President Update
Happy Week 10 Term 3
Has been a busy term for us all.
NTPA ended the term with two workshops from Polly McGee. Polly’s workshops in Darwin and for remote Territory leaders where titled “Regulate to Lead: Rest, Resilience and Recovery for Trauma‑Responsive School Leadership.” Participants learned to recognise secondary trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue, practised real‑time regulation techniques and explored polyvagal‑informed approaches to nervous‑system responses.
They reflected on leadership culture, worked to restore psychological safety and began designing a “regulation first aid” toolkit for coregulation, team resilience and boundary‑setting. Members reported that the program deepened their skills and emphasised intentional self‑care and to regulate in the moment and how to set healthy workplace boundaries.
Participants also received the Trauma Responsive People, Teams and Culture video series for ongoing support.
I attended the We Are More event in Alice Springs, which aims to reimagine learning systems in Australia to reflect young people’s capabilities and aspirations.
Over three days we heard stories of courage, innovation and vision: from universities reshaping pathways, to schools prioritising belonging and agency, to young people demanding codesign.
It was clear that youth must be involved at every decision‑making level as leaders and equals, because their perspectives and power drive meaningful change.
Alice Springs Language Centre presented a ‘story’ at We Are More.
Principal Susan Moore shared that over the past eight years the Centre has trained School Based Trainees to grow the Arrernte educator team because hiring Arrerte educators was difficult. The first trainee Crystal Rose Furber Swan studied Arrernte all the way to Year 12 is now mentoring two trainees each year. Another former trainee, Tanisha Davis, who speaks five languages, now teaches Arrernte from preschool to Year 6 in Mparntwe schools. Disengaged in Middle School, Tanisha found a traineeship ignited her passion for teaching and now has a successful career at the Language Centre. This approach helps address teacher shortages and ensures educators represent the local community.
I want to acknowledge the work that all our leaders undertake every day. Your commitment to your schools, delivering education programs and adapting to many challenges is commendable. I encourage you to complete the ACU Health and Wellbeing Survey.
Reconnecting to the Leaders’ Summit, I want to reinforce the importance of leadership wellbeing. Is your NTPA green frog, being a gentle reminder to prioritise your wellbeing? Great leaders know when to:
- Leap forward with confidence when opportunities arise
- Stay calm under pressure, even in the busiest pond
- Take time to pause on your lily pad before making big decisions
- Next term name one small win before you leave work each day
- Set clear boundaries for next term (email-free hour, no meeting morning) and protect it
- Next term move your body daily for 10 minutes either going for a walk, stretch or dance to shift energy
- Connect with a colleague for a brief check in or a shared laugh.
Schedule something you enjoy this break and treat it as non‑negotiable. Fill your days with small pleasures a walk, a good book, a favourite meal, or time with people who lift you up and let those moments restore your energy. Allow yourself permission to slow down, to laugh and to reconnect with what matters outside work.
Have a fantastic break and return refreshed, curious and ready to lead with renewed clarity.
Carolyn
Carolyn Edwards