Week 3 and there is a certain spring in everyone’s step as we move forward together. Right now, we have time to breathe and regroup. Take that moment and relish in it.

 We have much ahead of us and will be positioned to embrace it with clarity, focus and optimism. Staffing and workflow – the Governments commitment is clear. The NSWPPA Executive are shaping their priorities as we move forward. Acting Secretary Murat Dizdar has invited me to join him at an upcoming Executive Leadership Group Meeting with the Departments Deputy Secretaries and Executive Directors. I have been invited to share our priorities in this forum. An opportunity afforded to all the key stakeholders. A great initiative as a system.

There is such energy and excitement in schools currently and our Term 2 School Development Day | Aboriginal Education, really framed the importance of moving forward together. The quality of the resources provided for schools on the day both on-line and in person were of the highest quality and simply extraordinary.

 I was privileged to join Menai PS, Woronora River PS and Sutherland PS on country in the morning with their AEO’s and staff for rich PL connecting us all to the local area – it was such a moving way to start the day. I spent the afternoon with the staff at Glebe PS where we spent time engaged in a brilliant art class with Krubi Creative. Such a brilliant day – thank you for the generous invitations from the principals to join them and their staff on the day. Loved every minute of it!

Looking through archives in the Office we came across a photograph of great significance. On 1 May 1981 the NSWPPA Executive comprising: Phil Bestick, Geoff AcAlary, Jim Rutherford, John Bremmer, Les Bonham, Edgar MacMicking, Fred Armstrong, Ken Dransfield, John Small, Keith Curry, Greg Taylor, Bernie Gregory, Doug Swan | Director General, Bill Supple and Bob Harbin met and held their first NSWPPA meeting. Colleagues many of you will recall and know. This photo is now framed and hung proudly in the Office of the NSWPPA.

For 42 years the NSWPPA has been operating. We can truly celebrate as we look back and recognise the significance of the achievements the Executive and membership of the day made. Building on the shoulders of giants throughout the years has indeed been a key feature of the work the Association continues to lead.

Every year of the Association’s history, the business of the Association has been the shining light and the focus – representing the Principalship to ensure policy, practice and procedures land in schools with the right resourcing to ensure the students of NSW are strongly supported. There is so much that could be said in this space about the support, advocacy, empowerment, and leadership offered and delivered on in the day.

Today I would like to acknowledge those who sat at this table and those who worked alongside them. 42 years on how proud they and their families and colleagues can be that their vision for what’s possible, is where it is today.

The NSWPPA has a strong and significant history, and this has paved a focused and vibrant future for the Association. We can all be very proud of the role the NSWPPA has played and continues to play in shaping and influencing NSW Public Education.

This year we celebrate 175 years of NSW Public Education. Every member of the NSWPPA can stand proud that they are today leading a school in the 175^th year of NSW Public Education. You can reflect on your career with pride and acknowledge the challenges and the celebrations.

The past few years can go down in history as some of the most challenging yet strengthening as the world wide pandemic ravaged the world. There have been years of plague, fire and flood and every school community has had its own challenges and tragedies YET our schools remain open and the values we share in Public Education shine. Think of the millions of reasons to celebrate – the minor and the major – reflect on the laughter and the camaraderie in schools and treasure the moments you have truly made a difference for students, staff, and your communities.

The greatest gift is the collegiality we share – take a moment to reflect on those you’ve walked your career with and those you work alongside and with today. How good is it to celebrate 175 years of Public Education – our investment, commitment and passion is etched in history. We call this legacy.

Primary Principal Council Presidents will receive a package over the next few weeks. A message to your PPC, 175 years of Public Education postcards and badges for your membership are enclosed. A token yet a message about the value we place on your role, in our schools, and the value we hold as colleagues working in NSW Public Education in 2023.

Last Friday the NSWPPA Executive, along with many of you, attended the NSW Teachers Federation Conference. We were in the room to hear the newly elected Deputy Premier | Minister for Education Hon. Prue Car, Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare, and Teacher Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos open by acknowledging the challenges ahead by identifying the key election commitments.

Minister Car’s messaging and commitment to action was on three fronts: -

• Salaries
• Workload and conditions
• Insecure work and permanency in the workforce.

Again, I heard Minister Car state ‘pay is a function of respect’. She continued by committing to rebuild the trust and demonstrate respect for those in the education workforce.

