Filter Content
- President’s Report:
- Term 2 State Council Report | NSWPPA President Robyn Evans
- Principal Support and Wellbeing:
- State of Emergency | Flood Response | Schools for Schools | Principals for Principals
- Meeting with Education Minister | Hon. Sarah Mitchell
- NSWPPA State Executive | Update
- NSWPPA Chairpersons
- The work of the Reference Group Standing Committees and Standing Committees
- Professional Learning Officer (PLO) |Expression of Interest
- Recognition | Australian Government Primary Principals Association
- Public Education Foundation | Celebrating Excellence in Public Schools:
- Primary Principal Council Meetings:
- Universal Preschool Announcement | Minister and Premier:
- Welcome to the Principalship:
- Membership of the NSW Primary Principals’ Association:
- NSWPPA State Conference for 2022 in the APPA Conference in Sydney:
- FLOURISH Masterclass | Friday 29 July 2022
- The Anxiety Project | NSWPPA Initiative | Expression of Interest
- Innovation and Change: University of Technology
- SASSPA Conferences
- Recognising your Learning and Support Teacher
- NSWPPA Professional Learning- Amplification for Experienced Principals | PLO Margaret Charlton:
- Principal RE-classification and Classification Update | Deputy President Bob Willetts
- Jumpstart for New Principals | Deputy President Michael Burgess
- Changes to Email Access on Smartphone and other Devices | Deputy President Michael Burgess
- Budget Concerns | Deputy President Michael Burgess
- Cyber Security Essentials Training by June 30 | Deputy President Michael Burgess
- NSWPPA Awards 2022 | Vice President Jude Hayman
- Aboriginal Education Reference Group | Vice President Jude Hayman, Chair Paul Byrne
- Private and Secondary Employment Procedure | Secretary Greg McLaren
- Apple NSW Education Technical Events | Technology Chair Drew Janetzki
- And finally…..
Week 9 Term 2 and we are all standing tall. CONGRATULATIONS AND HEARTFELT APPRECIATION to each and every Principal leading our NSW schools. 2022 continues to bring us the very best public education has to offer in terms of the work our staff, students and communities are doing and the joy in celebrating effort and achievement remains the bright spot in every school.
There is no denying that every day we face challenges – many and varied – we are all too familiar with some – staffing is a crushing constant. It is indeed both remarkable and noteworthy that in every school there is a healthy focus on the core business of our schools – teaching and learning. Whilst we know we are resilient and we ‘just get on with the job’ we must create opportunities to stand still a while and reflect on your personal and collective achievements.
Spending time with many of you this term has grounded me in the knowledge that EVERY Principal knows their purpose and is narrowing their focus to work smart and direct their energy into the things that matter. Competing priorities will always be there – together we must hold the line and have in the front of our minds that we are the key to the wellbeing and culture of our schools.
It truly has been a privilege to join networks of Principals in PPC areas and recognise the incredible work being done in every school. This week’s What’s Hot gives you insight into the Week 7 State Council Meeting in Sydney. Your PPC delegate will go into detail about the conversations and information we shared. The delegate reports in the PPC’s I have been in the past week have been extraordinary.
At State Council we were informed of the passing of one of our recently retired Principals, Ginny Latta. Ginny retired from Tevin-Tintenbar PS and had relocated Tenterfield with her husband to enjoy retirement together. Sadly, Ginny lost her hard fought battle. Ginny was one of the greatest advocates for Public Education and shared her wisdom and experience over many years on PASHNit. She was a long standing member of the Legal Issues Standing Committee. She was relentless in her advocacy for students and leaders in schools. She had a strong voice about all that matter in schools and worked tirelessly to influence and shape practice, policy and procedures. Her legacy walks in Public Education. Our deepest condolences to her husband, friends and colleagues.
