Week 8 and we are hitting our stride in terms of the focus we are placing on the delivery of high quality teaching and learning in our schools. I have been incredibly privileged to be invited to PPC meetings and into schools this term spending time with Principals and their teams and students.

Attending PPC meetings and working out of schools is both grounding and purposeful. There is nothing more important than the voice of the principal being heard and taken to the table in the work the Executive and I are engaged in. A heartening noticing has been the energy in these forums. Whilst the work we are doing is demanding there is a positive energy and a sense of great optimism and clarity in the direction we are heading. As we continue in caretaker mode we are focusing on the work in our schools with a strong school lens.

To maintain the energy required to perform at the levels we are, the investment in self must also remain at the forefront of your mind. Your health and wellbeing are your priority – others are so dependent on that – your family, your friends and your school community. Make attending your PPC meetings a priority – your network of colleagues is extraordinary in terms of creating a community of practice. Contributing to your PPC and connecting with your colleagues is both healthy and culture creating – the sense of belonging to a team has incredible health benefits for us all. You can look forward to the Delegates and Presidents providing you with insights into the work of the DoE and the business of the Association. The reports shared back at PPC meetings are of great worth for your schools and provide information you can share with your Executive.

At State Council last week, Deputy President Bob Willetts and I engaged colleagues in a forum where we focused on the health and culture of the NSWPPA and how that is related to the health and culture of the forty-three PPC’s across the state. Last week we had over forty ‘new’ to State Council colleagues in the room – the WHAT, WHY and HOW was reflected on and the workshop allowed us to identify, reflect and grow the culture of the Association. Checking in on the culture of sporting teams, Associations, schools, and clubs is healthy and of great value. Exciting times are ahead as we continue to ‘associate’ and take forward the voice of Principals and the opportunities that present in our schools to ensure policy, practice and procedures work efficiently in our schools. Your commitment to leading your school is much appreciated and valued. Your visibility and voice matters. Have a fabulous week one and all.

Robyn

Last Wednesday afternoon saw the Executive meet in its entirety. The Chairpersons are extended Executive. One of the key roles of the NSWPPA Executive is a Liaison for the Reference Groups, Working Parties and Standing Committees of the organisation. The Chairpersons role is to lead their representative group and conduct the ‘Business of the Association ‘in partnership with our corporate colleagues. This is a crucial role where policy formation and implementation are operationalised, and a school lens cast over and embedded. The Liaison in the conduit and connector to other groups in the Association and across corporate. Significant work is being carried by these colleagues. The importance being that Reference Group contacts in PPC’s have a key role in ensuring the voice from their area is heard and likewise the information fed back from the Reference Group meeting is fed back. Several Chairs have models set up where they meet with their PPC Contacts after their meetings and have clear channels of communication for the broader membership. Standing Committee Chairs have set up structures where the same model is operationalised. Communication is a priority for the Association. Keep feeding back when it is working and advise when we need to strengthen it.

I applaud and thank the work of the Chairpersons and their Liaisons - last week’s meeting reflected the impact of their work. Congratulations and thankyou one and all.

Last week saw the NSWPPA host the 43 PPC Presidents and State Delegates, Chairsand State Executive at our first State Council for the year. We had great sessions with panels and speakers over the 2 days.

The Feedback from State Council was extraordinary. We took on the recommendations from last year and adjusted the two days accordingly – likewise we will discuss and adjust again for term 2. I would like to sincerely thank all who attended. Your active engagement and collaboration truly contributed to the business of the Association. There was much to walk away with AND much for our DoE colleagues to take back. The health and culture of the NSWPPA is dependent on us all. Congratulations to all – such a worthy two days!

Below are key points from each session.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Hon Sarah Mitchell MLC:

Key points:

• Minister Mitchell reflected on her time as Minister with election looming - many positive memories, including collegial relationship with the NSWPPA.
• On the Universal pre-kindergarten initiative, there is $15.9 billion committed in next decade. The developmental check prior to Kindergarten enrolment is to begin late 2023.
• By 2030 Universal pre – kindergarten will operate 5 days per week. 500 schools with pre-schools on site or planned will be contacted soon with further information and next steps.
• Rewarding Excellence is designed to provide more career paths for public school teachers. The Minister stated – ‘We will need work to get it right”
• Temporary to permanent conversion – ‘We will absolutely be taking into account’ near misses –including maternity leave.
• Primary v’s secondary principal pay disparity–work to do on overall disparity between primary and secondary allocations in staffing.
• Principal Reclassification –looking at ways to do it better –currently paused –committed to further discussion.
• Teaching principals –request to match time allocation for TPs equivalent to that provided to larger school exec -“these are things we need to work through” -no definite commitment offered at this stage.
• Rewarding Excellence–issue of identified teachers being paid more than AP/DPs or TPs - Minister pointed to 50 school pilot as a means of work through these issues - PPA to be an important part of the review process.

