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Firstly, I would like to warmly welcome all of those of you who are new to the principalship, assistant principalship or taken on a new school leader role this semester. It is always exciting when we begin a new leadership journey; new challenges, feelings of optimism and opportunities to apply your leadership skills and thinking in new ways. NTPA have compiled a list of changes in principal positions but apologies if we have left anyone off. Welcome to the profession.
- Chris Errington - Katherine South
- Theo Van Zyl - Lajamanu School
- Guy Hendricks - Clyde Fenton
- Merryn Curley - Numbulwar
- Theo Debeer - Robinson River
- Sunita Tripathi - Urapunga
- Stephen Hill - Wugularr
- Conor Fennel - Katherine High
- Michelle Leonard - Alekarenge
- Rachel Byles - Ampilatwatja
- Leeanne Forbes - Neutral Junction School
- Kerrie Russell - Alice Springs School of the Air
- Tom Middleton - Sadadeen School
- Juliet Mokoto - Bonya School
- Mark Webster - Ti Tree
- Kylie McKay - Harts Range
- Ian Herban - Papunya
- Marita McKenzie - Stirling school
- Mark Mangohig - Jingili Primary School
- Bianca Hyke - Parap Primary
- Renae Graham - Nightcliff Primary
- Samantha Brannelly - Malak Primary School
- Angela Seymour - Mimik-ga
- Leisha Crompton - Stuart Park Primary
- Kathryn Stanislaus - Manunda Tce
- Angela Lawrence - Milyakburra School
- Ken Millar - Warruwi School
- Dannielle Hall - Bakewell
- Emma Hansen - Bees Creek
- Dannille Cairns - Nganmarriyanga School
- Dannielle Banicek - Roseberry
- Jarrod Vague - Woolianna School
- Elizabeth Andrande - Zuccoli Primary School
- Sue Heysen - Pularumpi School
It does not matter where you are at on your leadership journey, there are always times, when you will question yourself, feel overwhelmed or not know who to ask for help. As I was reading ‘Embracing Messy Leadership’ by Alyssa Gallagher and Rosie Connor, I was reminded that School leadership can be lonely business… when you’re a principal, you may feel lonelier still; in the spotlight, under pressure to be all things to all people, and unable to confide in anyone for fear of breaking confidentiality or appearing weak.
To manage the demands of the job and your wellbeing, it is essential that you are proactive: find a coach, a trusted mentor, connect to others through the Association and your networks. Don’t wait for the cavalry to provide you the support you need. You are the most important person in your school, others depend on your leadership, and it is essential that you invest in yourself with the funds, time and resources required. Too often we put the needs of others before ourselves, so have the courage to be a little bit more focused on what you need.
Here are some ideas for schools to show their appreciation:
- Organise a Thank You morning tea or lunch
- A token of appreciation: surprise them with a personalised gift, a thank you card, or a handwritten note.
- Host a special assembly where students and staff can share their gratitude.
- Create a tribute video featuring messages from students, teachers, and parents.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Sarah Corry from Henbury School and Ben Kleinig from Manyallaluk School for being shortlisted Department of Education finalists in the 2024 Chief Minister’s Awards! It is absolutely wonderful to see these schools and principals recognised for their strategic and innovative leadership. We wish them all the best for these awards.NTPA Elections
Elections for the NTPA executive positions are open for all positions and close on 6th August. I have completed my three years as president and look forward to welcoming a new incoming president for 2025. Constitutionally, presidents serve a two-year period with the option of a third. All other positions are for a two-year period. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the past 3 years and believe NTPA, with its 172 members, is well positioned to be the key stakeholder to inform, advise and co-construct the next steps of our Education Department Reforms.
Leaders’ Summit - AGM
The NTPA Elections will be formally recognised at the NTPA AGM. This is held on the second day of the Leaders Summit, as it provides an opportunity for all members to be present. This has been earmarked for Thursday 31 October and Friday 1st November. This year we will be hosting an additional activity after the AGM to celebrate our profession and Association. Please keep an eye out for the email to gauge interest, as this will determine our final choice of activity.
NTPA AGM Awards
The NTPA AGM is also when we acknowledge and recognise the outstanding work our leaders have contributed to the Association and profession. The Award categories are Meritorious and Life Membership. Full criteria can be found in the attachments below.
Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA previously the NRSA)
We are awaiting the final signing of the Bilateral Agreement between the Federal and NT Government and have been informed that this is on track to be completed before caretaker which begins this Thursday 1st August. This will secure the 40/60% Funding Agreement the NT has with the Federal Government and provide certainty for an improved funding model based on enrolment. Additional agreed funding for 2025, will also provide resourcing for the implementation of the Secondary and Preschool review recommendations.
Remember your leadership drives both school and system improvement. Have a great start to the term and please reach out for support or to provide any feedback.
Robyn
Robyn Thorpe
We would like to announce that nominations are open for the NTPA officer bearer roles for 2025/2026.
- President
- Vice President Primary
- Vice President Secondary
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Each position is for a 2-year term and will commence in 2025. The President role has an optional third year at the discretion of the President at the time.
The President role is an offline position for the period of their presidency.
Please find below the NTPA election policy, office bearing role descriptions and current nomination form.
Jo Poulter will be acting as Returning Officer for nominations.
Should we receive multiple nominations for a position we will engage Vero Voting as an independent secure online voting organisation.
Please email nominations to ntpa.admin@education.nt.gov.au by 4.30pm Tuesday 6th August 2024.
Thank you to Leah Crockford and Brenda Jolley who were the NTPA stakeholder representatives on the Preschool Review. Leah and I attended the launch of this work and look forward to continued involvement to provide principal voice and input into the implementation of the 14 recommendations. The final report is published on the education.nt.gov.au website.
