What's Hot November

President’s Report:

Mornings in November are pretty amazing … long walks along the esplanade at sunrise certainly frames the day positively, catching those moments on my camera remind me of the feelings that set me up for the day. Never underestimate the importance of ‘doing your thing’ - it matters and it is DEFINITELY something you can control. In prioritising yourself you feel your energy levels soar – professionally and personally. Create the window of certainty that each and every day you give yourself time. When you model it, your staff, your teams will follow. Leading by example produces a healthier and highly productive school team.

Coming off an absolutely BRILLIANT NSWPPA Conference in Week 3, Week 4 just flew and here we are ending week 5 and moving into Week 6 and powering to the finish line with much to manage with staffing and planning forward based on the SBAR, temporary to permanent initiative, curriculum reform planning, executive and non-teaching positions for 2024 and a host of other key areas of planning.

What you are facing is going to require creativity and prioritisation. Thank you to those of you who have called me and shared the issues that have presented for your schools. We as an Executive, are certainly hearing the issues arising and the difficulty ahead yet, we have also heard about the solutions colleagues have had and the resolute action taken to ensure teaching and learning is prioritised. Can we though, really focus on what we can control as right now, we don’t yet have all the information to make long term decisions.

I am confident the teams working on the abovementioned ‘planning and budgetary issues’ for us are truly working their hardest to get accurate information to us all. We are hoping that by State Council in Week 7 we will be asking ‘clarifying’ questions. So please, email your delegate so they can bring forward questions you may have that can be answered and clarified in this forum.

Please know we are here to be part of the solution with an understanding that the budget adjustments are covering off the wage increases all received. The DoE commitment to the wage increase was indeed significant. We all need to remain steadfast about what we can control and what we can’t in this instance. We all know time is of the essence – we have communicated just that and explained why.

Keep your focus on what you can control and wait for further detail in the coming days.

NSWPPA Conference:

What an event!!! From Tuesday to Friday it was EXTRAORDINARY!!!!! Conference kicked off with the Education Expo and wasn’t that an amazing opportunity to network with sponsors and exhibitors to lock in resources for your school! Many thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors and an acknowledgement too to you for attending and extending the invitation to your executive and administrative staff. There was a lot of fun had as well and a great contribution given to the Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

The keynotes this year were simply EXTRAORDINARY and everyone had a favourite – each had a story and a message that resonated with us. The social events too as we know ‘bring us together’ to celebrate the work we do and nurture and build connections with our colleagues. It has never been more important for us to connect with colleagues. Our colleagues – near and far are our staunchest supporters and are there to lean in on and to reach out to. At a state level it is often the annual catch up for those who connect via social media, on TEAMS/ZOOM, at Reference Group/Standing Committee and Working Party Meetings.

The feedback from attendees was SUPERB – many commenting on the ‘vibe’ of the room. There was much energy, professional dialogue and an overwhelming sense of pride, hope and optimism is the room. Collegiality is of the utmost importance as is psychological safety to network with like minds and make connections that ensure we prioritise our personal and professional wellbeing. The quality of the professional learning was a standout - it both challenged our thinking and affirmed our knowing.

The business of the Association was front and centre with the Awards and Recognition Ceremony, New and Relieving Principal Greeting, the AGM and Life Members Celebration and Meeting. The Executive and I were delighted that this year our colleagues were recognised in front of a full room of colleagues and were duly acknowledged the entire conference by us all. Thank you all – the importance of being ‘in the room’ for all of the program truly makes a difference and is much valued by all. It is also fitting to acknowledge the legacy our retired principals afford us – thank you for your ongoing contribution to the Association and your much valued input into the work of today.

The student performances were as always WONDERFUL – and the highlight as we opened conference. How proud we can be of the talented students and staff in our Public Schools across NSW.

One of the highlights too was Secretary Murat Dizdar and Deputy Premier Prue Car joining us onboard the harbour cruise. Great conversations and photo opportunities for all. Building relationships matters. I know we all enjoyed their company at this event. Have to say following up with them, they absolutely LOVED the opportunity to catch up too.

I am confident your bucket was full after the week and gave you a chance to refuel as we head into the second part of a very hectic term 4.

I would like to extend a HEARTFELT thank you to our Conference Committee who worked tirelessly pre conference, during conference and again post conference (2024 and 2025 planning is well and truly underway). These colleagues ARE EXTRAORDINARY!!!! Join me in thanking: Kylie Donovan, Karen De Falco, Daryl McKay, Louise Stone, Michelle Davies, Cameron Upcroft, Polly Palaitis, Michelle Sarjana, Vicki Harris, Kylie Watts, Scott Sanford and Mark Pritchard.

Again, I would like to acknowledge the some 600 colleagues who stepped out of their schools during Week 3 and prioritising your professional learning and your wellbeing. THANK YOU too to your Executive who stepped up for you in your absences – a fabulous opportunity for them and another experience to build a pipeline of Principals for the future.

Put the 2024 Conference in your DIARIES now – it promises to be INCREDIBLE!!

President’s Report | Annual General Meeting:

throughout the 2023 school year. Personally and professionally, we have stood together with our colleagues, staff, and communities to ensure the teaching and learning of our students continued as we move forward and face the challenges of the day and the opportunities presented.

