Dear Colleagues

As we near the end of Term, I would like to thank all members for their feedback and contributions to NTPA. The strength of the Association lies in its membership and we encourage all school leaders to join the Association to ensure your voice is represented. The Association offers collegial support and connection to others which is a great protective factor to help manage your wellbeing. No one understands the complexity and challenges of the principal role more than your colleagues. I know many of you have faced had challenges and tough experiences this term and continually demonstrate agility and resiliency.  I recently came across this article Managing complexity: Practical tips for school principals in The Educator which recognises the importance of building connection and relationships with your colleagues.

• Network, network, network! Make time to meet with colleagues away from school for a coffee or meal.
• Contact colleagues for advice, support or to debrief.
• Attend network meetings, no matter how boring or how irritating they are. Make a conscious effort to chat with as many colleagues as possible.
• If aware a colleague isn’t doing well, check in with them regularly. This will be reciprocated when you need the support.
• Stand with your colleagues. If there’s a burning issue, voice the concern collectively. There is always strength in numbers.

This last point is critical for NTPA to collectively address issues and concerns in our system, especially those that can reduce any impact on school leader workload and support our leaders to thrive.

NTPA takes daily calls from members to provide advice, support and direction. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Congratulations to our colleagues who have recently won or been appointed to principal positions to commence in Term 3. Hopefully we can send out an updated list by the start of next term. We encourage new colleagues to join NTPA. 2023 membership is now 50% reduced. https://forms.office.com/r/XfkaFc6s1g

I hope you have had the chance to register for the Leaders Summit to be held on August 15^th and 16^th. This is always a great opportunity to connect with colleagues across the NT. NTPA will host a networking session at the end of the second day at the Precinct so please call in and catch up with new and old friends. Drop into our stall at the Summit and enter our raffle by contributing your burning issue.

Please take the opportunity to provide feedback on the Secondary Review and Preschool Review Discussion Papers. These are important Reviews to ensure that we continue to provide the right support to our students and their families.

Remember to take a break over the next 3 weeks. Switch off and put some boundaries in place to ensure you return recharged and refreshed for Semester Two.

Thank you again for your amazing work, for being an educator and leader, and making a difference to the lives of many children and young people.

Stay well