Last weekend we received news that one of our well known and highly respected SPC colleagues had unexpectedly passed away. Murray Kitteringham | Principal Sir Joseph Banks HS was without doubt a leader and an incredible human who selflessly gave to the profession. He was all about public education and the difference it made for students and communities. He was incredibly proud of the work of his staff at his school and he celebrated their successes broadly. He was a leader who was heard – people truly listened to him – he had influence and was held in incredibly high regard by his PPA and SPC colleagues. Murray loved his role as Principal and it showed in everything he was involved in and how he went about things. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife and his children. Public Education has been incredibly lucky to have had a leader such as Murray – his name and his wise and considered thinking resonated and will continue to walk with many of us. He will be truly missed. Murray truly made his mark and we will take him forward with us in all we do.
Term 2 State Council Report | NSWPPA President Robyn Evans
At State Council we prioritised the business of the Association and had a number of invited colleagues and guests including : Angelo Gavrielatos | President NSW Teachers Federation, Murat Dizdar | Deputy Secretary speaking on Connected Communities, Georgina Harrisson | Secretary NSW Department of Education , Hon Sarah Mitchell | Minister of Education, Tanya Neal and Sam Ricketts | Directors Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships , Leah Anderson | Director Recruitment and Placement Human Resources and Jeremy Kurucz | Director Delivery and Oversight School Workforce.
Your delegate will provide you with great insight into the information provided the questions posed and the answers provided. It is incredibly important to view these days as opportunities to engage and clarify and seek to understand and offer solutions about what works best in schools. It is also an opportunity to influence and shape next steps. The voice of all members is represented by the PPC Delegates, Chairpersons and the Executive.
Principal Support and Wellbeing:
The Association’s number one priority is principal support and wellbeing. The Association’s purpose is to support | empower | advocate and lead. We are cognisant of the competing priorities and the workloads we as Principals carry and at times buckle under.
We are collectively strong and it is timely to remind ourselves of the importance of the principal voice not only in your school but in your community of practice, your Primary Principal Councils and on Reference Groups, Standing Committees and Working Parties.
Connecting together in person for many this term has been an injection of wellbeing in itself. Remember to lean in on your local colleagues, your PSL colleagues and communicate strongly with your DEL. Call me at any time or contact one of our Professional Support Officers.
The wellbeing of our workforce has a variety of contributing factors including: - being in the room when things are discussed, being informed and having the opportunity to voice and shape policy and practices, being solution focused when things are not working in our schools as well as the physical and psychological wellbeing focus, we are individually and collectively responsible for.
The work being done by the Principal In Residence | Sue French and her team is continuing, and her team anticipate presenting their literature review and recommendations to Senior DoE personnel soon. The NSWPPA Wellbeing forum is scheduled for Friday 24 June. We are delighted to say key personnel will be in the room for this PPA led initiative.
State of Emergency | Flood Response | Schools for Schools | Principals for Principals
Our colleagues in Lismore, Ballina and Tweed Heads continue to face the challenges of recovery and rebuilding. With subsequent deluges of rain, our thoughts and strong support remains with them all –their communities, staff and students. We continue to stand with them during the recovery and rebuild period.
Emerging issues present and I have been forwarding these issues to relevant personnel for follow up. I have to say the JOY that has been expressed by colleagues collectively from the SCHOOLS FOR SCHOOLS initiative has been marvellous to hear. The connection, care and kindness expressed by many parties has been a real bright spot. THANK YOU to everyone involved – this initiative is one about relationships. Never underestimate the power of being seen and heard by your colleagues. Minister Mitchell is keen to follow up with colleagues in this area. I will be contacting Delegates this week.
Michael Trist, Phil Seymour and I are joining our North Coast colleagues this week at their conference. A brilliant opportunity for these colleagues to connect – certainly a much needed connection indeed.
Meeting with Education Minister | Hon. Sarah Mitchell
Week 6 saw the NSWPPA State Executive meet with Minister Sarah Mitchell. We had the opportunity to discuss in depth some high level issues regarding staffing. We did so candidly. Prior to the State Executive having this meeting I was afforded an opportunity to do the same with the Minister myself. The conversation and sharing of examples provides the Minister with clarity and context. It often confirms the conversations she has had and on other occasions magnifies issues we are experiencing in our schools on a daily basis.
