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- President’s Report
- Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards
- Professional Learning
- Out and About
- Sutherland PPC
- Liverpool PPC
- Chris Presland’s President Secondary Principals Council has retired!
- NSWPPA Annual Conference
- Riverina Conference
- Wellbeing Matters
- Photos for Website
- State Council Term 3
- Review of Professional Learning
- Melbourne Declaration
- Western Region Conference
- Other Things Bubbling away:
We certainly live in interesting times …. The release of a tweaked policy can certainly have a huge impact on us especially when implementation has been hardnosed.
Just to re-iterate, we have been involved in the policy re-tweak of the enrolment policy & procedures….. we had a cap under the previous policy so it didn’t jump out at us as a big issue. The 100 points was often being used by our schools where enrolments were tricky and we didn’t believe the principal not being on the panel was a big deal.
The two biggest issues have been around the accuracy of the enrolment cap and sibling rights and how the DELs have been sometimes difficult, pedantic and sometimes over the top threatening EPAC.
As an executive we have had many a robust conversation to clear up this situation, often using your examples to illustrate the difficulties being faced. We have met with Deputy Secretary Murat, the Minister, The Secretary and 5 of his Deputy Secretaries. Murat has conducted 2 skype sessions with his entire team of Executive Directors and DELs to clarify and advise that DELs should be supporting schools.
We have pushed compassion and the case for our families but also realise that Minister Stokes started this push because of the empire building by some of our colleagues. Financially, NSW can’t afford, or justify, huge infrastructure spends when nearby we have schools with empty classrooms.
We have also seen the release of the “Review into the Functions and Operations of EPAC” just recently. Mark Tedeschi QC has handed down a 177 page report saying:
In order to maintain confidence in EPAC among those who work in the Department and within school communities, it is necessary for EPAC to be seen to act in a fair, impartial, consistent, transparent and timely fashion, and in a manner that respects the procedural rights of those whom it is investigating and disciplining. Over time, criticism has been levelled at EPAC from a variety of sources. Those criticisms have included accusations of: procedural unfairness; lack of timeliness; lack of consistency in decision-making; inadequate investigations; confirmation bias against persons subject of allegations (PSOAs); poor communication with PSOAs, alleged victims (AVs), and school managers; failure to provide support to Principals and Directors Educational Leadership (DELs) in local management of investigations; inadequate resourcing; and a failure to act fairly and impartially in the investigation of allegations of misconduct. (p6)
The upcoming APPA Conference in Adelaide (September 3-6) meant that we had to hold our State Council two weeks earlier than usual. This had an impact on our Reference Groups, Standing Committees and Working Parties however thanks to the organisation of our chairpersons most were able to conduct & report on their meetings for Council.
As reported in the last “What’s Hot” the issue of Principal classification is also on the boil. As you are aware we have developed a conceptual model to improve the current system. Currently, the larger staff budgets in High Schools means that our schools (and salaries), often with much bigger enrolments, are disadvantaged. With the large majority of our primary schools in Band 3, it also limits career opportunities. We have taken our model to The Minister, The Secretary and Deputy Secretaries, Deputy Secretary Peter Riordan on a few occasions, Federation President and their IR officer and we have shared it with Angelo Gavrielatos (seeking Federation Presidency). More discussions to happen!
Minister’s and Secretary’s Awards
Last week the PEF Awards were presented at the Sydney Town Hall. Jane Caro was the MC and the Minister Sarah Mitchell and Secretary Mark Scott presented the Awards. The following Primary Schools, students, staff and parents/carers featured:
Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement: Year 12 students only
Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Robyn Brady (Revesby PS); Kate Caruana (Elderslie PS); Emma Follett (Bonnet Bay PS); Emma Hutchinson (Scarborough PS); Sarah Jones (Campsie PS); Naomi O’Neill (Flinders PS); Lara Pope (Condell Park PS); Louise Reynolds (Granville East PS); Jennie Wilson (Moulamein PS)
Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service: Jodie Bland (Oran Park PS); Renee Heyburgh (Guise PS); Rozanne Patane (Penrith South PS) ; Emma Shaw (Mary Brooksbank School)
Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Initiative: Ambarvale PS, Rosemeadow PS and Thomas Acres PS; Auburn North PS; Bankstown West PS; Chifley, La Perouse, Matraville and Matraville Soldiers Settlement Public Schools; Darlinghurst PS; Elderslie PS; Revesby PS.
