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Dear ARPParians,

Items in this Edition

REcent Events

Future Events

Stewart House Report

Salary Sacrifice Video

A new ARPP INitiative

Tribute toDavid Bishop

FOSH Report

 

Dear members, Please find below details regarding recent events and and other matters for your attention

As I have been out of action for a  couple of months due to illness my apologies for the delay in sending out updates.

A big thank you to Maurie Bird for sending out lunch event notices.

I Would like to say thank you to all members who have passed on their best wishes Especially those who attended the Abbotsford Lunch back on 1st June I appreciated your comments and thank Robert binns for his artwork

New Secretary  Director General We welcome the appointment of Murat Dizdarwho brings a diverse background  of experience and knowledge of the system and has a wonderful understanding of schools and school leadership

 

Recent Events

Thursday 3rd August28 members and colleagues attended the annual Newcastle ARPP Lunch held at the gates hotel in adamstown.

A big thank you to Brian Collins the ARPPHunter District Organiserwho coordinated the day which provide d everyone with the opportunity to share great memories during a wonderful lunch

A special thanks also to our events coordinator Maurie birdwho assisted with the arrangements for the day. We also raised $245 in a raffle for Stewart House.withThe prize  donated by Brian. We also decided to hold all future Newcastle lunch events on the first thursday of August each year.

Our central coast Lunch has been planned for thursday 19 October to be held at the Bayview hotel WOY WOY Our thanks to Geoff Buckland and Noel West our CentraCoast Organisers for organising the day.  Full details will be advised close to the day

 

Members were also invited to attend the retired Illawarra PrincipalsRIPELLunch held at Wollongong Golf Club 19 July

Our next lunch event is the Emperor’s Garden. The invitation and details have been advised please see below.

You are invited to attend the next ARPP Sydney lunch on Thursday 7th September 2023 at 1pm at the Emperor’s Garden Restaurant, 96-100 Hay Street, Haymarket, Sydney.  We will also be able to meet for drinks from 11.30am at the Covent Garden Hotel, 102-108 Hay Street, Haymarket.

 

There will be a Chinese Banquet lunch with the cost for ARPP members being $48 ($63 for non-members).  ARPP will provide wine with the lunch. The reasonable lunch costs are possible because of the annual subscription payments of ARPP members and the sponsorship by Campbell Financial.

This will again be a pre-pay event. The lunch cost can be paid by cheque to ARPP and sent direct to Noel West at 62 Wagstaffe Avenue, Wagstaffe 2257 or by Bank Transfer to BSB062668 Account Number 10152151. The Account Name is ARPP. Also, for this lunch, to indicate your attendance, please advise Maurie Bird on maubird@ozemail.com.au or by phone on 0434148141. Please send payment to Noel and advice to Maurie by Thursday 31^st August. Advice to Maurie can help with cross-checking in any cases where Bank Transfer payments need followup.

 

We look forward to an enjoyable get-together.

Maurie Bird, Tom Croker, Noel West.

 

Stewart House Report

Over the past three years we have experienced an unprecedented 58% turnover of staff.

The global pandemic and our long shutdown meant a number of our employees assessed their employment futures. In 2022, we saw key long-term staff decide to retire or seek different fields of work.

POST PANDEMIC

Throughout the year the Board of Directors of Stewart House continued to review advice from government agencies to enable management of the Stewart House Program in order to reduce the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission within the broader NSW community and to ensure a gradual and safe return to full operations.

Consequently, the Board adopted those restrictions still prevalent within the NSW health-care and aged-care systems including but not limited to insisting on full vaccination of adults entering the site and offering placements only to children who had received two doses of the COVID-10 vaccine. The Board remains resolute to return our services to pre-pandemic operations in 2023.

• select up to 1,600 public school children from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory annually for 12 days care in a safe environment at no cost to their parents or caregivers;
• provide these children with dental, optical, hearing, medical and wellbeing screening and treatment; and
• involve these children in educational programs and excursions designed to develop their social and emotional skills, build self-esteem and improve their

overall well-being.

Our Vision for an Integrated Facility

 

In 2022, the Board called tenders from prospective developers to assist in achieving a vision of a fit-for-purpose integrated residential , health and education facility on the carrington parade sie

Stewart House will receive a new fully funded state-of-the-art facility.