WE KNOW there ARE significant staffing issues. The issues are NOT new. They have however been magnified during COVID. The immediacy of the situation in many schools continues to have ramifications. Just this weekend, there was significant media around the staffing issues in our schools.
These meetings are more than Q&A sessions – we deliberately set an agenda for conversation and with a goal to secure actions forward. These were the areas we drilled down into this term.
Staffing Conversations with the Minister:
- Creativity in immediate responses | opportunities
- Teacher supply strategy | next steps – immediate |short term | long term action
- Counsellors and Psychologist in Primary Schools | planning forward | responding to the mental health and wellbeing of our students across the state | COVID | natural disaster
- Staffing methodology review | increase teacher release | executive release | SASS entitlement | workforce creation to support teaching staff | benefits to be shared
- Counsellor allocation in Primary settings
- Rural Regional and Remote | initiatives of significance | engagement with NSWPPA | representation
- University graduates
Principal Classification and Reclassification:
- Application of the current policy | bracket freeze | request for intervention | moratorium | inequity between | Primary and Secondary.
Impact
- Collapsing of other programs - Learning Support, COVID ISLP, EALD programs constantly interrupted as staff redirected to cover classes | impact on targets and SIP progress | ramifications.
- New issue: casuals avoiding blocks as they are happier to select days and schools |workload | higher duties.
- Staff covering classes in their RFF, part time teachers’ coming in to work on their days off, teachers doing multiple duties, covering two classes.
Workforce Fatigue and Wellbeing
- PSL role
- workload
- SIP implications
- Goodwill | ‘more than thanks’
NSWPPA State Executive | Update
Deputy President Rob Walker announced his retirement at State Council and has stepped aside from his State Executive role as per the NSWPPA Constitutional Guidelines. Rob is an integral member of our team and his commitment, deep knowledge and tireless advocacy for colleagues and students is duly recognised and valued. He is held in the highest regard. Rob has indicated he intends to nominate and stand in the upcoming NSWPPA State Elections.
I would like to announce that Michael Burgess |Terrigal PS |Vice President NSWPPA will step up as Deputy President and we warmly welcome Leah Martin | Principal Pambula PS |Delegate Batemans Bay to the executive as she takes up the position of Vice President. These positions will remain until the close of the APPA Conference in November.
The newly elected NSWPPA Executive 2022- 2024 will take up their positions immediately after Conference.
Chairpersons of our Association are the leaders of exceptional work across a vast array of areas. These Chairpersons are responsive and proactive in the work they do as they lead their groups focusing on the core and integral business of the Association.
I would like to celebrate the leadership and dedication of three of our Chairpersons: Bek Zadow | Chairperson, Teaching Principals RG, Cath Larkman | Chairperson, Leadership SC and Graeme McLeod | Chairperson, Disability Programs RG. Bek, Cath and Graeme are stepping down from their roles as Chairs. The contribution these colleagues have made to the Association over many years is testament to their leadership styles, influence, expertise and absolute passion and commitment.
On behalf of the NSWPPA membership I would like to recognise and express gratitude for the incredible contribution these colleagues have made. They truly have been the difference for many colleagues – influencing and shaping the landscape and work for all Principals.
Join me in warmly welcoming Denise Lockrey |Chairperson Disability Programs RG and Andrew Rodgers |Chairperson Teaching Principals RG. Welcome to the team. We look forward to working with you.
The work of the Reference Group Standing Committees and Standing Committees
This term I have sat in on many Reference Group, Standing Committee and Working Party meetings. It never ceases to amaze me seeing the four pillars of the Association being woven through the work being led and covered. I would like to recognise the additional workload our Chairpersons, RG | WP | SC members and the Executive Liaisons take on to ensure they have optimised the opportunities to shape, influence and collaborate on all things that land in our schools in the first instance and how they go about responding to issues when things simply don’t land in our schools at all well.
