Week 4 and schools are showcasing a truly positive start to the school year. I have been hearing such good news stories about your summer holidays - great news stories. It is the first post-holiday start that has been full of energy and optimism in three years. The start of each year is always full and exhausting – this year though we have line of sight about teaching and learning. A number of our schools are still in refurbishment and rebuild mode and some schools remain in alternate settings. Infrastructure continue to work to ensure staff and students are returned to their sites as quickly as possible. Our communities too are doing the same. This recovery will continue – we remain staunch in supporting our colleagues as an Association.

MOST importantly, there’s a hum in schools that staff, students, and the community are feeling optimistic and hopeful. New ‘starts’ set the platform for what’s ahead. PRIORITISING and LOCKING in time for YOU is KEY. Set the expectation for your Executive and staff alike. They will follow your lead and together ‘achieving more’ is the goal.

Once we hit mid -term and towards the end there are things that ‘give’ - this is the time we all need to fill our buckets even more. Sleep and recovery as we all know, is vital. THIS is a marathon, and we owe it to ourselves to ensure we run or at least jog / walk across the line come Week 11. Remember your staff will benefit from the model you set up.

In the past three weeks I have been grateful to have spent time in colleagues’ schools at School Development Days as well as visit schools and to take the opportunity to work from schools. THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU ? Thank you too colleagues for those who have emailed and called sharing good news stories, checking in and alerting both the Executive and I to things we need to be aware of and action to take to address things. This type of communication is truly valued and appreciated.

Last week the NSWPPA State Executive met – we looked at our priorities. They are driven by the current work of the Department. A school lens is critical - a lens that encompasses all settings and all contexts. We invest not only to magnify the voice of the principalship but also to respond to emerging issues in schools - these issues currently include policy implementation | IER |staffing and wellbeing. Week 7 will see the Executive lead the Term 1 State Council in collaboration with our Chairpersons, PPC Delegates and Presidents. The Business of the Association is about Supporting, Advocating, Empowering and Leading. Our approach is proactive – we go into meetings with evidence and reference to best practice and ensuring the lens of all schools is presented. Providing reason and alternatives for consideration always features. We seek to understand the WHY, the HOW and the purpose /benefit. The commitment to resourcing and time allocated is always raised. We are deliberately articulating they consider workflow and staffing.

Right now we are very visible in:

The NSWPPA Anxiety Project | Serious Incidents in Schools – Postvention strategies | Small and Unique Schools / Syllabus Launch Briefing | Rural Regional and Remote Strategy | Counselling Services in Primary Schools | Disability Advocacy Futures Program | Principal Performance and Development | Disability Funding | Education Week Steering Committee | Ambassador Schools | Principal Classification and Reclassification | NSWPPA Business Manager EOI 2023 – 2024 | NSWPPA PLO offerings for 2023 – connecting with all providers | 175 years of Public Education in NSW | FLOURISH podcasts COMING SOON ……. | Third Party Online Applications | OC Primary Principals’ Advisory Group | New Facilities Maintenance Contracts |SRE and SEE – next steps.

Annually, the NSWPPA President liaises with School Performance | Murat Dizdar and his team regarding a Blanket Authority to Travel to undertake the business of the Association. NSWPPA State Executive, Chairpersons, RG, WP and SC members as well as the forty three PPC Delegates and Presidents have been provided (email from Murat Dizdar) a Blanket Authority to Travel to attend to the specific Association work. NSW DEL’s and ED’s have been included in the email to advise of the endorsement.

All Principals are required to go into SAP and complete a Blanket Authority to Travel form to be approved by your DEL. This will allow Principals to travel to school related meetings and events including PPC meetings and Conferences. If issues arise regarding approval, please contact me personally.

In order for our data base and communication strategy to be current, I ask all PPC Presidents to check the website regularly to ensure the data base reflects the current substantive /relieving Principal of schools in your area. This is so important to ensure currency and ease of contact. In an emergency the communication strategy is then seamless. Thank you in advance for addressing this.

All changes are to be emailed to NSWPPA Business Manager: Lisa Beare - admin@nswppa.org.au

If you have any new or relieving principals you can share our 2023 membership form.

Our three Professional Support Officers: - Wendy Buckley | 0403 560 814, Geoff Scott |0427 451 359 and Phil Seymour | 0412 673 378 are readily available to support Principals in addressing high level matters. Their advice and support is invaluable. They are able to walk with Principals from start to finish. This support is CONFIDENTIAL.

PLEASE call early if there are concerns – a proactive, timely and responsive approach is sought.

