19 February 2025

President’s Report

Welcome to 2025

I’d like to personally acknowledge the time, effort and energy that our members have dedicated in readiness for the 2025 school year. Often the wider community are unaware of the depth of planning and preparation that goes in to prior to the bell or music starting on the first day back. School leaders and their teams have made this an art form, whether finding a way of filling last minute staffing vacancies, navigating unexpected major plumbing issues, natural disasters or weather events, the students rightfully are the centre of our energies from the outset. I was in an online meeting with some interstate principals last week and was reminded of this, as one spoke about supporting boarding students and the major flooding that has isolated their far north Queensland school community and another excused themselves as a red bellied black snake had found it’s way in to their office! I am sure that any version of “Memoirs of a Principal’, whilst filled with anecdotes that would make at times unbelievable reading, would have students at the absolute heart.

With the start of the school year, members have asked questions about Communities of Schools consultation, Grattan Institute’s Multi School Organisation’s (MSO’s) work and the recent landing of the Independent Education Review. The steps towards a level of organisational reform are at an important point, and we’ll ensure that member voice is reflected through the TPA’s engagement in every opportunity that we have.

On Friday of last week, Vicki Mackrill (Launceston College), Liz O’Donaghue (Legana Primary) and myself had been invited (representing TPA) by the Department to meet with Matt Hodd OBE from the UK as a follow-up to the Multi School Organisations (MSO’s) briefing that Vicki, Liz and I had from the Grattan Institute very late last year at the Minister’s request.  Matt is a co-founder and the Chief Executive at Oak National Academy. He is also a Trustee at Cumbria Education Trust and Chair at Bay Leadership Academy in Morecambe. We look forward to providing TPA members with our reflections in the coming weeks.

Media

The opening of the school year rightfully has a space in the media highlighting the wonder, opportunity and joy that comes from the return of school. We’ve also engaged recently with ABC journalists on the Independent Education Review, and the Examiner & Advocate newspapers on parent/community behaviour in schools.

Welcome to New Members! 

With a growing membership approaching 200, we are absolutely delighted to welcome the following members to the Association for the start of the school year.

• Jess Alexander - North West Support School
• Danny Munting - Clarendon Vale Primary School
• Maree Ayazian - Clarendon Vale Primary School
• Emma Lenarcic - North West Support School
• Hayley Heazlewood - Ringarooma Primary School
• Emily Roberts - Sandy Bay Infant School
• Jacqueline de Jonge - Early Childhood Inclusion Service: Burnie
• Wendy Leonard - Sheffield School
  

Member Engagement

We were able to enjoy three BTS (Back to School) sessions in Burnie and Hobart in the Friday prior to school commencing and in Launceston in week one. We were rapt with the number of members that were in the area and took the time out to catch up with colleagues at Communion, Du Cane and the Hanging Gardens. It was a great way to mark the start of the year!

Thank you to the principals at Romaine Park, Nixon Street and East Tamar Primary for having me spend some time in your schools already this year, it is a real privilege.

Our member drop-in sessions will start soon, with our first one in week four. It is a great forum to discuss a number of topics and themes and as a result, often the TPA Executive are able to follow up on actions from the session and gain some clarity from DECYP Executive on key issues that we can then relay to members. Please remember to add these to your calendar!

National Associations

Mat Grining
TPA President

Professional Learning Opportunities

For additional information or if you have any questions, please contact manager@tpa.org.au

Professor Andy Hargreaves

Registrations Close Monday 24 February

Discounted TPA/ACEL Member rate extended to the member's leadership team.

Tasmanian Educational Leaders Conference

Introduction to Leadership Coaching  

This practical course explores all three elements of effective coaching practice: the GROWTH conversational framework; the key coaching skills; a coaching Way of Being; and how to apply these in a range of conversational contexts.  Leaders then apply and trial skills and concepts in their workplace and roles.

Scheduled sessions -

• Thursday 3 and Friday 4 April 2025 - Launceston
• Monday 7 and Friday 8 April 2025 - Hobart

TPA Member Discount rate of $830.00 (excluding GST) per participant – Enter TPA Discount Code TPAGCI25

A minimum number of 12 participants for each session is required to proceed.

Multipliers

ASPA National Education Summit

Partner Offers

Hart Sport

Zart Art

Berry Street

The start of a new school year brings renewal and excitement, yet can also present potential challenges for some students returning back to school.
Students may have a number of unmet needs for engagement with learning. These needs often manifest as off-task, escalated or unhelpful behaviours.  Educators can play a vital role in proactively supporting students, providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive at school. 

Through Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), we provide strategies to increase engagement with learning. Building on a decade of Berry Street’s longitudinal research exploring advances in trauma-informed education, wellbeing, positive education, and the sciences of learning, our unique approach supports safer classrooms where learning and wellbeing are prioritised as essential for growth and achievement.

This year, we’re excited to extend our support to schools in Tasmania with BSEM foundation training available in Launceston and Hobart. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring BSEM to your school and create lasting positive change for students and staff.

For more information about how BSEM can transform your classroom or school, visit bsem.org.au

ASCA

Welcome to 2025 and a great year of education!

Great Deals with ASCA Preferred Suppliers!

Start the year off well with fantastic savings from our preferred suppliers! Check out the latest offers from Officeworks, BFX, The Good Guys Commercial, and more.

Now is also an excellent time to remind your staff about ASCAplus, our staff benefits program. They can register at ASCA PLUS to access exclusive deals and savings from our suppliers for personal purchases.

Is your Canteen registered for the ASCA Rewards loyalty program?

Principals, help your canteen save! Remind your Canteen Manager or Caterer about the ASCA Rewards Loyalty Program. Points earned remain valid for two years and can be redeemed for credits with their Distributor or The Good Guys Commercial. https://asca.com.au/canteens/asca-rewards/

ASCA supports Australian Charities

• As a not-for-profit organisation, each year ASCA donates its surplus funds to a range of registered charities who assist in the education of vulnerable children. 
• By simply purchasing from ASCA’s Preferred Suppliers, you are not only gaining best value for your school, but indirectly contributing to our Charity Partners.
• Since our inception in 1979, ASCA has continually supported these charities, with almost $11 million raised for partners such as The Smith Family.
• Thanks to your support, we continue to donate to our charities who really need our support. Thank you.

To ensure our email reaches your inbox, please add membership@asca.com.au  to your address book.

26Ten

Ensure your colleagues are familiar with the 26Ten Chat
Explore the Tutor Adult Literacy Learners TasTAFE course 

• free for Tasmanians to enrol – please disregard the tuition fee.

Teachers Health gives more benefits back to members

• Kick-start the new year by looking after what matters most – the health and wellbeing of you and your family. At Teachers Health, we put our members (including many proud TPA members) first. That’s why we’ve given more back to members as benefits than the industry average, for over 10 years. Last year, we returned 90c in every $1 of premiums, prioritising the health and wellbeing of members (not payouts for shareholders).
• Teachers Health Member? Remember your Extras limits have just reset
• The limits for Extras benefits reset on 1^st January, so it’s a great time to get your health sorted before the start of the new school year.
• Not yet a member? Join now to get 6 weeks free
• When you join with Hospital and Extras cover, you’ll get 6 weeks' free health cover.  Plus skip the waits on popular Extras*.
• Visit com.auto find out more and  get a quote or call us on 1300  900 301.
• *^*Offer ends 30 April 2025, eligibility and T&Cs apply.3

TPA Partners

Platinum

Gold