Filter Content
- President’s Report
- Learning Progressions
- State Council Term 2
- Professional Learning
- NSWPPA Website:
- Out in our Schools
- Flourish
- Principal Well-Being
- Review of Merit Selection Processes – our Survey
- Review of the Use of the Principal Support Funds [the $50m]
- Visiting Local PPCs
- Changing Area Council
- School Executive & H.A.L.T. Conference
- Fairer Funding for All
- And another thing or two….
- Vale Sue Ingram
- Literacy and Numeracy Strategy update
- The National Scene – APPA
- Schoolzine
Welcome to our latest Newsletter which should go out for the last time from our old data base. We are tantalisingly close to have our new website up and running with an updated data base.
On the issue of new DoE networks, just a reminder….the PPA will not be changing our organisation & we expect all members to remain in their current PPCs. Please note a paragraph later in this newsletter re changing PPCs.
I went to Singapore for the 1st week of the holidays visiting schools with LEAP and it proved a real bonus when you consider Gonski2 certainly has several mentions of the Singapore system. There certainly is a great benefit visiting other systems and assessing how any of the great observations could work in our schools. With that in mind I’m off again with LEAP to Scotland in January to see the interesting things their system is doing.
As many of you may know the NSWPPA, through the Leadership Standing committee, applied through an EOI, to deliver the School Leadership Institute’s Aspiring Principals project to the 1st tranche of participants in Semester 2. We were hopeful that our internationally recognised work in the Principals Credential would get us over the line, but alas, we were advised yesterday that we were un-successful. …so we are feeling pretty disappointed. Our 18 month project which can lead to 50% of M.Ed with the University of Wollongong is pretty special. No idea yet who was the successful bidder, or what their offering is, but we will wait and see what happens. In the mean-time we have already had our first input into this 3rd cohort of school leaders (nearly 90) who are embarking on this outstanding project so we will focus on that.
The introduction of Learning Progressions into our schools has had a mixed reception across the state. The feedback we are getting is that colleagues see the Learning Progressions as an improvement on the Literacy & Numeracy continua and are keen to work with them, however the PLAN2 software is an issue.
We have been working with the DoE team around these issues as has the Teachers’ Federation and as you are all aware, a review has meant more of a focus on getting to know the Learning Progressions and less of a focus on uploading data….a de-coupling if you like!
With 530 EaFS schools [310 first phase] and 40 self-funded primary schools involved, delivering professional learning was always going to be a difficult task. Throw in a variety of Instructional Leaders spread across the state and the ability to differentiate the PL to meet the needs of schools at different stages of learning and we see how issues could arise.
The Learning & Teaching team have been receptive to feedback and have identified a better way forward for the two cohorts of schools [EaFS and the self-funded schools]. Plans to focus on just a few students against a handful of sub-elements, or 1 sub element for all students K-2 have been discussed. More focused support for Instructional Leaders, strengthening their role and providing deeper knowledge will also help so they are consistent with their delivery & support. For the self-funded schools – more time “to play” with the Learning Progressions is seen as important.
Thursday’s Daily Telegraph article and broad sweeping statements by AEU President Correna Haythorpe about the “catastrophic implementation” and a “disaster” do not reflect the mood or practice in our schools. The Learning Progressions, supported strongly in the Gonski2 Review, need time for us to develop our shared understanding, knowledge & use….. PLAN 2 obviously needs much more work before it can be usefully used by our teachers.
Again both Presidents and delegates attended to get “the good oil” on what is happening in the education space. With over 120 attending, we were able to bring everyone up to date together. Unfortunately at this Council our Minister was unavailable at the last minute when the Education Council meeting was switched to Adelaide. Ken Boston was also a late withdrawal due to illness a he planned to give us some insights into the Gonski2 review.
