Take a bow – Kylie Donovan |Convenor, Karen DeFalco |Administrator, Daryl McKay |Treasurer, Cameron Upcroft| Show Caller, Polly Palaitis |IT Cvent and Sponsors, Vicki Harris | Sponsors, Lyndall Droscher |Sponsor Support, Michelle Davies |Performances, Michelle Sarjana |Life Members, Deb Claxton from Claxton Speakers International and the Go Live Team – Jamin, Joel, David and Nick. WHAT A TEAM!!!!!! THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!

Conference came to you from the tiniest of studios in Marrickville in Sydney. This Conference had its challenges – firstly it was like no other – this one was both remote and online. When all the Conferences in NSW and nationally were being cancelled, the Association and the Conference Committee forged ahead. The number one priority for the Association is Principal Wellbeing so having something to look forward to this term.

On the Wednesday we experienced major difficulties with Microsoft and email accounts and the Cvent third party provider. Without doubt we became the masters of calm in a stormy sea. I wish to acknowledge and thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked through it.

Throughout the Conference too we experienced some technical issues also – many of them not from our end. The Go Live team were incredible-they worked through every one of them. We were able to offer the recording of the two days to be re-viewed. The Awards ceremony was also offered to our Award recipients to share with their families who would have been present if we were meeting face to face.

There wouldn’t be too many Conferences that have such an agile and committed team – Cameron called the entire Conference from Crescent Head and Kylie and Karen were the absolute masters of calm and considered. THIS was a herculean effort!!!!

Our MC Stan Grant was the master of calm as well and shared his expertise in asking all the right questions of our keynotes. The Q&A sessions were FABULOUS!!!

We, the membership thank the entre team for delivering on a suite of the richest professional learning. Building in wellbeing breaks gave a brain break and an opportunity to move around – it really allowed us to maintain focus and actively listen. The added bonus was we had the option of meeting with colleagues (within the guidelines offered by H&S). Many too joined us from the comfort of their home and some, stayed close to their schools.

Let’s hope 2022 sees us all together face to face for State Conference, PPC Meetings and Regional Conferences.

I thank the many colleagues who offered such fabulous feedback on the quality of the speakers who presented over the two days – it was absolutely mind-blowing hearing their individual stories and how they have overcoming challenges that we all as humans face in life.

The absolute privilege colleagues, was hearing and seeing the way these remarkable humans faced the challenges presented as they move forward in their lives. Very humbling and great humility was shown by each of them.

I was also heartened to rpeatedly hear the celebration of success and how rich and valuable human connection is – kindness, tribe, family, friends, society and communities.

A really strong message was about raising our heads and extending ourselves – being the change we want to see, psychological safety, doing something you have never done before, listen deeply, connect to nature, show passion and commitment, expose parts of your mind that you never have, stay calm in the sea of storm, ethical and moral purpose, grit and determination, professionalism and pride, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ , pillars of high performing people, passion reflected in purpose, service model of leadership, acts of kindness, humans at their best …. in summary – what it is that connects us and binds us – our human spirit truly is remarkable.

The line up of keynotes speak for themselves:

Sam and Cam Bloom
Dan Haesler
Dr Catherine Ball
Samantha Gash
Peter Bol
Jennifer Robinson
Mark Wales
Hugh Mackay AO
Professor Stan Grant