She spoke to wage maintenance for those principals’ who securing positions at one classification retaining that classification for their tenure and the school only being reclassified if necessary, when the position becomes vacant and advertised at the new classification. This announcement has   l o n g   been advocated for by the NSWPPA Executive. This is a significant announcement for our job security and recognition of what’s right and just. I acknowledge the commitment the PPA Executive has invested in this space on behalf of our colleagues. There is much work to be done in Principal Classification – this is a small but significant piece of work.

The Minister spoke to the review of the Behaviour Strategy |IER Reform and framed it around the environment required in schools to feel safe to teach in and deliver structured focused learning. The behaviour and suspension policies will be reviewed.

Of significance too, after 30 years of campaigning, both State and Federal Education Ministers publicly agreed that their commitment was to deliver on the full 100% SRS. We are optimistic we will see this reflected in the next agreement.

A | Secretary Murat Dizdar was in the room in this session as were members of the NSWSPC Executive. There is no doubt there is much to do and it will take time – the commitment to action has been announced. We will be at the table in the initial stages on all fronts as stated by the A | Secretary. That work has already commenced.

There was a real sense of hope and optimism in the room – Minister Prue Car was given a standing ovation.

I have been invited to be a member of the Ministerial Reference Group to support the work of the Expert Panel to strengthen engagement and collaboration between Education Ministers of all states and territories, the school education sector and key stakeholders. In this role I will be able to represent the voice of principals across NSW.

The Expert Panel will lead the consultations and all other aspects of the review, including forming recommendations. Being on the Ministerial Reference Group is an opportunity for me to voice the NSW perspective to Federal Minister Jason Clare and help inform the Expert Panels recommendations.

I feel very privileged to be invited to join this Reference Group along with other colleagues including Matt Johnson | National President | Australian Special Education Principals’ Association.

The first meeting is in Canberra on Friday 7 July.

Acting Secretary Murat Dizdar and Executive Director Andrew Stevenson joined us at our Week 2 State Executive Meeting to share the work being undertaken as we move forward. The commitment to having the key Associations in the room at the start of the conversations was welcomed. Understanding the ‘why’ being the important place to start. There was also acknowledgement of the importance of the voice of the Principal and the teacher being highly valued. We can anticipate there will be much consultation and engagement to ensure we are focusing on the right work in schools and what matters to ensure teaching learning and leading is prioritised.

Murat reiterated there is much work to do – the ‘how’ the work will be done was of significance. Our corporate colleagues and our people in schools must work in genuine partnership to move forward. I am right in saying there won’t always be agreement and the Government and Department will have things that will need to be actioned on advice of Royal Commissions and Inquiries – and that, we understand. How we respond to that will be engaging early and collaboratively to ensure a school lens in across the work and most importantly the resourcing required is wrapped around our schools to ensure policy and practice makes a difference for students, staff and communities.

This week I had the opportunity to sit with both Cathy Brennan and Deb Summerhayes. These opportunities create and confirm strong working relationships now and for the future as we address and prioritise the work and the needs in our schools. We spoke at length about Principal Support and Wellbeing, Temp to Permanent Strategy and Curriculum Reform. I have a series of meetings locked in with these two A | Deputy Secretaries as we move forward.

Likewise this term I have indeed had many conversations with other Deputy Secretaries including Leanne Nixon, Andrew Stevenson and upcoming meetings with Lorelei Brealey and Stacy Quince. Working in this manner brings about shared understanding about how we move forward together with a focus on schools.

I, along with the State Executive, Chairpersons and their teams are excited and energised about the work we are doing - there is opportunity here and like you we are stepping into this with positivity, hope and commitment to action and impact.

This week we take the opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health and to promote and support the health and wellbeing of the men and boys in our community. This is not just about men’s physical health but is also about men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. This is also about the opportunity to provoke discussion about what needs to be done to improve male health. Talking about men’s health celebrates the strength of the men in our lives be they family, friends, or colleagues. YOU matter therefore please be vigilant and alert to your health. It is all about us looking out for EACH OTHER.

What a privilege it is to be a peer principal on EV panels. Yesterday I felt so privileged. I worked alongside and with a very astute and professional PSL and met with the school EV team where they brought their submission to life. I have to say, listening to empowered leaders in schools is something our principals can be really proud of. We would all say EV is a lot of work – it is a component of the cycle of continuous improvement for schools. It is such an opportunity to reflect and grow too.

