What's Hot December

President’s Report:

Greetings Colleagues,

Being a public primary school principal is, without doubt, the best job in the world. It is an incredible privilege and honour to now serve as the leader of our professional association. The first four and a half weeks in this role have flown by, and I’m excited to share some updates and reflections with you.

Building Relationships and Strengthening Partnerships

In these early weeks, much of my focus has been on re-establishing connections with senior Department of Education officers and forging relationships with colleagues I’ve not worked with previously. I’ve also been working closely with key partners, including the NSW Teachers Federation, the Secondary Principals’ Council, and other critical stakeholders.

Salaries and Working Conditions Agreement:

The recently finalised agreement between the NSW Teachers Federation and the Department of Education brings notable benefits:

• Competitive Salaries: Pay increases ensure that our teachers and principals remain among the highest paid in the country, a vital factor in attracting and retaining exceptional staff.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: New provisions support a better balance between work and family life.

While these achievements are positive, they also present new challenges for principals. Every concern or suggestion raised by you has been shared with the team overseeing the agreement’s implementation, resulting in some adjustments. However, challenges remain, and more guidance from the education support team will soon be available to assist us in navigating these changes.

National Schools Reform Agreement Update:

Unfortunately, the NSW and Federal governments have extended the current National Schools Reform Agreement (NSRA) by one year due to a delay in finalising the Better, Fairer Schools Funding Agreement. This extension means our public school students will face yet another year of underfunding.

Progress on Key Advocacy Efforts:

On a brighter note, many of the improvements we’ve long advocated for are on the horizon:

• Streamlined reporting requirements.
• Enhanced processes for disability funding applications.
• Improved client services through EdConnect.
• A comprehensive line-by-line policy review.
• Reduced mandatory training burdens.
• Implementation of the Rural, Regional, and Remote Education Strategic Excellence Plan.

These advancements are expected to be in place by early 2025, reflecting the power of our collective voice in driving change.

Acknowledging Our Primary Principal Councils:

Over the next two weeks, our local Primary Principal Councils will hold their Annual General Meetings. I want to thank the outgoing PPC executive teams and local area contacts for your dedication to supporting colleagues and the Association. To the incoming teams, congratulations on your appointments—I look forward to working with you in 2025.

The New State Executive Roles and Responsibilities:

Our new State Executive team have negotiated their areas of responsibility and action.

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 – Lyn Davis 0417 465 652, Geoff Scott 0427 451 359 and Phil Seymour 0412 673 378.

Remember to check your details on the NSWPPA website so your contact details are accurate, so you are contactable.

Better and Fairer Schools | Vice President Bob Willetts:

The Senate inquiry into the Better and Fairer Schools funding reform has been completed and the report has been handed down.

The NSWPPA provided one of the 86 written submissions to the inquiry. Our submission was aligned with the AGPPA research position, and was underpinned by factual NSWDoE data.

I wish to thank Robyn Evans and Rob Walker for working with me to develop the NSWPPA submission.

Following the written submissions a full public hearing was held which was included presentations by AGPPA President Pat Murphy, ASPA President Andy Mison, and NATSIPA President Dyonne Anderson.

Key findings included:

• 2.42  There was support for both the conversion of the 20 per cent Commonwealth funding ceiling into a funding floor…. (NT 40%, TAS/WA 22.5%)
• 1.19  The delivery of a back-to-basics education sharply focused on literacy and numeracy, underpinned by evidence-based teaching methods such as explicit instruction, is critical to raising school standards.
• 1.20  Coalition Senators urge the Albanese Government to get on with the critical job of finalising school funding and reform agreements with every state and territory to provide government schools, and the students they serve, with the certainty they deserve.

NSW has not yet signed a new funding agreement with the Commonwealth and is continuing to seek an increased allocation to achieve 100% SRS (School Resourcing Standard) as a “FUNDING FLOOR” on which to build equity in Australian Education.

The full Senate inquiry report is attached.

Research into Critical Incidents and Secondary Trauma | Vice President Bob Willetts:

The NSWPPA and AGPPA are committed to supporting research that strengthens our advocacy.

Recently two major research reports have landed that provide deeper insight into ;

• The impact of managing critical incidents.
• The impact of vicarious trauma (Secondary Trauma Stress)

The research papers have significant implications for how schools and systems manage critical incidences and secondary trauma. The data in the reports also has a knock on effect that contributes to staff burnout and teacher shortages.