Your work has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your resilience and courage have been visible, and your purpose has remained clear and sharp. In many ways, hope and optimism has been restored. Schools across New South Wales have been led by leaders of the highest calibre.

Reflecting on the year that has been and how far we have come has been an achievement. Evidence of impact is visible in each and every public school across NSW – improvement and growth has been measured and school communities have celebrated.

Each of us can identify the bright spots in our day – the celebrations we have had in our school, the learning that has happened for students and staff and the appreciation our communities have expressed. I have spoken often about investing time in what you CAN control – the work that is most valuable and the work that makes a difference for your students.

You have scheduled your priorities and you have been wise and measured in your approach. You have served your communities with such heart and soul.

YOU HAVE BEEN THE DIFFERENCE in your school. YOU CONTINUE to influence and shape the hearts and minds of your staff and the students in your school and community every day. Be proud of how far we have come collectively please reflect on the part you have played as we come to the end of the 2023 school year. YOU are also part of a broader picture – as systems leaders we share a responsibility to ensure all students and all leaders grow and perform at their very best. Communities of practice have thrived because of collaboration and shared understanding and practice.

2024 we will hear announcements, see policies and procedures implemented and consulted on, and the industrial and political landscapes will continue to evolve. Change will continue – the system will evolve and this time will be hard. Some of which, we can influence and shape, and, some will not be in our control. What is for certain, is that the work of schools will continue. The heartbeat of our schools is about teaching and learning – students, staff and the community.

YOU are at the heart of your school. I applaud and thank you for the way you do what you do – for how you go about it and for the drive you have within to lead your community forward.

As Principals we have such a deep understanding of our why and of our purpose.  I applaud your ability to recognise the value and joy in taking time to fill your own cup in order to give to others. Ensuring this is prioritised isn’t always easy – we MUST continue to call each other in on this in order to collectively stand strong. The ripple effect of wellness is boundless – research tells us it positively impacts on our professional AND personal lives when we factor in time for ourselves.

The New South Wales Primary Principals’ Association has represented the voice of the principalship at every level. We have initiated and led countless opportunities too. At a local, state and national level the voice of the Association is valued and respected. We have pursued and grown strong, authentic and collaborative partnerships with all stakeholders, DoE corporate, AITSL, NESA and the Ministry.

It becomes synchronous when there is shared agreement about the why, the how and the when. We are charged with the responsibility to provide a school’s perspective – the ‘inside the gate’, ‘on the ground’ line of sight. And that we have. With that, we have been heard at so many levels and our stakeholders HAVE responded.

The Business of the Association - our goals and strategic directions have continued to be addressed. Much has been achieved by the NSWPPA State Executive, Chairpersons, Reference Group | Standing Committee and Working Party members, Delegates and Primary Principal Council Executive. In these forums, through these colleague, the voice of the principalship is forwarded. Collectively we have leveraged off these colleagues and harnessed their strengths to bring about change and action in our schools, and as a system.

I would like to acknowledge our colleagues to whom we take the voice of the Principalship:- Minister of Education and Early Childhood,  Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, School Infrastructure as well as the Executive Directors, Directors and Director Educational Leadership. Significant work too has been done with the School Leadership Institute, NESA and the NESA Board, AITSL, AGPPA and APPA.

We acknowledge the collaboration, advocacy, advice, support, and collegiality with our fellow stakeholders in Public Education, the NSWSPC - President Craig Petersen and his Executive, SEPLA President Matt Johnson, NSW Teachers’ Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos, Amber Flohm and Henry Rajendra, SASSPA President Meegan McEwan and NSWP&C President Yvonne Hilz.

Our work has been both specific and extensive. The Association’s work is proactive and responsive. Listed here are just some of the areas we have actively supported, advocated for, led and delivered on. This has resulted in better systems and practices in schools. Our four pillars of Support | Empower | Advocate and Lead underpin not only our purpose but our culture of practice as we navigate reform, policy and practice: -

Workforce Wellbeing | Intentional focus on ‘Workforce’ | Relentless focus on sustainable and achievable workload | Burnout forum  with Dr Adam Fraser | Trust Forum aligned to one of the key areas identified in the Staff Wellbeing Strategy | PPA Culture:  at a State and PPC level illuminating moral purpose | Intentional enhancement of our support and leadership and advocacy | Intentional use of language and mantras | Aligning behaviours with our mantras to achieve our constitutional goals - ‘don’t raise your voice, improve your argument’ - ‘seek to solve’- ‘stay in the arena, and at the table’ - ’hold the line’ ‘seek first to understand’ - ’seek to solve’ - ‘leave the jersey in a better place’ | Embedded connections | Hosted strongly attended forums | Acknowledgement from the Department on workload / administration burden | Association driven Professional Learning | Principal declassification success | Regional Rural and Remote focus realigned and actionable work being delivered | Seat at the NSRA Working Group – voice of the NSWPPA heard | NESA Board Presentence and amplification of the primary position | Strengthened and goal driven alignment with NSWSPC and SEPLA | Partnering with NSW Teachers Federation | Temporary to Permanent Staffing Initiative | Investment and representation in  Ernst & Young report Wellbeing framework strategy | Recognition and celebration of 175 years of Public Education in NSW |Hospital School Centenary Celebrations | NSWPPA Podcasts | New NSWPPA roles – Connected Community Observer, PSSA Observer, C & EC groups initiated | Led and Supported Aboriginal Education SDD | Nominated and panelled Awards – Nanga Mai and Public Education Foundation | EPMI Principal and DP recruitment | PES investigators recruitment | Ongoing disaster relief support | New promotional video for Stewart House | AGPPA – research on role of Principal | AGPPA research on economic contribution of primary schooling to Australia | Representation of NSWPPA President on AGPPA executive | APPA Conference hosted by NSWPPA |