At your local PPC meeting delegates should have informed of you of the key inputs we had from:
- Shadow Minister for Education, Jihad Dib
- Secretary
- Liana Downey – ED Delivery
- Paul Wood – Director, Early Learning & Primary Education on the Learning Progressions & modifications made to the roll out & PL
- Dep Sec Murat Dizdar
- Dep Sec Georgina Harrisson & the team working on the Implementation of the recommendations of the Ed Services review.
- Joyce Low, Director, Financial Planning & Strategy - SFLM and EfPT discussions.
- AGPPA & APPA information and
- Reports from all of our Reference Groups, Working Parties & Standing committees and our observers.
Art of Leadership
Due to strong demand a second Art of Leadership Course has been set up at Rooty Hill.
A small number of vacancies exist in this additional course which has been added because of high demand. The course dates are 19-21 November 2018 and 18-20 March 2019
The elements of this 6-day program are:
- A pre-workshop phase that prepares participants for the program through structured reflection
- Two x 3-day intensive workshops where the learning is practical, experimental and interactive
- A practicum phase between the intensive programs, where participants work in peer coaching groups
- Completing the 'Art of Leadership' workshop will contribute a total of 37 hours of QTC registered professional development addressing standards 3.1.4, 4.2.4, 4.3.4, 5.2.4, 6.2.4, 6.3.4, 7.1.4, and 7.2.4 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards achieving or maintaining LEAD teacher accreditation in NSW.
To register please follow this link:
Vice President Lyn Davis provides the following update:
ART OF LEADERSHIP 2019
The NSWPPA will again offer The Art of leadership in 2019. The following locations have been determined in consultation with the Leadership Standing committee.
Sydney (2 courses), Newcastle, Campbelltown, Parramatta, Bathurst, Rooty Hill.
Masterclasses will be offered in Sydney and Newcastle.
Registrations are not open until venues have been confirmed. As soon as registration is open you will be advised through What’s Hot. These events are very popular and have a capacity for only 25 participants. Registrations will fill quickly so register early.
FLOURISH PORT MACQUARIE
A small number of vacancies exist for this program which will be held on the following dates. 8 August 2018, 8 November 2018, 15 February 2019 and 13 May 2019.
The Flourish Project will assist school principals in managing their well-being. This four-phase program includes research, intervention and re-testing. In partnership with Deakin University, research will be conducted to understand the work of principals including a ten day diary study.
There will be four full day workshops conducted by Dr Adam Fraser each workshop a term apart. A large part of the program allows principals to learn and support each others development.
Dr Adam Fraser runs a global consultancy that conducts research and works with teams and organisations to improve their peoples’ performance and well-being.
To register please follow this link limited spots are still available:
We have been working closely with Schoolzine to develop a better website for our Association. Vice President Ian Reeson (our new webmaster) has undertaken a huge task to get us ready for our new website. Currently the data base has been transferred across and we are double checking the entries for accuracy. We are phasing in release of the website after we have some UAT (User testing) and you will all be asked to double check your own details & complete your personal profile.
The new website, the App and the Newsletter combined with our twitter account gives us a great reach to our members, keeping you all in the loop.
More details to follow but it is looking like the beginning of Term 3 is when we will GO LIVE!
When Deputy President Robyn Evans & I were out visiting Moree PPC, we heard some brilliant singing & Principal Adrian King shared this with us:
Always looking for ways to engage students and the school community, Moree Public is constantly trying new approaches to learning. The Studio Time program at Moree Public School has been providing year 5 and 6 students with the unique opportunity to write, record and perform their own music since its inception in 2012. To date, past and present group members have assisted in the creation of 29 songs, with more on the way this year.
Teacher and media producer Andrew McDonald has always been interested in giving students a voice and was fortunate to discover especially fertile ground in Moree when he arrived from Canada in 2006. The children at the school have enthusiastically embraced the chance to express themselves and their ideas about life through song and dance. The specific content changes from track to track, but the same thread of positivity winds its way through all of the songs. In 2015, teacher and choreographer Stacey March came on board and has worked tirelessly with dancers to develop routines that perfectly complement the message found in the students’ lyrics. Studio Time would not be possible without the generous support of Moree Public School’s leadership and the resources they have made available, with Principal Adrian King catching the vision early and allowing Andrew, Stacey and the children to run with it.
