President's Message
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to 2011 school year. In particular I extend a warm welcome to those starting in new schools, either as new principals or as transferring principals. This year, four new members join the Executive – Mark deKluyver and Martin Major (both were seconded for 2010) and Greg Wyss and James Danaher. I thank them, along with ongoing Executive members, for their commitment.
It seems that once again the year is shaping up to be a significant one for us all, with National Curriculum, School Reporting, Quality Catholic Schooling, Early Years Learning Framework and National Partnership Projects, to name but a few.
The Executive will meet early in 2011 to plan the course of action required for the next twelve months. Once the significant factors have been identified, prioritized and allocated to sub-committees, coordination of our response and what action to take, begins immediately thereafter. The work undertaken by the Executive is structured around the four Pillars that underpin the Association and guided by our ‘Directions 2009-2011’ document. This can all be accessed by visiting the CPPA webpage.
The Executive will also meet with our sponsors early in the year. Without the strong financial support we are afforded by various sponsors, the Association could not undertake a significant part of the work that it does. In return, at the very least, these sponsors should have an opportunity to quote on work and to offer their services to Catholic schools across the state.
The CPPA will host three face to face gatherings in 2011- Members Day to be held in Term One (Friday 25 March), our State Conference in Term Two (30, 31 May, 1 June) and retiring Principals’ Luncheon /AGM in Term Four (Friday 18 November). These are an opportunity for both professional and collegial enhancement and it is important that every effort is made by all to attend. Please refer to the relevant section on the website for further information.
Two national events are on the calendar in 2011. Their timing has dictated in large part when our own state gatherings will take place.
The Australian Primary Principals’ Conference (APPA) is in Adelaide from June 22-24. APPA is the national professional association for primary school principals in Australia, representing affiliated state and territory Government, Catholic and Independent primary schools across the nation. It is the national voice on national issues and speaks directly to the Federal Government on matters that concern school principals and their school communities.
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) Convention, held once every 5 years, will also be in Adelaide in 2011 (September 21-23). NCEC was established through the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education to maintain effective liaison with the Commonwealth Government and other key national education bodies. NCEC complements and supports at the national level, the work of the State and Territory Catholic Education Commissions.
Both events are important for our schools and school communities. As President I encourage all Catholic primary principals to give due consideration to attending both these in 2011.
I encourage all Members to get behind their Executive and to show their support through attendance at the face to face meetings, at the various regional meetings and by responding to the many requests made for feedback and input when called upon to do so. In doing so we support all Principals and more importantly work toward improving the quality of our Catholic schools and communities.
David Barns
CPPA President 2011