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- President’s Report
- Annual Conference:
- Awards and AGM – Annual Conference
- Terrigal Public School
- LEAP (Leading Educators Across the Planet)
- ICP – International Confederation of Principals’ Conference Shanghai
- Executive
- Professional Learning
- Disability Royal Commission
- EPAC Review Matters
- Human Resources
Wow what a couple of weeks !!
A week after returning from visiting Finish schools with LEAP (in the school holidays) I was off to the 14 th International Confederation of Principals Conference in Shanghai and this led onto our Annual Conference at the Sofitel. Experiencing other systems & having deep conversations with fellow educators is invigorating as well as challenging…I’d highly recommend it.
By now your DEL has probably had a meeting with you relating to the targets you will negotiate for your school. The DoE is under instructions from the Government and have attempted to rationalise their demands. We always have had targets based on our in-school evaluations, so setting targets is no big deal to us all, but the insistence on using NAPLAN results is frustrating to say it mildly. I have a meeting with Teachers Federation officers this week as they are unimpressed with this development.
The DEL survey and follow up conversations are being conducted & are probably nearly finished so we await the meeting with Deputy Secretary Murat Dizdar to discuss the findings from the field. Feedback to individual DELs will be important as is the perception and reality of the role across the state.
The announcement at Annual Conference by the Premier (or was it the Minister) that $15,000 would be available to support principals gain additional qualifications is a great initiative. Clever principals might think about doing the next iteration of the PPA’s Principal Credential over 18 months gaining half of a M.Ed with the University of Wollongong (UOW) and then using these funds to complete the next half !! More details to follow.
With 623 registrations this was a very large conference and the last at the Sofitel hotel. With quality speakers and the usual outstanding organisation, our committee led by Kylie Donovan, Anne Webb and team pulled it all together ensuring a fantastic PL event. Another brilliant effort by our Conference committee. Special thanks to : Daryl McKay; Vicki Harris; Merrilyn Jenkins; Kerry Wood; Sheila Bollard; Shelle Davies; Cameron Upcroft; Polly Palaitis; Michelle Sarjana; and Karen DeFalco. Speakers tugged at heart strings & got us to reflect on our lives and by listening to Dylan Alcott, develop another perspective on life.
The social activities got us all getting to know each other better and helped us “lighten up” at this busy time of the year and the extraordinary student talent left us in awe. A huge thanks to those students & their schools for their outstanding performances:
Vanessa Cia (Bonnyrigg Heights PS)
Isaiah Reti (Soldiers’ Settlement PS)
Mia Leech (Rosemeadow PS)
Mia Flowerday (Croydon Park PS)
Symphonia Jubilate (Concord West PS)
Senior Choir (Strathfield South PS)
Checkmate Dance Ensemble (Randwick PS)
Felix Chan (Burwood PS)
Dance Ensemble (Quakers Hill East PS)
Those Yankees (Hoxton Park PS)
After 18 years we sadly have to leave the Sofitel as a venue for our Annual Conference. Over the years the team at the Sofitel have been outstanding in their efforts to support us and they will be missed. To celebrate the support the past Presidents, Convenors, Administrators and Sofitel staff had dinner on Friday night following the conclusion of Annual Conference.
As our Annual Conference has become more popular fitting everyone into the venue has become problematic. The Conference committee has searched far and wide and we have booked the Star Event Centre in Pyrmont.
Awards and AGM – Annual Conference
Our AGM was carried out without much fanfare and delegates who attended will give a report at the next Area PPC meetings. Ask about the motion on fees and the discussion.
Our NSWPPA Awards recognised the following colleagues:
Aboriginal Education Award - Annie Downs
Social Justice & Equity Award - Mark Gosbell
Professional Award - Christine Arthur Schnebli
Fellowships - Robyn Evans & Brent Kunkler
Life membership - Alan Kerr, Jackie Malecki, Kerry Moore, Christopher Parkinson
Principal Credential
We also recognised the 3rd cohort of colleagues who have completed our Principal Credential. Led by Margaret Charlton, Graeme Ross, Karen Maraga and a great team.
