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      NSW Primary Principals' Association

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      Suite 1.05, 22-36 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007
      Subscribe: https://nswppa.org.au/subscribe

      Email: admin@nswppa.org.au
      Mobile: 0429 547 619 (NSWPPA phone)

      NSW Primary Principals' Association

      Suite 1.05, 22-36 Mountain Street
      Ultimo NSW 2007

      • Visit our Website
      • Newsletter Archive
      • Subscribe to Newsletter
      • Like us on Facebook
      • Calendar
      • Follow us on Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Schoolzine App

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      What's Hot July

      • President’s Report
      • Australian Primary Principals’ Day | Friday 4 August 2023
      • Education Week | Celebrating 175 years of Public Education
      • Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System (the Review)
      • Term 3 School Development Day
      • Professional Support Officer | We welcome Lyn Davis to the team
      • 2024 State Executive Dates
      • Welcome to the Principalship
      • NSWPPA AWARDS – 2023:
      • NSWPPA 2023 State Conference | Committee Chair Kylie Donovan
      • Vale – David George Bishop
      • Professional Learning | PLO Drew Janetzki
      • The greatest predictor of wellbeing in Principals is…………“Interaction and Connection”| Deputy President Bob Willetts
      • Workforce Wellbeing Forum - #OneTeam | Deputy President Bob Willetts
      • The Flourish Movement Podcast – NEW EPISODE! (Available on Apple and Spotify) | Deputy President Bob Willetts
      • Wellbeing Surveys | Vice President Michael Burgess
      • Nanga Mai Awards | Vice President Greg McLaren
      • Misconduct | Vice President Greg McLaren
      • Student Finance Third Party Products| Vice President Leah Martin
      • Curriculum Reform Timeline – Have your say | Vice President Norma Petrocco:
      • Draft CHIP syllabuses Principal Focus Groups | Vice President Norma Petrocco
      • Screening Validations System Change - PPA Presentation Follow Up | Vice President Michael Trist / HR RG Chair Skye Ramsey
      • Community Use of School Facilities Website | DoE School Infrastructure
      • Share Our Space Thankyou | DoE School Infrastructure
      • And finally….

      President’s Report

      Good morning colleagues,

      Happy Friday!
      HAPPY AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY PRINCIPALS DAY TO YOU!!!!

      What a fabulous start to term 3 it has been for many! SO many good news stories have come across my desk! This week a group of NSWPPA Principals attended the 2023 APPA Conference in Hobart This group comprised of NSWPPA Executive, Chairpersons and Delegates as well as some other amazing principal colleagues from our Association. Such rich professional learning on offer; Jason Clare, James Castrisson, Angela Falkenberg, Frank Oberklaid, Gwen Pinnington and Sona Lewincamp, Simon Breakspear (he was BRILLIANT … he spoke about ‘pruning’), Pasi Sahlberg, Polly McGee and Michael Carr Gregg… it truly was an explosion of truly inspirational engagement and thought provoking PL around practice, wellbeing, positive psychology and neuroscience…coupled with a mix of rich collegial connection and conversation.

      Thank you to the delegates who attended this year. Thirty-three of us in all representing NSW. The 2024 Conference is the Trans-Tasman Conference in Christchurch New Zealand.. save the date…18 – 20 September 2024.

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      Australian Primary Principals’ Day | Friday 4 August 2023

      Click here to download the Principals Day flyer
      Click here to download the Principals Day Letter from Jason Clare

      Today, we celebrate Australian Primary Principals Day, an initiative of the Australian Primary Principals’ Association (APPA) to recognise the excellent work primary school leaders perform across Australia in Government, Catholic and Independent schools. The aim of the day is to publicly recognise and celebrate the work you and your leadership teams do every day to contribute positively to the lives and learning of the children in your school communities.

      Take the time individually and collectively to recognise one another – the greatest source of strength in our roles is the rich repertoire of collegial connections and genuine friendships we share.

      These are ‘your people’.