Wherever you are on the EV cycle I know the challenges are real and the workload significant – I reflect on the ‘walkaways’ this school had for their next SIP as well as the real and genuine celebration they along with their teaching, administrative, support staff, students and community can have. My message is to make sure you stop and reflect and CELEBRATE all that goes on in your school – because there is an ENORMOUS amount of it.

Being a peer principal yesterday was truly energising and I was full of respect and admiration for the principal and the team around him. It was also a privilege to work with one of the many brilliant PSL’s who work shoulder to shoulder with their principal colleagues.

Thank you for the privilege and the insight to one of the 1800 AMAZING primary schools in our system.

One of our good friends and colleagues shared her and her husbands visit to Capella in Bridge Street Sydney.  The new and luxurious motel is in the former Department of Education building. Heather shared her tour of the venue and the memories of former colleagues and education visionaries including Dr Paul Brock, Sir Harold Wyndham, Dr Ken Boston, Doug Swan and a host of former luminaries. Certainly, a place of significant reverence and an acknowledgement of those who paved the way shaping NSW Public Education.

Coincidently the NSWPPA State Executive shared a drink to celebrate the notion that we held an Executive meeting in the same week the very first Executive meeting was held forty-two years ago. Quite fitting to charge our glasses to Public Education at the Capella.

Next time you are in Sydney – you must visit the Capella….

We are building on our hugely successful second workforce wellbeing forum as we plan our third forum for term 3. The conversation and commitment to action is being seen in the way we work in collaboration with our corporate colleagues and our principalship. A healthy culture is the optimum operational mode. We all have a responsibility – individual principals, the Associations, corporate DoE and the Ministry – State and Federal. Authentic voice and genuine collaboration on the work that matters in schools is the work we are all trying to achieve.

The previous two forums have been strongly supported by the previous Secretary Georgina Harrison and we continue that commitment as we progress and have been encouraged to continue leading this work by the present A | Secretary Murat Dizdar.

We will share more about the upcoming planning and forum in coming What’s Hot issues.

The business of the Association is driven by our RG | SC | WP Chairs, Liaisons and members. The work they are leading is the right work and ensure the voice of the broader principal membership is heard. Please make it your priority to express local and regional needs at your PPC Meeting so your CONTACTS in your PPC and your DELEGATE can take forward the issues presented. It is always the highlight of my day when I have the opportunity to be part of these termly meetings. Yesterday I was with the Leadership Standing Committee chaired by Estelle Southall – the direction this Standing Committee is heading is truly exciting – each and every group has significant work they are undertaking representing the membership.

Congratulations and thank you to the Chairs, the members and the Executive Liaisons.

The Podcasts continue to roll out with insightful, deliberate and proactive actions shared. The FLOURISH Podcasts have been broadly listened to – the latest Podcast released is ‘How to get organised and control your workflow | Jen Charadia | St Josephs’s Catholic Primary School, Bulli.

Take the opportunity to listen in to Jen as you travel to or from work – sharing practice in these forums truly allows us to reflect on our own practices and grow them where we see fit. Wellbeing matters – YOU matter.

Members of the NSWPPA Executive recently met with the NSWSPC Executive in our Offices. The meeting was hugely successful as we discuss the common priorities both Associations had and how we can work in collaboration to make a difference for the Principalship more broadly.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Executive, the Chairs and the membership. This authentic collaboration sends a strong message about how we work and why we are committed to the priorities we have selected. SPC and PPA have a number of well establish groups who meet each term together – this is an opportunity for amplify the work of our Associations collectively. System uplift is the responsibility of us all.

Priorities we share:

• Staffing
• Workflow
• Principal Support and Wellbeing
• Raising the status of the Profession

Our three incredible PSO’s do a job of the greatest significance for the Association – supporting Principals. The work these colleagues do is absolutely incredible and vital to the Association. Could I take a moment to acknowledge and thank Wendy Buckley, Geoff Scott and Phil Seymour for their commitment to supporting the Principalship.

