Whilst in Alice Springs, I connected with a number of school leaders and attended their Principal Collaborative Learning Day. This was an opportunity to introduce them to the work that is happening to address Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) in our schools through the OVA Report. NTPA are working with the Education Leadership, Culture and Care Division in the implementation of the OVA’s report recommendations and to provide opportunities for consultation on what’s worked and what hasn’t worked.

NTPA Executive Meeting

Last week the NTPA exec had the opportunity to meet face to face and connect with the CE, Deputy CE and Executive Directors. These are great opportunities to represent your views to the senior executive board as we discuss, share and listen to ideas, issues and concerns. Some of these include our workforce challenges and the impact on school leaders’ workload and wellbeing.

$40 million for Alice Springs schools

The recent announcement by Federal Minister, Jason Clare that $40 million will be allocated to Central Australian schools is welcomed and will support schools to achieve 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). This provides a great opportunity for funding to support the right interventions to address the current challenges, recognising that school leader voice is central to this. 

Principals in Alice Springs valued the opportunity to sit down with the Federal Education Minister and discuss the issues and a way forward.

Upgrading connectivity for remote schools

It was also pleasing to hear the recent NTG announcement that $4 million will be invested into addressing internet connectivity issues in remote communities with technologies including new low earth orbital satellite.  (attach media release)

School Counselling model

The new school counselling model was discussed and the department will seek further opportunities to consult with principals for feedback and advice. NTPA were advised that the new model has not yet been finalised, that the department is working through the legal issue of ‘consent’, and that the model requires practice supervision as part of their employee responsibilities. The department has signed an agreement with Be You to support whole school initiatives to address the growing mental health and wellbeing issues of students

Preschool and Secondary Review

The Preschool Review Discussion paper is open until the 29th May 2023 for consultation and all school leaders are encouraged to ‘Have their Say’.  

Preschool review | Have Your Say Northern Territory

The Secondary Review Discussion paper should be released shortly, again providing school leaders the opportunity to ‘Have their Say’.

Vaping in schools

NTPA have been advocating for a strong campaign to address the increasing vaping issue for young people and children in our schools. This has resulted in a campaign being released shortly by the Heath Department with materials and resources. NTPA also made a submission to the NT Parliamentary Inquiry. NTPA have requested that communities are made aware of the health impact of ‘Prime’ drinks.

Recognising leaders and educators

We are encouraging school leaders to recognise and nominate colleagues for the Chief Minister Awards and Teach in the Territory Awards.  These provide wonderful opportunities to celebrate the excellent work of our educators and leaders.

After feedback from members, NTPA have suggested that the department review how information is shared with principals from various divisions. This is to ensure that school leaders know what is happening in the department and who can best support their needs.

Teaching and Learning Division

The Teaching and Learning division are currently creating an excellent curriculum resource for those schools wanting a refined literacy and numeracy document- the EsseNTial Curriculum. They have also consulted with South Australia to gain access to their curriculum resources.

Education Leadership, Culture and Care Division

NTPA have partnered with ELCC to support the implementation of the School Leader Wellbeing Action Plan including the Occupational Violence and Aggression in schools reports 17 recommendations. A review into Critical Incident Onsite Support which includes onsite Group Psychological First Aid (Delivered by a Clinician), 1:1 sessions with the Clinician, Follow up at 48hours, 1 week, 3 weeks and 4 weeks and Work Health and Safety Incident Management Reporting system to reduce admin burden for schools.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to NTPA if you need support. We provide collegial support, advice and feedback on a daily basis.