Dear Colleague_

Term 4 Dear Colleague, Week 5 2008 In the middle of the global financial crisis, a major reduction in the Federal Government‟s surplus and a proposed „mini-budget‟ to address the State‟s infrastructure demands, we are all in need of some good news. Is now the time to mention salaries and staffing? – probably not! Apologies for a fairly lengthy edition, but happy reading anyway. Despite the doom and gloom in some quarters, the NSWPPA hosted the Annual National Conference of APPA in Week 3 this Term. What an outstanding conference it was, with over 500 Principals from all sectors and all States & Territories expressing their appreciation for a quality program. Those of us in the NSWPPA have come to know what a great job the Conference Committee does every year, but visitors from other parts of Australia and overseas were hugely impressed. Well done to the entire Conference Committee and a very special “thank you” to Convener Suzie Smith, for whom this is her last conference – thanks from all of us, Suzie! from your State Executive Team: Deputy President Jackie Malecki; ; Vice Presidents Jim Cooper, Graham Doust, Jennie Fogarty, Steve McAlister, Desley Morgan, Phil Seymour; Secretary Will Randall; Treasurer Mark Pritchard; Office Manager John Davies ANNUAL CONFERENCE For those who weren’t able to attend Annual Conference this year, below is a summary of some matters of interest that occurred during the Business Sessions of the Association. President‟s Report Summary The NSW Primary Principals’ Association has enjoyed a very successful 2008, representing our 1800 members across NSW. We have streamlined many of the operations of the Association and used the expertise and wisdom of Principals to advocate strongly for betterments in our Primary Schools. State Executive, Reference Groups, Standing Committees and Working Parties have met with senior DET officers throughout the year and have had major input into policy and procedures in a wide variety of areas. In addition, State Executive has also conducted regular consultation with other key stakeholder groups, including the NSW Secondary Principals‟ Council, the NSW Teachers Federation, the NSW Federation of P&C Associations, the Public Service Association, NSW Board of Studies and NSW Institute of Teachers. Regular meetings have been held with Ministers for Education & Training and with senior officers of Government. NSWPPA representatives have been active participants on the Director-General‟s Advisory Groups on Aboriginal Education, Multicultural Education, Gender Equity, Priority and Low SES Schools. On the National scene, the NSWPPA has continued to play a leading role through the Australian Government Primary Principals‟ Association (AGPPA), advocating for increased resources and a stronger focus on Government schools, and through the cross-sectoral Australian Primary Principals‟ Association (APPA) which focuses on the importance of the Primary Years of schooling. As part of the SQS Project, meetings were also held with Federal parliamentarians and their staff. The 43 NSWPPA Area Primary Principals‟ Councils have continued to meet throughout 2008 and Area Presidents and Delegates have given strong advice on Regional matters to School Education Directors, Regional Directors and senior staff, through the 10 NSWPPA Regional Advisory Groups. Area Contact Principals have enabled a two-way communication channel to be established for each Reference Group. 1 Term 4 Week 5 2008 Issues of concern to individual Principals have been addressed, either through local advice and support, or by Reference Groups. Zoomerang surveys of all members on issues of statewide importance have ensured that positions taken by the Association are reflective of the majority view of member Principals. A strong media presence has been established and the positions taken by the Association have received good coverage, based on the respect and credibility that the NSWPPA enjoys in the wider education community. On behalf of colleagues, students, staff and parent communities, I extend sincere thanks to all Principals who have worked tirelessly, through the NSWPPA, to achieve the best possible outcomes for our NSW Primary, Central, Special, Hospital Schools and Environmental Education Centres. I extend particular thanks and appreciation to the State Executive team, which this year has included: Deputy President - Jackie Malecki; Vice Presidents - Graham Doust, Jane Law, Greg Fitzgerald, Phil Seymour, Mark Pritchard, Kerry Griffiths and Steve McAlister; Secretary – Ralph Taylor; Treasurer – John Scott. The breadth and depth of work and commitment of these Principals has been outstanding. Long hours, extensive travel and “doing the hard yards” on behalf of colleagues has had to be balanced with their “day job” of leading their schools, their family commitments and time for their own well-being. I know you will join me in thanking them, when you get the chance. Thanks and appreciation is also extended to the Chairpersons and members of Reference Groups, Standing Committees and Working Parties. Our Chairpersons in 2008 have included: Aboriginal Education RG Asset Management