The ‘test and learn’ phase of the revised Principal Performance and Development Framework is underway. Networks have been identified who will be part of this phase and we have been assured there will be ongoing consultation with PPA, SPC and Teachers Federation. Approximately 400 Principals will be involved and invited to provide feedback in this phase. A Steering Committee and Advisory Group have been set up. Shaun Ruming and Murat Dizdar are the Executive Sponsors. People with strong school background have been included on both the Committee and Advisory Group. 2023 is the year of design and 2024 is the planned year for implementation. NSWSPC NSW Teachers Federation and NSWPPA will be part of the consultation and collaboration. It was clear there will be a lens of consistency across the state as well as context and experience considerations. Leadership in context will inform conversations as will recognition of strengths and capacity.

The NSWPPA Executive will be meeting with the team at critical junctions of the test and learn process.

What it is…

• Goal aligned
• Consistent in application
• All steps transparent
• Accountabilities clear
• Evidence based
• Digitised process
• An opportunity to self-assess

What it’s not…

• Not an attempt to bring in principal contracts.
• Not a scorecard or clipboard approach
• Not NAPLAN results = performance.
  
  

Reference Groups, Standing Committees and Working Parties will be meeting with their Executive Liaisons over the next three weeks and will engage with DoE personnel in the work that matters to Principals and their staff, communities, and students. As we head into the upcoming NSW State Election, we continue to focus on the core business in our schools. Caretaker mode commences Friday 3 March.

This year we celebrate 175 years of Public Education. NSWPPA will be acknowledging the significance of your leadership this year – 175 years is worth noting and to think ‘we’ are leading AMAZING schools and communities at this significant point in time. Stay tuned for more information…

The term 1 State Council reports and presentations will be important for you to engage with at your upcoming PPC Meeting through your Delegate and will be available for your own information on the NSWPPA website members dashboard under State Council Documents after each State Council Meeting.

You can access them here

Applications for Cohort 9 of the Senior Leadership – Aspiring Principals (SL-APLP) are closing on 20 February.

The SL-APLP is a 12-month professional learning program for aspiring principals and/or those seeking to enhance their leadership impact in their current senior leadership role.

The program is intensive, evidence-informed and action-oriented. It is for leaders who are already having an impact in schools and seek to expand their influence.

Feedback from current and graduate participants has shown overwhelming support for the leadership learning and mentoring they have received throughout their time in the program. Our most recent evaluation found that more than 50% of our first cohort are now substantive principals.

You can find more information about the SL-APLP on our website. In addition, Karen Maraga, Dannelle Lalor and I are happy to answer any questions you or your members may have and provide any additional information as needed.

Teacher Librarian Glenfield PS, Gina Krohn is hosting the fourth primary teacher librarian conference and the focus is library advocacy. A panel of academics, an author and representatives from the School Library Association of NSW and the P&C Federation, all of whom will be talking about the important role of school librarians and libraries in the lives of our students. Principals are being invited to attend this morning session, with their TLs, to hear and ask about the panels' research and experience in this area. Can you please draw your TL’s attention to this opportunity also.

Please contact Gina at Glenfield Public School (02) 9605 1540 or Gina.Krohn1@det.nsw.edu.au if you would like more information

The 2023 Issue of the NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook is available.

Please click here to view your letter from the Commissioner of Police, Karen Webb, APM.

The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents, carers as well as teachers on a range of topics essential to child safety.

The updated digital edition (link below) also includes important content updates from: NSW Rural Fire, NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, Transport NSW, State Emergency Services, NSW Department of Family & Community Services, eSafety Commissioner and NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.

Please click on the below link to view the updated digital handbook:

Here are additional links where the digital handbook can be viewed:

NSW Police Legacy
Child Safety Hub website

We kindly request you forward the Child Safety Handbook via email communication to all parents/carers and teachers of your students. The handbook is also available to download for free on all the App stores.

Suggested wording that can be included in your newsletter or other communication with parents is on the child safety hub website and also includes imagery and links -

If you have any questions, please feel free to email childsafetyhub@amgroup.net.au 

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.

Share Our Space delivers a great time for community

A huge THAHK YOU for your support yet again for Share our space. Summer holidays are over and over 700 schools participated in Share Our Space across the state - our biggest delivery thanks to you so far.

Thank you to all the schools who welcomed in their community and to those who hosted an activity! A special thank you to those schools who had been flood affected and chose to opt back in and share their outdoor areas with the community.