The Association business is such a priority and HOW we operate matters. Thank you one and all for the significant contribution you make not only at your term meetings but also recognise the importance of the ‘between meeting’ work. These groups have really transformed how they operate and narrowed their focus to ensure they are responding to an representing the needs of their colleague principals. Please extend my gratitude to your members. The Executive and I along with your colleagues across NSW applaud you for the work you do and commitment to your role as Executive of the NSWPPA.
Professional Learning Officer (PLO) |Expression of Interest
A wonderful opportunity has presented itself – can you see yourself as the Professional Learning Officer for the NSWPPA?
NSWPPA has a fabulous suite of Professional Learning and the PLO works collaboratively with the Leadership Standing Committee and the Stage Executive. Details are included in the job description.
Recognition | Australian Government Primary Principals Association
In Week 5 Michael Burgess and I attended the AGPPA meeting in Canberra. This meeting, being the first we have had face to face in almost two years, also recognised colleagues service to AGPPA.
Phil Seymour | Immediate past NSWPPA President was recognised for his service and contribution to AGPPA. Phil was recognised for his strong advocacy and voice for government primary schools at a national level.
Congratulations Phil. Much deserved recognition.
Public Education Foundation | Celebrating Excellence in Public Schools:
Congratulations to the students and staff recognised and awarded scholarship at the Public Education Foundation Awards this term. The evening was a celebration of excellence in achievements, performances, speeches and personal stories that were shared. Thank you to Deputy Presidents Rob Walker and Bob Willetts for joining me in attending this event.
The scholarship winners were deemed those who had demonstrated remarkable strength of character in reaching the achievements they have so far. NSWPPA is one of the proud sponsors of these scholarships. It was a privilege to be in the room and feel the pride of the students, staff and families. It was wonderful to connect with the many primary school principals in the room. I encourage you to consider nominating your students and staff in 2023.
I would like to acknowledge and celebrate our secondary colleague Principals recognised on the night:
Belinda Guidice | Principal Prairiewood High School | Teachers Mutual Bank Principals Scholarship and,
Michael Sloan | Principal Denison College of Secondary Education, Kelso High Campus
Primary Principal Council Meetings:
Again this term, I have attended a number of PPC meetings both in person and via zoom. Impressive to say the least. I am in awe of the strength and energy displayed by colleagues across the state. Never has it been more important to prioritise your attendance at these meetings. The collective genius in the room and the commitment to Public Education is so apparent. The workforce fatigue is also very real and just below the surface. What I am noticing though is the strength of the conversations being had and the opportunities created to check in on each other and share the stories that are solved or in fact normalised.
Rising issues that are PPC specific is critical. These issues will be directed to the relevant Chairpersons and in many instances directly dealt with by the Executive and myself with relevant DoE contacts and personnel. Remember to seek support early if required – a phone call or an email early allows things to be addressed.
On behalf of the NSWPPA State Executive we truly appreciate the opportunity to work with your and tap into the issues and celebrations in your area. Never hesitate to reach out to us. Some of the best opportunities to solve emerging issues are in the casual conversations had when meeting together.
Greg McLaren and I had the opportunity to spend time with our Deniliquin PPC colleagues. It was a meeting packed with quality. Last week Michael Trist and I met with the Armidale PPC at Inverell. What a fabulous part of the world and what a collegial and committed group of colleagues. Our regional and rural colleagues travel incredible distances to connect for these meetings. Thank you for making us so welcome. These groups operate with such purpose, commitment and energy was a credit to these colleagues individually as well as collectively. Again, a huge thank you to those who had such a distance to travel.
The executive and I have also spent time with the Sutherland PPC , Queanbeyan PPC, Central Coast PPC, Penrith |Blue Mountains PPC and this week we will be travelling to the North Coast Conference. Connecting with colleagues is an instant injection of wellbeing.