They will underpin ongoing conversations around the staff wellbeing strategy, and resourcing for schools.

The good news is that the research shows that most effective support is collegial support; and many of the mitigating factors are within our control as individuals, school leaders and associations.

We recommend taking time to read the reports and taking action with your team.

Get ready for Safer Internet Day with Cybermarvel- February 2025 | Vice President Leah Martin:

Some excellent resources for students, staff and families are available to support your school and community’s cyber hygiene. Save the date for these virtual classroom sessions, professional learning sessions and parent and carer webinars.

The focus is on respectful online relationships, understanding responsibility and knowing fake from real.

For primary schools

Register for live virtual classrooms to get them ready with online safety skills:

• Years 3-4: Be an eSafe kid: back to school – pack your online safety toolkit
• Years 5-6: Be an eSafe kid: Back to school – truth or trap?

Teachers can also use the on-demand lessons on topics such as safe passwords and online privacy and security.

Additional resources

• K-2 teachers: lesson plans, posters and videos
• 3-4 teachers: games, videos and e-books
• 5-6 teachers: lesson plans, quizzes, and Minecraft activities
• All stages: ’Be a Cybermarvel’ lesson plans on Universal Resource Hub

Professional learning for teachers

Register for Young people and tech-based abuse to understand how to support students in family violence situations and get practical strategies and resources.

Webinars for parents and carers

1. Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into high school – explore the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school.
2. Algorithms and adolescents: rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people – explores both the benefits and risks, including how:

• they can affect the content young people see, shape their feelings and experiences, and influence the choices they make
• they are designed to keep young people online, and the impact and harms both from the type of content served and from ongoing exposure.

Parents can also browse a range of online safety videos, podcasts and more to gain the essential knowledge, skills, and tools to support children in having safe online experiences at home.

More information is available through the Cybermarvel website.

NSW EduChat is available to all staff | Vice President Leah Martin:

NSWEduChat is now available to all staff and is a fantastic tool. It is essential for staff to recognise both the benefits and the risks involved in using generative AI. The NSW DoE has created a range of resources to support us to understand the Risks and guidelines for AI.

There is also a range of PL available in bite sized modules to support staff to engage with generative AI, regardless of their starting point.

The NSW Edu Chat Prompt Library offers a library of prompt examples for teachers to use regarding a range of topics including assessments (rubrics, scaffolds etc), explicit teaching (questions, examples etc), student resources, admin and more.

PPC Treasurers – 2024 Audit | Treasurer Scott Sanford:

PPC treasurers need to present an audited copy of the local council’s accounts for the financial year. This audit can be undertaken by a recognised auditor or by someone else with the financial knowledge (an experienced SAM/BM for example) to review the accounts and form an opinion of the accuracy of the accounts. If using an experienced SAM/BM, please ensure their independence from the local PPC and the treasurer’s processes (for example the local PPC treasurer’s SAM would not be an appropriate person to review the books). The PPC Treasurer Handbook on the Treasurer Teams provides some advice on this.

As per NSWPPA constitution requirements, a copy of the audited statement needs to be submitted to the NSWPPA executive via the Treasurer by the Term 1 2025 State Council. If you have any questions or need some support with this then please contact me on 0880875155 or ssanford@nswppa.org,au

Mandatory Training – Last call! | HR Chair Skye Ramsay:

I want to ensure everyone has clarity regarding the CUT OFF date for Mandatory Training - it is THIS FRIDAY December 6- no exceptions.

This cutoff date is to be able to access the Annual Competency Check - it doesn't mean staff will lose their employment, be suspended or anything else. The cutoff date is to be eligible for the one-hour Annual Competency Check in 2025. If staff are not up to date, they will not have access to the one-hour ACC, they will need to complete the full modules.

