Category Archives: Newsletters

1.      ARPP Communication Networks

Further development of our Website, as we endeavour to make the site more responsive to the various needs of our members and focus on aspects such as Managing Retirement, Keeping in Touch, Retirement Options, Working in Retirement and Staying Up to date.

We are developing information for the various Topics, and we look forward to member contributions especially in the form of stories and reflections.

A reminder that the site domain name is rppa.com.au and the members password is rppamember2021#

2.      Reviewing and promoting our Membership which is now at its highest level in recent years.

3.      Formalising the establishment of Area Contacts across the state to support the broadening of our membership base, assisting with regional events, and supporting the provision of Networks for our Rural members. A Seeding Grant will be provided to support the Initiative.

4.      Expanding opportunities for our members through the establishment of A Professional Register. This will provide the opportunity for members with a special interest and background in issues & policies to respond to initiatives, issues and policies on behalf of ARPP

5.      The provision of news & articles of interest by way of keeping in touch with current trends.

·         Expressions of interest to apply for positions that are available to our retired members

·         Maintaining our support for public schools and equitable funding

ARPP EVENTS UPDATE

During 2022 we have held two Metropolitan Lunch Meetings:

·         The first lunch was held at the Kirribilli Club with our list of attendees starting at 32 but reduced to 20 due to the devastating rain and local flooding which prevented many from travelling to the venue.

Our special guests were PPA President Robyn Evans who joined us for a pre-lunch chat and PPA Vice president Trish Peters our Liaison Executive to ARPP who joined us for lunch.

·         Last week we held our 2^nd Lunch Meeting at the Sydney Rowers Club, Abbotsford with 34 attending for a delightful meal and get together. It was great to catch up with our special guests Margaret McMillan & Lorenza Powyer.

Future Metropolitan Lunches will be held on:

·         Thursday 8 September at Emperors Gardens at 1.00pm

·         Thursday 1st December at the Epping Club at 12.30pm

Details of those events will be circulated closer to the date.

Non-Metropolitan Lunch Outings

Our first Event will be a lunch meeting in Newcastle on Thursday 30 June.

Coordinator Brian Collins has arranged for lunch to be held at Adamstown

Details of the event have been sent out recently.

We are working towards Lunch Events in the Central Coast (Gosford) and South Coast (Dapto or Kiama). Dates will be advised as they come to hand.

Visits to regional areas are still under consideration for Bathurst/Orange or Mudgee subject to the COVID 19 Heath restrictions and requirements. We look forward to such events being able to take place and the opportunity to meet with colleagues in those regional locations.

Annual Golf Day:    Due to the extreme wet weather conditions the Golf Day has been rescheduled to be held at Massey Park on the first Friday in October. The day as always is open to ARPP members and friends, to club and social golfers and to men and women golfers.

A Notice to members with full details will be sent out closer to the event. Our special thanks to Ray Gentles who is organising the event.

MEMBERSHIP

A very special welcome to our most recent new/renewing ARPP Members:  Sue Estens, Peter Rowsell, Steve Munsie and Chris Cameron

A special introduction to Chris Cameron:

Chris Cameron 1970 – 2010.

“After graduating from the rigours of two years training at Wollongong Teachers College and at the tender age of 19yrs I was appointed to Schofields PS in Western Sydney, which was then primarily a small urban/market garden community. After bringing my 45 Year 5 students to order on Day 1 I soon mastered the art of Betty and Jim, Let’s Be Good Spellers, Let’s Use Better English etc at the same time as ensuring that my weekly content allocation correctly totalled 1425min. I also married my wife, Janelle, on 22 August 1970.

In my third year I was appointed Teacher-in-Charge at Lower Portland Public School, whereas as was the custom I was elected Secretary of the Lower Portland School of Arts and Agricultural Bureau, which was a big title for a small show. I enjoyed my time there immensely, developing a sound understanding of K-6 teaching and learning as well as completing my BA as a pioneer external studies student through Macquarie University, mastering the art of digesting two weekly reel-to-reel audio taped lectures per subject interspersed with practical sessions conducted during the term vacation.

I was later appointed DP to Collarenebri Central followed by DP to Tregear PS At this time I also completed a Graduate Diploma in Education at UWS. No HECS involved!

After a stint as DP at Smithfield Wes PS, where I completed a Masters Degree, I was appointed Principal at The Meadows PS where I met some wonderful Met West Colleagues. After 9 years as Principal at Werrington PS, which also accommodated the students from the relocated Nepean Crippled Student School, I retired in 2010 after taking leave in 2009.

