Dear Colleagues

Welcome back to 2024- the year of the Dragon! I wanted to google what this might mean for our esteemed school leaders, but you guessed it, it was whitelisted! This seems to be a huge issue which I know you are all familiar with. Anyway, as strategic leaders we know that 2024 will bring plenty of joy and challenges. Some of you have already experienced floods, road closures and food supply shortages. However, the most positive news to be announced this year will be funding agreement between the Territory and Commonwealth Government. Our plan to get all NT schools to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). Considerable lobbying and advocacy have been undertaken by both our national and local associations over the past year to achieve this.

As the Expert Panel, convened by education ministers, reported in December, full funding of public schools is ‘urgent and critical’ and a prerequisite for learning and wellbeing improvement across the nation. Here is a copy of the Expert Panel Report. Australian Government Summary report of the Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System.

https://www.education.gov.au/review-inform-better-and-fairer-education-system/review-inform-better-and-fairer-education-system-reports

Now just in case you don’t have time to read the summary report, we have included some graphics below which summarise the key points.

NTPA is recognised as the collective voice for school leaders throughout the NT at both a Territory and National level. It is a key stakeholder and advisory body to the Department, the Chief Executive and Minister of Education, and influences through strong partnerships and advocacy. Earlier in the year we had the opportunity to meet the new Education Minister Mark Monaghan to inform him of issues experienced by our members. Our members have collectively raised the issue of lack of growth in principal salaries, in particular those on a frozen wage, which impacts on retention and attraction to the principalship. We know that this is a growing national issue on top of teacher shortages. NTPA have presented a paper to review the current salary levels to Minister Monaghan and have been told that this will be investigated.

The Secondary Review is anticipated to be released next week, and we look forward to working with the Department on the implementation of the recommendations from the report.

Funding for Central Australia

Central Australian schools have been able to start the year off with the additional $40 million funding from the Commonwealth. This funding commitment has helped them to get close to 100% of the SRS, went directly to schools and was based on enrolment. The challenge, however, was and continues to be recruitment. NTPA advocated strongly to ensure an agreement was reached with OCPE to allow a new Determination to attract and retain teachers in Alice Springs schools. This included a $3500 Attraction and Retention Allowance for both current and new teachers. This was a pleasing outcome and may set the path for future EBA negotiations to ensure we have competitive conditions to attract and retain teachers.

Teacher Shortages

NTPA understands the impact teacher shortages is having on our school leaders. Not only have many of you spent limitless hours trying to recruit over the holidays but are now managing additional teaching loads for school leaders or yourself as interim measures. This pressure will often impact on the strategic work that you are leading, so please push back on what is not your priority. Let us know what this could look like if needed.

NTPA are continuing to advocate and work with the Minister and Department on Attraction and Retention Strategies, to ensure the NT remains competitive. My recommendation to all school leaders is to continue to recruit throughout the year, as the teacher shortage is a long-term issue, not just a 2024 issue.

Wellbeing is your number 1 priority!

Wellbeing is your number priority for yourself this year. The role of the school leader has become more complex and there are more demands, so it is critical that you implement a wellbeing strategy for the year or term. Don’t leave it to luck! Here are some suggestions:

· A live concert- Pink or Taylor Swift (if you were lucky enough to get tickets)

· A new fitness regime? Or try ice bathing!

· Or a promise to invest in your own leadership growth with a mentor or coach.

· A trusted colleague you can catch up with regularly.

Whatever it is, make sure you have an intentional strategy in mind. NTPA has provided a list of coaches or mentors to help support you on your leadership journey.

Congratulations and welcome to all new school leaders. Please see attached the membership link for any new school leaders.

Take care

Robyn

Trudy Graham www.trudygraham.com.au

BTS Sparks Coaching- Gail Smith <gail.smith@bts.com></gail.smith@bts.com>

Be You Headspace

If you need support to target an effective wellbeing framework for your staff, please consider the resources and support offered through Be You Headspace. The following resource Beyond Self-Care: An Educator Wellbeing Guide provides structure, guiding principles, resources, and simple auditing tools to assist in promoting a whole-school, shared approach to educator wellbeing.

Register for Be You Spotlights here

Register for Be you Conversations here

Robyn Thorpe

President Email: ntpa.admin@education.nt.gov.au or ntpa.president@education.nt.gov.au

Dr Polly McGee is an author, trauma trained leadership consultant and somatic psychotherapist with a diverse background. From leading fast growth start-ups and excelling in innovation to guiding digital strategies as "Doctor Digital," they bring a unique perspective to the table and stage.