RG Curriculum RG Disability Programs RG Educational Measurement RG Equity Programs RG Finance & Administration RG Human Resources RG Learning Innovations (Futures) RG Principals‟ Support RG Student Welfare RG Teaching Principals RG Technology RG Annual Conference SC Constitution SC Dispute Resolution SC Legal Issues SC Promoting Public Education SC Best Start WP Early Childhood WP National Curriculum WP School Leadership WP Sustaining Quality Schools (SQS) WP – Trish Peters (Kincumber PS) – Helen Colquhoun (Chester Hill North PS) – Stephen Bloomfield (Epping North PS) – Garry Brotherton (Anson Street SSP) – Peter Partridge (Walgett Community College) – Lyn McShane (Fairfield PS) – Trish Gillett (Harbord PS) – Grant McCallum (Valentine PS) – Grant Schaefer (Exeter PS) – Ian Power (Gymea North PS) – Pam Richardson (Kahibah PS) – Geoff Broadfoot (Bodalla PS) – Paul Davis (Leppington PS) – Don MacKenzie (Tinonee PS) – Suzie Smith (Macquarie Fields PS) Convener – Ian Morey (Canley Vale PS) Administrator – Geoff Yates (Colyton PS) – Graham Doust (Narranga PS) – John Barwick (Wyoming PS) – Geoff Yates (Colyton PS) – Phil Seymour (Fairy Meadow Dem.) – Sandra Patterson (Swansea PS) – Warren Poole (Denistone East PS) – Jennie Fogarty (North Sydney Dem) – Diana Reynolds (Wauchope PS) 2 Term 4 Week 5 2008 In 2008 the Association has continued to provide:  high quality professional learning and enrichment opportunities for Principals;  representation of Principals‟ views on a wide range of issues;  support for the welfare and well-being of Principals; and  ongoing advice to, and consultation with, the Department of Education & Training and the Minister. On behalf of the NSWPPA, I acknowledge the support for the Association of the previous Minister for Education and Training, the Hon. John Della Bosca MP, Director-General Michael Coutts-Trotter and Senior Officers of the Department of Education and Training. I also extend a warm welcome to our new Minister, the Hon. Verity Firth. I would also like to offer the Association’s thanks and appreciation to the Senior Officers of the NSW Teachers Federation, particularly President Maree O‟Halloran, the President of the NSW Federation of Parents and Citizens‟ Associations, Di Giblin and her Executive, President of the NSW Secondary Principals‟ Council, Jim McAlpine, and the SPC Executive, Prof. Gordon Stanley and John Bennett (Board of Studies) and Tom Alegounarias (Institute of Teachers) for their professionalism in our joint endeavours for Public Education. To all colleagues, for whom this is their final year of service, the Association wishes you every success and happiness in your life beyond school leadership – thank you for a job well done and please keep in touch through the Association of Retired Primary Principals. Congratulations to members who are being awarded Life Membership or Fellowship in 2008 and our admiration to the recipients of this year’s NSWPPA Professional, Aboriginal Education and Social Justice and Equity Awards. Thank you to Principals who applied for the Master School Portraits (MSP) 2008 Scholarship and congratulations to the successful applicant. Appreciation is also extended to David Good for the continued support of the NSWPPA by MSP and to Michael Tunks (Impromation) for his ongoing work with the NSWPPA Website. A huge thank you is given, on behalf of all colleagues to outgoing State Executive members Vice Presidents Greg Fitzgerald and Kerry Griffiths; Secretary Ralph Taylor; Treasurer John Scott. Your work on behalf of colleagues has been tremendous and you will be greatly missed. Congratulations to all members of the incoming State Executive team for 2009 – 2010:  Deputy President - Jackie Malecki  Vice Presidents - Jim Cooper, Graham Doust, Jennie Fogarty, Steve McAlister, Desley Morgan, Phil Seymour  Secretary - Will Randall  Treasurer - Mark Pritchard Awards for 2008 Professional – Ken Beckett Social Justice & Equity – Anne Stewart Aboriginal Education – Kerry Wellham Fellowships - Erwin Bates; Warren Poole; Terry Sanders Life Memberships – Fred Armstrong; Chris Brooker; Ian Chambers; Tim Corben; Ray Kent; Steve Stuart; Neil Trenear State Leadership Fellowships – Brian Debus (Frank Farrell Award); Anthea Donaldson (Florence Ramstead Award) MSP Professional Development Grant – Gillian Anstee 3 Term 4 Week 5 2008 Treasurer‟s Report Summary Treasurer John Scott’s report included thanks to staff at Merimbula PS, to all Area Council Treasurers, State Executive and DET for their support. The duly audited accounts were presented and accepted, with total credits from 1/9/07 – 31/8/08 of $1,558,023 and total debits of $1,080,946. To provide the Association with a regular cash-flow income, all Principals are urged to pay their fees by salary deduction. Currently there are 823 Principals paying by this preferred method, with our aim to have 100% paying by deduction. The AGM endorsed the same fee for 2009 as for 2008 i.e. $250 + $25 GST. 2008/2009 Proposed Budget Summary: Income DET Grants NSWPPA Income Total Expenditure Administration Management Conferences Other Total $304,000 $1,113,000 $1,417,000 $247,500 $479,000 $669,000 $38,000 $1,433,500 The AGM endorsed the Budget and extended thanks to Treasurer, John Scott for his work on behalf of the NSWPPA over the last four years as State Treasurer. SUBMISSION TO N.S.W. STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE 2009 / 2012 STATE BUDGETS Background The N.S.W. Primary Principals’ Association (NSWPPA) represents 1800 Principals of State Government Primary Schools, Schools for Specific Purposes and Central Schools, as well as officers in charge of Hospital Schools and Environmental Education Centres. The N.S.W. Primary Principals’ Association membership supports government initiatives, for example: Best Start, Institute of Teachers, Connected Classrooms, Quality Teaching Model, improving students’ outcomes etc without any increase in executive release. New South Wales has fallen well behind other Australian states in this provision with Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory all providing executive release for school executive and Teaching Principals beyond that which NSW currently offers. Request As an Association there are a multitude of requests that we could make to Treasury. However, in these tight fiscal times our Association has discussed and debated our number one priority to seek fiscal support from Treasury in the 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012 Budgets. The number one priority of the New South Wales Primary Principals’ Association is to gain additional funding to provide executive release for: - Primary Principal 5 (0.5 EFT) - Primary Principal 6 (0.2 EFT) - Primary Assistant Principals (0.2 EFT) - Primary Deputy Principals who currently have no release (0.5 EFT). 4 Term 4 Week 5 2008 Total cost for full implementation is $43,850,560. As outlined in attachment 2, cost for implementation is: 2008/2009 $18,215,680 2009/2010 $19,028,880 2010/2011 $ 6,606,000 Whilst the need for this resource is urgent and immediate, implementation over a three year period is seen as a concession to fiscal accountability whilst allowing the Government to be proactive in supporting students in NSW Public Schools. Rationale From July 1, 2008, primary and secondary executive staff had their salaries aligned in recognition of the similarities of their responsibilities and workloads. This has not addressed the inequity in working conditions. The impending retirement of many experienced Principals and school executive over the next five years, followed by an influx of new, inexperienced teachers, coupled with the increasing complexity of students and our communities make this an imperative. The table (attachment 1) outlines the current release to which both our primary and secondary Principals and executive staff are entitled. The provision of additional executive release for Teaching Primary Principals and executive, matching that of our secondary colleagues, will enhance public education, improve student outcomes, increase staff morale, reduce stress related leave and be a clear acknowledgement of the Government’s support for Public Primary Schools. Table 1 Current Executive Relief for Teaching Principals/Executive Staff Release per week Nil 1.0 (5 days) Nil Position Primary PP6 PP5 Release per week 30 days 3.5 hrs 28 days 3.25 hrs Position Secondary Head Teacher First Deputy 150+ students Second Deputy 701+ students Concessional Allowance Release per week .2 (1 day) .5 (2.5 days) .5 (2.5 days) 0.1 per 6 teachers Position Primary Assistant Principal First Deputy 516+ students Second Deputy 701+ students Concessional Allowance Nil Whilst not costed in this proposal we also request that equity be provided in the form of 0.1 additional executive release time for each 6 EFT or part thereof. Table 2 Costs for 2009/2010 Budget Number of Positions 450 151 3465 Increase per week 2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs Per position cost per week ($) 112 112 112 All position cost per week ($) 50,400 16,912 388,080 Total Cost per Year ($) 2,016,000 676,480 15,523,200 18,215,680 Position PP5 PP6 Assistant Principals 5 Term 4 Table 3 Costs per 2010/2011 Budget Number of Positions 450 151 3465 Week 5 2008 Position PP5 PP6 Assistant Principals Increase per week 2 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs Per position cost per week ($) 117 117 117 All position cost per week ($) 52,650 17,667 405,405 Total Cost per Year ($) 2,106,000 706,680 16,216,200 19,028,880 Table 4 Costs per 2011/2012 Budget Per position cost per week ($) 367 Position Number of Positions 450 Increase per week One day All position cost per week ($) 165,150 Total Cost per Year ($) 6,606,000 6,606,000 PP5 The above calculations are based on the following: 2009/2010 - $287 per day plus 17.5% loading 2010/2011 - $299 per day plus 17.5% loading and 4.5 % inflation 2011/2012 - $312 per day plus 17.5% loading and 4.5 % inflation Deputy Principals have not been costed into the calculations as we are seeking equity with secondary schools and their allocation of 0.1 per 6 EFT or part thereof additional release. Secondary schools are provided with this and use at their discretion. Outcomes  Effective implementation of Government initiatives such as Best Start, Institute of Teachers, Connected Classrooms and the Quality Teaching Model.  