As challenging as it often was the opportunity to seamlessly work and study in a variety of situations throughout the state, meeting a variety of wonderful people, is something I treasure and I don’t think is so easily afforded to those currently working in schools”.

MEMBER DETAILS UPDATE- Please refer to the attachment**

To assist with ensuring our records are up to date we are asking all members to complete a request to update their Contact details. In addition to confirming email address & phone number/s we are seeking some details regarding background such as: Teacher college attended, year and first school, school appointments as teacher & principal, final school & year of retirement. We would also welcome any other information of events during years of service such as Out of school secondments, Life Membership, etc.

ARPP PROFESSIONAL REGISTER

As indicated in our Targets for 2022 we are proposing the establishment of a Professional Members Register to provide the opportunity for members to provide advice and comment on current issues and policies relating to the profession on behalf of ARPP. The PPA has welcomed this initiative to provide advice to their Reference Groups. More details will be provided when we have finalised the procedure.

NSWPPA

 Report to ARPP on the Term 2 2022 NSWPPA State Council Meeting – Prepared by Executive Committee Member Geoff Scott

The NSWPPA State Council Meeting for Term 2, 2022 was held on 9^th and 10^th June at the Novotel Sydney Central, Ultimo.

In attendance: NSWPPA State Executive, 43 Area Council Delegates, Chairpersons of Reference Groups, Standing Committees, Working Parties, as well as Professional Support Officers, Professional Learning Officer and Observer Delegates from Central Schools, EECs, PSLs, PSSA and the ARPP.

Invited Guest Speakers included: The Minister of Education – Hon. Sarah Mitchell; DoE Secretary – Georgina Harrison; DoE Senior Officers – Murat Dizdar (Dep. Sec.); Samuel Rickets and Tanya Neal (Dirs Aboriginal Education); Leah Anderson and Jeremy Kurucz (Dirs HR); NSWTF President – Angelo Gavrielatos.

Main areas of discussion with Guests and in general Council sessions included:

·         Staffing shortages and methods to manage teacher supply issues, especially in remote and hard-to-staff schools.

·         Inclusive Education Reforms, stemming partly from the Disabilities Royal Commission, and the impact of proposals re inclusion –v- special provision; discipline and suspension – proposed changes now deferred until Term 3.

·         Connected Communities Program and other matters re Aboriginal Education.

·         Workload issues for Principals and teachers.

·         Responses to school emergency situations, including Covid, Influenza, North Coast floods.

·         Principal Classifications – changes required.

·         Curriculum Implementation changes.

Reports presented included:

·         President’s Report (Robyn Evans); Secretary’s Report (Greg McLaren); Treasurer’s Report (Gregory Grinham); PSOs Report; PLO Report; Central Schools, EEC, PSL, PSSA and ARPP (apology from Tom Croker – Report presented by PSO Geoff Scott).

NSWPPA Business Sessions included:

·         AGPPA and APPA Reports (new AGPPA President Pat Murphy, QASSP).

·         Dep.Pres. Rob Walker standing down due to relinquishing his Principal position (will apply for another Principal position and be a candidate for Dep.Pres. at this year’s NSWPPA State Exec. Elections). Michael Burgess (currently Vice Pres.) to be Dep.Pres until the elections; Leah Martin (Sth. Coast Delegate) elected to vacant Vice Pres. Position.

·         Appreciation to outgoing Chairpersons.

·         Area Council Issues raised by members at Area Council Meetings.

·         Position Papers for ratification included: K-6 Staffing of Schools; Teaching Principals’ RG Position.

·         ARPP members’ offers to assist the NSWPPA Exec. through reading and submitting comment on PPA Positions and Responses, through Pres. Robyn Evans, accepted with thanks.

·         NSWPPA Annual Conference 2022 – this year, NSW is hosting the APPA Conference, which will be conducted over 4 days from Tuesday 1^st – Friday 4^th November at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Life Member functions will be publicised to all prior to the Conference.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

We seek your support in promoting our organisation as a strong advocate for our schools, Leaders & NSWPPA and a continuing voice for public education. ARPP was established to provide an avenue for retirees to keep in touch and to be able to meet and share their life in retirement. While many of our members take on roles in a variety of organizations there are many who find the transition more difficult.

Our events, newsletters and website provide news and a communication around the state. All retirees whether they are metropolitan, or country can be involved through the various groups as they meet during the year. If there is anyone whom you would like to contact, please inform Kerryanne Knox on kknox@bigpond.com or President Tom on mtcroker@bigpond.net.au. or Geoff Scott at Geoff.scott@det.nsw.edu.au

We continue working on ways to send our information to retired and recently retired principals. The best way of course is always word of mouth & promoting our membership to other retirees & friends. Please take advantage of those get-togethers, reunions, special birthday celebrations and spread the word….join us!