Transformation of Services to Schools | Amrutha Murthy | Sen Thevarajah | Jane McElhaney | Aarthi Navaratnam:

Key points:

• Aiming to bridge the gap between schools and service providers - to promote ease of use, high quality, responsive services and processes.
• Issue raised from the floor regarding the importance of EdConnect and other DoE staff having the expertise to help school staff with their enquiries –because ‘they don’t know what they don’t know’.
• Voice of Schools–aims to improve access to information and support for schools. Acknowledged that there was a divide between schools and the DoE bureaucracy. Colleagues confirmed this to them sharing the frustration that multiple times we have contributed to previous initiatives only to commence a new line of inquiry without action forward. There was commitment to providing the NSWPPA with ongoing opportunity to contribute to and collaborate on the work being done.

Curriculum, Teaching and Learning | Cathy Zemaitis | Catherine Thomson | Annalies Van Westerenbrugge:

Key Points:

• The team are continuing the process of curriculum development and supporting resources. Various current syllabuses have been around for varying periods –way back to Creative Arts in 2000. The current process provides an opportunity to bring some flow and commonality to the different syllabuses to provide students with a more cohesive learning environment.
• The plan is to reduce the total number of outcomes (work in progress) and make the syllabuses easier to use. They are seeking feedback from principals and teachers –they are getting mixed responses when they try to reduce content.
• English and Mathematics already released, expect to see the remaining drafts land in Term 2 –simultaneously. They will then seek more feedback on how they can be improved.
• Parent guides will be available to support the implementation of the new syllabuses –via the Universal Resource Hub along with 100+ units of work (with as many again planned). If you and your staff aren’t accessing the URH, do yourself a favour. Lots more support and resources will be released in 2023 –developed with input from school-based staff.
• Curriculum Reform Communities are set up across the state to assist in the whole process–all schools welcome (there’s a map on their webpage that shows where you can join) There is PL available for school staff –including training to become leaders in the rollout process. They are aware that many schools have more difficulty in accessing the rollout –including small and rural schools. They have created a reference group to address this.
• Covid ILSP–extended to full year. New research shows small group work such as ILSP is particularly effective. Data on current ILSP program shows that it typically has 3 sessions per week, groups of 2-5 students,41-to-50-minutesessions, cycles of 10-20 weeks, mainly via withdrawal (83%) v’s in class (15%). Positive feedback on impact for students, teachers, pre-service teachers and SLSOs.

Culture of the NSW Primary Principals Association | Bob Willetts | Robyn Evans:

Key points:

We revisited:

• NSWPPA Constitution
• NSWPPA Standing Orders
• Support, Empower, Advocate, Lead
• Discussion on culture and its importance to the effective representation of the NSWPPA’s aims.
• NSWPPA motto Support, Empowerment, Advocacy & Leadership–only meaningful if we as an Association make it part of how we operate.
• Analysis of the NSWPPA constitution, which is available on the website.
• Importance of the cultural values of the NSWPPA to be on show at all levels and all activities –State Council, State Executive, RG/SC/WP, PPCs, individually. Activity –identify the most important mantras for the NSWPPA from a list. Conversation around the room on how the mantras relate to our activities. Follow up activity will lead to the state executive condensing the identified messages to promote to all members.

Secretary NSW Department of Education | Georgina Harrisson

Key points:

• George and I had ’a conversation’. She opened with 2023 a year of recovery and results.
• Current planning around the election with the possibility of a change in Government. She emphasised this in fact should not impact on our schools and we should remain focused on own work and improving outcomes for all students.
• I raised the notion of culture and revisited the work we had done as an Association with our corporate colleagues. The Secretary credited the lead taken by the NSWPPA in this area in particular how we went into negotiations in an open and solution focused way. Negotiate was the key work – policy and practice matters.
• The Universal Pre Kindergarten Initiative is part of the election campaign – George was also surprised that the announcement of ‘where’ the pre-schools would be built was announced by the Sydney Morning Herald. She advised us all to wait for details as they weren’t available currently.
• Principal Reclassification review is still on the table for 2023. The NSWPPA were instrumental in a moratorium for 2023 to look at a transparent set of criteria to put schools on hold or approved. She committed to having the criteria available term 3. She indicated this was also dependent on Treasury.
• SRE and SEE review? An action forward to discuss the expectations of curriculum implementation in the current environment in our schools and look at alternate ways for SEE and SRE to be delivered I or schools.