I have sought final clarity (to make sure I was right 🙂) as to what Mandatory Training needs to be completed for this access. All the information can be found on the Mandatory training hub: https://education.nsw.gov.au/inside-the-department/human-resources/mandatory-training

To make it easier for everyone, these are the core modules that need to be completed:

• Aboriginal Cultural Education
• Anti-Racism Policy
• Child Protection Awareness Training
• Code of Ethics and Conduct
• Cyber security all staff
• Cyber security refresher - all staff
• Data Breach Response Plan - Reporting Data Breaches
• e-Emergency Care
• Fraud and Corruption Control
• Work health and safety (WHS) induction

The easiest place to check is on MyPL directly, where the team have updated the page to show individuals what their individual status is on each module: https://myplsso.education.nsw.gov.au/pages/mandatory-courses?menu=Home

The role-based modules are not included for access to the Annual Competency Check

2025 Professional Learning | PLO Drew Janetzki:

NSWPPA Professional Learning Suite: Your 2025 Planning Tools and Program Highlights

Start planning your 2025 Professional Learning with our NSWPPA Catalogue, now available with Google Sheet tools to simplify your budgeting and scheduling. Access the resources below:

• 2025 Catalogue: View here

• Professional Learning Calendar: Google Sheet
• Price Table: Google Sheet

Program Highlights for 2025:

• Art of Leadership Program: Designed for school leaders, this research-backed program is practical and experiential. https://www.nswppa.org.au/art-of-leadership Places still remaining: Spots are filling fast—secure your place now.

• CLARITY Learning Suite: Engage in innovative, impactful learning with limited spots available for Semester 1. Plus, the Essential CLARITY Learning Suite is launching in February 2025! Learn more via: https://www.nswppa.org.au/clarity-learning-suite

• Multipliers by Liz Wiseman: Discover actionable strategies to foster a culture of intelligence and potential. This is a very popular with Networks and PPCs. Explore via: https://www.nswppa.org.au/multipliers

• REAL Conversations by Mitch Wallis: Transformative mental health strategies from a global thought leader. Fantastic feedback and very relevant professional learning to understand and implement the 5 step framework through REAL Conversations covering the complexity of mental health: Further information at @ https://www.nswppa.org.au/realconversations
• The Flourish Movement: The Flourish Movement specialises in improving the wellbeing and effectiveness of school leaders and their staff. https://www.nswppa.org.au/flourish

Free Webinars: Priority Management Series:

1. Your Time Matters
   • Date: 17th February 2025
   • Time: 10:00–11:00 am
2. Your Team Matters
   • Date: 25th February 2025
   • Time: 10:00–11:00 am
   

Book via: https://www.nswppa.org.au/working-smart-series

To secure your free spot!

A Huge Thanks for Your Support in 2024!

Thank you for engaging with the NSWPPA Professional Learning Suite in 2024. We are grateful to the Networks that have already completed their free GAP analysis, helping us better understand and support the Professional Learning needs of your members.

If you haven’t yet participated, we encourage you to reach out for your GAP analysis survey. This is a valuable opportunity to align your Association’s Professional Learning priorities.

Contact your PLO via:

• Email: djanetzki@nswppa.org.au
• Book a time: Calendly link

Plan and maximise your 2025 Professional Learning opportunities through your NSWPPA!

AMP IT UP SERIES:

The AMP IT UP Series, aims to proactively support our Principals and aspiring Principals across the NSW in addressing key leadership challenges that our PSOs have identified through their data in supporting NSWPPA members.

The modules address key issues identified through the experiences of our PSOs and have been delivered in collaboration with our chairpersons, focusing on five critical areas:

- Relationships – Strengthening connections within and beyond the school community.
- Communication – Enhancing effective and transparent communication skills.
- DoE Interactions – Navigating interactions with the Department of Education with confidence.
- School Operations & Finance – Building operational efficiency and financial management skills.
- Psycho-social Hazards – Addressing and mitigating psycho-social risks in school settings.

Each module is designed to be accessible and flexible, with approximately 30-minute sessions that fit into your schedule, offering insightful inputs, real-world scenarios, and valuable resources (policies, readings, etc.). The modules are available via the Principal Support Tab on our website which then directs you to the members section where you have to login.

There are many ways to become involved in the modules:
Below are some ways to access the series.

We invite you to explore the AMP IT UP Series today OR early in the new year.

Salary Determination:

The guide highlights new policy provisions for the recognition of a teacher’s prior experience and outlines the documentation required when applying for a salary determination.

Principals are encouraged to contact Veronica Willmott, Manager, Teacher Approvals and Salary Determination, with any feedback or questions via Veronica.Willmott@det.nsw.edu.au.