      I am forever grateful for those I ‘walk’ this profession with. I know my ‘why’… reflect on why YOU became a principal and celebrate how you have grown professionally and personally throughout your career and indeed your Principalship journey.

      YOU have much to celebrate and every day your contribution has impact … the ripple continues. Look around you and list your grateful and recognise YOUR contribution… let pride fill your day!

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      Education Week | Celebrating 175 years of Public Education

      Every day in our schools we celebrate the transformative power of Public Education. Every student, every staff member, and every community member matters. THANK YOU … across social media, in local media publications and in YOUR school newsletter and communication there has been such a celebration of the work being done in our schools.

      Celebrating the work we do in our school matters – take the time to notice the little things because they are the milestones that create the bigger achievements in your school.

      Hope you all wore your ‘NSWPPA 175 years of Public Education’ badge proudly this week!

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      Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System (the Review)

      Click here to download the Better and Fairer Education System flyer

      The Expert Panel Leading the Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System along with Hon Jason Clare MP met with the Ministerial Reference Group in Canberra on 7 July.

      I was privileged to be invited to join the Reference Group along with other key representatives: teachers, principals, students, parent organisations, education unions, and other education experts. Table groups were formed and collaborate discussions and representations were made from the floor. The questions sought clarity and detail and the voice of the profession – at all levels was put forward making strong recommendations for the next National School reform Agreement (NSRA).

      I worked alongside Deputy Premier Minister Education | Pru Car and colleague Nerina Bridges |APCI |HALT Samuel Terry PS with a number of academics.

      As members of the Australian Government Primary Principal’s Association both Vice President Michael Burgess and I have had the opportunity ti contribute to the AGPPA response to the Consultation Paper. NSWPPA have also submitted a response. I will present our submission at the   and it will be public available along with Association and individual submissions on the NSRA website after submission date.

      We all have a part to play in meeting the needs of all students and shaping the nation’s future. The next scheduled meeting I will be attending for the Reference Group is on Friday 29 September 2023 in Canberra.

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      Term 3 School Development Day

      I was privileged to attend the Hastings Valley Public Schools combined School Development Day to open term 3. Can I take the opportunity to recognise the organising team and participating schools from Hastings PS | Hastings Secondary College | Lake Cathie PS | Port Macquarie PS | Rollands Plains Upper PS | Tacking Point PS | Telegraph Point PS | Westport PS. A brilliant showcase of keynote speakers including Secretary |Murat Dizdar, Craig Foster AM and Craig Recucassel plus a host of incredible school performances. It was indeed something special to see the entire workforce from each of these schools in attendance. ALL in the room knew they were known, valued, and cared for.

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      Professional Support Officer | We welcome Lyn Davis to the team

      After a rigorous recruitment process the NSWPPA Executive would like to introduce and welcome Lyn Davis to the NSWPPA membership – she joins us as part of the Professional Support Officer Team in a few weeks. Lyn comes to us with a wealth of expertise as a Principal and valued team member in the SLI. I will inform you of Lyn’s start date and contact details shortly.

      Wendy Buckley will be doing a handover and the team will be inducting her into the role. Lyn will be of great value to the membership. We can look forward to seeing both Wendy and at Lyn this term’s NSWPPA State Council.

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      2024 State Executive Dates

      The State Exec Team love getting out to your local PPC meetings and conferences. Our planned dates for 2024 are attached. Please try and avoid these dates when planning your PPC meetings so that your Exec Liaison or myself can attend.

      With 43 PPC’s and other commitments I am not able to attend all meetings in person however if you can contact  the NSWPPA Business Manager Lisa Beare on admin@nswppa.org.au she will try and coordinate my visits.

      Click here to download the Executive Meeting Dates flyer
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      Welcome to the Principalship

      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.