Aside from music production, Andrew McDonald has a self-taught background in film. In Toronto, Canada he worked with a teaching partner to produce 3 hour-long films with year 5 students. While completing those projects, Andrew developed a love for the powerful synergy that occurs when video is set to music. This led to a decision in 2017 to produce a music video for a Studio Time track called We All Belong. With an upcoming trip to Tamworth to join in the CAPERS regional spectacular looming, Andrew and Stacey decided that filming the video on location would provide a perfect backdrop to showcase the group working together as one. Over two days, filming occurred whenever the group had time, including a memorable session in the motel carpark before breakfast! Throughout the entire experience, the students were enthusiastically engaged and brimming with ideas. The video that resulted is truly a testimony to the meaning behind the song, as everyone in the group worked together to make it happen.
Our Term 2 Flourish sessions have been completed May 25 – Ballina; May 30 – Castle Hill; June 5 – Sutherland; June 29 – Broken Hill.
Dr Adam Fraser, provided the following summary of brilliant results from the 120 who have completed the course so far:
They were more efficient |
17% reduction in time required to complete admin & compliance |
They were more focused |
27% decrease in the number of overall interruptions they experience 43% decrease in interruptions from emails 29% reduction in interruptions from phone 10% reduction in multi-tasking |
As a result they are getting to the things that make the school better & get better student outcomes |
27% increase in the amount of time spent on people development 75% increase in the amount of time spent coaching their staff 59% increase in the time spent on strategy 29% increase in the amount of time spent on doing research |
They are spending more time with their family |
22% increase in work-life balance 70% increase in boundary strength (not letting work affect family) Belief that “My personal time is my own” increased by 47% |
They are looking after themselves more |
Recovery behaviours (things that help them be more refreshed & less stressed) increased by 24% at work and 16% outside work |
Best of all they are healthier versions of themselves which means a happier & more functional school |
Pressure felt at work reduced by 18% How much they enjoyed their job improved by 11% Energy levels by the end of the day increased by 16% Stress levels declined by 20% Much more content with their life – their rating of “my life is ideal” increased by 15% Hope for the future increased by 11% Optimistic mindset increased by 9% Resilience increased by 11% Their level of positivity at work increased by 56% |
They perceived that the culture of the school has improved |
13% increase in how supportive they felt the culture of their school was |
At State Council we discussed with Presidents and delegates if there was any interest in other groups wanting to commence Flourish. Queanbeyan, Central Coast, St George, Fairfield & surrounding areas, and Port Jackson have indicated they are interested. The model doesn’t have to be exclusive to one PPC …a couple could join, all we would need is a “champion” to help organise. Anyone else?? We are about to go into further discussions with Adam’s team to get this underway.
Executive have also looked at other options & delegates should discuss this with you the presentations made at Term 2 State Council.
As mentioned previously, we have a number of strategies in place to support you if you or our colleagues find themselves in difficulties or want some advice. These include the welfare contact in your PPC [usually the Deputy President], your nearby colleagues or if it gets tougher please contact:
Anne van Dartel |
Chair Principal Support Reference group |
0400 330 252 or |
Anne will either handle the situation or discuss with our other two support options depending on the need.
Geoff Scott |
Professional Officer |
0427 451 359 |
Greg McLaren |
Chair Legal Services Standing Committee |
0408 815 210 |
Phil Seymour |
President |
0412 673 378 |
Please remember we can only help if you let us know about it.