Secretary’s School Achievement Award: Auburn North PS; Bankstown PS; Briar Rd PS; Grahamstown, Irrawang, Medowie, Salt Ash & Seaham Public Schools and Hunter River & Irrawang High Schools; Granville East PS; Revesby South PS.
Public School Parent Of The Year: Cynthia bacon (Marrickville West PS); Boris Baraldi (Oak Flats PS); Licia Heath (Bronte PS); Jenny McDonald (Gooloogong PS); Erin Oxenbridge (Farmborough Rd PS); Kelly “Nan” Pipe (Stanmore PS); Natasha Ward (Glenn Innes PS).
These prestigious Awards still seem to be given to our High School communities more than our primary communities. The number of applications by our schools is very low. We need to recognise our talented students, staff and community members.
Award | Primary School | High School |
Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching | 9 | 19 |
Secretary’s Award for Excellent Service | 4 | 8 |
Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Initiative | 11 | 15 |
Secretary’s School Achievement Award | 12 | 8 |
Public School Parent of The Year | 7 | 4 |
Margaret Charlton
As the newly appointed Professional Learning Officer I am thrilled to be a part of the team working to further strengthen the professional learning direction of our Association. In the current educational environment, the development and empowerment of effective school leaders is of paramount importance. As part of the PPA’s vison to support and empower principals, the provision of quality professional learning can have a significant impact. I am looking forward to taking on the challenge and working closely with colleagues.
PPA Website
To empower school leaders by delivering quality professional learning.
Check out the new Professional Learning tab on our website. You will find the current professional learning programs offered by the PPA. Here you will also find links to information flyers and registration for all programs as they become available.
Please note that there have been changes to the registration and payment process for all courses.
All payments will need to be made on registration through Cvent. Payment can only be made using Pcard or credit card. Please note that a cancellation fee can apply if there is not adequate notice.
The Art of Leadership
The Art of Leadership is a program designed by NSW Principals, for Principals and other school leaders. This practical, interactive program addresses the skills, processes and knowledge needed to lead a successful school.
It is an experiential program in which participants practise the skills learned and begin to apply these in their own workplace context during the period of the course. Since 2013, there have been 38 ‘Art of Leadership’ programs, held in venues across NSW. During this time more than 800 school leaders, from primary schools, special schools and high schools have participated in the program.
The program of courses for Art of Leadership and the Masterclasses for 2020 will be available on the our PPA website from next week. Once each course is filled, a waiting list will be compiled in order of registration.
NSWPPA Principal Credential
Empowered leaders creating the future
This outstanding program has provided participants with the opportunity to reflect on and strengthen their own leadership exploring the evidence of their practice using the Australian Professional Standard for Principals. They have been supported by our experienced systems leaders; PPA principals with a commitment to the development of effective leaders.
Participants in this program are nearing completion and currently undertaking the validation phase of this program. Our team of dedicated facilitators have supported the learning of these committed educators. On completion successful participants will receive recognition for 50% of a Masters of Educational Leadership at Wollongong University.
Information and registration in this program for 2020 will be available from Term 4.
Invitations for President Phil Seymour and the Executive to attend your PPC meetings continues to be such a highlight of the role. Spending time with colleagues celebrating individual and collective school achievements as well as having the opportunity to share ‘hot off the press information and update colleagues about the work the NSWPPA Executive are representing you at the discussion table on
Robyn Evans Deputy President
Last term I had the privilege of attending the Sutherland PPC Meeting where almost every Principal in the Sutherland Shire was in attendance. Credit to President Andrew Doyle Marton PS. Credit to Alternate Delegate Katherine Horner Jannali East PS on her comprehensive and engaging report back to the membership. Exciting to meet newly appointed and relieving principal’s and revisit the collegiality and inclusive manner the Woronora, Sutherland and Port Hacking networks operate under. Thank you so much for inviting me ‘back’.
