_{The President writes:}

 

_{The debate in regard to A-E continues to take up so much time in so many places not only in NSW but around the Nation – Education really has become a major bargaining tool within the political arena. I often wonder if the children that come to school each day will ever realise that their education causes such wide and varied discussion in some very important places. They would most likely be more concerned if Lamingtons or Sausage Sizzles disappeared.}

_{Jane Law Chairperson of our Educational Measurement Reference Group has prepared a paper in regard to Reporting to Parents which will keep you fully informed as to the current state of the debate. The position in regards to A-E which was developed at State Council in Term 2 was forwarded to the Senior Officers of the DET and to the Minister. It was very pleasing when it was announced that that would be the position adopted in NSW. At the Meeting with the Minister which took place on 27.7.06 we stated quite plainly that we are still philosophically opposed to A-E and would prefer descriptors. We will also continue to have conversations in regard to the removal of A-E in Years 3-6 other than English and Maths.}

_{What is vitally important at the present time is that you have conversations with your staff in regard to consistency and how they reach their decisions in regard to the information that is within the report.}

 

 

_{The End of Year Reports will arrive soon enough and as they are always during the silly season the more decisions that are made now the easier it will be for everyone}

_.

_{On Tuesday and Wednesday of the first week back a number of colleagues from the Educational Measurement Reference Group and the Technology Reference Group spent 2 days at a workshop with members of the DET ICT group working towards the development of a Web Based Student Report Card. I would like to acknowledge their involvement and their willingness to give of their time – thank you}

 

_{This was both productive and constructive and at the Meeting with DDG Trevor Fletcher on 20.7.06 it was evident that your concerns had been listened to and there is a genuine commitment to provide a quality, web based user friendly report for school personnel to use, the timeframe is very tight but they feel they will be able to achieve this in time for the End of Year reports. I will keep you informed as new information comes to hand.}

 

_{Sue Ingram}

_{NSWPPA President}

_{Teece Review}

 

_{Meeting held July 26th at Bridge Street}

_{NSWPPA Representatives – Sue Ingram & Barbara Reynolds}

_{Other Stakeholder Groups – NSWSPC, NSWTF, NSWP&C, NSW AECG (did not attend)}

_{Chair: GM Equity and Access}

 

_{The meeting had two major purposes.}

_{1.      Priority Action Schools List}

_{v      Discussion re the 2006 Selection Criteria for inclusion in PAS. The only significant change from the 2002 Criteria was that the 2001 BOSCAR data has been replaced by Student Achievement Data 2001 -2005}

_{v      The proposed list of schools for inclusion was discussed}

_{v      The ramping off process was discussed}

_{2.      Teese Review of Equity Programs}

_{v      Document tabled by DET representatives in regard to Key Themes around which the “Working Party” could move forward}

_{v      Each representative group to consider the themes and work towards a set of parameters agreeable to all parties.}

 

 

_{SRAPS 3}

 

_{This is the long term University Research Project in relation to adequate resourcing in schools in relation to the amount of funding required to fulfil the requirements of educating children in schools. It was launched a few years ago when John McMillan was President and is now funded through APPA. They are intending to have this completed prior to the Federal Election and to use their lobbyist to try to influence on-going Government Policy.  22 of our schools in NSW are involved which is a large commitment by those Principals on our behalf, but vitally important for the future funding of Public Education. A huge thank you must be extended to our colleagues for agreeing to be involved in this project.}

 

_{Farewell to Martin Bowles}

 

_{I am sure you are all aware that Martin is moving to Canberra to look after, I am sure, another reasonably volatile portfolio and I am sure we all wish him well.  Martin has always worked closely with our Association to achieve the best for children. He was always very honest about what was possible and what was not possible and he always left the door open for continued conversations. He was willing to listen and then try a variety of ways to reach a conclusion which may not be perfect but was one that we could all live with for the time. There have been many robust debates but at the end there was always mutual respect and an honouring of relationships and I know that these qualities will be the hallmark of Martin’s success in whichever portfolio he works.}

 

 _{Good Luck and Good Bye.}

 

 

_{EOI Early Childhood}

 

_{Congratulations to the following colleagues are now members of The Early Childhood Working Party}

 

_{Garrie Russell - Wallsend South P.S.}

 _{Sandra Patterson – Merewether Heights P.S}

_{Brent Kunkler – Normanhurst West P.S.}

_{Cheryl Tate – Sefton Infants P.S.}

_{Jo-Ann Lock – Doonside P.S.} 

 

_{EOI State Conference}

 

_{Congratulations to Suzie Smith who has been ratified as State Conference Convenor and Ian Morey as State Conference Administrator – I know they will do a great job in leading a very hardworking and dedicated team towards what I am sure will be a great State Conference in Term 4}

 

 

_{Tony Vinson Survey}

 

_{Thank you to those colleagues who spent the time filling in the survey. Tony Vinson is a good friend to Public Education and one of our greatest advocates and the time you spent will assist Tony with his research and so therefore in the long run assist public Education.}