• EMPI now permanently in DoE | Rallied to maintain legal services duty legal officers available to Principals to phone contact | Advised on new HSSW and incident notification policies | Ensured WHS consultants work with principals |Reviewed resources from PES to greater assist and guide principals.

• Voice of schools | Policy review – authentic engagement |Finance – support and training, highlighting issue and contributing to improvements to systems | EdConnect – ongoing feedback to improve services.

• Commissioning and decommissioning of Professional Learning offerings policy | Input into DoE draft strategic plan | SLI feedback and forward planning | Introduction of Leadership newsletter – sharing research and practice ideas, conversation starters. 

• The development of the Digital Channels Uplift app – app to be used by schools and others to manage emergency events in collaboration with DoE | Access to the Impact Change Calendar – key to be able to provide input to the tasks being placed before schools | Strong relational trust with the SPX and Service Experience teams – reviewing all DoE policies | Links with the Disability Advocates Futures Project – liaising with external disability advocates regarding policies communicated to schools and mandated school provisions for students |Liaison with the DoE Media team regarding the promotion of public education | Capturing newsworthy items in schools in ways that do not generate additional workload at the school level | Agreement on DoE internal communication channels
• Behaviour policy review | Clarity around suspensions – a roadshow to ensure all principals are informed including rural and remote principal access | Focus on rural and remote, small schools and SSPs in all discussions | Contribution to National Public Education Wellbeing Summit in South Australia| Significantly informed the Wellbeing Framework refresh | Contribution to the specifics of NCCD data collection | Involved in development of universal de-escalation training that principals requested |Delivery of Anxiety Project and recruitment of next cohort | Successful application for the DoE grant to support the research component of the Anxiety Project | Submission to senate enquiry on classroom disruption | Slowed down implementation of restrictive practices and school behaviour support and management plans to get it right
• Members significant and meaningful contributions to the Ernst and Young “Discovery Phase” that has underpinned the development of DoE Staff Wellbeing Strategy | Addressing and solving PPC issues, and individual school issues through our PPA RG/SC/WP, state executive direct advocacy to senior DoE Executive and DELs.
• Online Tutoring Initiative (COVID ILSP) | Voice in RRREP Connection Days (Kristen Douglas) across NSW | All chairs taken on the commitment to prioritise Regional, Rural and Remote Education with DoE partners’
• AMU - taking over trees, air conditioning, pest control, fire safety regulations | New Build Rebuild amplification of points of contact and refining roles and responsibilities as well as resourcing and ongoing support for Principals across all areas | Differentiated support delivery in intense build areas.
• Curriculum Reform | Resources, professional learning, website, Statewide staffrooms, slowing of the syllabus implementation timeline, providing feedback for the ‘Have Your Say Periods’ | Continuation of COVID ILSP | Advocacy for HPGE and OC students | New WP established – EC Education & HPGE & OC | EC reform | ACPI Professional Learning and next steps.
• Review our Professional Learning to ensure high quality professional learning is delivered for all our members | Establish scholarships for two colleagues with Reflective Practice through Sydney | Leading Learning introducing Clarity Learning Suite - a school system based and proven pedagogy to lead school transformation | Partnership with Priority Management using Microsoft Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Excel, and Power BI | Introduction of calendar booking system for Professional Learning – term catalogue of the latest offerings | Podcast produced promoting professional learning and impact that it is having | Exploring Professional Learning opportunities with a focus on leveraging off NSWPPA members expertise and strengths – learning from and with colleagues.
• Administrative and Organisational Expertise | Accommodation | Site organisation for State Council meeting room and accommodation | Active support for Treasurer, PLO and Conference Committee in financial running of the Association and our various projects |Co-ordination of Newly Appointed Principals subsidy to Annual Conference |Organisation of registration and accommodation for attendees at National conference.
• Website currency | Membership updates and information | Communication sources both in and out | Introduction of NEW Principals and those relieving | Membership of the NSWPPA | Office and Meeting space coordination and planning.
• Professional Support has been provided by PSO’ - helped many colleagues respond to allegations levelled by PES |made suggestions, edited responses and had many conversations with Investigators to clarify responses | Worked with Deputy Secretaries, DELs and EDs to seek additional support for colleagues | Collaborated with PPA and PPC Executives to jointly support colleagues in schools | Advise and guide colleagues in avenues for support and guidance.

