11 April 2025

President’s Report

Dear Members and Supporters of our Association,

We trust that our final newsletter before the term break finds you well. Make sure you all take time to enjoy what brings you joy and to relax over the coming holidays - and importantly allows you to disconnect.

National Secondary Education Summit

It was a privilege to spend time with TPA vice president Joel Doyle (Rose Bay High School) and Trudy Pearce (DECYP Deputy Secretary) over two days with national colleagues, system leaders and educational researchers and stakeholders discussing key themes in secondary education. The Summit was a follow up from last year’s inaugural event, recognising the key stage we are at in the broader education landscape with the development of the National School Reform Agreement (NSRA), advocacy for the full funding of public schools through the School Resourcing Standard (SRS), the teacher shortages across the profession and principal wellbeing issues highlighted in the recent release of the National Principal Health and Wellbeing Survey.

Joel and I attended a pre-summit briefing with other principals from around the country to ensure that participants were highly tuned in to the format and able to engage deeply in the work.

The summit was a reminder of the similar and shared experiences across states and territories, the shared commitment to public education and the power of having voices of the profession in one room, with Ministers and system leaders at a state and federal level.

Australian Principals’ Occupational Health and Wellbeing Survey

Understandably, Australians have been dealing with the distraction of a national election across the past few weeks, of which will likely continue to occupy the public’s thinking across the short term until an outcome is finalised. The timing has unfortunately coincided with the Australian Catholic Universities' (ACU) release of their report in to the annual survey on Principal Occupational Health and Wellbeing.

I hold major concerns that the media and public interest in this national survey has been ‘lost’, as a result the public haven’t had the opportunity to hear from the profession and understand the trends faced by school leaders in our system and nationwide.

14 years of comprehensive longitudinal research in to principal wellbeing in our country demands immediate action. The inaugural year of the research in 2011 marked my first year as a substantive principal completing the survey and I can recall being deeply shocked by the results and feeling a bit emotional at the time to be honest. With rates of occupational violence and intention to quit at record levels, the well publicised teacher shortage forecast by the profession has understandably now become the 'school leader' shortage. The recommendations are clear and need to be actioned

This years findings paint a stark picture of the challenges confronting principals across public and non-government sectors, in each state and territory and these challenges extend well beyond the duration of an election cycle, with the 14 years of consecutive national research pointing to a profession that is increasingly stretched.

Equally troubling is the significant percentage of principals considering resignation from the profession, with more than 50% of the more than 2300 participants nationwide in this space. This exodus of experienced educational leaders not only threatens the stability of our schools but also undermines the continuity and effectiveness of educational leadership. The potential loss of these experienced colleagues would see the departure of significant contextual knowledge, professional and social capital from the principalship.

It is imperative that we recognize the urgency of addressing these challenges and take decisive action to support our school leaders. Initiatives such as tailored support programs focusing on proactive supervision and resilience-building are steps towards safeguarding the mental and emotional wellbeing of Tasmanian principals. Additionally, enhanced access to counselling services and peer support networks within school communities can provide invaluable resources for those in need. Furthermore, systemic reforms are essential to alleviate administrative burdens and streamline workload pressures on Tasmanian principals, as seen in our joint TSAA/TPA Survey.  By advocating for changes that promote a healthier work-life balance and reduce the bureaucratic hurdles faced by educational leaders, we can create environments that nurture their professional growth and fulfillment.

As a state, we must rally behind our school leaders and demonstrate our unwavering support for their wellbeing. The challenges they face are not insurmountable, but they require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address effectively. By investing in the resilience and sustainability of our educational leadership, we are investing in the future of our schools and the prosperity of our communities.

Member Visits

Our executive has been conscious of scheduling member visits where possible for the first half of the year. It is always a highlight to learn about the fabulous journeys that schools and their communities are on under the guidance of our school leaders around the state. Thank you to members from the West Coast schools of Zeehan Primary, Strahan Primary, Rosebery District School and Mountain Heights District School, as well as members from Natone Primary, Penguin District School, Clarendon Vale Primary, Orford Primary and Glenora District School for providing us with this opportunity.

Welcome to New TPA Platinum Partner – Smart Group

Many DECYP employees would be familiar with the opportunity to salary package and take advantage of novated leasing. Smart Group has been added to the approved Tasmanian State Government panel for salary packaging from 1^st April. Smart Group are highly experienced in supporting public servants and non-government employees at a state and national level and is very excited to be connected with the Tasmanian Principals Association!

Welcome New Members Since Our Last Newsletter

• Sandy Long – Mole Creek Primary
• Sarah Bedford – Rosebery District School
• Chantel Barnes – Glenora District School – 200^th Member

Mat Grining
TPA President

Berry Street Education Model

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 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

Professional Learning Opportunities

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

Tasmanian Educational Leaders Conference

Multipliers

Online Learning Pilot: Boost your food & nutrition wellbeing

Teachers, it's important to remember that your wellbeing is just as important as your student's success! Join our online PD program to explore self-care, food and nutrition strategies designed just for you.

Spots are limited—register now! https://tinyurl.com/TeacherModules

Open to the first 200 primary or secondary teachers. Register by 5 May 2025.

Saver Plus

For sharing with your communities, this is a free, 10-month financial wellbeing program that is Australia's largest as well as longest-running financial education and matched savings program. Saver Plus was developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ 21 years ago and is delivered by The Brotherhood of St Laurence in partnership with The Smith Family and Berry Street. The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government Department of Social Services. View further details on their website

TPA Partners

Platinum

Gold