The Stewart House Board is  experiencing an era of renewal with very high calibre replacements.

 

Cecilia Wilson who brings with her property and school infrastructure skills

 

Zoe Robinson is the NSW Children’s Advocate who reports directly to [parliament on all issues relating to child wellbeing.

Colin Gair Wheeler Accounting and an iconic and well respected Northern Beaches Accounting  Firm

David Baker who is the Executive Director derivative sales for goldman Sachs

Of course the usual suspects still provide their considerable expertise and historical perspectivees.

Barry Johnson

Tom Croker

Jan McClelland

Julie Kennedy and Ken Dixon

 

Stewart House Staff

Over the past three years we have experienced an unprecedented 58% turnover of staff, The global pandemic and our long shutdown  meant a number of our employees assessed their future employees . This sawkey long term staff retire or sought different fields of work

Patron of Stewart House

It is pleasing to announce that the honorable Margaret Beezley Governor of NSW has accepted our invitation to be the patron of Stewart House.

 

Salary Sacrifice Video Promotion  

Dear Colleagues,

 

The video, in its entirety, is now available for distribution.

Please now access the video via a YouTube link on our website: https://www.stewarthouse.org.au/stewart-house-salary-contribution-scheme-strategy/. A copy of the file has also been sent to you via WeTransfer for download.

 

Please confirm ASAP when and where this video will feature to assist with our tracking.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I’ll follow up individually to assist and direct you further.

My sincerest thanks for your assistance and support thus far!

 

ARPPMembership renewal for 2023

We find there are several past members who are yet to renew their subs for 2023

A reminder was sent out by our Treasurer  recently and we look forward to those past members rejoining ARPP

A reminder to Life members that they need to register for the Life members  Day to be held on 25 October Details were sent to all Lifemembers recently.

Congratulations to Lyn Davis our most recent member on her appointment as a Professional Support Officer to work with Geoff Scitt and Phil SEymour

 

Tribute to David Bishop

David Bishop, or DGB as he was affectionately known to many colleagues, sadly passed away on the 5th July this year, aged 80. David fought a long battle with cancer and, in recent times, was also suffering from dementia. David was awarded Life Membership of the NSWPPA in 2000 in recognition of his long and distinguished career as a teacher, Principal and leader within the Association.

David was a former Principal of Narellan, William Stimson and Macquarie Fields Public Schools and was a strong advocate for Public Education, as a member of the NSWPPA Executive team. David led the Association’s Annual State Conference Organising Committee with distinction from 1991 to 2003, introducing many innovations and encompassing the increasing use of technology. He brought his love of music and the performing arts to Conference and many students gained their start by performing in opening ceremonies in front of more than 500 Principals. The current esteem in which the NSWPPA Annual Conference is held across the education community, is due in no small part to David’s leadership and innovation.

David is survived by his wife, Margaret and children Michelle and James and grandchildren. The NSWPPA expresses its deepest sympathy to David’s family, friends and colleagues and acknowledges the significant contribution to Public Education and the Association, of a great teacher and Principal.

The current PPA Badge was designed by David during his time as a member of State Counciland as the editor of publication called Statelines,  This was then replacedby “what\s Hot

Information contributed by colleague Ian Adamson and Past President Geoff Scott (OAM).

A new initiative for ARPP

An interesting initiative has been taken up by representatives from the Association of Retired Primary Principals to further support public education across NSW. We have joined a group of other educators –  Retired NSW Secondary Principals, members of Retired Senior Educators & Administrators (IRSEA) to meet regularly and make decisions as to how we can support public education. The strategies involved are being discussed and we will keep you informed of any way in which you can be involved. Many of our members write letters to their parliamentary representatives and Letters to the Editor (SMH) and we definitely encourage this practice!

 

 

Friends of Stewart House Report

FOSH is alive and well again with a new Committee that will continue to drive the fundraising for Stewart House.