Review of Merit Selection Processes – our Survey
Many thanks to the 464 principals who completed the survey on the HR merit selection processes. The data is currently with our HR Reference group who will be forming a position paper based on the results. We were asking about possible improvements that would ensure the best person gained the position through merit. This paper was presented at our Term 2 State Council and delegates have been asked to get your thoughts on the draft position paper at your next Area Council meeting
Review of the Use of the Principal Support Funds [the $50m]
Many thanks to the 669 principals who responded to this survey. Vice President Ian Reeson spent time recently analysing the full set of data and breaking it down into the various principal classification categories to note any differences in usage. He presented this to Term 2 State Council and delegates have access to the power point and should show this at your next meeting.
Broadly usage was:
SASS |
49% |
327 |
Business Manager |
10% |
64 |
Release for a teacher/ Executive |
24% |
162 |
Community of schools initiative (shared resource) |
0.75% |
5 |
other |
16.6% |
111 |
Our position, canvassed at State Council, is that we want this funding to remain as a flexible allocation, so we can determine, in our contexts, what this the best way to support us in our role. There was discussion that the smaller schools would like more funding, which we will take forward in our discussions.
Executive members have been out and about visiting local councils, spreading the “good oil” and listening to stories & re-assuring colleagues. If you wish for an Executive member to attend your local Council meeting, please use the contact details at the end of the Newsletter.
There has been some recent inquiries about changing PPCs. Executive have considered the big picture and made this determination:
The Area Council groupings have been established to serve the needs of the Association and these groupings remain despite changes in Departmental groupings.
- Area Council groupings are determined on the location of the school.
- Changing a designated PPC is only considered in exceptional circumstances.
Members wishing to change PPC groups are required to submit a request in writing to the State Executive after discussing the matter with their current PPC President and the President of the Area Council they wish to move to. This communication should outline in detail the reasons for the request.
School Executive & H.A.L.T. Conference
I dropped in quickly to the induction programs for newly appointed APs, DP and Head Teachers a few weeks ago. I was surprised at the high numbers [200 newly appointed APs] as this was a first for the DoE on a state-wide basis. It was a great opportunity for further development, networking and finding out more about the big picture. A great initiative.
I attended the DoE’s inaugural HALT [Highly Accomplished & Lead] Conference last week where just over 100 of our HALTs attended. It was certainly interesting to hear about the concerns & issues raised. The message I took from the meeting was many of us aren’t aware of the process, how best to support our teachers gaining Highly Accomplished & Lead accreditation and even how best to utilise HALTs.
It was certainly great for them to get together, develop networks, even to see who the other HALTs are in our system. It was great move and long overdue move by LHP [leadership & High Performance]
Prof John Hattie [AITSL chair] and Lisa Rodgers [CEO AITSL] outlined some of the national issues around HALTs, their numbers, expectations and their development. With an overall goal of having 5% of teachers nationally being HALTs, they asked how they could help us grow our numbers.
The campaign is being led by the AEU and has the support of each state teachers’ union representing public education. There are 18 targeted seats across Australia that will be focused on by the AEU .
In NSW, 4 Federal seats have been targeted:
- Gilmore [South Coast - Batemans Bay, Berry, Callala Bay,, Currarong, Fishermans Paradise, Gerroa, Kiama, Malua Bay, Mogo, Moruya, ...]
- Page [North Coast - Casino, Dunoon, Evans Head, Grafton, Iluka, Kyogle, Lismore, ...]
- Robertson [Central Coast - Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay in the south, west to Gunderman, north along the Gosford City Council Boundary to Kulnura, then east and south along the Gosford City Council boundary until it crosses the main Northern Railway ...]
- Banks [southern Sydney - Allawah, Carlton (part), Connells Point, East Hills, Lugarno, Mortdale, Oatley, Panania, Padstow, Padstow Heights, Hurstville Grove, Picnic Point, Revesby, Riverwood and South Hurstville]
- In each electorate they want to identify 10 “hot schools” and train Principal/ Fed Rep & P and C to develop an “agreed school story”.