The work of the NSWPPA Executive, Chairpersons and employees is vast and diverse, narrow and deep. We are collectively aligned to our moral purpose and core business of the Association. We are deeply committed and active in ensuring the work we do is reflective of current research, the voice of the principalship and in the pursuit of excellence. The Education workforce – schools, principals, executive, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, carers and community have a collective responsibility to the students of NSW. The NSWPPA will continue to actively Support Empower Advocate and Lead to ensure this is so.

 I would like to take the opportunity to recognise the value of and contribution our corporate, business and charity partners make to the Association. We thank you for your invaluable and continued contributions.

Corporate Partners: Teachers Mutual Bank | Zing Active | The School Photographer | Sentral Education | NSW Govt School Mobile Dental Program

Business Partners: Camp Australia | Training 24/7 | Berry Street Education Model | Technology Core | MSP photography | Schoolworx | jds - Just Digital Signage | Hero – School Management System | ClickView

Charity Partner: Stewart House

I would like to acknowledge and thank our Annual Conference Standing Committee led by convenor Kylie Donovan and Administrator Karen DeFalco – their leadership of the 2023 NSWPPA Conference has been of the highest calibre. We applaud this Committee for their absolute dedication in delivering such an amazing event - the Education Expo, the line-up of quality speakers and the superb social events.

Congratulations to the NSWPPA Award recipients who were recognised for: Life Membership, Fellowship, Aboriginal Education and Communities Award, Social Justice and Equity Award and the Professional Award. How proud you can be of such recognition and prestige and, to be awarded and recognised in the 175^th year of Public Education is that little more special.

I would also like to extend my warmest welcome to those colleagues for whom this is their first year of Principalship – welcome to the most extraordinary opportunity to network with colleague Principals at a local, state and national level.

Congratulations to our colleagues who are retiring this year from the Teaching Service – the paths you laid and the legacy you leave is invaluable. Thank you for your work in shaping NSW Public Education and for your service to colleagues, communities, and students across NSW. Like you, I recognise the strongest foundation a principal has is the collegiality of those we work with. We can celebrate the networks of practice, relational and educational leadership we share. Colleagues often become friends – friends who become family.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation, gratitude and respect for the NSWPPA Executive. These colleagues have led their schools with such clarity and purpose and have also stepped up continuously to invest in prioritising the business of the Association with great energy and vision for what’s possible. Together, we have truly held the line, we have relentlessly pursued all avenues to ensure what lands in schools has been fit for purpose. We have actively sought to be heard and have indeed been invited into forums and acknowledged repeatedly for the value of our voice.

I am so very proud of the work of the Association. The leadership demonstrated by the Executive, Chairpersons and Delegates continues to have impact – this work is truly inspirational and transformative.

WE can be proud of how far we have come and be energised and optimistic about the future.

Enjoy every moment of The 2023 NSWPPA Conference this week: - ‘Connection and Crossroads’.

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2023:

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2023

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week is a time to celebrate and honour Aboriginal Languages and their past, present and future. During Week 3, Term 4, NSW public schools and early childhood education centres will shine a spotlight on various Aboriginal Languages across NSW and come together to reawaken, grow and nurture Aboriginal Language and Culture through learning. Check out the resources available: 

Discover how you can support Aboriginal students who use Aboriginal English as their first language through professional learning: 

New resource for schools and P&C Associations to build productive partnerships:

Building Productive Partnerships is a new resource available to Principals and their local P&C Associations as the first joint initiative following the recent launch of the department's formal partnership agreement with the P&C Federation NSW.

Principals and school P&C Associations can use the Building Productive Partnerships presentation resource or sections of the resource at the beginning of the school year, when setting up a new P&C Association or sub-committee, or at other times to support school community activities and events.

Schools can visit the Universal Resources Hub to access the Building Productive Partnerships resource.

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.

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.

NSWPPA Annual Award Recipients:

During Conference we had our NSWPPA Annual Awards ceremony. We were privileged to have Secretary | Murat Dizdar address the room and present to each of our worthy recipients.

I want to acknowledge Louise Green on receiving Life Membership. We are lucky to have Louise still giving back to our PPA members as a professional Learning Facilitator.

Congratulations to all of our wonderful principals. To be presented with an award in front of 600 of your colleagues and peers is something truly special.

NSWPPA 2023 State Conference wrap up …. | Committee Chair Kylie Donovan:

It was really wonderful to see so many smiling faces at conference, including the Expo day. A huge thank you to my conference team who are an absolutely amazing group of principals to work with. I greatly value their commitment to serving their colleagues and their professionalism in making the conference the best experience possible for everyone, while still leading their own schools. Karen DeFalco as the conference administrator, is my right hand, and definitely needs a shoutout for her dedication, eye for detail, and her ability to look after the team, all while remaining unflappably calm!

Thank you to the PPA executive for their continued support and extra special mention to our President, Robyn and our Executive Officer, Mark Pritchard. These wonderful humans are always looking out for the team’s wellbeing and supporting wherever they can.  

2024 conference dates for your diary: 29 October – 1 November

There are changes to the Sofitel Wentworth building which should be completed in time for our conference next year, with an extensive lobby renovation and changes to the layout planned for that entire floor. There will also be an exciting AV update for the ballroom. We greatly value the ongoing relationship we have with the Wentworth and the team that the general manager, Sam Panetta leads.