People and Culture | Murat Dizdar | Cathy Brennan |Charli Milne | Kate Feeney | Susan Sherrard

Murat Dizdar

Key Points:

• Four hundred and thirty PDP Test and Learn Schools. Whole networks (esp non flood disaster areas) and Connected Communities CPO and Dep Secretary School Performance leading Test and Learn. Looking at PDF fit for purpose for Principal role with Principal Role Description used. Tapping in on SLI    also.
• Tilted more on improving Principal development -Goals prescriptive with performance and development a focus. Leading, teaching, learning a focus. No goal prescribed by personal and discussed with
• Should be achievable in same
• Observation still
• Self assessment a new
• DoE met with NSWTF on this
• Actioned across the state in
• Not to do with Principal contracts nor NAPLAN

Charli Milne
Key Points:
Temporary  Workforce Project

• Hotline to contact for information
• 10000 teachers and 5000 support
• challenging schools identified
• two key eligibility fulltime/parttime temp contract for at least 3 years up to 2022 and engaged in same school in 2023.
• Principal will be able to raise concerns assessed with “near miss” appointments on case-by-case
• Case by case for staff individual circumstances will also be
• Above establishment
• Open vacancy in entitlement more in that position
• Implementation in late March 2023 Connect Communities, SSP, Aboriginal officers and high transfer schools first.
• NSWTF and PSA Principal associations consulted too.
• Information sessions will be offered for

Teacher Supply Strategy

• Teaching training in grow your own with SLSO retrained to be
• 570 application for 200 150 for each year in 2024 and 2025.
• Assistance is given for applicants in writing a
• Currently 13 initiatives across teacher supply

Cathy Brennan
Key Points:
Rural Remote Solutions

• 8 February 150 rural and remote school relocation ($5000-$8000) and stamp duty payment (up to $10000) for permanent and temporary
• Teacher housing existing housing are being improved with maintenance and additional
• $20000 bonus recruitment for 150 rural and remote 50-90 Retention with $5000 for up to 10 years.
• Additional professional learning
• Relaunch of Beyond the Line program after eight years
• Support for new teachers to area under the Rural Beginners Program offering teachers to social connections with $600.
• HR website offers information about benefits available to

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.

Leading at the Speed of Trust begins at ULTIMO –

T1 2023 Week 11 (3 April 2023 – 4 April 2023)

Book directly via: https://cvent.me/dXG25m

View the 2023 Ultimo NSWPPA Leading at the Speed of Trust  Program Overview via:

7 Habits of Highly Effective People commencing at Ultimo

Tuesday 28 March  & Wednesday 29 March 2023

Term 1-Week 10 2023 Ultimo:

Book directly via:  https://cvent.me/NXrB9v

View the 2023 Ultimo NSWPPA  7 Habits of Highly Effective People Program Overview via:

Measuring What We Value Masterclass

4 May 2023 – 3 August 2023-5 x 2-hour sessions via Zoom.

2:00 pm-4:00 pm with Professor Jim Tognolini CEMA,  @Sydney_Uni

Book now via: 

The Flourish Movement

The Flourish Movement specialises in improving the wellbeing and effectiveness of school leaders and their staff. It is a movement that was started by educators, co-designed with educators and driven by our passion to support an amazing group of people who do a vitally important job.

Stay up to date via:

Professional Learning website:

New Booking Calendar:

March Newsletter:

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.

From Burnout to Sustainable High Performance

The NSWPPA Executive are meeting leading are second Workforce Wellbeing Forum to codesign solutions in partnership with the NSW DoE Senior Executive on Friday 24^th March. 

Since our last forum focused on the making workload more achievable and sustainable there have been some positive movements including a follow up session of Executive and Chairs meeting with Dan French from CESE.

Last week the DoE Senior Executive spent the day with Dr Adam Fraser focused on personal wellbeing and recovery strategies, some of which are included in the Flourish Program.

This wellbeing forum will focus on policies, procedures and practices that can reduce burnout and support sustainable high performance across the DoE workforce. The session starts with a frank and fearless approach to the workforce data, and research evidenced approach to actions and solutions.

Episode 1 Prime Learning Time – Robyn Evans 

Shining a spotlight on some of the incredible leadership experiences, practices and “superpowers” of principals.

“Superpowers” is Adam’s phrase – he thinks we all should be wearing capes!