Universal Preschool Announcement | Minister and Premier:
Last week I was invited by the Minister to the announcement of the Universal Preschool Reform and the transformative injection of funding that will be available to increase the workforce, infrastructure and MOST importantly the education of our youngest students into play based learning the year prior to starting school.
This injection of funding opens up the opportunity for ALL children in all contexts across NSW to attend preschool for no cost five days a week leading up to starting their primary schooling. This funding will be injected into existing community preschools and creating new spaces in our schools. Excitingly, the announcement included the developmental checks for all children being done prior to them coming into our settings to support students emotional, social, psychological and educational needs. A pilot will commence in 2023. This IS an invaluable transition for school readiness and how students will in the future come ‘school ready’ into Kindergarten.
Proudly, the media release states that NSWPPA is one of the key stakeholders who will be an integral part of the codesign plan as this reform unfolds. Minister Mitchell publicly stated we were key stakeholders. This reform has many positive societal ramifications. This is a reform that potentially sets all students on a trajectory for a rich foundation for future learning.
I felt incredibly privileged to be part of this announcement representing every one of you recognising the importance of early years education and school readiness.
We warmly welcome these colleagues to the Principalship - a noble and rewarding profession – such a privilege to lead a school through the successes and celebrations as well as through periods such as these. Together with our staff, students and communities we lean on our colleagues and share in our next steps. Please know there is much support available to our early career principals including your mentor, Principal School Leadership, Primary Principal Council Executive and colleagues as well as the NSWPPA Executive and Professional Support Officers – Wendy Buckley 0403 560 814, Geoff Scott 0427 451 359 and Phil Seymour 0412 673 378. I am also available at the end of the phone anytime, email or text 0429 547 619.
Troy |
Lockey |
Shoal Bay Public School |
David |
McGaw |
Forbes North Public School |
|
Nicole |
Pattison |
Arcadia Public School |
Jake |
Debrincat |
Palinyewah Public School |
|
Scott |
Grenfell |
Wallacia Public School |
Fiona |
Hoath |
Henty Public School |
|
Clayton |
Stevenson |
Falls Creek Public School |
Angela |
Bush |
Tottenham Central School |
|
Janene |
Atchison |
Garah Public School |
Patricia |
Henderson |
Yeoval Central School |
|
Lavinia |
Weaver |
White Cliffs Public School |
Tegan |
Davis |
Glenroi Heights Public School |
|
Hollie |
van Ravenstein |
Camdenville Public School |
Matthew |
Happer |
Rankins Springs Public School |
|
Jenny |
Vajdevski |
Liverpool Public School |
Alicia |
Howard |
Braddock Public School |
|
Chad |
Tsakissiris |
Dudley Public School |
Michelle |
Brooks |
Putney Public School |
|
Fiona |
Heavrin |
Girrakool School |
Luke |
Hogan |
North Kellyville Public School |
|
Angus |
Lamont |
Pitt Town Public School |
Amanda |
Adams |
Chester Hill North Public School |
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Mathew |
Clarke |
Woodberry Learning Centre |
Dianne |
Uthmeyer |
Mount Druitt Public School |
|
Fiona |
Bell |
Capertee Public School |
Laura |
Karam |
Lansvale Public School |
|
Amy |
Ball |
Broke Public School |
Lisa |
Lewis |
Pretty Beach Public School |
|
Danielle |
McGrath |
Tanja Public School |
Matthew |
Quirk |
Portland Central School |
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Kylie |
Pratt |
Glenquarry Public School |
Louise |
Purss-Semple |
Holbrook Public School |
|
|
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Kelly |
Lawson |
Jindabyne Central School |
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome – your communities are very fortunate to have you. Remember to update your details on the NSWPPA website so your contact details are accurate and you are contactable.
Membership of the NSW Primary Principals’ Association:
We have welcomed many newly appointed Principals to the Principalship. I encourage PPC Presidents and Delegates to follow up with new and relieving Principals to join the Association using the salary deduction form. The business of the Association is reported by Delegates at local PPC meetings. The voice of the Principalship is put forward by the PPC Delegates and taken to the appropriate DoE personnel.