Congratulations to Kerryanne Knox – President, Tom Croker- Vice President, Alan Laughlin – Secretary, Robyn Graham- Treasurer and Committee members – Sandra Palmer, Jean Mclean, Lloyd Hogg, Heather Causley, Bill Hamilton, Barry Pecar, and  Ray Gentles. Chris Worthington there are many retired principals in this list so we thank them for their involvement.

We have some interesting plans ahead that do not always rely on fundraising activity. This is also becoming difficult and when we experienced COVID the fundraising side was very hard. We thank all of the Principals  who drink wine and supported the wine drive as this was a successful way to raise money!!!

We will keep you all informed in the future of new options and of course, any fundraising support at events will be appreciated. If you want to rejoin or you haven’t joined yet, please go online at

https://www.stewarthouse.org.au/friends-stewart-house/   and be part of this very friendly group.

 

Tom Croker

President for the Executive Committee

In this Edition please find:

• Welcome to 2023
• Details of our first Lunch Meeting for 2023
• Advice on the Proposed Amendments to our Constitution
• Payment of Annual Membership Fees
• Dates & Venues for the other Lunch meetings for the remainder of the year
• Annual Golf Day
• Recent media report on the plight of Funding for Public Education
• Welfare Update

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

!. WELCOME one and all to our 2023 ARPP year.

We hope everybody has survived the festive season and are safe and well.

While 2022 was by far a more comfortable year given the ever present Covid Strains, let’s dare to dream that 2023 will be a kinder and more rewarding year.

Please spare a thought for those colleagues, families and friends who have been affected by recent floods & fires as they endeavour to recover from the devastation.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to those brave workers & volunteers striving to protect people adversely affected by the disasters.

2. KIRRIBILLI LUNCH MEETING 

You are invited to attend the first City ARPP lunch of 2023 on Thursday, 2nd March at 12.30pm at the Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Crescent, Lavender Bay.

 We will also be able to meet for drinks in the bar area from 11.30am.  There will be a 3 course lunch with the cost for ARPP members being $55 ($70 for non-members).  ARPP will also provide wine with lunch. If any special dietary requirements are required, please advise when responding. The very reasonable lunch costs are possible because of the annual subscription payments of ARPP members and sponsorship by Campbell Financial.

 This will again be a pre-pay event. The lunch cost can be paid by cheque to ARPP and sent direct to Noel West at 62 Wagstaffe Avenue, Wagstaffe 2257 or by Bank Transfer to BSB062668 Account Number 10152151. The Account Name is ARPP.

Also, to help with number advice to the club, please send your intention to attend to Maurie Bird on maubird@ozemail.com.au or by phone on 0434148141. Please send payment to Noel and advice to Maurie by Thursday, 23rd February. Advice to Maurie can also help with cross-checking in any cases where Bank Transfer payments need follow up.

There is parking available at the club with a flat cost of $12 for visitors. If travelling by public transport, take the train to Milsons Point Station and exit onto Alfred Street South. Turn right and go to Lavender Street and then left onto Harbourview Crescent  (about a 7 minute walk).

 We look forward to an enjoyable lunch together.

 Best Regards,

Maurie Bird (Events Coordinator), Tom Croker (President), Noel West (Treasurer)

3.AMENDMENTS to the CONSTITUTION

At the end of January we will be circulating details of the proposed changes we need to make to our Constitution as was foreshadowed in the December Newsletter.

The proposed Motions and the timetable for the casting of votes will be outlined in the SPECIAL NOTICE for the attention of all financial members as at the end of 2022 and to whom the Notice

is being circulated.

Please show your support and interest by casting your vote and returning it to our Returning Officer by the due date to ensure our amendments are reflective of a strong response from the membership..

4. PAYMENT of 2023 MEMBERSHIP FEES

In late 2021, the ARPP Executive decided to suspend the collection of membership fees due for 2022 and a “year of grace / free membership” was provided to all members who were at that time financial or became financial / paid up by the end of the 2021 year.

 Gatherings had been suspended during 2021 largely due to Covid restrictions and the natural reluctance to be ‘out and about’. During 2022 luncheons have resumed and newsletters have continued to be sent out to keep everyone informed.

 A number of initiatives dating back to late 2019 have been on hold or partially realised such as website upgrade / update, area contacts and attracting those Principals who have retired more recently. Each of these is intended to benefit all retired and retiring Principals.

