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As we come to the end of term 1, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work that each and every one of you do for your students, staff, colleagues and communities. Your dedication, passion and commitment is commendable. I am constantly inspired in the conversations I have with you in person, on the phone and via email. I sit in such a privileged position – the NSW Principalship is indeed exceptional. I would also like to extend that same gratitude to the numerous relieving and acting principals I have spoken to this term. The leadership of NSW Public Schools is certainly in good hands.I not only want to recognise the professional skills and expertise you bring to your role in your school but also the personal qualities you have that make you an exceptional leader. Your ability to inspire, motivate, champion, support, mentor, coach and grow others is truly remarkable. It is certainly reflected in your school – it indeed ripples across your entire school community. I have countless examples of the work you do that enhances the professional and personal lives of others – all reflected in your words, actions and engagement.
I would also like to acknowledge the power of collective efficacy and networks of practice. This term the NSWPPA Executive and I have been so privileged to be invited to a number of PPC meetings and conferences. We have been swept up by the strong collegiality and connectedness. Wellbeing in these spaces is at its finest. The collaboration, focus and mutual respect and support for each other has been tangible. A strong collegial culture fosters continuous professional and strategic improvement and excellence in our system. The focus on the business of the Association has ensured colleagues are well informed and the conduit between these PPC’s and the PPA Executive has strengthened communication and voice. Culture matters – it is reflected in the why, the how and the impact we have individually and collectively.
In your schools, your unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and academic growth of your students and staff is commendable and it is the driving force behind the positive impact you make in your schools and communities.
Robyn
- Attended and engaged in a brilliant Junior AECG meeting – led by an amazing high school student and her peers – EVERY primary student was engaged and contributing…
- Visited a number of new build and rebuild schools and spent time with Principals hearing of their experience and learning…
- Engaged in the PL for the Anxiety Project and met with amazing colleague who are taking on the role of implementation coach …
- Attending NSWPPA Professional Learning and engaging in professional dialogue through authentic collaboration…
- Co – presenting CULTURE PL and seeing the NSWPPA Vision replicated across PPC’s igniting thought and values…
- Listened to the second FLOURISH PODCAST with Rebecca Challenor and was truly inspired and excited by the ways we all do things to make our school life and that of others better….
- Collaborating and communicating with colleagues - some days are tough, some things we face are heart wrenching, some things we face are challenges – but TOGETHER we can work through it…
- State Executive Meeting with AMAZING systems leaders who generate commitment and focus on the work that matters..
- Connecting with the new Minister for Education and Early Childhood…
Working alongside and with NSW Secondary Principal Council colleagues on the work we are both committed to… - Focussing on the business of the Association with clarity and purpose - and seeing this work impact positively in schools…
- Calling into schools and being warmly greeted by staff, students and their Principal and genuinely feeling the energy and buzz of education at it’s finest!!
I could list a million different things… just so you know, I feel very privileged and humbled by the opportunities this role affords me… thankyou all.
NSWPPA Executive hosted our second well being forum with our DoE colleagues on workforce burnout – A M A Z I N G forum with commitment to action forward – S T R O N G L Y supported by our corporate colleagues.
On behalf of the NSWPPA membership, I have reached out to the newly elected Premier – Chris Minns and Deputy Premier and Minister of Education and Early Childhood - Prue Car. The Executive and I will be meeting with the Minister Car early next term and will present key matters and the collective voice of the membership. Minister Car has been doing ‘Listening Tours’ across NSW Schools this week gathering the thoughts and view of principals, teachers, and school staff.
An invitation to term 2 State Council has been extended to the Minister and we are presented with the opportunity to reset and address the issues we have in schools with a renewed focus on what matters most. Working together creates positive change affording students and staff in our schools the best system in which to thrive.
The Regional, Rural and Remote Education Policy team is rolling out a series of Principal Connection Days for leaders of regional, rural and remote schools throughout May and June.
The face-to-face workshops are being held in several locations across regional NSW and will cover preparedness, recovery and resilience with a focus on the unique needs of regional, rural and remote schools.
They aim to help you increase self-care tools, grow your network and build capacity for yourself as well as your staff, students and broader communities.
Registration for the May events closes this week. We encourage you to register online as soon as possible to secure your place. Download the flyer for the full list of dates and locations as well as a sample agenda for the 2 days.
Attendance is open to regional, rural and remote school principals or an appropriate delegate. For more information contact the Regional, Rural and Remote Education Policy team at rrrep@det.nsw.edu.au.
The Global Network of Professional Learning Leaders
is organizing a series of 120-minute learning sessions. Each session will have an option to prolong for 30 minutes for those wishing to continue their conversations.
The sessions will take place on April 26/27, 2023 and May 24/25, 2023. These sessions are designed for individuals who lead in rural and geographically remote schools and leaders who work without another administrative partner in the school. During each session, participants will hear from an expert on leadership in geographically remote schools and will have the opportunity
to network with colleagues from Australia and Canada. Throughout these sessions, participants will also hear creative solutions from other lone leaders and will have the opportunity
to share strategies and add to their professional network.
Session 1
Staff Shortages & Wellbeing
Canada: April 26, 2023 3:00 p.m. PT
6:00 p.m. ET
7:00 p.m. AT
Australia: April 27, 2023 8:00 a.m. AEST
Session 2
Opportunities for Student Activities
& Distance Learning/Online Learning
Canada: May 24, 2023 3:00 p.m. PT
6:00 p.m. ET
7:00 p.m. AT
Australia: May 25, 2023 8:00 a.m. AEST
Links to register are in the flyer below – if you experience any technical difficulties or troubles registering, please forward them to hsidhu@principals.ca.
The registration deadline will be April 24.
As we head into the break, I encourage you to prioritise time to rest, relax, recover and reset. YOU deserve that and YOU need that. I also ask you reflect on your accomplishments and those of your teams and students. YOU have much to celebrate and MUCH to be proud of.
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 work you have covered off on this term. Thank you for stepping up with such energy and wisdom. Have a wonderful break – term 1 has been incredible.
Take care, stay safe and enjoy the company of your family and friends…have fun and laugh often.
Have a very happy Easter Break!!
Kindest regards
Robyn
Robyn Evans
NSWPPA President