After a number of years of incredible service to the Association, Wendy has tendered her resignation – Wendy truly loves the role of PSO and the work she has undertaken. Whilst we are disappointed we lose her wealth of expertise, courage, compassion and commitment, we wish Wendy all the very best as she steps into a ‘too good to let pass ‘ position with NESA. Wendy will be brilliant in this role working in Home Schooling in the Shellharbour Network.

On behalf of the NSWPPA membership I wish Wendy all the very best – she will of course remain on the team for advice and a hand over as we recruit for this position. Join me in thanking and congratulating Wendy. Her wisdom and work ethic will be truly missed.

The recruitment process will commence in Week 4 with an EOI being sent to the membership – please note we will be recruiting for a team member and a pool of colleagues we can call on to for specific support as required. Details of the job description, requirement and remuneration will be in the EOI.

You are invited to join the 2023 Australian Principals Korean Study Tour (APKST) from 19 to 28 September 2023.

This unique program has been successfully operating since 2010 and is intended to help facilitate Australian principals and educational leaders’ engagement with the Korean history, language, culture and people of Korea. Approximately 190 Australian principals, deputy-principals and educational leaders have participated in the program, and the feedback has been very positive.

Participants’ in-country expenses will be covered by the Ministry of Education in Korea. It includes full board, a single room, transfer, guides and entrance fees etc. The participants will need to cover their round-trip airfare and travel insurance.

This program is sponsored and organised by the Ministry of Education in Korea through its Korean Education Centre in Sydney. Please note that this is not a Department-endorsed program and, as such, is not covered by Department processes and support systems, such as workers compensation. Participants will need to receive approval from their supervisor for leave to attend the tour.

Please find a draft itinerary and application for ‘2023 APKST’ from www.auskec.kr ---> Notice ---> ’2023 Australian Principals Korean Study Tour’.

Please send your completed application form to consyd7@mofa.go.kr by 12 May 2023.

For your understanding, please find a promotional video clip for the APKST at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kqJ8hr_vyI

The department was championing rural and remote education at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year with a Regional, Rural and Remote Education exhibit and Teachers’ Lounge.

Led by the Regional, Rural and Remote Education Policy team, the stand was an opportunity to enhance equity group representation and promote opportunities across regional NSW.

It also provided a breakout space for teachers and school staff where, with the help of hospitality students from the Rural Students Café, the team gave out over 2,300 free coffees to teachers and school staff as a thank you for all their work.

Schools from right across the state attended the Show with a number entering livestock in various competitions. Hermidale Public School also collected the inaugural Agricultural Innovation in Schools Award for their recent work generating a wheat crop.

The department was also represented at the Show by TeachNSW, Early Childhood Education as well as the main Rural Students Café, which enabled 120 students from 13 schools to gain real-world work experience running a café. 

I met with the Schools Policy team in the Department recently who told me about a project that they are working on to explore the challenges associated with Year 6-7 Transition and identify system-level opportunities to strengthen the transition experience for students, their families, and schools.

To date, the team has undertaken a desktop review, spoken with staff in several high schools and partner primary schools, and consulted with subject matter experts within the Department. They have approval to extend their consultations this term and one of the activities they would like to undertake is a survey of PPA members. Insights from this survey will complement survey data gathered via the SPC and will give the team a better understanding of effective practices and pain points for primary schools.

I would like to invite you to participate in this short (max. 10 minute) survey . The survey is anonymous however if you are happy for Schools Policy to contact you about your transition practices, there is an opportunity to provide your details at the end. The survey will remain open until Friday, 19 May 2023.

Please feel free to reach out to Floryn Hall (floryn.hall4@det.nsw.edu.au) if you have any questions.

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.

Please check out our latest Professional Learning updates and news:

Professional Learning opportunities in May & early June

Free on demand Webinar with Dr. Lyn Sharratt and NSW PRIMARY PRINCIPALS’ ASSOCIATION (NSWPPA )-CLARITY Learning Suite

(Extended until Friday 19^th May, due to popular demand) We have had 259 registrations so far.

*A discounted with CLARITY Learning Suite will be shared when the webinar closes to all participants that have registered.

Free Your Time Matters Webinar Series

Please note Your Time Matters Webinar Series is also open to Principals and their executive team including Business Managers and School Administrative Managers.