NESA’s inspection of schools selected randomly for a short notice inspection in 2025

NESA’s risk-based approach to regulation includes the selection of schools at random for a short notice inspection. This program involves schools in all sectors and assesses whether schools continue to comply with the requirements, as detailed in the Registration Process for the NSW Government Schooling System Manual. NESA published its Official Notice (NESA 40/24) on 11 October 2024.

These inspections will occur from Week 5, Term 1 to the end of Term 3.

A short notice inspection will be conducted in relation to two curriculum requirements and two non-curriculum requirements.

Full details of subset requirements are published on the NESA Official Notice (NESA 40/24). 

Strategic School Improvement will support schools involved in the short notice inspections and ensure they are notified about their selection, the date of the proposed visit, the specific requirements and the contact details of the NESA inspector.

Principals can contact Strategic School Improvement on 02 7814 3853 or at registration@det.nsw.edu.au for any queries.

About My Say My Way:

My Say My Way (MSMW) is a CESE-led initiative to develop a suite of accessible student voice tools to collect data on the educational experience and wellbeing of students with disability and/or complex learning needs.

Measurement Framework

MSMW measures a small but powerful set of core concepts from the perspective of students.

• Wellbeing at school: the range of within-school factors that contribute to a student’s perception that they are known, valued and cared for at school. E.g., sense of belonging, sense of safety and sense of self.  
• Educational experience: the range of within-school factors that make up a student’s day-to-day interactions and activities throughout their schooling journey. E.g., learning engagement, learning environment and transition support.

Three new tools for schools

The MSMW platform will be home to three related tools:

• Student Accessible Survey Tool: a unique survey designed to be highly personalised within the platform using different visual and communication supports. Student data entry.
• Arts-Based Methods Tool: participatory activities that can be used to creatively support students to 'voice' their responses. Teacher data entry.
• Parent/Carer Insight Tool: a survey to capture parent/carer views to compliment student data and act as a wraparound support for students with the most complex needs. Parent/carer data entry.

2024 collaborative design

This year we engaged with 140 educators across 81 schools via MS Teams, as well as more than 100 parents/carers to get further design input. This has been invaluable to ensure these prototypes are fit for purpose and designed to meet diverse needs.

2025 pilot in schools

In 2025, CESE will pilot early digital versions of the tools, capturing data for testing and validation. We need approx. 700 teachers to trial the tools with 8 students each, focusing on students identified as needing ‘substantial’ or ‘extensive’ adjustments as per the NCCD.

The pilot will be available for all SSPs and primary and secondary schools with Support Units (with a staged roll out to all schools starting in 2026).

How can I be involved?

Key features of the pilot

• Voluntary: opt-in participation, schools can withdraw at any time.
• Supported: CESE will provide professional learning and resources to guide schools throughout the pilot, with ongoing support from the MSMW team.
• Iterative feedback: opportunity to give further feedback to improve the final tools.

Benefits for schools

• Aligns closely with curriculum content in the English, Personal Development/Health and Life Skills syllabuses, as well as the School Excellence Framework wellbeing domain.
• Provides wellbeing and educational experience data to inform classroom practice and the development of personalised learning plan goals.
• This data can also help inform whole school approaches to wellbeing and student voice.

Any questions?
Please contact us as: mysaymyway.cese@det.nsw.edu.au

NSW Curriculum Reform Key Messages | Megan KellyExecutive Director | Curriculum & Reform

We’re excited to share the latest developments and opportunities for the ongoing NSW Curriculum Reform.

New K-6 CHPS syllabus resources and support package

Last week, 458 school leaders attended the Term 4 drop-in session, receiving advice on 2024 syllabus support for creative arts, HSIE, PDHPE, and science and technology. Leaders were shown familiarisation resources for Term 1 2025 SDD’s and informed about the CHPS support package rollout (2025–2027).

The department has released syllabus familiarisation resources which provide an overview of the purpose, organisation, content and support available for the 2024 creative arts, human society and its environment (HSIE), personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE), and science and technology (CHPS) K–6 syllabuses. The resources for each KLA include a video supported by a reflection resource which contains activities to assist schools in planning for curriculum implementation. These resources could be used by school leaders as professional learning for school development days in term 1 2025.