 It is now time to pay the 2023 membership fees and continue enjoying contact with your colleagues. Fees are due from 1st January 2023 and would best be paid by 30th January for the year.

How to pay

By cheque to ARPP and sent direct to Noel West at 62 Wagstaffe Avenue, Wagstaffe 2257 or by Bank Transfer to BSB062668 Account Number 10152151. Those paying by Bank Transfer need to include their name in the description.

If you have a continuing credit because of lunch cancellation or other factors, please confirm credit amounts by emailing Noel West on nwest@bigpond.net.au.

 With thanks

 Noel West Treasurer

5. 2023 CITY LUNCH MEETING DATES

Dates for the city Lunch meetings have been determined to be held on the first Thursday of the month to ensure consistency.

2nd March – Kirribilli Club (details above)

1st June      – Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford

7th September – Emperor’s Garden, Chinatown

7 th December – Epping Club

REGIONAL LUNCH EVENTS

We will be discussing with our Regional Contact members possible dates for Regional Gatherings during the year.

In 2022 Lunch Events held in Newcastle and the Central Coast provided a great opportunity for local retirees to join together.

We look forward to similar gatherings in other centres such as Mudgee/Bathurst and the South Coast.

6. ANNUAL GOLF DAY

The date has been set for Friday 2nd June to be held at Royal Massey Park Golf Course, Concord.

This is the day after the Sydney Rowing Club Lunch and will provide an opportunity for regional travellers to attend the lunch and then stay over for the Golf the next day.

Our Coordinator, Ray Gentles, will be circulating details as we approach the day.

7. WELFARE UPDATE

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to:

Chris Worthington  – who is recovering from a car accident and required urgent surgery for a badly damaged right hand.

and

Maurie Bird – who will be having a medical procedure next week.

and to other members  not known to us and who are doing it tough.  

PLEASE REMEMBER if you are aware of a member or colleague who is suffering from an illness or a long term health issue please advise

our Welfare Officer, Chris Worthington, at cworthin40@gmail.com mobile 0414 603 603 or any of the Executive Committee.

This will enable us to make contact, reach out to family and offer our support in their time of need.

8. RECENT MEDIA re Plight of Public Education.

I refer to articles that can be found in the attachments below provided by Retired Secondary Principal, John Frew and

Trevor Cobbold, Save Our Schools

– https://johnmenadue.com/the-watchers-directors-of-educational-decline/

Keep well and safe

Tom Croker

President

on behalf of the Executive Committee

 

Labor Kicks the Public School Funding Can Down the Road

Hi Arpparians,

1. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
   

The Reminder Notice for 2023 Membership Renewal in the recent Newsletter did not advise of the Fees for Membership.

Please note:

For METROPOLITAN MEMBERS:

The annual Subscription Fee is $50.00 which provides discounts for functions and keeps everyone in touch through newsletters, Notices and the Website.

Payment either by:

 Bank Transfer to BSB 062668 Account Number 10152151. Be sure to include your name for Reference

or

Payment by cheque to Treasurer Noel West at 62 Wagstaffe Avenue, Wagstaffe 2257

For NON-METROPOLITAN – Outside of Newcastle, Greater Sydney and Illawarra Regions

The Annual Fee is $30.00 and payment can be made by Bank Transfer or Cheque as detailed above.

We look forward to your renewal and involvement in our various events and activities

2. ******** AMENDMENTS to the CONSTITUTION REMINDER*********

Be sure to complete the proposed changes to the Constitution Special Notice Voting Form and return it to our Returning Officer Graham Hayton

at grahamhayton05@bigpond.com by 3rd February.

3.NSW PUBLIC EDUCATION PARTY

In light of the recent emails  & Reports about the state of NSW public education today, I hope you don’t mind but below please find an attachment with information in relation to the upcoming launch of the NSW Public Education Party.

As you may be aware, this newly-formed political party is seeking to field a candidate that will hopefully be elected to the NSW Legislative Council in the March 2023 election, and to also field candidates for the NSW Legislative Assembly.

More details at www.publiceducationparty.org.au

Stay safe & well

Tom Croker

for Executive Committee

 

Party Launch Notification!! PDF