Webinar Your Time Matters- Priority Management using Outlook Effectively

Tuesday 30 May 2023 - 7:30 am-8:30 am AEST

Wednesday 14 June 2023 - 7:30 am-8:30 am AEST

This will be a live session with Priority Management on how to use your time effectively with Microsoft Teams

Leading at the Speed of Trust- ULTIMO 5 T2 2023 Week 6

Thursday 1 June & Friday 2 June, 2023

7 Habits @ ULTIMO 7 T2 2023 Week 7

Monday 5 June 2023 & Tuesday 6 June 2023

Lastly, Listen to our Professional Learning podcast:

Professional Learnings

Professional Learnings for Educational Leaders is an initiative of the NSWPPA Professional Learning suite.

The New South Wales Primary Principals’ Association is committed to supporting and empowering principals to effectively lead and manage school communities from a diverse range of contexts.

The Association responds to and supports school leaders as they address different challenges in rural, remote and metropolitan schools.

Latest Professional Learning Catalogue and News can be found at:

https://www.nswppa.org.au/catalogue

Book all of our latest Professional Learning events through:

https://www.nswppa.org.au/professional-learning-calendar

A meeting via Zoom will be held on Thursday 1st June for all PPC Treasurers. The session will focus on the role of the PPC Treasurer, BAS processes, membership and future support. If you have any specific questions or areas that you would like covered then please email them to me on scott.sanford@det.nsw.edu.au 
Zoom Meeting: https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/65115596621?pwd=UzF0MWR5d2taOUJSajJqMXFlK29HUT09 
Meeting ID: 651 1559 6621
Passcode: 244977

The Simplifying School Budgets (SSB) support continues to roll out across the state. The vast majority of the SSB systems are operational and providing Principals with information to assist them to spend the government recurrent funding in the year it was provided. The SSB team is aware of some issues around leave, school counsellors and some staff movements. These are being worked on in the background to find a solution. If, you find a problem, please log it through EdConnect so that a record of issues is maintained. 

The critical item for attention is to ensure you have your staffing correct in eFPT. Use your variation reports to identify any anomalies and rectify. Corrections will be updated overnight and retrospective adjustments made to funding. 

The only funding that is required to be tracked is COVIDILSP funding. 

Following on from the face-to-face training there are optional 'drop-in' sessions for further support. These run until June 2^nd and can be accessed here 

There is a range of supports for Principals and Administration staff. Links are provided below. 

Simplifying School Budgets Home page 

Monitoring Finance Performance – Key QRGs to help interpret your schools financial performance 

EdConnect (SCOUT) Reports – do you need help understanding and using finance reports in SCOUT? Here are guides to help you 

A common question from Principals is “to what extent may I write a reference for a colleague or business?” All Principals need to take caution, follow guidelines, and not just oblige the person requesting a written reference.

Most of the abovementioned question is captured in our Department’s Code of Conduct. Throughout this paper the NSW Department of Education’s Code of Conduct will be referred to as ‘The Code’. Professional and Ethical Standards (PES) directorate oversees breaches to The Code. The Code draws on Department and state legislation, regulations, policies and procedures. The Code should also be read in conjunction with the NSW Public Service Commission’s Code of Ethics and Conduct for NSW Government Sector Employees,  Our code of ethics and conduct | NSW Public Service Commission which all government sector employees must comply.

This paper will concentrate primarily on writing references for employees or suppliers and products in an official capacity as a Principal. We must be careful for a reference not to be considered a professional reference if it is a personal reference and vice versa.

There are professional and ethical questions to consider. As you can appreciate, Principals have a responsibility to always uphold the reputation of the Department. This means ensuring amongst other considerations that our conduct and behaviour is consistent with the values of Public Education. Principals should not provide a reference unless they know the purpose of the reference and that purpose is consistent with the Department’s values and guidelines.

Another consideration is that we may not use our position, including information learned by virtue of our position, for our personal benefit or for the benefit of others. The Code states “as a Department employee, you must remain impartial and not use your position to advantage or disadvantage others”. Therefore, avoiding any conflict of interest, perceived or other.

The common law encourages referrers to be honest about the performance and conduct of their current and former employees by imposing liability on them for providing references that are either falsely positive or falsely negative.

Obviously, a poor reference will cause serious and potentially irreparable damage to the person’s job prospects, and so a Principal who gives a falsely negative reference may be liable to the employee under the law of defamation, provided that the employee can prove it was done maliciously. There may also be a concurrent duty to take reasonable care in giving the reference in ensuring that it is accurate and fair, although the law in Australia is not yet settled in this respect.