Improvements to the quality of teaching  Improved student outcomes  Increased staff morale and reduced stress related leave  More efficient use of teachers’ time  Increased assistance to students on individual learning programs  Increased classroom support for teachers and students  Improved supervision of behaviour management programs  A clear acknowledgement of the Government’s support for Public Primary Schools NSWPPA PRIORITIES 2009 - 2010 It’s time for the Association to develop new and revised Priorities for the next two years. The General Meeting at Annual Conference, following the AGM, gave all Delegates the opportunity to have input into our main endeavours for 2009 – 2010. NSWPPA Priority Areas for 2007 – 2008 are on the left below, with draft suggestions for 2009 - 2010 on the right. Term 4 State Council will set our Priorities. 6 Term 4 2007 – 2008 THE NATIONAL AGENDA Reporting and Assessment Aligned with NSW Curriculum National Curriculum Relevant and meaningful NSW syllabus outcomes Pay incentives for staff Maintaining professional collegiality Not linked to student outcomes Week 5 2008 2009 – 2010 THE NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Increased Funding for Disadvantaged Students Fair & transparent criteria and methodology Literacy & Numeracy Focused on early intervention in Primary Schools Rewarding Quality Teaching Pay incentives aligned with Institute of Teachers accreditation levels, while maintaining professional collegiality - not linked to student outcomes. + National Curriculum and NAPLAN Relevant, meaningful curriculum, based on NSW syllabus outcomes. Plain language reporting of student achievement to parents without simplistic comparisons between schools. TEACHING AND LEARNING Pre-school to Year 2 – getting the foundations right Rural Education and Central Schools Aboriginal Education – co-ordinated approach Students with Special Needs – appropriate provision ICT – connected classrooms A Charter for Primary Schools - uncluttering the Primary Curriculum; reviewing COGS Environmental Education – sustainable futures RESOURCING OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS Parity between Primary and Secondary The importance of the Primary Years “In the Balance” - Sufficiency of Resourcing for Australian Primary Schools LMBR and Procurement Policies – schools as beneficiaries of savings Class Sizes – discrete K-2 and 3-6 staffing Maintenance & Capital Works – increased funding QUALITY LEADERSHIP Executive Release Focus - Teaching Principals & Primary Teaching Executive Principal Classification Professional Learning for Principals and Staff Building leadership capacity; succession planning; improved efficiency Support for Principals Co-ordination of support services, ensuring well-being and welfare needs are met SUSTAINING QUALITY SCHOOLS - SQS Viability of Schools Building social capital in all communities – Public Schools - first in, last out Authority & Accountability The Principal as educational leader – closing the gap between authority & accountability Developing Learning Communities TEACHING AND LEARNING Pre-school education Rural Education Aboriginal Education Students with special needs ICT A Charter for Primary Schools RESOURCING OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS Parity between primary and secondary Fair and Equitable Importance of Primary Years Sufficiency of Resourcing for Australian Primary Schools (“In the Balance”) QUALITY LEADERSHIP Executive release focus Teaching Principals Teaching Executive Professional Learning for Principals and staff Building leadership capacity Recognition of experience Support for Principals Ensuring well-being and welfare needs are met SUSTAINING QUALITY SCHOOLS - SQS Resourcing of public schools A federalist approach to ensure world class public schools Equity of Obligation A level playing field of obligations for all schools receiving public money 7 Term 4 Week 5 IN BRIEF 2008  From Sandra Patterson, Chair NSWPPA Early Childhood Working Party The Australian Government will be rolling out the Australian Early Development Index (known as the AEDI) in 2009. On 7 November Geoff Scott and the NSWPPA Early Childhood Working Party met with officers from state office to discuss the national roll out. So what is the AEDI? It is a population measure of young children’s development across five domains: physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills and communication and general knowledge. Data is collected through a questionnaire (100 questions) completed by Kindergarten teachers. It takes teachers on average 20 minutes per child to complete the AEDI checklist. Children are not required to be present, but rather teachers complete the checklist on line based on their knowledge of the child. Identifying information is not recorded on individual children. As we all know for success at school and in life, children need optimal early childhood development. The AEDI raises the awareness of the importance of the early years and provides communities with a picture of the early childhood development outcomes for children