NSWPPA State Conference for 2022 in the APPA Conference in Sydney:
THIS is the much-awaited APPA Conference hosted at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney Tuesday 1 November to Friday 4 November. Details and speakers are on the NSWPPA website NOW. LOCK IN THE DATE – you don’t want to miss this Conference – it is going to be A M A Z I N G!!
Location: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, Sydney
Dates: Tuesday 1 November to Friday 4 November 2022
Registration Opens: Monday 25 July 2022
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage both face to face and online to reCONNECT, reENGAGE, reimagine
FLOURISH Masterclass | Friday 29 July 2022
Have you registered for the Flourish Masterclass on Friday 29 July??? FLOURISH is one of our outstanding professional learning offerings and the Masterclass is the first of its kind!! Join Dr Adam Fraser online or in person.
The Anxiety Project | NSWPPA Initiative | Expression of Interest
Over thirty schools have expressed interest on this fabulous project !! Rob Walker will continue to co-lead this initiative with Trish Peters. The Ministers Office have approached the NSWPPA about revisiting the support they may be able to offer in getting this up an running and accessible for more schools across New South Wales. Stay tuned for further updates…
Innovation and Change: University of Technology
An exciting Professional Learning opportunity for your consideration .. presented by UTS - some familiar faces and highly respected colleagues are keynotes.
Please see attached the venues and dates for the upcoming SASSPA Conferences. Strongly encourage you BM’s, SAMs, and SAOs to attend. A fabulous opportunity for them to engage in quality professional learning and reconnect with colleagues. A fabulous line up of professional learning on offer.
NSWPPA Professional Learning- Amplification for Experienced Principals | PLO Margaret Charlton:
The NSWPPA has partnered with our Global Network of Professional Learning Leaders (Australia and Canada Principal Associations) to bring this initiative that focuses on professional learning opportunities for experienced school leaders.
This is a virtual four-session program that spans 12 months. Participants will be experienced school leaders who have the opportunity to explore Generative Leadership Theory, and who will be exposed to innovative practices for collaborative growth. This series is intended for experienced school leaders who are looking to develop their leadership through connections with colleagues who share their work in different countries.
The program has been designed by the Global Network of Professional Learning Leaders, and participants will become part of an international network.
Our session dates
October 13 and November 24, 2022
February 16 and March 8, 2023
Each session will run for 3 hours, 9am – 12pm.
Please follow the link below for more information about this program. Registration will open shortly, and flyers will be distributed with relevant links.
For further information please contact
Margaret Charlton
Principal RE-classification and Classification Update | Deputy President Bob Willetts
The NSWPPA has long been advocating for changes to the Principal Classification system (see our website for our position paper).
We have also been advocating for a moratorium on Principal Re-Classifications until a review of the existing system is completed and changes are made to create a fair and equitable system.
After raising the issue once again at our term meeting with Mr Mitchell, President Robyn Evans, Deputy President Bob Willetts and HR Executive Liaison Michael Trist were invited to discuss the issue in depth with the Minister Mitchell at Parliament House on 8th June prior to State Council.
The NSWPPA delegation clearly outlined the issues with the existing classification system and the rationale for a moratorium on re-classification, with particular emphasis on;
- Threshold increases.
- Increasing complexity and related loadings that are not included in the classification formula.
- Policy changes that affected aspects of the formula.
- The unintended outcomes and magnified impact of the policy on rural/regional/remote schools and communities.
- The current statewide instability of staffing supply.
The Minister subsequently explained that the advice the Minister’s office has received is that a moratorium is not possible as it is part of the current Award negotiations between the NSWDoE and the NSWTF.
We expressed our significant dismay at the lack of action to model the proposal outlined in the NSWPPA Position Paper (ratified by State Council in 2019) as agreed to by previous NSWDoE Secretary Mark Scott.