The department has also released syllabus information videos for the CHPS K-6 syllabuses, in collaboration with NESA. These short videos introduce key content and components of each syllabus.

To further support staff, a comprehensive CHPS support package will commence being released from Term 1 2025 through to 2026, leading up to mandatory implementation in 2027. The resources will include microlearning modules, sample scope and sequences, sample units, and student-facing slide decks.

Evaluation of primary languages programs: share your insights!

Curriculum and Reform is evaluating  Primary Languages Programs, including the Bilingual Schools Program and Community Languages Program K-6. Our aim is to enhance support for these programs and school-funded language initiatives.

School leaders who have implemented – or are currently running a languages program – are invited to participate in a 30-minute Microsoft Teams interview to share their valuable insights.

To Register, complete this Microsoft form by Friday 13 December 2024 (Term 4, Week 4). Your input will help assess program engagement, effectiveness, and funding improvements.

Effective assessment practices - a guide for teachers and leaders

This practical, on-demand guide offers assessment advice for K-10 teachers and leaders. It includes advice on:

• the what, why and how of assessment
• best practice in assessment, including assessment design
• guiding policies, procedures and documents
• strengthening consistent teacher judgement
• high impact formative assessment practices
• use of assessment data.

The guide is intended to serve as a reference tool, to be used at point of need. It is not designed to be read from start to finish.

A number of resources to support teachers and leaders to understand and use the guide are being developed. We will keep you updated.

Questions, comments and feedback about this resource can be emailed to contactcurriculumreform@det.nsw.edu.au, with the subject line ‘Effective assessment practices’

Leading effective curriculum instruction 

LECI Module 5 – using data effectively to evaluate curriculum implementation is now available on MyPL. LECI Module 5 – embedding curriculum change to drive school improvement will be published in Term 4 Week 3 2024. It is the final module in the LECI eLearning suite for middle leaders.  

The Meet the expert with Dylan Wiliam recording and supporting materials can be accessed on MyPL. Additional ‘Meet the expert’ recordings available include: 

• LECI Meet the expert – a partnership approach to curriculum leadership with Kylie Lipscombe 

• LECI Meet the experts – explicit teaching and how learning happens 

Teaching principal professional learning series 

Session 1 recording: Collaborating to lead and implement curriculum is available on the SharePoint page in the Small and unique schools channel. It features Bianca Rhodes, Principal Ulmarra Public School and Abbey Proud, Principal in Residence, School Leadership Institute.  

This session focuses on collaborating to lead and implement curriculum – practices for leading self and others to support effective curriculum implementation and build collaborative relationships within and across schools.

Session 2 - Term 4 Week 4 (Wednesday 6 November 3:45-4:45pm): Strategic school planning for curriculum implementation in a small school context is now open for registration - 

Session 2 builds on session 1 with a focus on strengthening and scaling strategic planning processes for ongoing effective implementation.

Session 3 - Term 4 Week 7 (Wednesday 27 November 3:45-4:45pm): Determining impact of curriculum change in a small school context is open for registration - 

Applications Open for Music in Me 2025

Music in Me (formerly the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program) is an innovative professional learning program for K-6 classroom teachers in NSW public schools, designed to enhance their ability to deliver engaging musical experiences aligned with the NSW Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus.

In 2025, the program will feature an 8-session teacher mentoring opportunity available in both Semester 1 and Semester 2. Teachers can apply as mentors or mentees.

How to Apply:

Complete the relevant application form:

• Music in Me mentee application
• Music in Me mentor application

Key Dates:

• Semester 1 applications close: Friday, 6 December 2024 (Week 8, Term 4)
• Semester 2 applications close: Friday, 30 May 2025 (Week 5, Term 2)

More Information:
Visit the Music in Me webpage for further details and case studies. For questions, contact: kiralee.strahle1@det.nsw.edu.au.

Share the resource release announcement with your staff.

Curriculum & Reform is committed to providing continuous improvement and support for NSW primary schools. If you have any questions, feedback or would like more information, please email contactcurriculumreform@det.nsw.edu.au

Project on Wellbeing During the Transition to High School Year 6

Curtin University are currently seeking Year 6’s and their parents for a study into child socioemotional wellbeing. They have asked our assitincein sharing their message. Please see information below.

