21 November 2024

President’s Report

Last week, Tasmania signed on to the Federal Government’s school funding deal, locking in 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) for our public schools from 2026 – nine years earlier than was initially proposed. Under the deal signed between the Rockliff and Albanese governments, the Commonwealth will invest $153.5m from 2025 to 2029 in Tasmanian public schools while the Rockliff Government will increase its investment in schools by $195.9m over the same period.

We consider the arrangement as a once-in-a generation ‘reset’ of public education funding and applaud both the State and Federal governments for being able to come to an agreement that provides a significant boost for public education in Tasmania.

It is important to consider that the SRS is just the minimum standard. So, whilst we are establishing a new baseline figure for public education in our state, other non-government schools may be sitting well above 100% SRS. TPA feels that there appears to be a clear alignment between DECYP’s direction and the objectives in the bilateral agreement. From the details we can see, that this agreement provides the resources needed to sustain the current initiatives and direction set by the Tasmanian Government, particularly in the areas of literacy improvement, student wellbeing, engagement, and attendance.

TPA ask our State Government to consider the clause allowing them discretion to see up to 4% of funding used for functions like regulatory bodies and bus services, that are also accessed by the non-government sector and curious as to any contributions from other sectors. We will continue to liaise with the Minister’s Office and DECYP senior leaders in understanding the implications for schools and timely communications for principals in managing their resources from 2025 and beyond.

Status of the ‘hard to staff’ incentives that were linked to the state budget

DECYP are currently waiting on a decision from the central government regarding one final element of the package. The final consideration relates to the year 2 and 3 lump sum payments in the isolated schools’ package (the one that already exists at Schedule 1 of the Teachers Agreement, not the hard-to-staff schools’ package which was the election commitment). If approved, the Agreement required to give life to the new package shouldn’t take much time to finalise and register with the Industrial Commission. 

Update on Accelerated Principal Salary Progressions

DECYP had a final internal meeting this week to conclude this process. There are a small number of principals with specific circumstances that need review and a decision, but the balance of the cohort is now decided and communications with be issued shortly to advise applicants. 

Status of AST/AP review

The AST/AP review is in hiatus as it was recognised that any redesign of middle-leadership classification and pay structures would be necessarily encompassed in next year’s negotiation process. DECYP are likely to meet again early next year prior to either side establishing any bargaining positions, TPA have asked to be informed moving forward.

Professor Andy Hargreaves Workshop – Term 1 2025

The link is now live for our term 1 workshop and registrations have started rolling in! Please know that the discounted offer is extended to your leadership teams as well. 😊

Professional Learning - Tasmanian Principals Association

Keep an eye on this link as we’ll be adding registration links for our Growth Coaching Sessions statewide and face to face and remote PL with the NSWPPA ‘Leading at the Speed of Trust’ & ‘Multipliers’.

National Updates & Points of Interest (In Brief!)

Thank you to Georgia (Hillcrest Primary) for representing TPA at the recent AGPPA meeting whilst I was on leave. I know that Georgia was able to give a strong representation for her Tasmanian primary colleagues.

The ASPA meeting was the following week in Canberra, and we had the unique opportunity to meet with the Greens Education Spokesperson Senator Alman-Payne, the Liberal Shadow Education Spokesperson Senator Henderson and the Deputy Secretary of the Federal Department Meg Brighton. The insights from their perspective on the national landscape, as well as being able to feed in from the eyes of principals from states and territories was immensely beneficial.

The ASPA 2024 Annual Report is now published here: https://www.aspa.asn.au/what-we-do-1 - scroll down to the bottom to access the link.

It would be great if you could familiarise yourself with this to help secondary leaders understand what ASPA is and does, and why it’s important to be represented at the national level.

Welcome new members!

It’s been great to welcome Anna Knowles and Sarah-Jane Tregenza.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions in relation to the above, or would like to chat more generally.

Look forward to connecting with you again soon.

Warm regards & take care

Mat

Mat Grining
TPA President

Welcome - Platinum Partner Easy Turf

We’re pleased to introduce Easy Turf as a new Platinum Partner of the Tasmanian Principals Association. Easy Turf brings a wealth of expertise in providing quality synthetic turf solutions tailored to educational settings, enhancing both safety and usability for school communities.

With the recent announcement of the State Government’s $10 million, five-year Playgrounds and Sports Upgrade Program—part of the 2024 Election commitments—Easy Turf’s partnership is especially timely. This program, aimed at upgrading playgrounds and sports courts, will provide contemporary, fit-for-purpose amenities for schools, colleges, and child and family learning centres across Tasmania. 

We encourage members to consider how this partnership with Easy Turf can support your projects and upgrades, helping our schools access high-quality, sustainable turf solutions as part of their improvement plans.

For further information or if you would like to discuss options, please contact Michael, Business Development Manager, Easy Turf michael@easyturf.com.au  or 0491 264 604.

The Grange P-9 School, Hoppers Crossing (Old damaged asphalt court converted)

Movelle Primary School, Kings Park (Large grass area, added AFL/ soccer field with running track)

Professional Learning Opportunities

Professor Andy Hargreaves

TPA & ACEL invite members to join your colleagues for an exclusive full-day workshop with internationally renowned Canadian presenter and researcher Professor Andy Hargreaves.

• Wednesday 5 March 2025 – Launceston Conference Centre

Discounted TPA/ACEL Member rate of $350.00. We are also extending the discounted rate to members of your leadership team.

For more information and to register click here

We encourage you to share this with your leadership teams.

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. Further details can be accessed via the link below.

Leaders then apply and trial skills and concepts in their workplace and roles.

Scheduled sessions -

• North West (Burnie): 27th and 28th February 2025
• North (Launceston): 3rd and 4th April 2025
• South (Hobart): 7th and 8th April 2025

TPA Member Discount rate of $830.00 (excluding GST) per participant

Venue details are to be confirmed.  Information will be updated on the TPA Website Professional Learning as registrations open.

Please contact manager@tpa.org.au for additional information or if you have any questions regarding professional learning opportunities.

For all professional learning opportunities visit the link below.

TPA Partner Discounts

ZART ART

Hart Sport

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.

TPA Partners

Platinum

Click here to view the Easy Turf Website

Gold

Silver