantly to your students. You have much to be proud of.

With assessments being completed, reports to be signed, milestones to be finalised and classes and staffing to be done – not to mention budgets , Annual Reports and a w h o l e range of things I encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing each and every day – our job is so hard to describe and certainly no two days are ever the same so, make sure you do something for yourself each day – find the bright spots at school and a again at home – check in on a colleague … wellbeing matters – your families, friends, colleagues, teachers, students and communities are counting on you.

Enjoy the run home to the holidays !

Robyn Evans