      Margaret

      Gordon Poole

      Bourke Public School

      Gillian

      Bennett

      Burnside Public School

      Megan

      Clarke

      Model Farms High School

      Rayleen

      Andriopoulos

      Beverly Hills North Public School

      Helen

      Campbell

      Newtown Public School

      Debra

      Lade

      Alexandria Park Community School

      Karen

      May

      Glenbrook Public School

      Elizabeth

      Rudder

      Bonnet Bay Public School

      Cameron

      Campbell

      Woronora River Public School

      Nadine

      Tagaroulias

      Kahibah Public School

      Thomas

      Irwin

      Stroud Road Public School

      Emma-Jean

      Cummins

      Kinchela Public School

      Lyndall

      Holden

      Mount Warrigal Public School

      Lloyd

      Kusa

      Warragamba Public School

      Luke

      Farthing

      Picton High School

      Shay

      O'Day

      Stanwell Park Public School

      Michael

      Darmody

      Thirroul Public School

      Rebecca

      Sherman

      Harwood Island Public School

      Nicole

      Walsh

      Gunnedah South Public School

      Sally

      Chapple

      Macintyre High School

      Anne Marie

      Mason

      Woodenbong Central School

      Anthony

      Celi

      Forest Hill Public 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.

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      NSWPPA AWARDS – 2023:

      Every year we have the honour to recognise the work of our colleagues through the nomination and selection of recipients of the following awards. This year’s awards will be presented to the successful recipients at the NSWPPA State Conference on Wednesday 25 October 2023. 

      Nominations in the following categories are open now:

      • Life Membership
      • Fellowship
      • Distinguished Service
      • Professional Award
      • Aboriginal Education
      • Social Justice/ Equity
      • Meritorious Service

      Nominations for all awards (apart from Meritorious Service) require a 500 word citation and a photograph of the nominee. Nominations should be submitted at the link below:

      Click here to submit https://forms.office.com/r/5FGcMV9upY
      Click here to download the NSWPPA Awards flyer
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      NSWPPA 2023 State Conference | Committee Chair Kylie Donovan

      Sofitel Wentworth Sydney – Phillip St, Sydney.
      24-27 October

      • If you haven’t yet registered, there are only 100 available spaces available for the in-person option, but there are unlimited spaces for the virtual option.
        Registration cost:
        Face-to-face: $1050-00
        Virtual: $500
      • TUESDAY: EDUCATION EXPO & Registration - Opens from 10am-3pm – for Principals, leadership, SAMs and Business Managers.
        The theme for our Expo is Frocktober, highlighting awareness of ovarian cancer. If you like prizes, join in the theme and dress up. This will be your one-stop-shop for so many educational products and services, so gather a group to join you on Tuesday.
        Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided.
      • SOCIAL EVENTS
        Tuesday 7:00-10:00pm: Cocktail reception at Sofitel Wentworth – level 5.
        Wednesday 6:00-6:45pm: Network & Welcome event: For new substantive Principals and new relieving Principals only (those who have stepped into the Principalship for the first time) – Sofitel Wentworth, Level 4.
        Thursday 6:30-10:30pm: Harbour Cruise on the Starship Sydney vessel – departing from Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay (across from the Dendy cinema). There will be an additional early drop off back to Eastern Pontoon at 9pm for those who would like an earlier evening. If you decided not to go because you could not get off the vessel earlier but would now like to attend, please email Vicki Harris: vicki.harris@det.nsw.edu.au

      SPEAKERS:

      Grace Tame
      Taryn Brumfitt – 2023 Australian of the Year
      Kate Jenkins – former Sex Discrimination Commissioner
      Kirk Docker
      James Kerr – virtual presentation
      Mark McCrindle
      Andrew May
      Yemi Penn
      Bastien Treptel
      Tanya Hosch
      MC – Shelly Horton

      • PPA Awards, Life Members and the AGM will be all held on Wednesday 25 October.
      • The group block accommodation at the Sofitel Wentworth we reserved, is now full, and consequently, the room rate has increased. All accommodation is at a premium in Sydney due to another huge conference at the ICC which finishes on 22 October. The month of October is also the busiest time for conferences in Sydney. If you have not booked your accommodation, you are advised to make this a priority.
      • The conference committee are looking forward to delivering another fun and exciting conference for our colleagues.