Every flourish session we are privileged to hear the incredible stories about how school leaders have applied their learning from the program and made changes to their behaviour that have had significant positive impact on not only their wellbeing and performance, but also on their staff, students and school culture.

What we aim to do in the Flourish Movement Podcast is shine a spotlight on some of the incredible leaders we have in our industry and ask them to share their experiences and practices so we can: 

• celebrate the impact of their work;
• build the capacity of other school leaders by sharing practices;
• inspire people to focus on self-care and wellbeing as core pillars of sustainable high performance;
• share their amazing stories or personal triumphs and professional practices to highlight what the Flourish Research is demonstrating.

The NSWPPA has supported this initiative and a new podcast will be released every 3 weeks in 2023.

We are excited to continue to use this strategy to share practices and celebrate our profession into the future.

We have the link below to the Flourish web page where the podcasts will be dropped. You will also find the link in our Podcast library on the members dashboard.

Alternatively here is the direct link to the first podcast

We all know there are some incredible programs and people in our system public education.

The Australian Education Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and share some of the amazing things happening in your school.

Last year there were a handful of public schools scattered amongst some of Australia’s most prestigious non-government schools all using the opportunity to promote their schools and celebrate the achievements of their teams.

We encourage you to have a look at the awards criteria and put in a submission in 2023.

For support with your submission feel free to contact any of your colleagues who have been nominated in the past.

Three years in development, The Anxiety Project is underway. For the 2023-24 cohort, the school leader training is complete and we are nearing completion of training the in-school Implementation Coaches. This will be followed by teacher and SLSO training, the delivery of lessons to students, and then the parent training. The Anxiety Project is a whole-school community approach to managing anxiety and building resilience in NSW public primary school students. It’s an evidence-based intervention designed for school communities by Principals and specialists in the field. It was borne from an expressed need of school principals.

In the 2023-24 cohort 54 schools are participating resulting in 18,528 students benefitting of whom 4,031 students involved in the research component of the project. There are 1,671 teachers & SLSOs involved that are both gaining skills and understanding through the professional learning. They are also participating in the research component of the project. It is anticipated there will be approximately 2,500 parents gaining skills and understanding with training provided during terms 3 and 4 2023. The participating parents will also be involved in the research component of the project.

The research component of the projects sees data captured at five intervals over the two year duration of the project assessing the impact of the intervention. Feedback is provided to participating schools after each data capture which enables them to identify improvement in the confidence of individuals in recognising anxious behaviours and knowing how best to respond. Tertiary researchers are conducting the research on behalf of the PPA.

Expressions of interest for the 2024-25 cohort are now open. EOIs close Monday 7 August 2023 and the professional learning for school leaders and in-school Implementation Coaches will commence in term 4 2023. Further information https://nswppa.schoolzineplus.com/the-anxiety-project, or President Robyn Evans revans@nswppa.org.au, Deputy President Rob Walker rwalker@nswppa.org.au, or Vice President Trish Peters tpeters@nswppa.org.au.

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 Toolkit @Principal Toolkit - SDD Focus on Aboriginal Education. 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. 

During election time Principals and school staff need to be cautious. The Department has clear expectations from staff. You would agree that creating a respectful inclusive environment is everyone’s responsibility. Be aware that any political comment or activity may be divisive. Although it is not specified by our employer, it is recommended that Principals and school staff refrain from handing out how to vote material at their workplace (school) if it is a polling place. That suggestion is aimed at maintaining relationship with the school community.

The following advice is blended information from the Department’s website, DoE Deputy Secretaries, DoE Professional & Ethical Standards (PES), Department of Premier & Cabinet as well as Government Business & Delivery personnel.

Be mindful that the Code of Conduct 10.1 states: Employees have a right to participate in political and community activities and to pursue personal interests provided they do so in a private capacity and do not allow a conflict of interest to arise with their role in the Department. Employees can communicate directly with a Member of Parliament on an issue affecting them as private citizens.

While all Department staff should be always vigilant to avoid partisanship, the circumstances of an election campaign require special attention to ensure public education remains apolitical and impartial. We also need to ensure that public resources are not misused for party political purposes. Except where it is clearly in the public interest to do so, and there is no risk that the material could be interpreted as promoting a particular political party or its policies, no areas of the Department including schools should add new material to school Apps or social media pages Social Media Policy (nsw.gov.au)

We are all so familiar that a conflict of interest occurs when the private interests of staff come into conflict with their duty to act in the public interest. It is not uncommon for conflicts of interest to arise when staff undertake their regular duties and it is important that staff know how to identify and manage conflicts of interest.