METROPOLITAN – The Annual Sub is $50 which provides a discount for each function, puts wine on the table and keeps everyone in touch. Payment can be made at any function or by Direct Deposit to the ARPP Account BSB 062668 Ac No 10152151 or by cheque to ARPP, C/- Noel West, 62 Wagstaffe Ave, Wagstaffe 2257

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

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

 WELFARE

Executive Committee Member Chris Worthington, as our Welfare Officer, urges you all to advise him (or other Executive Members) of any members who are doing it tough or are suffering ill health.

In such critical pandemic times, it is more important than ever to have in place networks to help us look after each other.

Vale:

Sadly, this year we have said farewell & paid tribute to several of our good friends and colleagues who have passed away during 2022.

Keith Grant (March), Wayne Ash (April), Ken Masters (April), Jane Mollica (May) and Greg Way (May).

STEWART HOUSE

As we emerge from the pandemic Stewart House are now offering placements for 40 students during Term 2 & 3. The numbers will increase progressively during the remainder of the year with a modified program. The processing of students relies on the generous assistance of the coordinator principals and Stewart House are very appreciative of their support.

A recent Report highlighted the 7-year decline in revenue from salary contributions. In the past donations from NSW staff and students funded 100% of the annual operating expenses which unfortunately is now down to 30%. Strategies for increasing the contributions and greater awareness of the needs of Stewart House are presently being shared with the NSW DoE, Premier & Cabinet, and the NSW Teachers Federation. Meetings with the PPA & SPC are being arranged.

We would encourage all teachers & principals, both current and retired, to maintain their support for this wonderful organisation. 

After 3 years & 5 months we are very close to signing off on a new Deed of Cooperation with the Department. This sets out the services the Department provides including the staffing of the Stewart House School.

FOSH Update- Please see the attachment **

Is back in action and recently held the AGM at which the new Executive and Committee were elected. Congratulations to Kerryanne Knox (President), Tom Croker (Vice President), Alan Laughlin (Secretary) and Robyn Graham (Treasurer).

Plans are underway for Friends of Stewart House events and fund-raising activities. This includes the very successful Wine Order Drive held last year which allocates $50.00 to Stewart House for every dozen wines purchased. Please give it your support. Details for ordering are attached. Be sure to enable the Order document to allow wine orders to be filled in on the form

Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraisers in 2021. We appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to Stewart House.

On behalf of The Executive Committee: Heather Causley, Rick Riddle, Kerryanne Knox, Noel West, Maurie Bird, Geoff Scott, Jackie Malecki, Ray Gentles & Chris Worthington thank you for your attendance and support of our various ARPP events during 2022.

Above all, keep well & enjoy the good life

Tom Croker

President &

Executive Committee

ARPP MEMBER DETAILS UPDATE 20221 – DOWNLOAD HERE

FOSH June 2022 Wine Order Form New version2 – DOWNLOAD HERE

Despite to the COVID 19 restrictions we managed to hold several events during 2021:

–       Our first Luncheon was held at the Sydney Rowing Club at Abbotsford attended by a limited number of members due to the COVID Restrictions.

–       This was followed by the Annual Golf Day 23 April at the Royal Massey Park Course reported on in the September Newsletter.

–       The next event was our lunch at the Kirribilli Club on 3 June with 34 members in attendance again limited by the COVID requirements.

–       The final event was our Annual Christmas Lunch held at the Epping Club on 3 December. It was quite exciting to be able to catch up with the 52 members & guests who attended.

We were pleased to have as our guests:

Phil Campbell from Campbell Financial and our Sponsor and Brian Ralph, Coordinator of the

Retired Secondary Principals Network. Brian has provided great support and guidance to our

Association in the redevelopment of our Website.

A special observation was made as a tribute to the passing away of Cindy Berwick AM, the Immediate Past President of NSW AB Ed Consultative Group. Cindy was also honoured in the Australia Day Awards.

The Xmas Raffle was well supported, and we raised $ 250 for Stewart House. A big thank you to members who donated great prizes and to Heather Causley & Kerryanne Knox for organizing the Raffle.

Special thanks to Maurie Bird our Events Organiser & Noel West, Treasurer for assistance with planning the lunch and to all the Executive for their support with the Lunch Event.