The Minister has agreed to take our position paper on classification and concerns about re-classification forward, and assigned the issue to one of her staff for us to directly liaise with in future.
Whilst we are collectively disappointed with not being able to have a moratorium on re-classification, we feel that we made progress in having our concerns addressed towards the big picture resolution.
We sought a longer term commitment to a broader consultation process to review the classification system that includes consideration of the NSWPPA position paper and modelling of the proposal.
With that in place we will hopefully be able to work more collaboratively on a revision to the classification system to bring about a fair and equitable Principal Classification System to enhance public education in NSW.
Jumpstart for New Principals | Deputy President Michael Burgess
In response to feedback from the NSWPPA the Finance and Service experience teams are developing a support program to be called 'JumpStart'. This program will support newly appointed Principals to develop their financial/operational planning and systems knowledge. At your PPC meeting you will be asked for feedback on four questions which are provided below to think about prior to your meeting.
- What would make a difference to new Principals in reducing the 'operational overwhelm'?
- What would empower new Principals to become more efficient in operational planning and management?
- Can you envisage a new digital service that would support a new Principal in their role?
- Are there Principals that would like to be involved in the co-design of Jumpstart
Changes to Email Access on Smartphone and other Devices | Deputy President Michael Burgess
The DoE is improving security for access to emails to protect staff from security breaches. These changes may impact your access to emails on smartphones and other devices that use email apps without high level security. After the holidays you may find that accessing your emails stops working on your device.
The easy fix is to download and use the Microsoft Outlook App which is available from various app stores for free.
Budget Concerns | Deputy President Michael Burgess
Some schools are experiencing budget concerns due to increased casual costs. The advice, from the School Strategic Resourcing team, is that in the first instance to discuss the issue with your DEL. They have started to monitor schools casual spending and have been in contact with some schools that have already spent their casual budgets. The team also recognises that there are schools that have been unable to find casuals and hence have most of their SFLM budget remaining.
Cyber Security Essentials Training by June 30 | Deputy President Michael Burgess
All staff are required to undertake the Cyber Security Essentials training before June 30. Time spent undertaking the training will save time in the long run by equipping staff to keep their information safe. The link to training is https://myplsso.education.nsw.gov.au/q/NR31133
Staff with access to ‘Admin’ level security for IT systems also need to complete the Cyber Security Essentials PLUS course. https://myplsso.education.nsw.gov.au/q/NT01649
NSWPPA Awards 2022 | Vice President Jude Hayman
Every year we have the honour to recognise the work of our colleagues through the nomination and selection of recipients of the following awards which are presented to the successful recipients at the NSWPPA State Conference.
Awards are
LIFE MEMBERSHIP or FELLOWSHIP
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
PROFESSIONAL AWARD
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION AWARD
SOCIAL JUSTICE / EQUITY AWARD
Please see the attached document for nomination criteria and submission information
Aboriginal Education Reference Group | Vice President Jude Hayman, Chair Paul Byrne
At the Aboriginal Education Reference Group (AERG) meetings, the members regularly discuss what is happening in Aboriginal Education across the regions they are representing as well as consultation, during and outside of the RG meeting time, with members of the Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnership Directorate and Connected Communities strategy.
Areas of consultation have included:
- the pilot of Aboriginal Education Instructional Leaders across seven identified schools
- working alongside key stakeholder groups to support the University of Newcastle in the development of the “Deadly Pathway Principles – A Culturally Sensitive Evaluation Framework for NSW Government Schools” to assist Principals and schools when working with families and community.
- trialling the online mandatory professional learning suite in development by DoE to support all schools with Aboriginal Education
- supporting the development of new PLP templates which will cater for all schools regardless of context ie. Primary, Secondary, Central, SSP, Small Schools, EEC, etc…
- providing feedback about high-impact quality resources which schools require to support Aboriginal Education.
- participation in High Potential and Gifted Education working party meetings with a focus on supporting high achieving Aboriginal students in rural and regional areas to access extension programs via Aurora College.