in their community. The national rollout is to be conducted in 2009, and at this stage it is anticipated that kindergarten teachers will complete the checklists in a four-week window between May and July 2009. A one-hour training package (CD-Rom) will be provided for kindergarten teachers that will give them with an overview of the AEDI and guidance with the web-based data entry system to be used when completing the checklists. Schools will be allocated funding for teacher relief for the completion of the AEDI. The funding will provide one hour of relief for each kindergarten teacher to complete the teacher training package and 30 minutes teacher relief for each kindergarten child in their class. It is anticipated that this process may only be undertaken every 3 or 4 years, not on an annual basis. Further information will be provided in the near future.  Principal Classification – following further discussions with DET, it is expected that the restructuring of classification levels will be the subject of ongoing negotiations in 2009, with changes to be introduced from 2010. More information as it comes to hand.  Representations since the beginning of Term 4 have included: Institute of Teachers; Public Education Alliance (NSWPPA/NSWSPC/NSWTF/P&C/PSPF); prospective sponsor-partners for the NSWPPA Website; Pre-MCEETYA/COAG Meeting; DET Schools Promotion Ref. Group; AuditorGeneral’s report on Literacy & Numeracy.  Additional funds for schools? – we are hopeful that part of the savings from the Back-to-School Allowance & Transport Scheme will be re-directed to our neediest schools this Term.  Minor Capital Works – an announcement about extra funds being allocated for Capital Works is imminent. More info soon.  Federal Agenda 2009 – 2012 Council of Australian Governments (COAG) TARGETS Lift the Year 12 or equivalent attainment to 90% by 2020. Halve the gap for Indigenous Students in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade. At least halve the gap for Indigenous Students in Year 12 by 2020. 2009 – 2012 NATIONAL EDUCATION AGREEMENT (NEA) Schooling covered by a single payment; Statement of objectives and outcomes Ongoing agreement, periodically reviewed; Non-government arrangements similar to now but becoming more flexible and outcomes-based Data and Performance Reporting Performance Reporting Framework; Reports on national progress towards national outcomes. 8 Term 4 Week 5 2008 Reporting on performance of individual schools; Plain language student reports and annual report to community; Individual school performance reporting will be a condition of funding arrangements; School-level data will only be publicly available for comparisons between like schools serving similar student populations; $17.2m committed to establish a data unit to collect data and report on key performance measures for schools. NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS (NPs) Low SES National Partnership Involving government and non-government schools in the most disadvantaged schools identified by an agreed methodology. Interventions evidence-based: school leadership, quality teaching, flexibility in operational requirements, tailored learning programs, extended hours, etc. Quality Teaching National Partnerships National consistency in teacher registration, standards for teachers / leaders and national accreditation of quality teachers Improved pre-service teacher education Enhanced performance and development culture in schools Improved rewards for quality teaching Literacy and Numeracy National Partnerships Funding to support schools to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students starting with schools and students most in need of help. Strong focus on primary schools – early intervention. National Declaration on the Goals for Schooling Revising 1999 Adelaide Declaration; Will be based on The Future of Schooling in Australia report AESOC Working Group is oversighting development; Declaration will cover schooling and acknowledge the important transitions from early childhood development to schooling and from school to work or further study Timeline: Consultation by W orking Group members in own jurisdictions/ sectors has occurred. MCEETYA endorsement October meeting (now 17 November); Released December at Biennial National Forum, Melbourne APPA urges that governments increase the level of funding to schools serving low socioeconomic status communities as a matter of priority. APPA calls on both State & Territory and Federal governments to address the inequitable formula for funding government primary schools in the National Education Agreement 2009 – 2012. APPA calls for an urgent review of the funding for Years 4 – 6/7 so that schools can arrest the widening gap in literacy and numeracy achievements. APPA urges governments to provide adequate recurrent funding for all primary schools so that they have the capacity to support those students with special needs and extreme behaviours who are educated in regular classroom settings. [The APPA November Newsletter is also included as a separate attachment to this edition.] Best wishes, Geoff Scott President 0427 451 359 gscott@nswppa.org.au 9