Thank you to everyone that particated in such a successful evening. Please enjoy looking thorough the photos and reading sage advice from past presidents.

Don Zoellner Past President 1999-2000

 As a former president and member for more than 20 years, I would have very much enjoyed attending. Unfortunately, I have commitments here in Alice Springs that make it impossible to make it to Darwin.

From my perspective, the links that the NTPA developed with the national primary and secondary principals’ associations were the highlight. NT principals were/are given exposure to national events and policymaking through participation in the executive committees of the larger groups and can bring back to the NT insights and knowledge that most principals in the larger jurisdictions would never be exposed to as an active participant.

From my personal experience, as the NTPA representative to ASPA, I was able to become the board chair of the Australian Principals’ Associations Professional Development Council (the nation’s worst acronym – APAPDC!) and served on the board for 6 years. This group provided PD for school leaders in all sectors and levels and during my time co-developed and delivered many national programs, including Dare to Lead, which aimed at improving Indigenous learning outcomes by supporting explicit school leadership strategies. The other stand out activity was the delivery of the secondary school mental health promotion package – Mind Matters.

From my involvement with Mind Matters I went on to be a member of the National Advisory Council on Suicide Prevention, bringing the perspectives of school leaders to the table and I still remain active in mental health activities here in the NT.

These involvements, and many others, started with being a member of the NTPA.

I pass on my best wishes to those in attendance and are looking forward to what the next 40 years might bring.

Denise Wilkowski Past President 2007- 2009

I can honestly say that being president of ANTSEL was what I consider to have been one of the most satisfying highlights of my career and at times one of the most challenging. I particularly enjoyed visiting schools and interacting with the students and their teachers. One other aspect I felt was vitally important was being available for our members, to listen and to walk them through whatever problem they were experiencing at the time. Even if it was at midnight or once when I was on holiday in Japan.

Britany Roestenburg Past President 2019- 2021

I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to the Northern Territory Principals’ Association on its 40th birthday—what an incredible milestone and a testament to the strength, spirit and solidarity of school leadership in the Territory.

I’m so sorry that I can’t be with you in person tonight to celebrate this momentous occasion. I would have loved nothing more than to stand among you—to reflect, reconnect, and raise a glass to all that the NTPA has been and all that it continues to be.

As a former President, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the power of this association—its capacity to bring people together, advocate fiercely for our profession, and hold firm to the belief that great leadership transforms lives.

It has been a privilege to be part of an association that not only supports its members but boldly advocates for real, lasting change—like securing principal permanency—ensuring our leaders have the stability and confidence to lead with purpose and impact.

Over the past four decades, the NTPA has not only provided a collective voice for principals across the Territory—it has built a community. A community bound by courage, collegiality, and a deep commitment to the students, staff and communities.

It’s easy to forget, in the day-to-day challenges of school leadership, just how important that community is. But it’s the people in this room—and those who came before us—who remind us that we are never alone. That through shared purpose, open dialogue, and a bit of Territory grit, leaders can face anything.

To my colleagues who’ve shaped this journey—from urban centres to the most remote parts of our vast and beautiful landscape—thank you. Your work matters. Your leadership matters. And this association is stronger because of each of you.

While I can't be there in person, please know I am celebrating with you in spirit—reflecting with pride on how far we’ve come and looking ahead at the amazing possibilities.

So, here’s to 40 years of NTPA.
To advocacy with impact.
To leadership with heart.
To connection that carries us forward.

Happy birthday, NTPA—and thank you for letting me be part of your story which one day I may return too.

Robyn Thorpe Past President 2022-2024

Apologies I could not join you today to share in the wonderful achievements of NTPA over the past 40 years.

I was deeply privileged to be the president of the association for 3 years and represent our school leader voices at not only a local and regional level but across the nation as well.

Making sure that the NT was never forgotten; and that despite our unique challenges, we have some of the most innovative, intelligent and responsive leaders in the nation. And never forget that during this time, despite being the most underfunded education system across Australia, the results that our leaders achieve are remarkable!

I felt deeply connected to my colleagues and fellow educators through the Association and they gave me the strength and resilience both as a principal and president. No one really understands the challenges and complexities of our jobs more so than a colleague. Having someone to share with, who understands, respects the work, celebrates your achievements and can make you laugh at what might sound unbelievable to others is what makes being part of the Association so important.