Stephen Armstrong | Carlene Barrett | Christine Calder |
Emma Chalker | Katherine Cohen | Jonathon Coombes |
Nicole Doig | Dale Edwards | David England |
Joanne Fair | Danielle Franklin | Marilyn Friedrich |
Anastasia Galanos | Melissa Gibson Dean | Lauren Hankinson |
Carly Harding | Sarah-Jane Hazell | Chris Herbert |
Luke Hogan | Bianca Howarth | Kristy Jansons |
Zalinka Jovevski | Brooke Keevers | Jody Kilpatrick |
Nicole Knight | Ena Lakisoe | Grace Lattuca |
Monique Levis | Natalie Marchiori | Susan Matthews |
Daniel Morgan | Kylie Morgan | Kelly Neary |
James Nobbs | Brendan Nobbs | Craig Partridge |
Melinda Partridge | Lauren Phillips | Andrew Pryce |
May Ptolemy | Olivia Pullen | Emily Rhodes |
Jennifer Riley | Jodie Savellis | Geoffrey Michael Roelofs |
Katrina Searle | Karen Sellick | Ian Tapuska |
Olivia Tredoux | Nicole Troy | Jenny Vajdevski |
Karen Wardlaw | Joanne Wilcher |
Our deepest thanks go to the Facilitators who supported our colleagues through their journey. Their goodwill and commitment to this program has enabled its success. Many thanks to:
Corinna Robertson, Jodi Bennett, Tom Moth, Louise Challis, Jennifer Thomas, Karen Maraga, Estelle Southall, Cath Larkman, Louise Green, Samantha Rowsell, Peter Flannery, Andy Rankin, Donna Bensch, Laurie Connery, David O’Connor, Denise Smoother, Vicki-Ann Stokes, Margaret Charlton, Graeme Ross, Barry Croft.
President Phil was impressed that his year 6 student from a few years ago, Kylie Morgan, was presented with her certificate,.
Learning Pathways Video from Terrigal Public School
The Aboriginal Education action team at Terrigal Public School has been working on a Learning Pathways Project. Our students are connected, they have aspirations, they are going places and have big ideas. They are modern kids with a focus on the future, but they know that they are only here due to the resilience, the adaptability and the determination of their ancestors. They know they walk in footprints millennial old and they will honour their ancestors by their strength and determination to succeed. The video is a culmination of their work in the project and sums up their determination to achieve. Please enjoy the video
LEAP (Leading Educators Across the Planet)
In an effort to understand what all the fuss is about, a group of 31 principals and executive members travelled to Finland in the last holidays. We visited schools in Kokkola (with Superintendent Peter Johnson) for the first week seeing a wide variety of schools ( music, language specialities, Swedish language school etc ) that had incredible resourcing & facilities and then spent time in some Helsinki schools.
The size & shape of classrooms varied, but many of the classes were organised in rows and they adhered to a flexible timetable. Trust was the key concept. We trust our teachers to meet the needs of our students…that is their responsibility, we trust our students to engage in learning and act appropriately and by and large they did. On the whole, with the younger students particularly, after a 45 minute lesson they went outside to play and they did that regardless of the weather. There were lots more learnings, but I’d personally recommend a visit to another system to everyone…it questions your beliefs & practices &/or re-affirms your own beliefs and certainly shows what a quality system we do have.
ICP – International Confederation of Principals’ Conference Shanghai
In week 2 of this Term several representatives from the NSWPPA attended this conference. Margaret Charlton (Principal Credential) and Bob Willetts (Flourish) presented workshops in a first for our Association. Brad Hunt, Robyn Evans, Rob Walker and Phil Seymour were the other participants. We were joined by National President of ASEPA, Matt Johnson from Glenvale School and SPC members.
Key-note speakers included Jack Ma (Alibaba – discussing the need to educate our children , society won’t improve without education; AI will change education & we will have to work more on wisdom & values. Love is needed).
Steve Munby – ex founder & CEO of the National College of School Leadership in the UK spoke on The Imperfect Leader and their traits. Vicki Phillips spoke on the Uncommon Leader & the role of National Geographic in education resources for schools. Yong Zhao, Mark Bray and Andreas Schleicher were also keynotes.
With 1500 attending it was certainly a time for sharing & finding out more about leadership development & schooling in the countries attending. A highlight was the African Flash Mob who just got up and sang !!