      The NSWPPA 2023 Conference - Both in-person and virtual formats:

      https://cvent.me/XP82mG

      The NSWPPA Life Members Function registration:

      https://cvent.me/Gnx5nX

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      Vale – David George Bishop

      David Bishop, or DGB as he was affectionately known to many colleagues, sadly passed away on the 5th July this year, aged 80. David fought a long battle with cancer and, in recent times, was also suffering from dementia. David was awarded Life Membership of the NSWPPA in 2000 in recognition of his long and distinguished career as a teacher, Principal and leader within the Association.

      David was a former Principal of Narellan, William Stimson and Macquarie Fields Public Schools and was a strong advocate for Public Education, as a member of the NSWPPA Executive team. David led the Association’s Annual State Conference Organising Committee with distinction from 1991 to 2003, introducing many innovations and encompassing the increasing use of technology. He brought his love of music and the performing arts to Conference and many students gained their start by performing in opening ceremonies in front of more than 500 Principals. The current esteem in which the NSWPPA Annual Conference is held across the education community, is due in no small part to David’s leadership and innovation.

      David is survived by his wife, Margaret and children Michelle and James and grandchildren. The NSWPPA expresses its deepest sympathy to David’s family, friends and colleagues and acknowledges the significant contribution to Public Education and the Association, of a great teacher and Principal.

      Information contributed by colleague Ian Adamson and Past President Geoff Scott (OAM).

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      Professional Learning | PLO Drew Janetzki

      Welcome back from the July holidays! We hope you had a restful break and are feeling energised for the new term ahead. We have some exciting professional learning opportunities lined up for you, which we are thrilled to share our Semester 2: July Catalogue.

      Several HIGHLIGHTS: WHATS NEW! The National Digital Climate: Empowering Primary Principals to Help their Students Thrive Online!

      We are pleased to present a new webinar series titled "The National Digital Climate: Empowering Primary Principals to Help Their Students Thrive Online," brought to you by ySafe by Linewize. In today's digital age, it is crucial for us as school leaders to support our students' well-being and safety in the online world. Did you know that 1 in 5 children in Australia experience cyberbullying every 12 months? Or that over 30% of teenagers admit to regularly speaking with strangers online? The challenges are significant, and that's why we have partnered with ySafe by Linewize, Australia's leading online safety education organization. Join us for an informative webinar featuring Yasmin London, Director of Digital Wellbeing at ySafe by Linewize, who will share insights, research, practical strategies, and advice specifically tailored to NSW Primary Principals. To delve deeper into the topic, we also have an interview with Yasmin London on our podcast - make sure to tune in!

      Registration link via:

      Click here to register https://www.nswppa.org.au/ysafe

      2. The Clarity Learning Suite exclusive to the NSWPPA!

      One of the highlights is the exclusive partnership between the NSWPPA and The Clarity Learning Suite, featuring the renowned Dr. Lyn Sharratt. As part of this collaboration, we have negotiated a bulk discount for all NSWPPA members, as well as for all NSW Public Education staff with the "@det.nsw.edu.au" address. The Clarity Learning Suite offers a comprehensive approach to improving student achievement and instructional leadership. Dr. Lyn Sharratt's expertise will guide you through the suite, providing invaluable insights and strategies. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your professional practice and make a significant impact in your schools.

      Registration link here: 

      Click here to register https://www.nswppa.org.au/clarity-learning-suite

      *Note: Bulk Registration instructions for The Clarity Learning Suite are shown within the website for schools wishing to have bulk registrations.