37 free activities were hosted by schools across NSW with over 650 participants having a great time, from laughing yoga to dance to sports. Some of the feedback we received includes:

• “Share Our Space is an awesome initiative. The school has all the amenities required when taking kids out and the NSW cricket cramp is great. Would love to see these opportunities every school holidays.” – Parent, NSW Cricket at Bexley North Public School
• “This has been a great initiative. My son has never done cricket before so this is a great introduction to it and he’s absolutely loving it. We live close by, so the location is perfect. It’s been really engaging and we love it.” Kelly, parent (Cricket, resident of Bexley North)
• “I love that the children are outside during school holidays, being more active and make new friends. We have never heard about Share Our Space before. We knew about this activity from Ryde Council and we would love it if there were more activities like this in our area.” Gina, parent (Multi-sports, Ryde Council, resident of Putney)
• “Groove Nation was a great program and it gave my daughter a chance to see her new school before starting.” – Parent, Groove Nation at Tarrawanna Public School
• “It was awesome Was amazing! I’d love to see more events like this!”, Parent at Laughing Yoga Nepean Creative and Performing Arts HS

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.

Thank you for your support of Share Our Space and placing our schools at the centre of community. Share Our Space couldn’t be delivered without you!
If you wish to contact us please email sinsw.shareourspace@det.nsw.edu.au

THANK YOU!

NAPLAN assessments will be held in Term 1 2023, Wednesday 15 March – Monday 27 March.

Over the coming weeks NESA, as NSW test administration authority, will provide important preparation information to principals and NAPLAN coordinators.

The 2023 NAPLAN Handbook for Principals and NAPLAN Coordinators (the Handbook) was mailed to schools in week 1 with the NAPLAN Welcome Pack and is available to download by principals on Schools Online.

Changes in 2023 include

1. NAPLAN assessments will be in Term 1 (previously Term 2).
2. Years 7 and 9 writing to start on day 1 of the testing window (previously day 2).
3. Students who fall ill and leave the test room can be postponed and have their test rescheduled.
4. There is a change in order of sections in the Conventions of Language test.
5. Year 3 students new to a school in 2023 will need to be entered into the platform after 6 March.

Refer to page 36 of the Handbook for details

Key Dates

Key dates are detailed on the NESA website. More preparation details can be found in the Staff Noticeboard (NSW DoE Schools only) published in January.

Checklist

A comprehensive checklist with dates and preparation activities can be found in Appendix 6 of the Handbook.

Timeline

A summarised timeline for key school preparation activities is available here.

If you require any support with NAPLAN this year please refer to the Handbook

in the first instance and, if further support is needed, contact the department’s NAPLAN Team by email naplanonline@det.nsw.edu.au or call 1300 790 844, option 3.

Welcome back to 2023. WE have a new Professional Learning Newsletter with all the exciting information around courses coming up. The Website is currently in the process of being updated. In the meantime please click on the link below for the new newsletter!

I have also created a live booking calendar for ease of booking. This will be found on the website under professional learning.

It is linked here for your convenience also

Please Note: Program invoices

Currently all program invoices from our Cvent registration system are being filtered by the DoE to junk mail. When registering please check there for your Cvent confirmation email and invoice.

It is an honour to be appointed as the NSWPPA State Executive Liaison for the renowned Aboriginal Education Reference Group. The reference group is very capably chaired by Paul Byrne. Amongst other priorities, this group of colleagues strive to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathways to success while also allowing all students to build awareness of values and traditions. This occurs with the reference group working in close collaboration with the DoE Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnership Directorate.

As we commence the new school year, all Principals are encouraged to act early on leading to deliver excellence in Aboriginal education which falls within the framework of the Aboriginal Education Policy, the Partnership Agreement and the Premier’s Priorities. The following extracts are a starting point for our reflections:

“The NSW Department of Education is committed to improving the educational outcomes and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students so that they excel and achieve in every aspect of their education.

“School Principals are responsible for:

• Consulting with the NSW AECG Inc. at local and regional levels and Aboriginal communities in the development and reporting of the school plan.
• Implementing the policy.
• Incorporating strategies within the school plan that comply with the policy.
• Supporting staff to participate in learning pathways to build competencies in Aboriginal cultures.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of their plans.
• Reporting on achievements in Aboriginal education through improved practices and student outcomes.” (Aboriginal Education Policy)

"The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG) and the NSW Department of Education (the Department) agree to use our best endeavours to ensure that every Aboriginal child and young person in NSW achieves their potential through education.” (Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG.)

The Premier’s Priorities for ‘Lifting Education Standards’ for Aboriginal students are:

• Increasing the number of Aboriginal young people reaching their learning potential.

Source: NSW DoE website

Suggested resources:

• NSW DoE Aboriginal Education Policy
• Walking Together, Working Together’ Partnership Agreement 2020-2030
• NSW Premier's Priorities
• Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration
• NSW DoE Turning Policy into Action aetp_turning.pdf (nsw.gov.au) esp. page 10+

It is with much excitement that our schools continue their process for planning the Term 2, Staff Development Day – Focus on Aboriginal Education.

