Week 8 and we are hitting our stride in terms of the focus we are placing on the delivery of high quality teaching and learning in our schools. I have been incredibly privileged to be invited to PPC meetings and into schools this term spending time with Principals and their teams and students.

Attending PPC meetings and working out of schools is both grounding and purposeful. There is nothing more important than the voice of the principal being heard and taken to the table in the work the Executive and I are engaged in. A heartening noticing has been the energy in these forums. Whilst the work we are doing is demanding there is a positive energy and a sense of great optimism and clarity in the direction we are heading. As we continue in caretaker mode we are focusing on the work in our schools with a strong school lens.

To maintain the energy required to perform at the levels we are, the investment in self must also remain at the forefront of your mind. Your health and wellbeing are your priority – others are so dependent on that – your family, your friends and your school community. Make attending your PPC meetings a priority – your network of colleagues is extraordinary in terms of creating a community of practice. Contributing to your PPC and connecting with your colleagues is both healthy and culture creating – the sense of belonging to a team has incredible health benefits for us all. You can look forward to the Delegates and Presidents providing you with insights into the work of the DoE and the business of the Association. The reports shared back at PPC meetings are of great worth for your schools and provide information you can share with your Executive.

At State Council last week, Deputy President Bob Willetts and I engaged colleagues in a forum where we focused on the health and culture of the NSWPPA and how that is related to the health and culture of the forty-three PPC’s across the state. Last week we had over forty ‘new’ to State Council colleagues in the room – the WHAT, WHY and HOW was reflected on and the workshop allowed us to identify, reflect and grow the culture of the Association. Checking in on the culture of sporting teams, Associations, schools, and clubs is healthy and of great value. Exciting times are ahead as we continue to ‘associate’ and take forward the voice of Principals and the opportunities that present in our schools to ensure policy, practice and procedures work efficiently in our schools. Your commitment to leading your school is much appreciated and valued. Your visibility and voice matters. Have a fabulous week one and all.

Robyn