21 March 2024

President’s Report

State Executive Meeting

Across two days, our state executive met at Launceston College and dedicated time to further the work of our Association.

A considerable portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing our progress against the ‘Lead & Develop’ key practices and setting actions to operationalise these for 2024 and beyond.

Further to this planning, other actives/actions from the meeting included;

• Resolved that TPA will provide a statewide Leadership PL day for emerging school leaders (AST/AP/QTC’s)
• Meeting with Adam Fraser (Flourish Movement) with an invitation for Tasmanian principals to be involved in their research project with Deakin Uni understanding school leader compassion fatigue and secondary trauma stress  
• TPA’s research project has received ethics approval and will commence this year – understanding psycho-social impacts of principals leading their school communities through critical incidents
• Providing feedback to Manager TRB on changes to LAT’s and other registration processes
• Presentation and feedback from Director External School reviews on the updated ESR process
• Presentation from national president of Australian Secondary Principal’s Association Andy Mison
• Example of Actions/Follow-ups on behalf of members
  • Request clarity from DPL’s on the principal classification process for those eligible to move to next progression (more than 5 years at current school/classification)
  • Express concern to PHWB Leaders on principals not taking their TOIL due to impact on their SRP/prioritising school operation over their own wellbeing
  • Request clarity on out of school staff redeployed to schools and the appointing of principals to non-school roles from Director Operations
  • Elevate concerns and requests for leadership advice in supporting use of/integration of AI from DECYP

Our state executive also resolved to have a position on the following current issues in Tasmanian education

The Executive workshopped and refined these statements further to guide TPA’s engagement with media and the Minister’s office

• All Tasmanian public schools must be funded at 100% SRS, with the 40 schools with ICSEA below 900 as a priority
• Strengthen the authority for principals to limit access to schools for unsafe, threatening or violent behaviour
• Investment & research is needed in the provision of alternate education models for primary and secondary students
• TPA has concerns about Disability Royal Commission's recommendation to phase out special schools
• TPA advocates for an increase to the administrative support provided directly to principals
• Priority given to the recruitment and retention of Professional Support Staff
• TPA supports greater flexibility afforded to principals in adjusting their FTE for work/life balance as a retention strategy
• TPA support the commitment to the reading priority

Flourish Podcast

It’s always fabulous to see Tasmanian educators highlighted for their practice and Simon’s is certainly worthy of sharing widely.

Tremendously respected by his colleagues, southern member Simon Ellaby was recently interviewed as part of the Flourish Movement’s season 2 podcast series.

We’d encourage you to listen to the podcast through your preferred platform.

TPA in Media

Our Association is an apolitical organisation, understanding that we represent our members as a professional association. This provides us with opportunities to engage in public dialogue when the appropriate opportunities arise in line with the priorities held in our strategic plan.

We appreciate that we have the opportunity to speak on behalf of members on matters that are relevant to the profession, and public education broadly. There are also occasions where we may decline comment, if we feel that the media opportunity isn’t directly relevant or will not further the mission of, or meet the values of our Association.

Australian Government Primary Principals Association

Ted Barrance (East Derwent Primary) and Mat Grining represented TPA at a recent Australian Government Primary Principal’s Association (AGPPA) meeting in Canberra. AGPPA’s strategic plan is also at the end of a four-year cycle and this has provided an opportunity to reflect on what has changed in the national landscape across the past four years. AGPPA will be furthering the advocacy work of a research paper prepared by Pasi Sahlberg titled ‘A Better & Fairer Start’ which we will be sharing with key stakeholders in our state.

Member & School Visits

It’s such a privilege for our exec to spend some time with principals and their leadership teams, hearing about the tremendous work they do in leading their communities. Thanks to Bothwell, Kempton, Montrose Bay, Cambridge, Lauderdale, Mountain Heights, Zeehan and Strahan schools for opening your doors and making us welcome.

If you’re a fan of ‘Bay of Fires’ on ABC, keep an eye out for where Strahan Primary made an appearance!

New TPA Members

A warm welcome to our new members who have joined our association in recent weeks-

• Matthew Conn – King Island District High
• David Lietzau – Deloraine High School
• Joanne Waldon – Albuera Steet Primary  
• Erica Winger – Triabunna District School
• Louise Rickwood – Southern Support School

2024 Tasmanian Educational Leaders Conference

Intercultural Understanding Partnership Grants

The ICUP grants for the 2024-25 Round 4 are now open and due by 30 April, 2024.

Schools can apply here. FAQs here.

TPA Sponsors

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