6 Jun 2024

President’s Report

Dear Members and Supporters of our Association,

I can honestly say that it brought us so much joy to see delegates at our conference engaging deeply in the conference program and making the most of the opportunity to quarantine two full days dedicated to your learning and wellbeing. With our 2024 Tasmanian Educational Leaders Conference at paranaple Convention Centre wrapped up, we'd like to provide a recap courtesy of our conference partner University of Tasmania.

Thank you to our MC Penny Terry who so expertly ensured that the conference flowed as smoothly and professionally as it did. We were grateful for the Welcome to Country and learnings from Dave mangenner Gough and the address from our incoming Minister for Education, Jo Palmer MLC on day two. How fitting it was on Public Education Day that we had students from Penguin District School & Don College showcasing the impact of the arts in education!

What a line up of keynote speakers that treated us with their unique interpretation of the conference theme! Kate Ceberano AM, Lee Crockett, Angela Falkenberg, Nadine Champion & Christine Finnegan each captivated us and left us with some deep reflection in the time that followed. Our national presidents Andy Mison, Matthew Johnson and Angela Falkenberg came together and provided some national perspectives and how principals can find their voice. Finally, we had a great time using our voice (and feet) rocking with Kitty and the Rockets for our conference dinner.
We can’t put on a program of this magnitude without the support of our sponsors and partners University of Tasmania, MSP Photography, BFX Furniture, Zart Art, ASCA, Berry Street and Amplify, as well as all our trade exhibitors.

Conference Design Pty Ltd were brilliant at pulling everything together for us to create a seamless experience for us all. TPA thank you all for your support and we look forward to us all coming together again for something special in 2025!

Thank you to delegates who were able to complete the post-conference survey and congratulations to Kriss Von Schill, Sue Hall and Kel Innis who were selected in the random prize draw and will enjoy a package of books from the keynote speakers.

TPA Critical Incidents Research Project is Now Live

Our principal associations have partnered with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) to undertake a key piece of research in an area that will impact many of us across our careers – ‘Understanding the psycho-social impact on principals leading school communities through critical incidents’.

We are seeking your support in helping educational systems and stakeholders build an understanding of contemporary school leaders experiences of critical incidents in completing this simple survey -

ACU are the perfect research partner with their extensive longitudinal research into Australian Principal Occupational Health & Wellbeing, which has been running since 2011.

The research will seek to understand the types of critical incidents that can occur in schools and examine the internal and external factors, such as personal resilience and employer provided supports to buffer the effects of critical incidents. Understanding the nature and potential impact of these incidents and protective resources is essential, as they are linked to student safety, community trust, emotional and psychological well-being, educational continuity, risk management, and resource allocation etc.

This research is significant in filling a critical knowledge gap surrounding what is known about critical incidents in educational environments and contexts; this was acknowledged by our successful funding submission to Principals Australia Research Fund (PARF). By addressing the impact of critical incidents on school leaders in our context and qualifying the potential protective factors that exist, this study offers an opportunity to gain insights that can be applied not only within Australia, but potentially serve as a valuable resource for educators and policymakers worldwide.

We understand that the impact of critical incidents may be distressing well beyond the initial event, as can the revisiting of sensitive content.

Please remember that access to our department’s EAP Services from Newport and Wildman is available 24/7 on 1800 650 204.

All responses will remain anonymous, and the survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

The study has ethics approval from ACU HREC (2024- 3502E)

Lead the Way – One Day Powerup for AST & APs

Calling our fabulous middle leaders across our schools, we are excited to announce our first 'Lead the Way - One Day Powerup for AST & AP's' session! Register Here
The program includes keynotes and workshops from Ben Sacco managing Director of the Education Economy and Kristen Douglas, Head of Schools & Communities, headspace Nationally, with principal panels from TPA members and mini masterclasses from the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

We’d like to thank Ben for providing us with a taste of where his session will take us! Watch Here

Australian Government Primary Principals (AGPPA) Meeting

As affiliates of AGPPA, TPA members are represented through the respective national associations. We met recently and discussed a range of issues impacting the state.