      3. Working Sm@rt Series

      Moreover, we have more exciting programs scheduled as a follow-up to our highly successful Working Sm@rt Series. Our upcoming sessions include "Working Sm@rt using OneNote," "Working Sm@rt Microsoft Excel Intermediate Courses," "Working Sm@rt using Microsoft Power BI tools," and "Working Sm@rt in Meetings within the Hybrid World." It's worth noting that our Working Sm@rt in Outlook and Teams courses have been immensely popular and are almost sold out. Be sure to check our Professional Learning Calendar and secure your spot by visiting the link below:

      Click here to view the Professional Learning Calendar https://www.nswppa.org.au/professional-learning-calendar

      Registration links via:

      Click here to register https://www.nswppa.org.au/working-smart-series

      Lastly The ANXIETY PROJECT EOI : Friday 8 September, 2023

      Register your EOI for the Anxiety Project EOI , our 2024-2025 schools is due COB Friday 8 September 2023 the form can be found at:

      Click here to register https://www.nswppa.org.au/the-anxiety-project

      In joining The Anxiety Project, your school will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts, share best practices, and implement evidence-based strategies to effectively address anxiety among students. We believe that together, we can make a significant difference in supporting our students' mental health and well-being.

      Looking forward and planning for SEMESTER 2 and beyond

      As we embark on Semester 2, Term 3, we are eager to keep you updated on our upcoming professional learning offerings. Stay tuned for dates regarding the Art of Leadership 2024, Middle Leadership Imperative schedule, and the Franklin Covey Professional Learning. These programs will provide you with invaluable skills and insights to strengthen your leadership abilities and drive positive change in your schools.

      Semester 2: July Edition Catalogue out now!

      Click here to visit the Catalogue webpage https://www.nswppa.org.au/catalogue
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      The greatest predictor of wellbeing in Principals is…………“Interaction and Connection”| Deputy President Bob Willetts

      The greatest predictor of wellbeing in Principals is…………“Interaction and Connection”

      The APPA conference was full of wonderful research based advice on ways to enhance our wellbeing. 

      Dr Michael Carr-Gregg reminded us of  a range of well-known strategies for our wellbeing (including sleep, diet, and exercise) and he noted that the greatest predictor of our wellbeing is the quality of our relationships.

      His advice was to intentionally invest in interaction and connection:

      • Build a rich repertoire of friends and colleagues (Get to your PPC and Network Meetings, and put catch ups with friends and colleagues into your calendar)
      • Invest in our close relationships because they provide love, meaning, support and increase feelings of self-worth.

      (Bob Willetts and Grace Palamara (Chairperson: Principal Support Reference Group) modelling  interaction and connection over a coffee at the APPA Conference.)

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      Workforce Wellbeing Forum - #OneTeam | Deputy President Bob Willetts

      The NSWPPA Executive are planning our third “Workforce Wellbeing Forum”.

      These workshops invite the senior executive of the NSWDOE to learn the latest research on key topics and codesign strategies to address wellbeing issues in our system.

      Each workshop invites the participants to reflect on the impact of their prior actions, and commit to actions that enhance wellbeing.

      The last workshop was focussed on addressing BURNOUT, which is identified as a major system issue in a range of research including the People Matter Survey. We look forward to seeing and hearing how the executive have applied their learning into actions to reduce burnout.     

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      The Flourish Movement Podcast – NEW EPISODE! (Available on Apple and Spotify) | Deputy President Bob Willetts

      Work Life Balance Made Simple.

      In this episode, we sit down with David O'Connor, a highly experienced school principal with a remarkable ability to keep a balance between his demanding job and his family life, while empowering his staff to do the same. Join us as David shares his insights, strategies, and personal experiences on how he managed to achieve a successful work-family balance while leading a school community. Whether you're an educator, a working professional, or someone seeking to balance various life commitments, this conversation will provide valuable lessons and practical tips to help you thrive in both your professional and personal worlds.

      A huge thanks to David for sharing his story.

      Resources to identify and reduce anxiety and depression

      What is the Anxiety and Depression Test (K10)? 

      It’s a short test that asks 10 questions about how you’ve been feeling over the past 4 weeks. 

      Your answers will help us measure your level of distress and give you a result.

      You can then access resources and support to help you.

      Australian doctors and mental health professionals use this test, known as the K10. They sometimes ask you to take the K10 and talk about it with you.