As abovementioned the Department’s Code of Conduct Code of Conduct (nsw.gov.au) provides guidance in relation to any political activities undertaken when not on duty. Obviously, the general rule is that employees must ensure that any participation in party political activities, including online or via social media, in their private time does not conflict with their primary duty as a public employee – of serving the government of the day in a politically neutral manner. Departmental employees need to also ensure that when speaking on political matters whilst not on duty, they are not identified in any way as acting or speaking in their capacity as a public sector employee.

In pre-election periods, there is an increased risk of any school becoming a focus of political activity and associated media attention. Schools are neutral places for rational discourse and objective study. The Department’s Media Relations Policy Media Relations (nsw.gov.au) outlines the process for handling inquiries from media outlets about the NSW State Election. The following are guiding principles for engaging with the media:

• All enquiries from media and all contentious enquiries should be directed to the department’s Media Directorate. A matter is contentious if it is likely to attract widespread criticism or argument in the media and/or lead to significant policy and resourcing issues – if unsure, please contact the Media Directorate on 7814 1559 (24/7) to discuss.
• Parental permission must be obtained if students are to be photographed, filmed, interviewed or otherwise identified by the media.

Contemporary political publications, signage or industrial notices containing material of a political nature are not permitted to be distributed to students at school or displayed on school grounds. Distribution of such materials by staff could reasonably be seen to be representing the school and is to be avoided.

Can Members of Parliament or candidates visit my school?

3.4 Requests to visit premises and facilities: In accordance with usual practice, requests by Members of Parliament to undertake visits of Government premises or facilities, such as gaols and schools, should be initiated formally through the relevant Minister or Minister’s office. These requirements do not, however, apply to a Member of Parliament in respect of his/her electorate. In those circumstances the Member may communicate directly with branches of agencies located within their electorate and arrange visits by direct contact with the local agency official in charge. Where Members or candidates (other than the Premier or Ministers) seek to visit premises or facilities, agencies should as far as possible be even-handed in their responses and assistance. Any such visits or inspections must also not be allowed to unreasonably disrupt the normal operations of the agency concerned.

 ‘Caretaker’ Conventions and Other Pre-Election Practices –2023 General State Election

Glossary

The pre-election period is the period from after the Legislative Assembly ceases to sit until the commencement of the caretaker period.

The caretaker period runs from the beginning of 3 March 2023 (when the Legislative Assembly expires) until either the election result is clear (if the current Government is returned) or the new Premier is commissioned to form Government (if there is a change in Government). As a general rule, no significant new decisions or initiatives, appointments, or contractual undertakings should be made during the caretaker period. Routine government business, however, should proceed as usual.

Article compiled by Greg McLaren (March 2023)

A contemporary issue for schools is the use of digital devices for communication. While we blend digital devices such as laptops and iPads into the classroom for teaching and learning they can bring challenges through potential misuse. Mobile phones and smart watches use and misuse may be a challenge for schools. This article will concentrate more on mobile phones and smart watches.

The Department’s review in 2018 into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools identified benefits and challenges that come with smartphones and other mobile devices. Students, teachers and parents all contributed to the review, which made several recommendations. Both parents and students noted that mobile devices were useful methods of family communication, especially for last-minute changes of plan. Many students expressed frustration that teachers did not consistently apply their school’s guidelines. The Department and NESA have a combined response to the review recommendations. Reference is made further in this article.

Where do we stand as Principals?

Principals have the authority to maintain discipline in schools and provide safe, supportive and responsive learning environments for both students and staff. To give effect to this authority, if any property or item is being used inappropriately by a student, Principals and staff have the power of confiscation (Legal Issues Bulletin #56).

Further direction from the Department can be found in the ‘student use of digital devices and online services policy’ Student use of digital devices and online services (nsw.gov.au) which states:

1.3 Primary school students must not use digital devices during class, at recess and at lunch unless approved by a Principal or teacher. Exemptions may be granted by a Principal or teacher, including allowing students to use a device for an educational purpose (PDF 9739 KB), or as part of a reasonable adjustment (PDF 97.9 KB) for student learning and wellbeing.

Keep in mind the use of mobile phones and smart watches in schools should not automatically be of concern. It is only if a mobile phone or smart watch is used inappropriately that action may be necessary (Legal Issues Bulletin #35).  Mobile phones may provide students travelling to and from schools with a degree of security. For this reason, a student bringing a mobile phone into the school is usually not of itself enough to justify any action against the student.