Please take a few minutes to complete the feedback form if you haven’t already, so we can consider adjustments and new ideas for future conferences.

2024 APPA / NZPF Trans-Tasman Conference:

The 2024 Trans Tasman Conference will be held in Christchurch 18-20 September 2024. Registrations are now open.

This is the website link : 

ICP Conference – Finland | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

At the end of term 3 NSWPPA sent a 3 person delegation of Robyn Evans, Rob Walker and Bob Willetts, to the ICP Emerging Leaders Forum and ICP Symposium in Rovaniemi, Finland.

The major themes of the forum and symposium included:

• Effective & Sustainable Leadership​
• Wellbeing as integral to performance
• The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Anna Pons from the OECD presented a range of research to inform the conversations during the conference.

In many areas NSW is well advanced and has much to offer in contributing to the global leadership conversation. The delegation also identified opportunities to collaborate globally to create more solutions to common issues.  ​

Our “Solutions focus” yields results for our membership, and NSW has already developed systems and solutions within our context to many issues faced across systems internationally.  These systems and solutions can be shared, expanded, or modified to suit other international contexts.

The delegation also identified opportunities to enhance effective and sustainable leadership practices from the ICP emerging leaders conference and symposium presentations and will be following up with delegates from other countries. ​

These included:

• Practices to enhance the identification and development of emerging and aspirant leaders.
• Mapping department communications against leadership domains
• Sharing and codesigning solutions to overcome the challenges AI presents, as well as sharing AI practices that enhance teaching and leadership.

From the ICP President:

    The International Federation of Principals (ICP) meets in Rovaniemi, Finland, September 2023

The Power of Leaders Working Together

Our meeting in Finland was characterized by hope and creativity as we worked together to find positive and practical solutions to the challenges facing schools around the world.

Sustainable Leadership

Findings from the Principal Health-Barometer Study just released by Surefire, Finland’s leadership association, reflected the unsustainable pressures faced by the leaders and the toll that this takes upon their health and wellbeing. These excessive demands continue to damage existing leaders and discourage new colleagues from stepping into the role. We agreed that in order to make school leadership more sustainable there is a need to address a combination of factors including excessive bureaucracy, unrealistic expectations from a range of stakeholders and limited resources.

Emerging Leaders Matter

In the light of these pressures there is an urgent need to walk alongside newly appointed and emerging Leaders as they step into this crucial role in their schools. The energy, innovation and vision provided by these leaders is vital to the future of education and we wish to support and encourage them as they adapt to their new role.

What ICP Plans to Do

We were struck by the similarities in the challenges facing leaders, wherever they are in the world. At the end of our time together we agreed to:

• Act as positive advocates for school leadership.
• Seek to bring new leaders together, both online and face to face, in order to offer advice, mentoring and support, so that they are able to thrive in their roles.
• Share and further develop ways in which leaders can be supported in their existing roles. These include wellbeing programmes, the creative use of AI, building networks of support and the wider sharing of information and strategies.
• Work with policymakers to raise awareness of the issues facing leaders.
• To continue to focus upon positive solutions and the exciting potential of our role in shaping the lives and futures of young people.

For more information on ICP and its global initiatives, visit https://icponline.org

Workforce Wellbeing Forum | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

The NSWPPA executive held the third Workforce Wellbeing Forum Workforce Culture – Striving for Excellence with key Senior Executive of the NSW DoE at the end of term 3.

Secretary Murat Dizdar was unfortunately unable to attend his session, however he went to effort of recording a video opening to reaffirm his commitment to workforce wellbeing, as well as his commitment to collaboration and codesign with the NSWPPA. We are collectively grateful for his ongoing support of the forums. The video will be shown in full at our Term 4 State Council meeting. Here are some quotes from the video.

“I respect the work of the NSWPPA, they are driven to support the wellbeing of school leaders and they provide very valuable opportunities for all of us for reflection, for learning and collaboration. And they make it a collective challenge and endeavour that we can all roll our sleeves up on.

“The best asset I have is the 2200 principals out there serving public education in NSW… they enable and bring to the fold the belief in school improvement and the positive shaping of trajectories for young people. “

“Today’s session will help build on two previous forums, to allow for collaboration as we look to codesign solutions to address wellbeing issues and establish support structures for our staff across the entire workforce. What I know about these forums is They help build and strengthen out relational trust, our respect and our collaboration, we need to be one team in challenges of this kind.”

Each forum has built on the previous session with meaningful individual behaviour changes by each participant in their circle of influence, these amount to a wealth of “tactical wins” for our members and our system. And ultimately for our students.

It is imperative to note that many of the “tactical wins” over the last year have been reductive, removing intended changes and initiatives that would impact on our workload and wellbeing.

The strategic focus of the third session was “Building Trust and Psychological Safety” after the Earnst and Young report informing the Staff Wellbeing Strategy noted:  “Trust Enables employees to build a strong sense of belonging and purpose, and is essential for forming a foundation of safety, psychological safety and wellbeing in the workplace.”