- representation on the selection panel for the Nanga Mai Awards. These NSW DoE awards recognise Aboriginal students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal teachers, other departmental staff, Aboriginal community members and schools that demonstrate excellence across a diversity of areas. We encourage everyone to apply for these awards to celebrate and share great practices that are taking place in schools.
Priorities of the Aboriginal Education Reference Group in partnership with AOPD and NSWAECG are advocating for access to quality professional learning and resources. The RG are aimimg to empower our Principals to support and build capacity of our Aboriginal staff and advocate for equitable access to AEOs across the State.
The AERG is looking forward to connecting with NSWAECG President Catherine Trindall at a future meeting. The DoE partnership with the NSWAECG is based on the principles of respect, commitment, collaboration and accountability to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal learners. The NSWPPA values the work of and the relationship we have with the NSWAECG, and the Executive also seek advice and guidance on matters. Please contact your RG representative if you have any queries that have not been addressed at local AECG meetings.
The Chair of the AERG is Paul Byrne (North Coast) and Regional representatives are Tina Lee (Northern Sydney), Jodie Hall (Western NSW), John Picton (Hunter/Central Coast), Cathie McMaster (New England), Adam Zanco (Illawarra/South Coast), Sean Scott (Riverina), Jo Graham (Sydney), Tammy Anderson (South West Sydney) and Kerry Bryan (Western Sydney).
Private and Secondary Employment Procedure | Secretary Greg McLaren
A valued Principal colleague via Yammer recently asked about an ambiguous aspect of the Private & Secondary Employment Procedure.
Questions: As a Principal do I have delegated authority to approve a secondary employment application for an AP? I have read through the guidelines and they seem to be contradictory.
Answer: Yes! You have authority or more to our employer's need you are performing a clerical duty and making a decision for the Department as what you believe to be accurate. A requirement is to forward the documentation off to a central record keeping area. Happy to be proven wrong with the post...
Private and secondary employment procedure (nsw.gov.au)
Secondary employment (not private employment) means any work or position within the department that is in addition to an employee’s principal full-time employment in the department.
As you have sourced the attached is the correct document. The applicant's immediate supervisor contributes to the applicant's declaration. If it is absent of a perceived conflict no problem keep the completed original document secure as a school record but also scan it and send to EdConnect for your area. If a perceived conflict arises or for further advice consult EdConnect.
If you seek advice from what you see as a perceived conflict ask for an email confirming the advice received. Don't just rely on a telephone conversation. A written response provides you with a document trail that led to your approval or not. I have found that we don't always get the same advice from different people in the same directorate similar to the reality that schools operate differently.
Private employment refers to any employment outside of the department.
Apple NSW Education Technical Events | Technology Chair Drew Janetzki
Dear colleagues,
Please see the latest updates to share from Apple aimed at your Computer Coordinators across NSW Schools.
Full link is below:
Apple NSW Education Technical Events
Online
At Apple we are committed to making every aspect of your school’s experience with Apple products to be as simple and intuitive as the products themselves. That starts with support for IT at each step of your deployment. Join our 60 minute sessions to learn about the latest deployment and management features from Apple.
Deploying iPad in Education
It's never been easier to put iPad in the hands of students and teachers, and to manage iPad devices in the classroom. Learn about Apple School Manager, a simple web-based portal that lets IT administrators manage people, devices and content – all from one place. Then explore how to automate device setup, manage devices over the air and streamline content distribution.
60 minute session
On behalf of the NSWPPA Executive – Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Jude Hayman, Trish Peters, Norma Petrocco, Michael Trist, Stuart Wylie, Leah Martin, Greg McLaren, Gregory Grinham, Mark Pritchard, Lisa Beare and Margaret Charlton
I wish you all a fabulous week 9. With the reporting cycle completed for many, and the Annual Report finalised I encourage you to take a breath. Looking forward to the upcoming two week break, plan to rest, recover and reenergise. There is no one more deserving than YOU.
Robyn
Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President