Robyn Evans Deputy President
Likewise, the Liverpool PPC was engaging and informative – not to mention a celebration of the career of Mark Hagan – former Principal Greenway Park PS and most recently PSL. It was wonderful to hear Nick Magripilis regal the authenticity and significance of Mark’s career – his impact and his legacy. Marks role in the NSWPPA Vice President shaped current practice through his influence and ability to challenge the policies and procedures of the Department which are operationalised in schools. What a magnificent career - we salute you Mark,
Chris Presland’s President Secondary Principals Council has retired!
Robyn Evans Deputy President
I was most privileged to attend Chris Presland’s retirement last term. I was honoured to speak at the retirement of behalf of the 1800 NSW Primary Principals. His commitment, knowledge and legacy will long be acknowledged and felt. Chris’s retirement sees him having more time with his wonderful family and an exciting new adventure professionally. Stay tuned … Congratulations on a wonderful career across New South Wales and his service to the students in our schools.
NSWPPA Annual Conference will take place on October 30 - November 1, 2019. The theme for the conference is "Building Us". Speakers confirmed for 2019 include Julie Bishop and Peter Baines. Registration opened on Tuesday 25 June 2019.
There are still vacancies so to register copy and paste the following link to your browser.
Robyn Evans Deputy President
This week Phil and I spent time at the Riverina Conference – Griffith PPC, Wagga PPC, Deniliquin PPC and Albury PPC. What a brilliant event with keynote speakers and focus on The 3C’s – Connecting, Collaborating and Collegiality. Keynotes at the conference include: Mark Bunn, Steven Bradbury, Margaret Baker, Joachim Cohen and Adrian Piccoli.
Congratulations to Susan Bourne – Griffith North PS, Monica St Baker – Hanwood PS and Andrew Pryor Griffith East PS for their leadership and coordination of the Conference. A wonderful celebration of learning with, and learning from, colleague and friends. It is a timely reminder for us all that emotional wellbeing drives all other things wellbeing – please prioritise you - fill your emotional wellbeing bucket first before you top up everyone else’s. Huge congratulations to Griffith PPC for hosting an amazing conference!
Robyn Evans Deputy President
At every State Council we speak about all things wellbeing and celebrate colleague successes and ensure our colleagues are supported collegially as well as by our Chairpersons – Legal SC and Principal Support RG. Our Principal Support Officers are also available to support you.
Please take the time to notice … notice when your colleagues are not attending meetings, give them a call and take the time to catch up regularly. It takes only a few minutes to light up someone’s day – showing you care and offering your time can and does make a difference. Our roles are increasingly complex and demanding. Find the bright spots in your everyday and make sure you are taking the time to celebrate and note the many successes you, your staff, your students and your communities. Pick up the phone to any member of the NSWPPA State Executive anytime.
Robyn Evans Deputy President
Our new website looks amazing –we would like to change the photos regularly so, please send them to President Phil Seymour as separate attachments. We will build a bank of photos to celebrate the good in all our schools. We are also looking for movies we can upload for our What’s Hot showing some of the outstanding things happening in our schools.
Again our State Council was a busy one, but this time without our PPC Presidents. We had an “old” favourite Adrian Piccoli return to talk about the work of the Gonski Institute and had three of our delegates Tracey Anderson (Blacktown), John Bond (Shellharbour) and Tim Fisher (Wollongong) discussed how to create Engaging PPC Meetings so everyone comes back. Our Minister & Deputy Secretaries were also part of the mix.
I don’t want to steal the Delegates role but I need to mention Dymocks and their Charity that will support us in our schools. Delegates have all the information you need about how to get involved in their programs. The main program – Book Bank is a literacy support program, giving primary school children in priority locations [ICSEA < 1000] one brand new book per term during Years 3 to 6. Students learn to share and look after each other’s property but at the same time, and most importantly, they are reading lots of books.