      Click here to visit the Anxiety and Depression Test (K10) webpage https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/check-your-mental-health/k10
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      Wellbeing Surveys | Vice President Michael Burgess

      The NSWPPA is promoting two wellbeing surveys as we see benefits in having NSW Principals involved in the research.

      1. Monash University is investigating the emotional labour required by government school principals in managing incidents in their schools. The survey will be open over the 3 years of the study so that Principals can add their experience following an incident. The survey asks Principals about an incident that required significant emotional management by the Principal

      • Principal Wellbeing Survey

      2. The NSW DoE is reviewing the Wellbeing Framework. The survey opened just before the holidays and closes on the 4th August. The Framework review will shape wellbeing in schools and hence we hope Principals will complete the survey.

      • Wellbeing framework review
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      Nanga Mai Awards | Vice President Greg McLaren

      Nominations are now open for the 18th Annual Nanga Mai Awards 2023

      Recognise the achievements of your students, colleagues or peers by nominating them for a Nanga Mai Award for excellence in Aboriginal education.

      Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships are seeking nominations for outstanding Aboriginal students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal teachers, department staff, community members and NSW Public Schools demonstrating excellence across a variety of areas.

      Nominations close Friday 18 August 2023

      Click here to download the Annual Nanga Mai Awards flyer
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      Misconduct | Vice President Greg McLaren

      As you know the Professional and Ethical Practice (PES) directorate (formerly known as EPaC) oversee staff underperformance (EPMI), staff misconduct and staff on staff complaints. PES main workstreams are conduct and performance and those are legislatively grounded.

      This paper will focus on misconduct with partial information in that subject area. Further information can be obtained from the PES website or contacting a PES officer.

      Principals and other school executive are well placed to manage and address the conduct of employees through tailored solutions that are proactive, responsive and restorative. The phrase ‘direct management action’ has no specific legal force or meaning but describes a collection of processes and techniques that Principals use on a day-to-day basis to support and manage the conduct of their staff. It is an alternative to or the step before disciplinary action. More information can be found at the link below:

      Click here to view more information

      Understandably, Principals may feel cautious about reporting misconduct to PES. For direction Principals are encouraged to use the PES Reporting Guide (replaces EPaC Decision Tree). If ever unsure, report the matter to PES. Keep in mind, other reporting responsibilities which should be considered, for example, advising the DEL and/or or the Incident Report and Support Hotline on 1800 811 523.

      Click here to view more information

      As PES defines “misconduct is a general term used to describe a wide spectrum of conduct, with a broad statutory definition. In its simplest terms, misconduct is unacceptable or improper behaviour.” Misconduct generally involves a “won't do” or “should not have done” issue.

      Misconduct may also relate to conduct that breaches work rules, including the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct) clarifies the standards of behaviour that are expected of department staff in the performance of their duties. It gives guidance in areas where staff need to make personal and ethical decisions. The following are examples that indicate the types of general misconduct that warrant either direct management action or a report to PES:

      Alcohol and illicit drugs

      Disruptive conduct

      Private and secondary employment

      Breach of direction or remedial action

      Conflicts of interest

      Academic dishonesty

      Verbal abuse

      Dishonesty

      Breaches of privacy or misuse of information

      Financial misconduct

      Social media

      Disreputable conduct

      Staff conflict

      Criminal offences

      Bullying and harassing conduct

      Misconduct includes child protection allegations. A child protection allegation is any allegation of misconduct or inappropriate conduct by an employee which involves conduct with, towards, about, or in the presence of a child or young person. General misconduct is managed separately from allegations of a child protection nature, which have specific reporting and oversight requirements. For examples, please consider ‘Responding to Allegations Against Employees in the Area of Child Protection’ 

      Click here to read the example

      Disciplinary action will not always be the most appropriate action, even where the type of conduct may involve a breach of policy or the Code of Conduct. While it may be possible to take disciplinary action, the nature and circumstances of the incident will dictate how the matter should be dealt with. Employment acts, while providing a wide definition of misconduct, also provide a wide discretion in how these matters are dealt with.