To safeguard against any negative scrutiny, we should not provide references in an official capacity unless the references are in direct pursuit of Government and Department policy. The Code states “we must know the purpose of the reference and seek this in writing from the person making the request for a reference”. It is recommended the reference is appropriately cleared by a senior officer usually a DEL in the same way as any other form of official correspondence that may have us criticised or referred to PES.

In short, the Department does not encourage you to write personal references. Generally, a personal reference is provided by someone who knows the other person relatively well and can attest to who they are as a person. A personal reference is different from a professional reference, which is what employees or employers are typically requesting. A personal reference is a document, which makes assertions about another person’s skills, conduct, performance, character or potential suitability in relation to matters of employment. Principals must be careful in their dealings with former Department employees. Principals “must not give, or appear to give, former employees favourable treatment” (The Code).

Where a reference is being given in a private capacity, as a private citizen, we should make it clear in the reference that we are expressing our private views. To ensure a clear distinction between a reference conveying private views and a reference which may be construed as an official departmental view, we should not provide references in a private capacity on official school nor departmental letterhead or from departmental e-mail addresses. The Code states “we must not use Department letterhead or logos (including school logos) to provide the (personal) reference”.

The Code also states “as a workplace manager, we must report allegations of criminal conduct and wrongdoing to Professional and Ethical Standards who will assess the report and ensure it has been properly reported to other agencies”. An extreme but factual published PES case study example (3046) was when a school Principal failed to advise PES that a school employee had been charged with a serious criminal offence involving victims at the school. The Principal provided false information to PES on more than one occasion about their knowledge of the criminal offences. The Principal also provided a positive character reference for the employee using school letterhead for use in the criminal proceedings. The Principal was permitted to resign and conditions were imposed on their future employment with the Department.

If you choose to write a professional reference, consider what information is appropriate to provide in a reference. Keep your comments focused, for example, on the employment relationship to avoid any possible privacy issues. This includes the employee’s skills, performance, conduct, their type of employment and length of employment. This is also known as a work report. The Code states “as a Department employee, when providing a work referee report you must only provide information that is honest, objective and verifiable; and not use Department letterhead or logos including school logos”.

Be careful with what is written. It is generally not appropriate to disclose private information about a current or former employee for example, their medical history. The Code states “you must not attest to a person’s disciplinary or investigation history unless you are authorised to access and have reviewed the person’s investigation history”. Commonwealth and State privacy laws set a higher standard for collecting and handling sensitive personal information.

Often school personnel are quoted on websites selling a product. The Code states “you must not endorse a supplier or product on behalf of, or as a representative of, the Department”. We should not supply a testimonial in writing about the services of a business, supplier or any other ‘third party’ provider. The Department’s Commercial Arrangements, Sponsorship and Donations procedure states “the school, Department, employees or students must not endorse (perceived or actual) products and/or services, or pressure individuals to adopt or purchase particular products and/or services because of commercial arrangements”.

Therefore, never use Department or school letterhead and logos when providing any written reference.

Written by Greg McLaren (copy will be forwarded to DoE PES)

Directly from The Code examples of appropriate and inappropriate conduct…

Appropriate conduct

1. An employee requests a Principal provide a reference for their Working with Children Check assessment. The Principal agrees to provide information about the employee’s work history and observed interactions with students. The Principal refers the reference to Professional and Ethical Standards to complete the reference details about the employee’s investigation history.
2. A friend approaches an employee after being convicted of a domestic violence offence and asks for a reference because they are a teacher. The employee could write a reference in a personal capacity but declines to do so because it may be perceived poorly by their school community.
3. An employee requests a character reference from their workplace manager on department letterhead. The workplace manager seeks clarification in writing about the reference’s purpose and is advised it is for family law proceedings. The workplace manager declines because they are not authorised to complete this type of reference in an official capacity.

Inappropriate conduct

4. An employee is happy with the services of a supplier and provides positive feedback during a call. The employee agrees to put their feedback in writing as a testimonial for the supplier to include on their website.

Often Principals are asked to make a decision about dogs being on school sites. Although most dogs are trained, friendly and non-threatening, some of our students may exhibit anxious behaviours or other behaviours around any dog. The law and Department resources are listed below.