It is important that all schools have an acceptable use of mobile phone and smart watch guidelines that is clearly communicated to students and parents. Details of the potential consequences for students arising from inappropriate use of mobile phones should be included as part of the guideline.

The ‘student use of digital devices and online services policy’ states in section 6 for Principals to:

• maintain a positive school culture that includes and promotes safe, responsible and respectful use of digital devices and online services.
• develop and implement a school procedure in consultation with school staff, students, parents and carers.
• inform staff, including new and casual staff, about school-based procedures.
• model appropriate use of digital devices and online services in line with departmental policy
• respond to and report any breaches and incidents of inappropriate use of digital devices and online services as required by school procedures, departmental policy and any statutory and regulatory requirements.
• support parents and carers to understand the strategies that will promote their children's safe, responsible and respectful use of digital devices and online services.
• provide teachers and other school staff with support and professional development in appropriate use of digital devices and online services and implementation of their school procedure.
• monitor and periodically review the suitability of their school procedure.

Also, under the NSW Surveillance Devices Act students and others (including parents) cannot video or listen to class activity without direct consent from those being captured. This includes using mobile phones or smart watches via remote activation.

Below are samples for school guidelines and a school newsletter article. Make it appropriate to your context. Note: schools have guidelines and the Department has policies and procedures.

(Optional) School Mobile Phone & Smart Watch Guidelines

At this school (name of school), we aim to empower our students to engage and learn with confidence, courage and empathy by providing an education that inspires them to become global citizens. For the purposes of this guideline, ‘digital communication devices’ refers to mobile phones and smart watches.

The school (name of school) discourages students from bringing mobile phones and smart watches to school. These communication devices cause disruption to the teaching and learning in class and the playground and can be used inappropriately to access social media and take photos without permission. This can cause distress and breach the privacy of others.

If a parent feels it is necessary for their child to bring a digital communication device (mobile phone or smart watch) to school, then the rules for student use of mobile phones and smart watches in the school are listed below:

• Devices brought to and kept at school are used entirely at their owner’s risk. The school cannot accept any responsibility for theft, loss or damage of these devices. Students and parents should also recognise that mobile devices are a highly prized target for theft.
• During the school day, mobile phones are to be kept in the student’s bag at all times including, before school, recess and lunchtime, and must be switched off or on silent.
• During the school day, smart phone, smart watch, notification alerts and location must be switched off. Parents are able to contact their children by calling the school phone number. If necessary, students can contact parents from the office phone.
• During the school day, phones and watches are not to be used to call home in an emergency. This is the duty of the school and the administrator/teacher in charge.
• During the school day, phones and watches are not to be used to call home in the event of a mishap at school or because belongings have been forgotten unless at a teacher’s discretion and under the supervision of the teacher – in the main, these events are to be dealt with by the school. Parents will be informed of any events that have impacted on their child.
• Phones and watches are not to be used in the classroom, playground or incursion/excursion for any of the following purposes; check text messages, access games, the internet, images, the camera or videos.
• Phones and watches are not to be used to harass, bully or intimidate students or staff. Breaches will be dealt with as per the Department’s and school’s Behaviour Guidelines.

Any use of mobile phones and smart watches by a student, that is in breach of these rules, will lead to the confiscation of the device. In this instance, parents will be notified and confiscated devices will need to be collected from the administration office by the student’s parent or guardian at the end of the day.

(Optional) School Newsletter Article Digital Devices

NSW Department of Education provides guidelines, procedures and safe and secure technology-related resources, equipment and infrastructure to help protect students from harm and create environments where students can benefit from using technology. This is represented through the ‘student use of digital devices and online services policy’.

Digital devices are defined as electronic devices that can receive, store, process and share digital information and connect to applications (apps), websites and other online services. They include desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones and other devices.

As per Department policy, primary school students must not use digital devices during class, at recess and at lunch unless approved by a Principal or teacher. Exemptions may be granted by a principal or teacher, including allowing students to use a device for an educational purpose, or as part of a reasonable adjustment for student learning and wellbeing.

At present no student at the school has permission to use a mobile phone or a smartwatch to communicate to any other person or capture images during class time, at recess or at lunch.

Further reading:

Legal Issues Bulletin #35: Technology misuse in schools (nsw.gov.au)

Covering: The use of mobile phones in schools; Students using mobile phones inappropriately; Confiscating a student’s phone; Liability for damage; & Cameras and Video Cameras.

Legal Issues Bulletin #56: Confiscation of student property (nsw.gov.au)

Covering: Can teachers confiscate the personal property of a student?; Defining "inappropriate use"; Do the same rules apply to students with disabilities?; & Record keeping requirements.