Congratulations to our past presidents and all those members who volunteer their time to be part of the executive or local chapters; and to all who contribute in some shape or form; you all understand what it means to be a part of something bigger than ourselves to ensure the best outcomes for our NT students. Good luck and best wishes.

Thank you to Megan Hunter for presenting these workshops. Megan provided participants with toolkits to help guide difficult workplace communication using BIFF (Brief Informative Friendly Firm) and calming upset people using EAR (Empathy Attention Respect).

Feedback from participants

• How to keep myself calm and use skills like giving choices, giving proposals etc to resolve issues
• How to resolve high conflict issues with simple strategies
• How to BIFF e-mails and use EAR to try and defuse some situations.
• Don’t take HCI personal. There are often underlying issues that is making them behave this way
• Tools to use when there is a situation that is complicated

• Launch of the Boosting Literacy and Numeracy Plan
• East Arnhem PCL Day
• Darwin Chapter meeting
• Draft Health Care Procedures
• NT Principal Capability Framework
• 2025 Education and Training Executive Board
• Working Group- Swimming and Water Safety in Schools
• Intensive Support Roll
• Educator Safety and Wellbeing Program
• School Counsellor Workforce Proposal
• Flexible Education Policy Suite
• EMS: Restrictive Practices-Special School

As of 30 May, NTPA have participated in 10 Principal Panels this term.

The ASPA Board convened in Darwin on May 7-8, 2025, to address key issues in secondary education across Australia, focusing on support for principals and school leaders.

2025 Summit Feedback and Future Directions:

1. National Policy Framework: Developing a framework to enhance the influence of school leaders.
2. Blueprint for Principalship: Creating a comprehensive blueprint to guide future principals.
3. Common Regulatory Framework: Establishing a unified regulatory framework for all schools to promote equity.

The Board emphasised influencing national education priorities and strengthening ties with primary school leaders through a joint meeting with AGPPA in July 2025, focusing on principal wellbeing

Shared Advocacy Platform:

To ensure unified messaging, the Board established a shared advocacy platform aligning ASPA’s efforts with the National Principals’ Reference Group (NPRG), especially following recent leadership changes.

Next-Generation Learning Initiative:

ASPA is committed to initiatives recognising diverse student success beyond traditional metrics, with collaborations and discovery sessions planned for schools.

State of the States (SOS):

Board members discussed challenges such as staff shortages, funding equity, and principal wellbeing, highlighting reflective supervision as key to effective leadership.

Partnerships and Research:

The Board is exploring partnerships to foster innovative educational models, including the "Ourschool" alumni program and research on teacher autonomy and status.

For updates on ASPA’s initiatives, visit https://www.aspa.asn.au/.

Stay connected as we advance secondary education across Australia!

Meeting Highlights: May 19-20, 2025

AGPPA is enhancing its operations and visibility. All states, except Victoria, have signed the Better Funding for Schools Agreement (BFSA), but the Northern Territory and New South Wales face funding challenges. A national conversation on primary education is urgently needed.

AGPPA has reviewed its strategic plans, focusing on strengthening connections and advocacy. Key actions include developing a communications plan to improve visibility.

The State of the Nation SON report highlighted state achievements and shared challenges in literacy, curriculum reform, compliance, and restructuring:

1. Principal and School Leader Wellbeing: There is growing concern for the mental health of school leaders due to rising workloads. States/territories are implementing initiatives to address these challenges, with professional associations advocating for mental health resources.
2. Educational Reform and Initiatives: Significant reforms are aimed at improving student outcomes. Key initiatives include new literacy and numeracy programs and strategies to support disadvantaged students.
3. Advocacy and Engagement: Principal associations are vital in influencing education policy and reform, focusing on collaboration to elevate the status of school leaders.

Protections for School Leaders 

The IOSDR (Independent Office for School Dispute Resolution) in Victoria emphasised confidential resolution of school complaints, particularly for separated families, focusing on rebuilding relationships.

South Australia has a bill to expand protections for school leaders, while Western Australia updates its Family Law Protocols for clarity.

AGPPA Presidents will meet with the ASPA board in Adelaide to strengthen advocacy for schools.

AGPPA remains committed to prioritising wellbeing, driving reform and enhancing advocacy in Australian education. Together, we work towards a brighter future.

APPA May 2025 Meeting Update

The recent APPA meeting on May 20-21, 2025, focused on critical advancements in the education sector, emphasising necessary systemic reforms for a supportive educational environment.

