Helen Craigie | Student Wellbeing Reference Group, Graeme McLeod | Disabilities Reference Group, Mark Gosbell | SSP’s Reference Group, Trish Peters |Executive Liaison and I have continued to position ourselves in this area of reform. The NSWPPA State Executive too have recently engaged in conversation with robust questioning and considerations and clarity sought.

Resourcing, both human and professional learning have been strongly advocated for. We have remained resolute in our position. We have been afforded a strong voice which has in fact been able to shape how procedures will look in all contexts. It must be said that there are some procedures which have been non-negotiable as they are Government mandates, grounded in Legislation from the Royal Commission findings. This strategy is system wide transformation. What is clear, is that every school will be at a different starting point in the Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools Strategy. NSWPPA have been consulted and have time and time again invested much time, recommendations and alternatives to the draft procedures and documents.

We are only now seeing the Strategy in its entirety. It must be said that there are a number of details in the policy and procedures that we have stood firm on particularly around resourcing and suspension. Many recommendations we have made have in fact been included.

Our claim for resourcing that is visible and timely as well as offer expertise and agency for the student themselves, the staff, the family, the school leaders and every other student in the school that may be impacted by high level behaviours in a must.

Professional Learning must be quality, supportive, timely and differentiated. We have continued to talk about the curriculum focus all schools have with not only the introduction of the K-2 Curriculum but also our SIP focus for Professional Learning.

We also see a whole of government shift required to support this strategy in terms of services |medical | psychological | counselling |therapies as well as a workforce for preschools in schools. Policies are reviewed every 3 years. We have commitment that this policy will be reviewed at the end of the 1st year of implementation (end of 2022).

PPA, SPC and Federation are also holding firm in their recommendations for particular components of the strategy. We have been advised that the policy and procedures will be released for familiarisation.

Some of the strategy will be familiar to you and be current practice in your school. There will however be a case for change in some of the procedures you currently have. NSWPPA have recommended the familiarisation be staggered and focus first on:  Inclusion, then, the Behaviour Strategy and then Restrictive Practices.

We have been ever mindful that the workload is going to be problematic for all schools. I ask you are candid with me as this strategy is introduced. Capture the positives and the problems you may encounter. You are encouraged to contact Trish Peters or myself at anytime.

Stay tuned ... The familiarisation period will commence later this term. DELS are putting placeholder dates in calendars to make presentations.