Some of the commitments to action or “Tactical Wins” from the participants include:

• Co-agree on problem to be solved THEN move to codesign solution in partnership
• Protect the work that will make the most impact hold the rest lightly
• Support colleagues within and across teams to engage with teachers and school leaders in the design and implementation of support,
• Support colleagues to ensure our work is focused on the core business of schools.
• Focus on the why & building shared understanding
• Committed to communicating beyond today’s room the work jointly being pursued.
• Seek input and loop back to PPA Exec
• Simplification – Reduce Admin burden for Principals and teachers with our policies. Line by line review
• Calendar audits for the team and maximise our time to focus on the right work
• Hold the line – what benefit does this action/ change bring for the students/ staff/ schools.
• Continue to stay positive – the culture is constantly improving.
• To see where there is opportunities to align our PL as “one Team’ through NSWPPA
• Keep listening to understand the ‘real’ problems.
• Being transparent in what we do.

Some of the “Key Takeaways” noted by the Senior executive participants  at the session checkout included:

• With Culture there is No Neutral – only put in or take out
• One team – we have a unity of purpose.
• Better to be inter-dependant than independent
• PPA’s ways of operating methods are creating trust and positive culture
• Trust fundamental for Wellbeing
• Importance of individual and collective responsibility
• Importance of creating the environmental conditions to support the change that you need to make
• It’s the little things that make a big difference
• Importance of impact on wellbeing in decision making
• We are in a better place in NSW Public Education than we have been for some time.
• If we work together we won’t blow it
• Go together, go far.
• Staying at the table until the problem is solved – doing together will bring the right outcome

The next Workforce Wellbeing Forum in Term 1 2024 will delve deeper into reductive strategies and we have invited Simon Breakspear to lead a workshop on “The Pruning Principle” based on his keynote presentation at the 2023 APPA conference

The Flourish Podcast | Deputy President Bob Willetts:

The Flourish Movement Podcast is crushing it in INDIA!!!!

I was incredibly humbled and actually pretty emotional following the positive feedback from many colleagues about The Flourish Movement Podcast at conference.

Thank you to those of you who shared how it has benefitted you personally and professionally, and the wonderful ways you are using it with your teams to build effective and sustainable leadership practices.

Thanks to the support of you all, the podcast has been presenting in the Top 10 after each episode release, and recently almost broke into the Top 100 in India (not a leadership demographic we were expecting to tap into)

The latest episode with Susan Hilliar is a very open and raw conversation about the day The Flourish Movement was born, and how Susan has gone from strength to strength based on vulnerability and changing her mindsets.

We thank Susan for her courage and commitment, and for sharing her story.

Record of Accidents | Vice President Greg McLaren:

Please note that NSWPPA Legal Issues Standing Committee is working with Legal Services Directorate and Health, Safety and Staff Wellbeing Directorate to improve systems to especially avoid the duplication of both notification and record keeping of accidents. That work is ongoing as it is covering various legislation.

Department of Education Expectations

In terms of reporting an incident, school staff should fill out both an incident report (or 1800 811 523) and accident report where a student, contractor, staff member or visitor is injured on school grounds.

Legal Issues Bulletin (LIB) #39 Accident Reports -Preparation and Use in Schools:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/rights-and-accountability/legal-issues-bulletins/accident-reports-preparation-and-use-in-schools provides some further information around preparing an accident report. I have extracted some points of relevance below, however, recommend that you read the LIB in full if you have the time. It covers areas of preparing an accident report, whether parents or carers be notified, admitting liability for the accident, students insurance coverage insurance during school activities, apology, and litigated and unlitigated claims and required action once claims are forwarded to Legal Services.

Purpose of Accident Report

Except in the case of trivial accidents, accident reports are prepared for the purpose of considering and, if necessary, defending the Department's legal position if a claim for compensation is made.  The reports are also used to notify the NSW Treasury Managed Fund when claims are made or anticipated to be made against the department. Accident reports prepared by eg us as Principals may attract the protection of legal professional privilege.

Documentation to be Included in Accident Reports

When preparing accident reports, we as Principals must ensure that relevant documentation is included. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, relevant documentation should include any or all of the following:

• Statements from witnesses, including the person injured if practicable.
• Details of supervision arrangements in place at the time of the accident.
• Staff supervision rosters.
• First aid register or its equivalent.
• Photographs of the scene.
• Sketch plans of the site indicating the location of the accident and of relevant people such as supervising staff at the time of the accident.
• A copy of any information provided to parents regarding the activity, including any signed permission notes received from parents.
• School wellbeing and/or behaviour management policies (where appropriate).
• Details of previous accidents of a similar nature.

Where possible, in order to minimise potential conflict of interest allegations, the collation of accident reports should as far as possible be undertaken by a member of staff who has not been directly involved in the incident eg as a potential witness, rendering assistance.

Accident reports play an important role in the Department's defence representing us in schools of claims arising from accidents. We as Principals must ensure that all relevant documentation is collated as soon as possible after an accident occurs - preferably on the same day - and is securely retained. In accordance with the Department's policy on records management, school accident reports should be retained for 25 years. Statements obtained from witnesses to accidents are subject to the provisions of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. Action needs to be taken to ensure that persons making statements are aware the statements may be used by the Department in the assessment of claims or the defence of legal proceedings.