      If suspicion or belief on reasonable grounds that corrupt conduct has occurred, report the matter to PES. This ensures that allegations of corrupt conduct are promptly communicated to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) who may seek to take particular action. Corrupt Conduct is defined under the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988

      Click here to read the Corrupt Conduct

      PES and/or ICAC is unlikely to take any action if the allegations of corrupt conduct are based on speculation alone. Allegations of general misconduct require some credible information or evidence to inform an assessment by PES. This may include documentary evidence, witness accounts, or sufficient contextual information to underpin the allegation. Where possible, support by providing the evidence available to assist PES in assessing the information.

      Principals are not expected to know the truth of the matters they are reporting, they must be reporting in good faith. Where you have insufficient information to make a report to PES, be alert to further information that may either support your making a report in future or reassure you that a report is not necessary. In any case, look for ways to strengthen your processes and systems and reinforce standards with your team. These strategies will mitigate risk.

      Where the thresholds are met, PES will investigate misconduct. The Department via PES has a responsibility to ensure that its employees are treated fairly and the rights of individuals are respected during an investigation and disciplinary process.

      Often PES is challenged by the length of time taken to investigate allegations of misconduct. Considerations to a lengthy investigation may be through ensuring procedural fairness, involvement of other agencies eg NSW Police, and/or access to potential witnesses. In most cases the PES investigation process includes the following steps:

      • a letter of notification to the employee also known as a person the subject to allegations (PSOA),
      • the potential witnesses are interviewed,
      • a collection and analysis of evidence, a letter of allegations to the employee (PSOA),
      • a response from the employee (PSOA),
      • the investigators report,
      • an initial decision by PES,
      • notification by PES (sometimes through the DEL) of the preliminary decision and seeking a further response from the employee (PSOA),
      • a final decision by PES, and
      • notification in writing to the employee (PSOA).

      Disciplinary action will not always be the most appropriate action, even where the type of conduct may involve a breach of policy or the Code of Conduct. While it may be possible to take disciplinary action, the nature and circumstances of the incident will dictate how the matter should be dealt with. Employment acts, while providing a wide definition of misconduct, also provide a wide discretion in how these matters are dealt with.

      Therefore, as the Mark Tedeschi KC 2019 review into EPaC outlines, misconduct is conduct of a kind that a reasonable employee of good repute and competency would regard as inappropriate and/or unacceptable to a substantial degree. To an extent it could warrant disciplinary action in the form of dismissal, direction to resign, demotion, fine, official reprimand or official caution.

      It is really important that Principals do not put any process ahead of making a report of misconduct, in all cases but most particularly in relation to reportable matters. Remember all of who work with children must report allegations straight away to PES so that risks to children and young people can be managed. Principals must be to go to the PES reporter guide and follow its advice.

      If you or a colleague is the subject allegations of misconduct, for general advice consider contacting:

       • (Where relevant) NSW Primary Principals' Association (NSWPPA) can provide support to members. Professional Support Officers can be contacted on 0429 547 619 or at the link below:

      Click here to download the Principal Support Application form
      • (Where relevant) NSW Teachers’ Federation who may be reached toll-free: 1300 654 369 or at Home (nswtf.org.au)
      • (Where relevant) Public Service Association (PSA) who may be reached on 1300 772 679.

      Additionally:

      • Employee Assistance Program (EAPs). The Department’s provider is Converge International who may be reached toll free on 1800 060 650 or at the link below:
      Click here to visit the Converge International website https://convergeinternational.com.au/

      The abovementioned advice was compiled by Greg McLaren using current NSW DoE PES information, DoE Code of Conduct and Review of EPaC by Mark Tedeschi AM KC (2019).

      A copy will be sent to PES.

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      Student Finance Third Party Products| Vice President Leah Martin

      Schools should be well on their way to selecting a student finance product, with many schools already using these products successfully. In great news, the student finance product for Sentral is now live and Compass will be going live in the very near future. Schools should reach out to their chosen vendor to make arrangements to go live. 