School Guidelines Option

Dogs of School Grounds

The NSW Consolidated Acts pertaining to dogs’ states that dogs are prohibited in some public places. Section (e) of the Act specifically refers to schools and states that this applies to dogs whether they are leashed or unleashed. The exceptions are Assistance dogs Support dog guidelines (nsw.gov.au) that are specifically trained to assist, for example, those requiring emotional support or who are sight or hearing impaired. 

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 No 87 - "Dogs are prohibited in the following places:

(e) School grounds (meaning any property occupied or used for the purpose connected with the conduct of a government school or non-government school under the Education Act 1990.) "

The New South Wales Companion Animals Act was introduced in September 1998 and is about the welfare of animals, their owners and the broader community. Councils enforce the Act, promote responsible pet ownership and maintain a state-wide identification and registration system, the NSW Companion Animals Register.

Under the Companion Animals Act, owners of dogs and cats must:

• Be 18 years of age or over
• Leash their dog when in a public place
• Ensure their dog wears a collar and identification tag when in a public place
• Ensure their dog or cat does not enter a food consumption area or wildlife protection area
• Ensure their dog does not enter a school or childcare playground and any other place declared prohibited to dogs by Council

Section 14 of the Act particularly states that dogs are prohibited in SCHOOL GROUNDS (whether or not they are leashed or otherwise controlled). Any visitor to the school is not able to bring their dog into the school grounds but may remain with their leashed dog on the footpath at the front of the school, which is a public area.

Written by Greg McLaren (read by Special Counsel in DoE Legal Services)

Newsletter Option

Dogs on School Grounds

Many of our students own dogs and feel comfortable around dogs whilst several other students are quite anxious around dogs.

Regardless of either position, under the Companion Animals Act, in Section 14 it states that dogs are prohibited (not allowed) in school grounds, whether or not they are leashed or otherwise controlled. Without blocking entry and exit, any visitor to the school is not able to bring their dog into the school grounds but may remain with their leashed dog on the footpath at the front of the school, which is a public area.

In Term 1, roadshows showcasing the key information and benefits of AMPS along with supplier demonstrations of the student finance solutions offered by Compass, School Bytes and Sentral were held across the state. 

We are delighted to be able to share a recorded version of the Roadshow presentations. Please watch and share this video with any colleagues who may have missed out on attending. 

Next step for your school 

As outlined in the roadshows, the ebs system will be decommissioned at the end of Term 2, 2024. If you haven’t already, you should now be determining the solution that best suits the needs of your school and considering which term this year your school will transition off ebs. Transitioning this year will ensure you have adequate time to adjust and receive support and training prior to the ebs decommissioning. 

More information and resources 

From the queries and feedback provided at the roadshow we continue to update the content on the AMPS website. 

Refer to the website for: 

• updated Frequently Asked Questions with further information regarding data migration, funding, contracts and more
• supplier cost calculators to help you estimate the cost of each third-party product and a consolidated pricing sheet to ensure you can easily compare products to make an informed decision.

If you have any questions relating to the Student Finance solutions, you can reach out to the support team via studentfianceproject@det.nsw.edu.au or any questions relating to the decommissioning of ebs please contact us at ebsDecommission@det.nsw.edu.au 

Does your school offer an opportunity class or enrichment program for academically talented students? Or does your network of schools offer enrichment classes? The Selective Education Program are aware that many schools are doing great work in this space for their students and are keen to have a better understanding of where provisions are currently located. Please complete the survey: https://forms.office.com/r/n5QHt01vYi

This will help the Selective Education Program team have a better understand the offerings across the state.

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 energy and optimism in our schools currently. Make the time to celebrate each day and with your staff each week. 

We all acknowledge the issues we face are significant. There is much work to be done and we are ready for it. Partnerships and codesign awaits to ensure we are strongly supported and resourced to deliver the best in Public Education. Our communities, our staff and our students deserve that AND quite frankly so do WE.

I am really looking forward to joining PPC Meetings and Conferences over the next few weeks. Again, thank you so much for inviting the Executive Liaisons and myself. We have much to share with you.

I would also like to extend well wishes to both Phil Seymour and Tom Croker who have recently undergone surgeries. They are both on their way to recovery and we hope to see them back on deck with us all very soon.