Term 1, 2006

Week 2

6th February


 


Hi Everybody

Hopefully the first week went as well as possible.  Across the state it has been the first week in new schools for many people.  To those who are entering the Principalship for the first time we extend a big welcome, and to those who have moved schools or to those who are continuing, best wishes as well.  Our website manager, Greg Fitzgerald has been busy adding email addresses to our PPA email list, and we are pleased to welcome Greg Shortis, Lucy Clothier, Chris McLean, Mark Gardiner, Katherine Bacharich, Anne Reddie, Sally Staines, Stephen Gray and Stephen Broomfield.

If there are new Principals near you, please make sure that they know all about the PPA and that they are getting PPA email.  Subscribing to the PPA email list is easy.  Just visit the PPA site at http://www.nswppa.org.au and look for the link just below the top menu bar.

School Counsellor testing materials.

You may have noticed in INPrincipal last week that there was a piece about the WISC IV testing materials and the supply of these to Counsellors.  This has been a long time in coming, but continued pressure from PPA Executive has now seen additional funds to provide materials.

Deployed Deputy position

An opportunity exists for a primary Deputy Principal to be deployed for a six month period to the Employee Conduct and Performance (EPAC) unit.  This deployment brings an operational schools perspective to the unit and provides a valuable learning and development opportunity for the Deputy.  The position is based in the Sydney CBD.

Deputy Principals who may be interested in knowing more, should let Roger know in the first instance by emailing roger@nswppa.org.au

PPA Executive meeting this week

Our first Executive meeting for 2006 will be held this week and as always there is plenty to discuss.  As part of this meeting, some of the Exec will meet with the Minister and we will also have a session with senior officers from the Department.  Look out for next week's What's Hot for more information, especially related to our systems for getting feedback regarding any implementation concerns related to formation of classes due to the continued rollout of the Class Size Reduction program and as a result of changes to support classes.

Web Services - Secure browsing and email

The rollout of the web services access to secure internet browsing and email will continue this term with a Regional co-ordinator and support person being trained in Sydney last week. 

State Council minutes

Many thanks to our Minutes Secretary, Mark Pritchard, who had these minutes available prior to the end of the school year last year.  Apologies from me that you didn't have them earlier, but they are attached to this email and will be helpful to those people who are having PPA meetings in local areas.

Principal Liaison Officer positions : School Leadership

The selection process for these newly created positions within the Professional Learning and Leadership Directorate was concluded late last year and Chris Presland and Christine Simmonds have been appointed to the positions.  You will no doubt see and hear more from Chris and Chris as they promote this very important work this year.

Support ?

Don't forget that the other Principal Liaison Officer positions in support and development for Principals were filled last year by Kerry Knox and Tracey Hayne who are now working as a great team, based in the Office of Schools in Bridge Street. Kerry and Tracey can always be reached on the number at the bottom of this newsletter.

PPA Office

We're hoping that we are only a week or so away from having our phones, fax and internet connection up and running at our Surry Hills office.  Furnishings and equipment are also gradually coming together.

Have a great week !

Cheers

Roger

Principal Support number 1300 850 338