Our Focus during 2021 has been on:

1.     ARPP Website

The ongoing development of our upgraded Website, as we endeavour to make the site more responsive to the various needs of our members and focus on aspects such as Managing Retirement, Keeping in Touch, Retirement Options, Working in Retirement and Staying Up to date.

We are developing information for the various Topics, and we look forward to member contributions especially in the form of stories and reflections.

A reminder that the site domain name is rppa.com.au and the membership password is rppamember2021#.

2.     Reviewing and promoting our Membership which is now at its highest level in recent years.

3.     The establishment of Area Contacts across the state to support the broadening of our membership base, assisting with regional events and supporting the provision of Networks for our Rural members. A Seeding Grant will be provided to support the Initiative.

4.     The provision of news & articles of interest by way of keeping in touch with current trends.

                                              2022 CITY LUNCH EVENTS   

The dates and venues planned for our City based Luncheons are set out below but will be subject to COVID 19 restrictions and NSW Health requirements.

·      Thursday 3 March at Kirribilli Club at 11.45am

·      Wednesday 1st June at Sydney Rowing Club, Abbotsford at 12.30pm  

·      Wednesday 7th September at Emperors Gardens at 1.00pm

·      Thursday 1st December at the Epping Club at 12.30pm

The Notice for the first Luncheon at Kirribilli Club was distributed last Thursday. Any changes due to the COVID requirements will be advised accordingly.

Non-Metropolitan Lunch Outings

We are working towards being able to offer & support lunches planned for Newcastle, Central Coast (Woy Woy) and South Coast (Dapto or Kiama). Dates will be advised as they come to hand.

Visits to regional areas are still under consideration for Bathurst/Orange or Mudgee subject to the COVID 19 Heath restrictions and requirements. We look forward to such events being able to take place and the opportunity to meet with colleagues in those regional locations.

ANNUAL ARPP GOLF DAY    This has been set down to again be played at Massey Park. The preferred date is 1 April to be confirmed. The day as always is open to ARPP members and friends, to club and social golfers and to men and women golfers.

A Notice to members with full details will be sent out closer to the event. Our special thanks to Ray Gentles who has offered to be the Organiser of the event.

NEW MEMBERS  

A very special welcome to our most recent new ARPP Members:

Jeanette Grinham, Trish Hagan, Margaret Foott, Sue Estens, Warren Fairfax & Sharon Ihlein.

Three of the new members have kindly provided some background to their teaching careers.

Margaret Foott – Began her teaching at Berowra PS and during her time at the school became the Executive Teacher and Assistant Principal. Held several relieving principal positions at Berrilee & Cowan PS’s and then became Teaching principal at Arcadia PS. Margaret ended her career after 11years as Principal of Turramurra PS. She was a member of the NSWPPA Wellbeing Committee and also assisted with planning PPA Conferences.

Sue Estens – Worked at Binnaway Central in the Library, completed a Graduate Diploma in Teacher Librarianship and then was made a Permanent appointment. Sue was Appointed as Assistant P to Gilgandra PS in 1994 followed by principalships at Tooraweehah PS, Gilgandra PS, Tea gardens PS and then Hamilton South Ps from 2012=2020. Officially retired in November 2021 after LSL.

Warren Fairfax –Graduate of Bathurst Teachers College (1959) and the University of New England (1972). TIC, Wattle Flat PS 1960-61Taught at Turvey Park Dem, Valence Special School, Kent.UK, Minerva St Special School.P3 at Woniora Road SSP Hurstville, 1970-72 and then P2 at Coreen SSP Blacktown.,President of the Australian Association of Special Education (AASE) 1979-80, SEO2 School Building Research, PEO Special Education Directorate, HO 1984-88 & CEO Disabilities Directorate, HO 1989-99Acting Director Special Education,1999-2000 (Retired), Member of IRSEA (Institute of Senior Educational Administrators) 2001-

After retirement, Principal Policy Officer, DET 2021-2016 (Part time work until fully retired). Hobbies, Lawn Bowls, Reading, Piano, Choral singing, some Golf, gardening, Rotary, Probus, Walking, Yoga, Swimming, Travelling (Pre-Covid)

*****2022 MEMBERSHIP*****

As we advised in our last Newsletter, due to the limited ARPP involvements during the past 2 years, all members who renewed their Membership during 2021 will not be required to renew during 2022.

However, for new Members in 2022 the Fees will remain as follows:

METROPOLITAN – The Annual Sub is $50 which provides a discount for each function, puts wine on the table and keeps everyone in touch. Payment can be made at any function or by Direct Deposit to the ARPP Account BSB 062668 Ac No 10152151 or by cheque to ARPP, C/- Noel West, 62 Wagstaffe Ave, Wagstaffe 2257

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

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

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

We seek your support in promoting our organisation as a strong advocate for our schools, Leaders & NSWPPA and a continuing voice for public education. ARPP was established to provide an avenue for retirees to keep in touch and to be able to meet and share their life in retirement. While many of our members take on roles in a variety of organizations there are many who find the transition more difficult.