Secondary Review- NTPA have advocated for communication for families, especially in relation to the move from Middle Schools to Comprehensive schools. Please see the attached flyer for your school communities.
Thank you to those who have joined the Reform School Voice Advisory Group. NTPA have advocated for representation from across the NT be on this group to provide strategic advice from leaders in schools. Completing your Age Grade Census data accurately will be essential as this will inform your funding for 2025, along with Week 4 Term 1 2024 data.
Principal Salaries and Conditions
NTPA has been advocating for a review of how school principal levels are classified using the Mercer Tool and are pleased that this has been included in the latest EBA Bulletin. It is essential that we address the diminishing pay for principals to ensure attraction and retention. We have requested that our Chief Minister review the Wage Freeze Policy impacting 22 Executive Contract Principals. NTPA will continue to be a strong voice in advocating for a fair resolution to this growing issue as well the increasing workload for principals and teachers. We are advocating for measures to alleviate these pressures, aiming to create a more sustainable and balanced work environment.
Governance and Implementation Committee – As a key stakeholder on this committee it has been rewarding to observe the great work happening in our schools across the NT as part of the Education Engagement Strategy. Congratulations to those working in Central Australia and achieving success through your Learning on Country measures.
Occupational Violence and Aggression Committee (OVA)
As a member of the OVA Committee, NTPA are continuing to provide advice and input into the implementation of the recommendations form the OVA Report. We hope to send you the OVA communique soon.
Suspension Guidelines
NTPA have advocated for wider consultation with principals. Please make sure you provide feedback by the 9th August. The 2024 documents are available for review on eLearn. Please provide your feedback either directly to your Senior Director or by completing the online form. We are pleased that the interim guidelines (2021) will remain in force until the final version of the 2024 guidelines are approved.
Beyond SharePoint feedback sessions
If you have the time, please ensure you provide feedback for the replacement of SchoolCentral, MyBiz, iCenter, and the education intranet. We have continued to advocate for measures to reduce administrative burden, so it is essential that your feedback is received. Workshops are scheduled from 23 July to 1 August 2024, are online and run up to 2 hours. Click here to take part in one of the scheduled workshops. If you have any questions, contact the Beyond SharePoint team on Beyond.SharePoint@nt.gov.au or 8999 2360.
Positive Impact
NTPA have been advocates to have the classification of ‘passive’ changed so are pleased this has been rebranded to Intensive Support Roll. This reflects a more proactive systemic approach to addressing this issue.
NTPA have requested improved communication from our various Divisions so are pleased that Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services (SWIPS) have developed a newsletter to share key information for schools. This includes workforce updates, support available to schools, professional learning opportunities and resources.
It was great to have Dr Polly McGee and Rikki Mawad present to our Central Australia colleagues on Trauma Responsive Leadership. This workshop has been highly valued by members as they walk away with a deeper understanding of trauma and leadership, managing the trauma held by all in your school and techniques for self-care. My biggest take away was deal with conflict early, often and directly! And that it takes 12-14 minutes for a dysregulated emotional adult to cool down! Don’t talk to them in the heat of the moment, suspend the conversation, circle back later.
Professional Learning Day for School Leaders – keep an eye out for a workshop later this term.
The BTS Spark online Personal Resiliance workshops still have a couple of spots left. We have recorded the first 2 sessions so if you would like to participate in the next 2 sessions you are welcome to join.
Email ntpa.admin@education.nt.gov.au for more infromation or to register.
Dr Polly McGee's shares some very practical wellbeing tips in her workshops. We would like to share a few key messages.
An Opportunity to Partner with Australian Schools Plus
From 5 August to 9 September 2024, schools can apply for a ‘Partnership Opportunity’ with national not-for-profit, Australian Schools Plus.
This is an opportunity for schools to receive funding, coaching support and resources from Schools Plus to help design and implement a strategic project over a single or multi-year period, giving children more opportunities to thrive.
Eligible schools must have an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) below 1000. Both individual and clusters of schools can apply, across all states and sectors in Australia.
For more info, visit www.schoolsplus.org.au/for-schools/partnership-opportunities.
Free yourself from BBI!
Six Wrong Ways to Make a Right First Impression
Recommended Way
How do we come across to our audience so they see us as confident and competent and especially intelligent?
Here’s the secret:
Talk with your hands and when you come to a pause, don’t move your hands until you talk again.
Now, that’s the recommended way but we almost have to be aware of how we do it wrong, so we have that contrast in our mind, so we can do it the right way.
The Six Wrong Ways
Read the full article here
Great news! The Harding Miller Education Foundation (HMEF) are currently accepting applications from eligible year eight students. We warmly invite potential candidates to apply for a HMEF Scholarship for 2025. Think of this as an essential stepping stone towards a brighter future.
We are a small not for profit organisation doing great things in supporting females’ careers aspirations and pathways to non-traditional vocations and education choices.
Home - UNIQ You is a virtual service where we have an extensive network of female advisors (75 across various industries) that share career conversations with year 9 - 12 students to inspire thought and conversations regarding females’ career journeys.
We are supported by significant industry partners (see brochure) where we can partner with schools to bring these conversations (via online) to audiences across NT.
The UNIQ You team has recently expanded and received new support from industry allowing us to take on new schools in Term 3 & 4 this year.
More informatiuon can be found here.
Our very own Walungurru School recently received nearly $50,000 worth of brand new goods. Read their story impact here.
See the flyer below for more information on how this proram could beneift your school community.
Click on this link to complete the online form or email ntpa.admin@education.nt.gov.au for more information.