Deliver Measurable 21st Century Skills in Your Classrooms Today!
With over a decade of experience delivering student programs and Teacher Professional Learning in NSW primary schools, Life Skills Group is now bringing measurable 21st Century Skills learning into classrooms with this innovative, new online platform!
Life Skills GO is a blended learning platform using animation, interactive games and puzzles to provide teachers flexible, age-appropriate lessons that meet curriculum requirements for developing young people’s social, emotional and physical skills. Using real-time data analytics, teachers can check the progress of individual students’ learning and wellbeing, then choose from 150 online lessons to respond to the changing needs of individual students and whole classrooms. This empowers schools to address the mandated skills of social emotional learning, which are aligned to the new National wellbeing framework, a focus which is also reciprocated across 20 countries of the OECD, including Australia.
Want to learn more about the Life Skills GO platform?
Access this FREE resource to help you get started, just one of the hundreds of resources created for the Life Skills GO platform, or see inside the platform for yourself:
Review of Professional Learning
We have been working with Leadership & High Performance to review both the funding of professional Learning & and Professional Learning in Schools. Led by Director Sandra Robinson, we looked at 4 phases of Professional development – explore, prepare, deliver & sustain and HIPL (High Impact Professional Learning). The project had input from 146 schools and 13,000 staff (Ernst & Young), 124 PDPs were analysed, 879 Focus groups/interviews; 5,191 surveys and 6,943 SASS staff replied. The Department checked 61 Funding surveys, interviewed 7 Professional Associations and held 11 forums.
Helen Timperely led the discussions on our future directions. Consultation Draft out soon.
As you are aware the Federal Government, through the Education Council, is reviewing the Melbourne Declaration. Whilst not looking at a huge change, a re-tweak is envisaged. Across the nation workshops are being held to gather input and determine what is missing, where we need to re-focus and actions.
Minister Tehan hosted a workshop in the Sydney CBD at the Masonic Centre where Deputy President Robyn Evans, AGPPA President Ian Anderson and I attended. Michelle Bruniges, our ex DG and now Secretary of the Federal Education Department also attended.
Our Minister Mitchell hosted two of the Workshops, one in Cabramatta and a second in Tamworth. SPC President Craig Petersen & I attended the Tamworth workshop with local students, principals and parent/carers form all three school sectors.
Conducted at the same time as the Riverina Conference, this Conference hosted and organised by a great team from the Orange- Lachlan PPC attracted many of our principals from the Bathurst, Orange-Lachlan, Broken Hill, Bourke and Dubbo PPCs. Impressive inputs by Dean White [ED], Diane McGrath , Jane Caro, Jordan Nguyen and Michael McQueen and lots of networking were features of the Conference. A wonderful effort by Dafyyd Thomas an team ensured the Conference was well organised, topical and flowed well. Next year its Broken Hill PPCs turn.
Human Capital Management – HCM
HCM is a team focusing on finding us solutions to our archaic legacy systems around HR. PPA represented on the Work Group and were stunned at the great work and progress being made by this team. There are 4 principals as part of this team and it shows.
APPA Conference in Adelaide
We have a contingent of 17 NSWPPA principals attending the APPA Annual conference in Adelaide this week. After forums led by AGPPA and APPA, we look forward to the Conference proper. More news later.
Principal Induction
We again met with our newly appointed principals and gave them the ”good oil” about the NSWPPA, - how we can help, why you should join etc. There were some 80+ newly appointed principals, including those on temporary appointments.
On behalf the Executive, Robyn Evans, Di Robertson, Rob Walker, Lyn Davis, Ian Reeson/ Stuart Wylie, Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Jude Hayman, Michael Trist, Craig Redfern, Mark Pritchard, and myself thank you for the fabulous work you do for our school communities and colleagues.
Please always remember that we are here for you [details are on our webpage & President’s should have sent you a sheet with who to contact in your local Area Council ]…. And to look after yourself.
cheers
Phil Seymour
PRESIDENT