The New (new) Student Behaviour Policy | Vice President Trish Peters:

We can all be forgiven for not be able to keep up with the changes to behaviour policy over the last several years. It has been a long and, at times, complicated and drawn-out journey, but we have landed on a position that all stakeholders are satisfied that we can support.

Over the next few weeks, I will be in a touring party with colleagues from the Secondary Principals Council, the NSW Teachers Federation, Special Education Principals and Leaders Association and DoE representatives to deliver familiarisation sessions on the revised Suspension and Expulsion Procedures to principal colleagues and their executive, DELs and Learning and Wellbeing staff.

While many of these sessions will be held in large venues across the state, the voice of our small schools, our rural and remote schools has been listened to, and acted on and I am pleased that my colleagues in these settings will also have access to the professional learning to unpack the revised policy and procedures with others.

There have been a number of tweaks to many documents, an increased commitment of support for our youngest students and re-alignment of resources to support the revised policy intent and a genuine desire to make this work from all stakeholders.

I look forward to catching up with many of you on the “Behaviour Roadshow”, coming to a venue near you in the coming weeks!

Early Childhood Education WP Survey | Vice President Norma Petrocco:

The announcement of 100 new Department of Education Preschools being built over the next four years will see the increase of provision of early childhood education in public schools. This increase will double the amount of Department preschools across the state. The current operational model has been highlighted as inadequate as has the lack of support from the Department in meeting compliance and regulatory burden associated with preschools. 

On behalf of the Early Childhood Education Working Party we are seeking your input into the development of our position paper. We would value your input whether you have a preschool or not. 

SRE & SEE | Secretary Michael Trist:

Administration Tip

Most schools are now using the Online Enrolment System to administer their SRE/SEE processes. Advantages include:

• quick set up
• student SRE/SEE status available on ERN
• parents can change SRE/SEE preference via the school website ("Learning at our school" link)

If your school isn't already using the OES, check: 
https://education.nsw.gov.au/noticeboard/2023/08/further-enhancements-to-the-sre-see-participation-process-online

SRE/SEE Teacher Performance

Principals sometimes raise concerns about the quality of instruction provided by visiting SRE/SEE personnel. If you have such concerns you are advised to contact the relevant provider - also available on your school website. They should then conduct an assessment and follow up with appropriate remedial measures. If you attempt this process and are not satisfied, please contact Michael Trist, PPA State Secretary (michael.trist@det.nsw.edu.au)

New Builds and Rebuilds Standing Committee | Chair Tracy Anderson:

New Builds & Rebuilds Standing Committee seeks to support Principals during their infrastructure program. Previously a Working Party, the NSW Primary Principals Association sought to strengthen this work through the establishment of a Standing Committee.

The NSWPPA New Builds & Rebuilds Standing Committee is committed to promoting opportunities of collaborative support to better address the specific challenges facing public schools which are being built or being rebuilt.  

The committee works with personnel from throughout the DoE and provide strategic advice to improve outcomes for these schools in areas including but not limited to site establishment, design, project management, staffing, finance, technology, resourcing, and community engagement. 

In addition, the group acts as a conduit to inform other Reference Groups and Standing Committees when working with senior Departmental personnel.

Colleagues are encouraged to reach out directly to a committee member at any time if needed.

Chair: Tracy Anderson: Principal Galungara Public School – Metropolitan North
Tracey.Anderson@det.nsw.edu.au

• Joanna Henderson contact for New England & Hunter/Central Coast
  Joanna.Henderson@det.nsw.edu.au
  

• Larissa Polak contact for Mid North Coast 
  Larissa.Polak@det.nsw.edu.au
  

• Bek Zadow contact for Sydney
  Rebekah.Zadow@det.nsw.edu.au
  

• Lisa Whitfield contact for South-West and Western NSW
  Lisa.whitfiled1@det.nsw.edu.au
  

• Rebekah Lindsay contact for Illawarra/South Coast & Riverina
  Rebekah.Ballard@det.nsw.edu.au
  

The Digital PDP | HR Chair Skye Ramsay

The Digital PDP is being released for all school staff to use in 2024 on an opt-in basis. The department’s Performance and Accreditation Unit has developed resources to support implementation of the Digital PDP including a 20-30 minute PowerPoint presentation with speaking notes that could be used for a School Development Day or other professional learning activity, a fact sheet for principals, FAQs, information on data security and animated ‘walkthroughs’ of the Digital PDP. 

For more information, including the Digital PDP Communication Toolkit for Principals, visit the Digital PDP intranet page.

Professional Learning | PLO Drew Janetzski:

We are excited to offer a range of professional learning opportunities to support your growth and development in 2024. Stay updated on our latest offerings via our Catalogue at 

Some highlights for your planning:

Art of Leadership: Places for the 2024 Art of Leadership program are filling up fast. This dynamic program equips educational leaders with the skills and insights to excel. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your leadership abilities. 

Breaking news: Two Art of Leadership Masterclasses will be released next week for 2024

2024 dates are

Sydney MasterClass- 25th to 27th March
Newcastle MasterClass- 9th to 11th September

(Art of Leadership Masterclass criteria requires participants to have attended Art of Leadership)

Clarity Learning Suite: Many schools have already signed up for the Clarity Learning Suite, a comprehensive resource to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Explore the benefits of this suite at 

Cyber Safety Webinar: Join us in collaboration with SPC as we emphasize the importance of cyber safety. Don't miss the exclusive webinar with Yasmin London on Tuesday, November 28th. Secure your spot for just $99 per school via the link below.