APPA introduced several Position Papers which are available on the APPA website, including:

1. NAPLAN Reform
2. Out-of-School Hours Care (OSHC)
3. NDIS Challenges
4. Digital Literacy and Device Use

Newly developed Position Papers cover:

1. Valuing Principals through essential skills
2. Red Tape: Findings from the Barriers and Solutions Survey by NTPA have contributed to this paper
3. Better Fairer Funding: Effective use of funding increases.
4. Beyond the School Gates: Enhancing the profile of principals.

 

Tim Bullard, CEO of AITSL, discussed workforce challenges, including teacher retention and training. He stressed the need for a data warehouse for managing workforce data, a potential National Single Teacher Registration system, and a national progression standard/framework.

The meeting highlighted the contemporary role of primary schools, emphasising co-designing responsibilities for school leaders and teachers, and the importance of national conversations about the purpose of schools.

Additionally, principal wellbeing and leadership development were key topics, focusing on building supportive networks for sharing experiences. The role of principals in educational reforms.

Dr. Danielle Einstein presented on Anxiety and School Refusal, offering strategies for educators to support affected students.

8A._APPA_Position_Papers_May_2025_Combined.pdf

8A APPA_Position_Papers_May_2025_Combined _pdf 295.45 KB

Please enjoy this week's

Leader Wellbeing Thought - Problem Size

by APPA President Angela Falkenburg

As school leaders, we share data to shine a light on issues:

• 40% of students aren’t meeting benchmarks
• Student wellbeing is declining across the country
• Teacher burnout is on the rise.

We share these figures to inspire empathy, urgency, and meaningful change. But what if they’re doing the opposite?

Recent research by Eskreis-Winkler and colleagues (2025) names this dynamic the Big Problem Paradox: when people learn that a problem is widespread, they tend to view it as less serious. Why? Because we instinctively assume that in a functioning society, big problems get solved. So, if they’re still around, and affecting many, they must not be that urgent.

This insight has significant implications for our leadership of improvement.

Common Places the Paradox Appears:

• Student Anxiety: Saying “1 in 4 children experience anxiety” can make it sound like a normal part of growing up; something to accept rather than address.
  Instead, try: “This term, 28 students were referred for anxiety. We’re seeing it affect their friendships, learning, and attendance. They don’t just need resilience, they need us.”
• Attendance: Labelling poor attendance as “a national issue” can remove a sense of local responsibility.
  Instead, say: “Yes, it’s a national trend. But just last week, 37 of our students missed more than two days. Ten of them are now at risk of falling behind in literacy.”
• Staff Burnout: Saying “50% of teachers report burnout” might lead to resignation rather than resolve.
  Instead, focus on the immediate: “Three of our teachers are showing signs of serious stress. They love their work, but they’re running on empty. Supporting them now protects our whole team.”

How to Talk About Big Problems More Powerfully:

1. Localise the Story: Ground broad statistics in your school’s day-to-day reality. Show how students, staff, and families are personally affected.
2. Humanise the Numbers: Pair data with real stories or first-hand experiences. Let people feel the issue, not just understand it.
3. Highlight Impact, Not Just Scale: Emphasise the depth of harm, not just how far it spreads.
4. Keep Action Within Reach: Avoid overwhelming people with scale. Focus on what can be done, even when the challenge is systemic.

We’re not just leading schools; we’re leading communities of people. Data matters, but perception drives action. So, when we raise awareness, let’s also raise urgency, compassion, and belief that change is possible.

The bigger the problem appears, the more deliberately we must make its impact, and our response, feel real and within reach.

Clarity and creativity are needed, because big problems deserve bold action and normalised doesn’t mean sustainable.

Angela

Read the full article here

Read the full article here

Registrations Now Open

Registration Now Open for the 2025 APPA Conference!

Join us for the 2025 Australian Primary Principals Association National Conference, the leading event for primary school leaders across Australia. This inspiring gathering will take place on 26-29 August 2025 in Brisbane, bringing together principals and educational leaders to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation in education.

Featuring renowned keynote speakers, practical workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, this conference is your chance to be part of shaping the future of primary education in Australia.

Register today to secure your place and take advantage of early bird rates!

https://appaconference.com.au/home/registration/

        

NTPA memberships are for a calendar year - it's time to renew for 2025

Feel free to email ntpa.admin@education.nt.gov.au with any queries.