The great thing about the planning for this day is the flexibility we have within our schools to continue to develop professional learning that is based on the needs of our individual schools. Indeed, the Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnership Directorate (AOPD), are imploring our schools to do exactly that – fill your school’s dillybag with the professional learning your school needs with a focus on Aboriginal education!

If you haven’t already accessed it, here is the link to the  Principal Tool Kit The toolkit answers some of your frequently asked questions; has suggestions around what your agenda for the day may look like and provides an overview of the webinars being developed to facilitate the professional learning you may wish your staff to undertake. The webinars will be available for you to access from Week 6, Term 1, 2023 and each of them will provide a Facilitator's Guide to make it as easy as possible for you or your leadership team to present the session.

The AOPD are keen to do all that they can to ensure that the SDD – Focus on Aboriginal Education is a successful day of professional learning, which either consolidates or is the next step in your school’s journey in learning about our Aboriginal Histories and Cultures and ultimately improving outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. With this in mind, please do not hesitate to contact them with any questions you may have at aopcorrespondence@det.nsw.edu.au. 

Beginning a new school year often highlights more than ever that we need to have a working knowledge to comply with legislation and follow policy. The reality often for us is to provide a quick decision with each issue at our school and make a ‘correct’ decision to avoid potential criticism from our employer or other. We should never feel alone in arriving at a decision considering the vast resources in DoE coupled with NSWPPA support, especially through the NSWPPA Legal Issues Standing Committee, adeptly chaired by Steve McAlister.

With matters not related to law but DoE policy and suggested practice, your DEL and Student Support Contacts (district office personnel) are expected to offer guidance.

Legal Services Directorate offer a commitment to schools with providing professional information related to all legal matters: Legal Services (nsw.gov.au)

You may be interested in seeking information via Legal toolkit for Principals (nsw.gov.au). The abovementioned resource link provides information relating to: checklists; guidelines; template letters; sample plans; school newsletter drafts; contracts; and police.

Historically more than any other aspect of law, Principals and school staff request family law related advice in term 1 from Legal Services Directorate. The links below may assist you.

I need help with:	I need to respond to a:	I want to know who has the right to:
Managing disagreements about a decision affecting a student	Request for information or school communications	Make a decision affecting the enrolment of a student
Understanding the legal effect of court orders	Request to contact or collect a student	Give permission or consent in relation to a student

We as Principals cannot be without the valuable Legal Issues Bulletins Legal issues bulletins and guidelines (nsw.gov.au) that also now offer case studies to potentially link your issue to its example.

Late last year, a very useful article was published in Staff Noticeboard in response to the NSWPPA Technology Reference Group working with ITD to support principals and schools to meet the requirements for using third party online applications. That article can be found HERE and has links to all of the resources and related documents you might need to make decisions about the use of third party online applications and how to seek informed parental consent.

If you are planning to use third-party online applications for the 2023 school year, the department recommends department-approved applications in the first instance. If you are considering online applications not offered by the department, it’s important to consider the security and commercial ramifications of using them. Schools can currently access online learning tools provided by the department free of charge, such as Google, Microsoft, Canva and Adobe. In addition to this, the Online Learning Tools Marketplace and the Administration Marketplace Panel for Schools enable schools to discover, select and purchase applications from a range of pre-qualified suppliers. These applications have enhanced security and data management which meet the standards required by the department.

If schools intend to engage with, or are currently using third-party apps such as Seesaw, ClassDojo and others, you must seek and retain evidence of parental consent to share their child’s personal information with each app. You do need to explicitly call out the data location and third-party sharing of data, and you need to provide this information in plain English when obtaining consent from parents. A link to a vendor’s policy is not sufficient.

The DoE Cyber Security team is able to assess applications on your behalf and are currently finalising a tool called AssessedIT. In the meantime, before this tool is available, they are regularly updating this spreadsheet with information about many widely used applications.

If you need to use an application that is not on either of the marketplaces or in AssessedIT (or the above spreadsheet in the meantime), you can request that the DoE Cyber Security team conduct an assessment on your behalf. They will then engage the vendor and upload the results. Email them directly at CyberSupport@det.nsw.edu.au. 

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, I acknowledge the brilliant ‘starts’ you have led in your schools. The energy levels in your schools are reflected in the feedback on the ground and the smiles of the students and staff whom you share your day with. Your energy is contagious and it is felt. THANKYOU!! I wish you all a fabulous week 4 – the term is certainly off to a great start. Take the time to celebrate each day and with your staff each week. And, when we get to Friday, have a great weekend!

Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President