Legal Issues Bulletin #8: Claims for loss of or damage to personal property and use of private motor vehicles by staff, parents and students (nsw.gov.au)

Covering: Are staff covered for loss or damage?; & Securing items in school custody.

The 2018 Department review and response into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools.

Sample-School-Procedure.docx (live.com)

Exemptions

Developing your school's Student Use of Digital Devices and Online Services procedure (Page 5 of 15) (office.com)

SURVEILLANCE DEVICES ACT 2007 - As at 16 May 2022 - Act 64 of 2007 (austlii.edu.au)

For further information contact Devices in schools:
devicesinschools@det.nsw.edu.au

Article compiled by Greg McLaren (March 2023)

Six months on …

Schools have been implementing the new behaviour policy and procedures for six months now and It’s time for a pulse check!

Meeting fortnightly with the team led by Executive Director, Laura Milkins. Executive Director Inclusion and Wellbeing, your PPA team is keen to present your thoughts to them about implementation of the key reforms of the “E” of the Inclusive, Engaging, Respectful Schools Strategy that underpinned the behaviour policy and procedures changes.

These key reforms were:

• reducing the length of suspensions
• more support for students with disability to access the curriculum
• early intervention and targeted support for vulnerable student groups
• removing prohibited restrictive practices
• a new model to help meet the needs of students with complex, challenging and unsafe behaviours
• increased access by schools and students to an expanded dedicated workforce comprising specialist staff including allied health and behaviour support services
• improving access to behaviour specialists for schools and students in regional and remote locations.

At your next local council meeting, state delegates and presidents will run a session to capture your thoughts around the positive and/or negative impacts of the Student Behaviour Strategy on your school to take back to the team at a future meeting. With new school behaviour support and management plans to be completed and ready for implementation by the end of Term 2 2023 and uploaded to the school’s website, it is important that you have system support to complete this important work.

I was privileged to attend the National Public Education Wellbeing Summit recently held in South Australia with our president, Robyn Evans, and Student Wellbeing Reference Group Chair, Helen Craigie. The summit gathered educators, researchers, data and policy subject matter experts from across Australia to develop and strategise a national approach to student wellbeing. Facilitated over two days, the 140 participants distilled their thoughts to produce a collective way forward.

Each participant committed to having a call to action and my overarching take-away was that instead of measuring wellbeing, we should be measuring equity, as it is this measure that underpins our students overall wellbeing. The National Goals of Schooling are around excellence AND equity and while we have NAPLAN (and other measures eg PISA) to determine excellence, there are no measures of equity.

My call to action is to speak about this notion that unless we address the widening equity gap across our schooling systems by changing the conversation from addressing wellbeing to addressing equity, students in the public schools we serve will never achieve their full potential.

R/Executive Director | Curriculum & Reform

English and Mathematics K-2

It’s been an exciting start to the year for the NSW Curriculum Reform as new English and mathematics syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 2 are enacted in all K-2 classrooms across NSW. To support with implementation, schools can access a comprehensive range of K-2 curriculum English and mathematics resources, such as units, scope and sequences, microlearning and much more.

Plan for 2024 syllabus implementation

Schools should continue to plan and prepare for the primary syllabuses being implemented in 2024 as outlined on NESA’s Curriculum Reform timeline. School leaders are encouraged to unpack the new syllabuses using the Syllabus information for school leaders’ resources, which provide an overview of the pedagogical changes and whole school considerations for each new syllabus.

Key updates - Updated Curriculum Policy Standards for 2023 are now available. The changes relate to reporting to parents K-10 requirements and school-based decisions around the teaching of outcomes and content. - New curriculum advice and resources for parents and carers is now available to help schools communicate and explain the curriculum.

- The PL ‘Curriculum planning for every student in every classroom (AC00180)’ is now NESA accredited PD. Teachers can complete all modules to receive 5 hours of NESA accredited PD.

- New PL ‘Leading effective curriculum implementation (NR37854)’ is now available to support middle leaders with curriculum implementation. Over 750 middle leaders registered in Module 1: understanding self to lead change, the first of six modules being held in 2023. Middle leaders who were unable to attend Module 1 are encouraged to enrol in Module 2: planning for change in Week 2, Term 2. Registration for Module 2 will open soon on MyPL.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email curriculumreform@det.nsw.edu.au

The NSWPPA has established an Early Childhood Education Working Party. A statewide EOI process was undertaken. Congratulations to Jodi Harris (Smithfield PS), Rob Linas (St Mary's PS), Nicole Burgess (Tacoma PS) and Kasey Henness (Orange Grove PS). This group will be chaired by Kim Smith (Principals in Residence, Universal Pre-Kinder). 