The move from primary to secondary school can be a stressful period for children. This move happens during early adolescence, a time of increased risk for the development of mental health problems. This transition might be particularly stressful for children with language and/or literacy difficulties, due the increased educational and literacy related demands placed on children. Our project aims to better understand risk and protective factors associated with mental health during the transition to secondary school. These factors could become the targets mental health promotion interventions for children with language and literacy difficulties. Your support for this study may therefore benefit children in the future.

Ways to share our project - include advertising the flyer in a (online) newsletter or sharing our study on your Facebook page. We would also be more than happy to come and talk to your community about the links between child literacy and mental health, if this would be of interest to you!  I have attached our project flyer to this email that can be used for communication in newsletters.  

This is a link to our current Facebook Post that is ready to be shared:  

All materials have a QR- code that leads to a registration form with more information about the study. Because not all families are familiar with using QR-codes, please include the link to our registration form (https://tinyurl.com/2xwjsebc) in any posts you share. Families just need to enter their details and the research team will be in touch.  

If you have any questions or concerns about the research, please do not hesitate to contact Sylvanna Mirichlis (sylvanna.mirichlis@curtin.edu.au) or the project lead Prof. Mark Boyes (mark.boyes@curtin.edu.au).  

A Note From our Sponsor TM Bank:

The Bank for Teachers

Nearly 60 years ago, a group of passionate teachers came together to lay the foundations of what would become Teachers Mutual Bank. Today, Teachers Mutual Bank continues delivering on the vision of greater financial options for teachers.

From removing monthly account fees so your money goes further, to offering a low-interest credit card to help you manage emergencies, all the way through to flexible home loan options that are suited to your needs, we’re here to help. 

Our home lending policy works with teaching contracts, not against them, unlocking home loans opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach.

Teachers have enough to worry about, their banking shouldn’t be another one.  We’re committed to helping you build your financial wellbeing while being a bank that is a force for good in our communities and society.

Without teachers, we wouldn’t be where we are today and we’ll never forget that. We continue to believe teachers deserve a bank that understands them, which is why we do things differently at Teachers Mutual Bank.

As part of our commitment to give back to our community, we have developed some educational podcasts designed to help you better understand your finances. Listen now our podcast on saving

Membership criteria, fees and T&C’s apply. T&C’s and the TMD are on tmbank.com.au. General advice only. Teachers Mutual Bank is a division of Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL 238981 |

A Note From our Sponsor Life Ed:

Life Ed introduces Talk About It: A new program supporting students through puberty

Life Ed is excited to announce the launch of Talk About It, a new sexual health and personal development education program designed to help students, teachers, and families navigate the important conversations about puberty and growing up.

Tailored for Years 5 and 6, Talk About It empowers students with age-appropriate, syllabus-aligned lessons that foster a positive understanding of the physical, emotional, and social changes they may experience during puberty. Delivered by Life Ed’s specialist sexual health educators, the program ensures students feel confident and supported as they learn to manage these changes.

Each session features engaging classroom activities, worksheets, and an anonymous question box to encourage open, respectful discussions in a safe and inclusive environment. The program also supports teachers and parents with practical tools to guide conversations beyond the classroom.

Bookings for 2025 are now open. Learn more and secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/TAINSWPPA

And Finally,

As the year draws to a close, it’s a wonderful time in our primary schools—a season filled with end-of-year concerts, celebrations of excellence, and heartfelt appreciation for the many people who make our schools truly exceptional.

While you are busy recognizing and celebrating others, on behalf of the State Executive team and staff—Norma Petrocco, Greg McLaren, Shannan Griffith, Leah Martin, Sue Maxworthy, Scott Sanford, Lee Saurins, Bob Willetts, Adam Wynn, Mark Pritchard, Drew Janetski, Lisa Beare, Geoff Scott, Lyn Davis, and Phil Seymour—I want to take a moment to celebrate you.

Your leadership in public education not only shapes the lives of students but also helps build the future of our state and nation. Schools are where we create opportunities to reduce inequity, foster inclusivity, and envision the Australia we want to see. It’s the seemingly small, everyday actions you take that collectively drive meaningful change, bringing equity and excellence to life for all.

As we head into the final weeks of term, I hope you find moments to reflect on your achievements and recharge. Not long now until you can put your feet up, enjoy a well-deserved cup of tea, and take some time for yourself.

Warm regards,

Michael