New TPA Members

A warm welcome to our new members who have joined our association in recent weeks. We look forward to your engagement with your Association for many years to come!

• Louise Rose – Brooks High
• Sean Ryan – Dunalley Primary School
• Catherine Grace – Mount Nelson Primary School
• Heather Parker - Devonport Primary School

Imagination Play

Tassie schools deserve great play experiences, too

Tasmania is the definition of small but mighty. It has a huge amount to offer (to both residents and visitors) and has a long history of holding its own. Yet Tasmania can also get overlooked in many ways, often having less access and opportunity than mainland Australia - and schools are no exception.

Addressing the playground experience in Tasmanian schools

We all know play is an important part of development and learning, and school play spaces and equipment are a vital part of play in schools. Well-designed and maintained equipment makes for enjoyable, safe, and inclusive play for kids of all ages and abilities. It can even make schools more attractive (to both kids and parents!)

But something as small as being separated by the Strait can prevent schools from accessing great play, due to a shortage of local equipment suppliers and the lack of out-of-state suppliers who will offer local installation.

This can often leave schools with minimal support to upgrade and install new equipment and little guidance around what to look for, ask for, how to maximise budgets or ensure safe, stimulating spaces that are suitable for their students.

Bridging the Strait: Ensuring quality play environments for every student

Location or distance shouldn't prevent kids from having a great education - and it also shouldn't stop them from having safe, fun and engaging play spaces.

If you're not sure where to start with new equipment (or aren't even sure if it should be on your radar), here are some things to consider:

1. Your current space: What space (compact, oddly-shaped or other) do you have to work with and are there existing elements (equipment, buildings, trees and gardens) that need to be considered?
2. Your current equipment: What do you currently have, and what is missing? Do all your outdoor playground equipment conform to Australian standards?
3. Your last maintenance/safety audit: When was the last time you did an audit of your playground and what was the outcome? As playground equipment age they can become non-compliant, which is why regular maintenance and safety audits are crucial.
4. Your accessibility needs: All kids should be able to play, but not all kids have the same needs. No two schools are the same - what equipment does your school specifically need? Ensuring that equipment is accessible for the range of ages and abilities present at your school is vital.
5. Suitable materials: The amount of wear and tear expected, your sustainability goals, and your local weather - can all impact what materials are most suitable for your space!
6. Your budget and available grants: Budget will ultimately dictate what you're able to achieve, but applying for government grants can help fund projects and fill budget gaps.

Through our extensive experience working with Tasmanian schools, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of safe and stimulating play spaces. We have collaborated with Tassie schools to create custom play areas that not only meet but exceed their expectations, including:

• Bicheno Primary School
• Flinders Island District High School  
• Montello Primary School
• Devonport Christian School
• Latrobe High School
• Deloraine Primary School
• Glen Dhu Primary School
• Scottsdale High School
• West Ulverstone Primary School

We understand that navigating the process of upgrading or installing new play equipment can be daunting, especially without local suppliers or guidance. That's why we offer comprehensive virtual consultations that cover all the above considerations (and more), and share site photos and near-map images, so you don't miss out on the customised and collaborative process. 

Whether you're considering upgrading your current space or installing a new one, Imagination Play is here to help. Our team can provide expert advice on maximising your budget, ensuring safety and compliance, and creating stimulating environments suitable for all students.

To explore play equipment options, visit our website or explore our playground equipment catalogue. For assistance with planning and design options or grant applications, get in touch.

TPA Elections

We will begin our bi-annual election cycle at the beginning of next term, with nominations opening on Wednesday 29 July 2024. Three positions on the TPA State Executive, each for a two-year term of office commencing 1 January 2025 are up for election:

• President
• Vice President Primary
• Vice President Secondary.

I encourage you to consider nominating for a position on our Executive.  Being involved is personally and professionally rewarding and a great means of contributing to our wonderful profession. 

Further details will be provided at the commencement of term three.

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