This working party has been established to support the NSW State government's Early Years Commitment. The role of the working party is to advocate and liaise with the Department's Early Childhood Outcomes Division and other relevant departments and organisations on all matters relating to this reform and early childhood education in NSW public schools. 

I look forward to working with this group of committed colleagues as the Executive Liaison to support and advocate for our principals and schools across the State in this important reform.

The NSWPPA has established a Opportunity Class (OC) Principals Advisory Group. A statewide EOI process was undertaken. Congratulations to Peter Flannery (Alstonville PS), Kris Carey (Jewells PS), Bronwyn Jeffree (Tarrawanna PS) and Nikki Reedie (Camden South PS). 

Opportunity classes are a specialist setting for high potential and gifted students. This group will enable principals of schools with opportunity classes to network and engage with the Departments Selective Education Program on topics specific to opportunity classes and the support of high potential and gifted students. 

This advisory group will operate differently to other groups within the NSWPPA. It will meet with the Selective Education Program via MS Teams to share ideas and solve challenges, identify and deliver professional learning needs, provide advice on the ongoing refinement of the Equity Placement Model and selection processes and improvements to the SHSOC system and reports.

As the Chair of this advisory group, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure equity for high potential and gifted students in our schools. 

Ignite Conference: Friday 19 May 2023, 9 am – 3 pm
Buy your tickets online 

Early Bird tickets available until 28 March 2023

• Face to face (UNSW Kensington campus) $275
• Online $200 (live stream).

General Admission tickets available 29 March – 12 May 2023

• Face to face (UNSW Kensington campus) $315
• Online $250 (live stream).

Group registrations also available upon request for groups of 5 or more registrations. Please contact education.events@unsw.edu.au with your request.  

About the conference

The theme of this year's Ignite the Spark conference is Excellence and Equity – Creating Opportunities.

The conference focuses on creating opportunities in the context of the classroom, whole school, communities of schools and beyond to support student learning. Researchers, teachers, leaders and other experts will contribute to the panel discussion and presentations.

Presentation topics include:

• Creating opportunities for HPG students with disability – stories and strategies
• Supporting twice-exceptional students (i.e. gifted learners with a disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder)
• Differentiating an artificial intelligence curriculum for HPG students
• Game design in HPGE classrooms
• Needs and aspirations – providing quality learning opportunities for HPG learners from all backgrounds.

Are you interested in helping CESE understand how new assessment tools for students with disability can work together to make one inclusive system? Please email us at assessmentforcomplexlearners@det.nsw.edu.au to express interest in a new trial in Term 2.  

In Term 2, the Assessment for Complex Learners project in collaboration with the University of Melbourne will conduct a trial to understand how 3 assessment tools for students with disability link together:  

• Students With Additional Needs (SWANs)  
• Passport for learning 
• Literacy and Numeracy Precursor Indicators.

Findings from this trial will support educators to make decisions on which assessment tool to use for their students, as well as research how data from the 3 tools can be used to inform school and department decision-making. This will help educators and the department to create one holistic, inclusive system of formative assessment that can support all students, no matter their ability or disability. 

A reminder that your BAS information for the January to March quarter is due by April 10th. The BAS Form for PPC Treasurers to access is on NSWPPA website at - https://nswppa.schoolzineplus.com/form/7 

Thank you to the PPC Treasurers who have also sent me a copy of you Audit of your PPC finance for the last financial year. If in doubt then please do not hesitate to send a copy through to me at scott.sanford@det.nsw.edu.au  

Thank you to our PPC Treasurers for your ongoing commitment, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. 

At the 2022 AGM, an increase in fees was approved, the new fee structure is detailed below: 

• $700 (inc GST) per annum for Primary Schools, SSP and EEC principals. It equates to $26.92 per fortnight.
• $350 (inc GST) per annum for Central School principals. It equates to $13.46 per fortnight.

The payroll update of salary deductions is being finalised within DoE and is scheduled to take effect from Wednesday 29^th March. 

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 work you are leading in your school.  Prioritise attending your PPC meeting each term to ensure you are not only connecting with your colleagues but also engaging in the work of the NSWPPA.

The energy levels in your schools are high and contagious - it is felt. THANKYOU!!  Have a fabulous week 8.

Make the time to celebrate each day with your staff each week.  You really are contributing to a significant time in Public Education – our 175^th year!

Robyn Evans

NSWPPA President