The igiveagonski website has been re-branded to Fairer Schools Funding (go to the website below). We need all principals to keep their school communities informed of the use to which the funds are being put and the difference the missing funding would make (we have received only 36% of the Federal Government full Gonski commitment which is delivering only 17.5% of the SRS to students of public schools). The Federal Government have committed to lift their contribution to 20% of the SRS for each school over the next 6 years. It’s a very long way short of what is required. Principals are asked to support community members in attending meetings with local members explaining the difference the funding is making and the difference the missing funding would make. This is particularly important as we are moving toward a Federal election.
- Great news that ED Mark Grant has been working closely with us & SPC and now the A-Z tool requirements have been dropped in favour of a better system.
- Discussions with NESA Inspectors on somehow ensuring the workload with EV and their cyclic inspections can be reduced. We have discussed a few options. LHP [Leadership & High Performance] are working on ways to develop a 3-5 year plan for schools so they are aware when their EV will occur, they are also looking at how they may be able to spread the load for PSLs so it is not so confined in time that we have no access to PSLs during the busy EV period.
- Just over 200 principals have bothered to have the interviews with Assets during the Asset Review. Non-productive grumbling gets us nowhere…. We need all of our colleagues to get involved or we will put up with the consequences. See details in School Biz.
- Great to hear about a “Big School” Meeting being called by DEL Dean White and colleagues to discuss & share procedures/ protocols/ best practice in schools with >800 students. Initially for the 17 schools in their patch, the view is to share the learnings with the growing numbers of “Big Schools” later.
- A group of PPA Teaching Principals met with LHP recently working on an Induction program for newly appointed Teaching Principals. A great example of collaboration.
Sad to hear of the recent passing of one of esteemed Life Members Sue Ingram. I first came across Sue in the days of the Glenfield Conferences where she was prominent in the organization. She was the Principal of North Rocks School for the Blind and retired from Toukley PS. Sue had been very active in the NSWPPA and held the positions of Vice-President, Deputy President and President in 2006 and was instrumental in the formation of the Leadership Standing Committee and the Futures Group. A character, a stalwart and strong advocate for primary principals and students in our public schools. Our condolences to her family and close friends.
The family will be holding a private service and the ARPP [Retired Principals] and PPA will hold a “gathering” to remember Sue after the holidays. I will pass on information when it is organised.
Literacy and Numeracy Strategy update
Paul Wood, Director of Early Learning & Primary Education provided the following information:
The Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2017 – 2020 is a four-year plan to support the quality teaching of literacy and numeracy across all NSW schools.
We are working with principals and teachers in the implementation of new tools to support literacy and numeracy teaching and learning, including the use of the learning progressions, revised Best Start Kindergarten Assessment and PLAN2.
The new tools are designed to strengthen support for teachers:
- The learning progressions provide greater detail than the current literacy and numeracy continuums.
- PLAN2 is a data collection tool that can be used for recording and analysing the information gathered when using the progressions so it can inform teaching.
Early Action for Success schools currently monitor student progress as part of the department’s commitment to building strong foundations of literacy and numeracy in our most disadvantaged schools. This year these schools have begun to do this using the learning progressions and PLAN2.
For all other schools, Best Start Kindergarten in 2019 will offer the chance to use the learning progressions and PLAN2. These schools will then make their own decisions as to how they want to use the learning progressions to support teaching and learning. The NSW syllabuses remain the focus for planning, programming, teaching, learning and assessment in all NSW public schools. The learning progressions are complementary tools to support teaching and learning through the curriculum.
There will be a continued focus on supporting schools through professional learning in Terms 3 and 4. Please contact the Literacy and Numeracy Team on 9244 5387 if you require further information.
On behalf the Executive, Robyn Evans, Rob Walker, Lyn Davis, Diane Robertson, Louise Green, Ian Reeson, Terry Fisher, Jackie Malecki, John Mularczyk, Mark Pritchard, and myself thank you for your awesome efforts in Term 2. We are here to support you and our contact details are on our website.
cheers
Phil Seymour
PRESIDENT
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