      The AMPS (Administration Marketplace Panel for Schools) team have published the below resources that are designed to aid schools in their decision making process. 

      1. Guide to selecting a product (nsw.gov.au)
      2. Calculators to estimate costs are provided on the Pricing information

      If you require further support in selecting an AMPS product please reach out to the team via ebsDecommission@det.nsw.edu.au.

      For any product-specific questions, go to the AMPS suppliers' pages under Contact Information to reach out to them directly.

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      Curriculum Reform Timeline – Have your say | Vice President Norma Petrocco:

      NESA has released the new Curriculum Reform timeline. The Have you say period has commenced for the new 'CHIP' K-10 syllabuses. Please encourage you staff participate in the survey as NESA takes onboard our feedback and makes changes accordingly. The survey closes on Monday 11 September. 

      Click here to visit the Curriculum Reform Timeline webpage
      • Creative Arts K–6
      • HSIE K–6
      • PDHPE K–6
      • Science and Technology K–6
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      Draft CHIP syllabuses Principal Focus Groups | Vice President Norma Petrocco

      Principals are invited to attend on the draft CHIP syllabuses.

      22 August - PDHPE or Science & Technology

      30 August - Creative Arts or HSIE

      Principals need to have a look at the draft syllabuses before attending these focus groups.

      Registration is through the QR Code.

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      Screening Validations System Change - PPA Presentation Follow Up | Vice President Michael Trist / HR RG Chair Skye Ramsey

      In August 2022, Ross and Lucy presented to the PPA and SPC on the system changes for the SAP Screening Validations solution. From that engagement, the team listened and took into consideration the feedback we received from the group. 

      I’m pleased to say that we will go live with the HR system changes in Week 6 of Term 3.

      This will mean SAP will now prevent staff attempting to engage temporary or casual staff who are non-compliant.

      Validation prompts

      Anyone who is using SAP self-service will receive prompt messages customised to the type of non-compliance and clear direction on who to contact for advice.

      Communicating the change

      We would be grateful if you could share this information about the system changes with your members.

      In addition, we’ll notify principals and SAS staff in advance of implementation via the Staff Noticeboard and in the weekly newsletters.

      Relevant self-service content on Inside the department is being updated, including QRGs.

      More information

      For more information, refer to Change to SAP HR, August 2023.

      Feel free to contact me if you’d like more information or would like to discuss the system changes.

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      Community Use of School Facilities Website | DoE School Infrastructure

      The Department would like feedback on the use of the new Digital CUA forms that replaced the paper based form a year ago. They have heard that many are not across the new platform. Please email  sinsw.spr@det.nsw.edu.au with your user experience.

      You can find the new platform at this location:

      Click here to view more information
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      Share Our Space Thankyou | DoE School Infrastructure

      Winter school holidays are finished and over 750 schools participated in Share Our Space across NSW.  Thank you to all the schools who welcomed in their community and to those who hosted an activity! 

      67 free activities were hosted by schools across NSW with over 1500 participants getting active for winter, from cricket to laughing yoga to NAIDOC celebrations to sports.

      Access to outdoor spaces is vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities and allows the public to enjoy daily exercise or to connect with others. Planning for the autumn school holidays is already underway.

      A huge thank you for your support of Share Our Space and placing our schools at the centre of community. This winter’s bumper delivery couldn’t be delivered without you!

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      And finally….

      On behalf of the NSWPPA Executive – Rob Walker, Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Leah Martin, Trish Peters, Norma Petrocco, Greg McLaren, Michael Trist, Scott Sanford, Adam Zanco, Mark Pritchard, Lisa Beare and Drew Janetzki, I hope you have enjoyed celebrating ‘education’ in your school this week. Yesterday we heard from the NSW Teachers Federation regarding the negotiations with the Government. This industrial matter will continue, as will, the brilliant work we are doing in our schools. Focus on the positive changes we have experienced to date and the work that matters.

      Have a fabulous Friday and enjoy EVERY moment of YOUR weekend.

      Robyn Evans
      NSWPPA President

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