President Update
NTPA Executive meetings with the CE and Deputy CEs
Key items discussed
- 2025 Budget Implementation
- Secondary Review Implementation Update
- Swimming in Schools
- Agency interstate travel guidelines
- Government Employee Housing
- Pay Disparity between ECP, PLO, Assistant Principals and Senior teachers
Leaders’ Summit
The Leaders' Summit provided NTPA the opportunity to promote our association as a key stakeholder in education. This year, I was invited to speak and used the platform to present some alarming findings from the 2023 Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey. NT principals face significantly higher challenges than the national average, with 64.7% experiencing physical violence (national: 48.2%), 61.8% receiving threats (national: 53.9%), and 47.1% showing serious mental health risk indicators (second-highest nationally). Parent/caregiver interactions remain particularly concerning, with elevated rates of threats (65.6%), bullying (57.9%), and reputational damage (65.1%).
NTPA continue to partner with ELCC to strengthen Principal Wellbeing support.
The feedback from Chapters on the Leaders' Summit had the following Common Themes:
Report: Understanding Critical Incidents Empowering Australian School Leaders. This report was released 26 November. This report was undertaken by ACU Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University. Principals Australia Research Foundation (PARF) funded this research and the Tasmanian Principals Association (TPA) commissioned the report.
This report highlights that school leaders are experiencing cumulative trauma from repeated critical incidents. The report has some general recommendations that could be used/adapted/applied by NTPA and DET regarding School Leaders’ Wellbeing in the NT.
The past semester has been challenging, through it all, principals, assistant principals, and school leaders have demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience and an unwavering commitment.
With less than two weeks remaining in the school term, now is the time to plan for genuine rest and renewal. The Christmas break offers a vital opportunity to prioritise your wellbeing through intentional disconnection. Taking time away from work isn't just a luxury – it's an essential investment in your sustainability as a leader. Allowing ourselves to truly disconnect from the stresses and worries of our work helps prevent burnout and restores our emotional and physical reserves. Resist the urge to check emails or take calls; instead, be present with family and friends, pursue activities that bring you joy, and give yourself permission to rest without guilt. Remember that self-care isn't selfish, it's the foundation of effective leadership. Whether you choose to spend time with loved ones, engage in hobbies, exercise, read, or simply enjoy quiet moments of reflection, these activities rebuild the energy and clarity needed to lead with purpose. Your wellbeing directly impacts your ability to support your school community, making rest not just beneficial, but necessary.
Carolyn
Carolyn Edwards