The Middle Leadership Imperative in 2024

This course was developed by the Leadership Standing Committee to support our Middle school leaders. The review are amazing!

A four-day professional learning opportunity for Assistant Principals addressing the three key themes of middle leading, collaborative professionalism and ideas in action.

The middle leader has become increasingly more important to the work of schools through increased accountability and responsibility of principals (Dinham 2016). The role of the middle leader is evolving with specific purpose in facilitating collegial professional learning and in the development of quality student learning (Ronnerman 2014). However, ambiguity still exists in relation to what middle leaders are expected to do (Fluckiger et al 2005).

Reach out if you would like our presenters to come to your Networks.

New Franklin Covey Offerings in 2024 via EOI

NSWPPA Multipliers Expression of Interest Form

We’ve all had experience with 2 dramatically different types of leaders

1. Diminishers—leaders who drain intelligence, energy, and capability from the people around them.
2. Multipliers—leaders who use their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capabilities of the people around them.

Which do you prefer to lead as? How can you work with a diminisher?

Sign up to discover how you can lead as a Multiplier!

NSWPPA Expression of Interest Form 4 Essential Roles of Leadership

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Every day leaders are making countless decisions and facing problems they’ve never encountered before. What worked yesterday can change overnight. The speed is relentless, the stakes are high, but the rewards are great for those who can lead a team to consistently achieve extraordinary results. So how can leaders stay ahead of the curve and differentiate themselves and their teams when so much is changing so quickly?

Sign up below:

School Leadership Sprints are SHORT, SHARP 10-minute videos designed specifically for the professional learning of leaders in schools. They provide practical and actionable strategies to enhance the leadership capabilities of school leaders and increase alignment and clarity.

The 25 standalone topics cover many of the challenges currently facing leaders in schools. Subscribing schools have on-demand access to all 25 topics.

Schools may choose to integrate one of the 10-minute videos into their Executive team meetings, watch as individual leaders for professional growth or provide access to aspiring leaders.

Special for NSW PPA members:

Free TERM 4 is you sign up now!

$1190 + gst per school
Half price for small schools =$595 + gst per school (less than 100 students)

START PLANNING FOR SUCCESS WITH THE NSWPPA 

Start planning your professional learning journey for 2024 by exploring the offerings in the NSWPPA Professional Learning Suite. 

We are here to support, empower, advocate, and lead together.

#support #empower #advocate #lead

Thankyou From the Share our Space Team:

Share Our Space delivers a great time for the community

The Term 3 school holidays are finished and over 600 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! 

63 free activities were held on school sites with over 1,500 participants. Activities included all ability sports (rugby league, cricket, basketball, hockey), laughter yoga and dance as well as a Community Connect Fair at Canley Heights Public School.

Some of the feedback we received included:

• “My daughter really enjoyed the dance activity at Tarrawanna Public School and performed her dance for the whole family. She loved seeing a few of her class mates there and she is excited to go back next school holidays.”
• "I just wanted to say thank you for the basketball clinic yesterday at Vicentia High School. Both my girls attended, and they really enjoyed it. It was run really well, and it has sparked an interest in basketball for them both having never played before.”

If you have an idea for an activity for your school for Share Our Space in the holidays, please complete the school feedback form or contact the Share Our Space team at sinsw.shareourspace@det.nsw.edu.au.

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 Term 4 school holidays has started.

A big thank you for your support of Share Our Space and placing our schools at the centre of community. This Term 3 bumper delivery couldn’t be delivered without you!

Teacher Housing Survey | Rural Education SC Chair Michael Ostler:

The Regional, Rural and Remote Education Policy Unit (RRREP) is building a business case to take to Teacher Housing. We encourage any Principals and their teachers who are Teacher Housing Tenants to fill it in. All tenants have received an email with the link to the survey.

And finally …….

On behalf of the NSWPPA Executive – Rob Walker, Bob Willetts, Michael Burgess, Leah Martin, Trish Peters, Norma Petrocco, Stuart Wylie, Greg McLaren, Michael Trist, Scott Sanford, Mark Pritchard, Lisa Beare and Drew Janetzki, WE ACKNOWLEDGE the huge amount of ‘lifting’ you are doing in your school right now amidst uncertainty about a few things that will significantly shape your planning. As yet the information is not available but will be ‘soon’. The Education Support Teams are acutely aware of our need to plan. Secure positions and make necessary adjustments in terms of staffing and school programs. The NSWPPA and NSWSPC Executive and Chairs are being briefed and are actively taking forward questions and scenarios for consideration and highlighting unintended consequences. YOUR work is NOTICED and it is VERY MUCH VALUED. Please reach out to the Chairs and Executive if there is clarity you seek. As I said we are very much hoping for a clearer picture by Week 7 at State Council – your delegates will return from this meeting with valuable information.

Have a great week everyone – LOVED catching up and connecting with you at Conference and am really looking forward to the connections ahead at PPC Meetings, Road Trips and Conferences!!

Kind regards,
Robyn
Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President