Keynote speaker Steve Munby certainly struck a chord with me with his concept of the imperfect leader. He spoke of how we can grow as authentic leaders if had these traits:
- Are self-aware
- Know their weaknesses
- Understand it’s not all about them
- Are invitational – ask for help
- Acknowledge their mistakes
- Make public promises (makes it harder not to follow through)
- They are learners
- Encourage others to step up
- Authentic/ honest
As a result of Vice President Craig Redfern accepting a DEL’s position we had a vacancy on Executive. You were all asked to vote and Returning Officer Mark Pritchard announced the new Vice President at our AGM. We congratulated Stuart Wylie, Principal of Thornton PS. Stuart had been filling in a temporary vacancy on the Executive.
Deputy President Di Robertson has also stepped down from her position due to personal reasons. The constitution dictates that one of the Vice Presidents is to fill that position. Ian Reeson subsequently was voted as Deputy President. This now has triggered another vacancy for Vice President and Returning Officer Mark Pritchard has called for nominations for an election by the membership. This should be all done & dusted ready for Term 4 State Council.
Craig was unable to attend Annual Conference, but we thanked Di Robertson for incredible efforts as Vice President & Deputy President over the last 3 years. Her advocacy, knowledge and passion has certainly focused attention on the plight of our students and staff in our SSPs and quick gains have been made, but there is much more to do to continue her work.
During Term 3 I had the pleasure of attending a number of local PPC meetings. This provided a wonderful opportunity to not only inform members about the outstanding professional learning programs that are currently available to school leaders, but to outline what we have in development for 2020. It was also an important opportunity for me to gain feedback about professional learning provisions that would be valued by principals. If you would like me to attend your PPC meeting I can be contacted at mcharlton@nswppa.org.au or on 0408 905 051.
Term 4 has been an exciting time for professional learning within the PPA, starting with the International Confederation of Principals Conference in Shanghai. A great opportunity to learn from international colleagues as well as showcase the outstanding work the PPA has done with the Principal Credential. Last week at PPA State Conference over 600 Principals from across NSW connected with an outstanding program of speakers to enhance their leadership. Both conferences emphasise the great commitment and work of our Association in promoting the effective leadership of Principals across NSW.
Art of Leadership & Art of Leadership Masterclass 2020
These highly successful leadership programs are proving very popular once again. Registrations for 2020 courses are currently being taken, with some venues already full.
Art of Leadership and the Masterclass are programs designed by NSW Principals, for Principals and other school leaders. They are practical, interactive programs that address the skills, processes and knowledge needed to lead a successful school. In these experiential programs, participants practise the skills learned and begin to apply these in their own workplace context. The AOL Masterclass builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the Art of Leadership program.
Program information and registration for both these courses can now be found on the following link to the NSWPPA website. Register soon to avoid disappointment.
NSWPPA Principal Credential
Congratulations to the 2018/19 cohort of school leaders who have recently completed the validation phase of this program. Completion of the program; the assessment of a Portfolio of Evidence, the presentation of an Executive Summary and refereed validation has led to recognition of leadership capacity and award of the NSW Principal Credential. Successful participants will receive recognition for 50% of a Masters of Educational Leadership at Wollongong University. These successful participants were recognised and received their NSWPPA Principal Credential award at State Conference.
This outstanding program provides 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. Participants are supported in their learning by our experienced systems leaders; PPA principals with a commitment to the development of effective leaders.
Information and registration for these programs for 2020 will be available next week on the NSWPPA website under the Professional Learning tab.
2020 Professional Learning – Coming Events
The last two terms have been very productive with the identification and development of professional learning opportunities for school leaders. Following on from the results of the Professional Learning survey we currently have a number of programs under development. All of these are being designed by, or in consultation with, NSW Principals for Principals and school leaders. These programs will be rolled out throughout 2020.
Taking the Challenge out of Challenging Conversations will focus on the common features of challenging conversations that are critical for school leader effectiveness. This focus will include four conversation types; Performance, Boundaries, Alignment and Coaching conversations.
Creating an Effective and Productive Team will work participants through the purpose and process of creating effective team culture and practices within their schools. The program will replicate team-creation and team-building practices as well as trust and connected relationships that are enablers of effective team cultures.
Financial Management Best Practice will provide support to school leadership teams to develop a greater understanding of strategic financial management strategies. This support shares the best practice strategies developed by current Principals.
Effective Middle Leadership is a leadership development program for current Assistant Principals. The program will focus on building the capacity of our middle leaders to operate effectively within their role and school context, to effectively impact the quality of teaching and enhance student learning.
Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Leading at the Speed of Trust are also being investigated as possible professional learning options that will support school leaders.
Margaret Charlton l Professional Learning Officer
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability (often referred to as the Disability Royal Commission) has identified a number of domains for their Inquiry. They are: Homes and Living, Relationships, Education and Learning, Economic Participation, Health, Justice, Individual Autonomy and Self-determination, Right to Dignity, Community Participation, and Geographical Challenges.
The first public hearing on one of the domains (Education and Learning) is in Townsville this week (4-7 November).
Our Department’s team has both legal and policy positions and will be there to assist our schools if, and or when, any information is sought – they have been advised that requests will come into the department’s legal area in the first instance which will enable DoE to have a coordinated approach to gather information sought. It’s likely that much of the information will be about policies and procedures etc that can be managed centrally. If the Commission requests information from specific schools they will make contact with the principal personally to discuss and assist.
A web page is in development to provide information on the Royal Commission and updates will be included as information becomes available –a link will be shared when the webpage is finalised.
The DoE’s team can be accessed through the email address: disabilityroyalcommission@det.nsw.edu.au
Chairs of the Principal Support Reference Group (Judy Goodsell) and the Legal Issues Standing Committee (Greg McLaren) met with Deputy President Robyn Evans, Vice President Lyn Davis and our Professional Officers Wendy and Geoff to review and prioritise the EPAC review recommendations made my Mark Tedeschi.
As a result of this action a meeting has been requested with David Wright Smith who has carriage of the implementation of the recommendations. The NSWPPA priority areas for action are:
- Matters relating to procedural fairness, prompt and timely communication particularly with Persons Subject Of Allegations (PSOA;)
- We are very supportive of the recommendation that all PSOA witnesses should be interviewed. Our concerns centre on what ‘exceptional circumstances’ might prevent this;
- Removal of handling of complaints from EPAC;
- The process for deciding whether a matter is ‘complex’ or whether it should be best managed at a local level;
- Professional Development recommendations are long overdue. It is vital that EPAC staff know how schools operate. We would support the recommendation that new EPAC investigators spend time in schools as part of their training. We further believe that they be required to spend time in schools at a minimum twice a year, to enable matters to be contextualised in school settings and that the Education Officer be included in the school visit program;
- We are supportive of the establishment of a panel process, when disciplinary action may be taken to dismiss/demote an employee. We strongly believe that a NSWPPA and/or NSWSPC representative be included in the composition of the panel; and
- There is a recommendation that EPAC retain its own Legal Counsel. In the implementation of this recommendation however, the NSWPPA believes decisions should also referred to the DoE General Council and the Legal Issues Directorate. DoE Legal Directorate need to be aware of recommendations and look at implementation from a holistic DoE perspective.
- The review stressed that experience in Child Protection should not be the driving force behind hiring Investigators – the NSWPPA would welcome the opportunity to have input into an improved recruitment process
- The NSWPPA has concerns regarding low-level cases where it was subsequently determined that the employee has no case to answer. We strongly urge that such matters be removed from the person’s file.
Deputy President Robyn Evans is coordinating this meeting so that David Wright Smith has a very clear understanding of the priorities of the NSWPPA and the importance of their implementation to our members.
There is a lot happening in this space, so I’ve asked the Department to provide information for us all:
The Department’s two largest Human Resources programs – Staffing Methodology Review (SMR) and Human Capital Management (HCM) - are working in tandem to achieve the department’s vision that every school has the right people in the right place at the right time to meet the needs of our students.
Many of our members have already been involved with these programs.
Term 4 sees the SMR program engaging with principals across 30 plus schools, representing a diverse range of educational settings, to test and validate possible solutions for staffing entitlement and recruitment policies and processes. The findings will provide input into the overall SMR roadmap and strategy.
The HCM Human Centred Design work continues, following engagement with 17 schools across the state to canvas possible improvements to recruitment and workforce planning processes and technology. The findings from this work will be presented to representative stakeholders at a number of events at the end of November.
Both programs are collaborating to ensure better staffing and student outcomes, greater efficiencies and reduced administration burden on schools in the future.
On behalf the Executive, Robyn Evans, Ian Reeson, Rob Walker, Lyn Davis, Stuart Wylie, Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Jude Hayman, Michael Trist, 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 as the busy end of term 4 draws near.
cheers
Phil Seymour
PRESIDENT