Our events, newsletters and website provide news and a communication around the state. All retirees whether they are metropolitan, or country can be involved through the various groups as they meet during the year. If there is anyone whom you would like to contact, please inform Kerryanne Knox on kknox@bigpond.com or President Tom on mtcroker@bigpond.net.au.

We continue working on ways to send our information to retired and recently retired principals. The best way of course is always word of mouth & promoting our membership to other retirees & friends. Please take advantage of those get-togethers, reunions, special birthday celebrations and spread the word…. join us!

SPONSOR’S MESSAGE: Great News

At our Christmas Lunch Phil Campbell was pleased to announce that the long- term Sponsor, Campbell Financial will continue for 2022 and have again generously provided the amount of $1,500.00. We are very appreciative of their support which will now be dedicated to financing our Website.

Where In The World….

One of the difficulties we face after retirement is keeping in touch with our colleagues which of course is one of the key purposes of our Association.

One of our new members, David Graham, would like to be able to get in touch with many of his colleagues that he worked with during hid principalship and has asked if we could pass on his request. David’s email is:

Daggy52@bigpond.net.au

WELFARE

Executive Committee Member Chris Worthington, as our Welfare Officer, urges you all to advise him (or other Executive Members) of any members who are doing it tough or are suffering ill health.

In such critical pandemic times, it is more important than ever to have in place networks to help us look after each other.

VALE

Sadly, we remember several of our good friends and colleagues who passed away during 2021.

Bob Hince (March), John Dawson (April), Paul Greer (May), Barry Hubbard (May), Peter Rogers (June), Bert Candy (July), Phil Nash (August), Peter Stretton (Sept), Richard Booth (Sept) and just recently Brian Debus.on 13 January 2022 (A special Memorial Service will be held for Brian during 2022)

TERRY BURKE TRIBUTE

Many of us would have known and worked with Terry, former DDG, during his time in the Department.  We were all saddened by his passing on 28 December due to acute leukemia & kidney failure.

Terry as a former teacher and Principal made significant contributions to schools and the principalship guided by his own experiences. He was a nice guy admired for his integrity and good humour.

He provided a no-nonsense approach combined with sound advice always with a twinkle in his eyes.

He was authentic, imaginative, and regarded as an outstanding leader, educator, and friend to public education. He was often regarded as a ‘Principals Principal’. Many were the beneficiary of his gentle but unflinching wisdom & guidance. It has been said that Terry did not always so ‘no’ directly but allowed you to recognise ‘no’ as the better path.

NSW Education have lost a true champion, but we have all been hugely enriched by Terry’s legacy.

Terry is survived by his wife Dianne, their 4 children & grandchildren.

A Celebration Service of Terry’s life was held together with a livestream on 12 January 2022.

RIP Terry.

STEWART HOUSE

We continue to support Stewart House especially as it emerges from the COVID 19 Lockdown. Unfortunately, the Health requirements and the continuing presence of the virus forced the closure of Stewart House from July 2021. They are awaiting advice from the DoE as to what conditions will apply to a re-opening. Plans are in hand to allow a limited number of students in from Week 4 with a modified 5-day Program with restricted staffing which will be gradually expanded through Terms 3 & 4.

The promotion of support for school fund raising activities and the teacher salary contribution scheme now more than ever needs a major focus. In the past over 50% of the funding for Stewart House came from schools and teachers but it is currently only 30%. We would encourage all teachers & principals, both current and retired, to maintain their support for this wonderful organisation.  

FOSH Update

Friends of Stewart House (FOSH) has been quietly active behind the scenes and managed to raise funds thanks to the generosity of its members, ARPP members, IRSEA members and other committed people.

We ran two” One Hundred” Club events and raised $1,500.00. We held a very successful Xmas wine selection fundraiser and this raised $3,735.00. The wines were from Leogate in the Hunter Valley and from all reports were excellent!

Our Annual General Meeting will be held in February and at this stage, the date to remember is Monday, 28^th February. More details later. The committee will be looking for “new blood” and there is an opportunity to consider   the roles of President, Vice-President, and Secretary. What did they say in the recruitment of young people in war time…. WE NEED YOU!!!

Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraisers in 2021. We appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to Stewart House.

ARPP EXECUTIVE

On behalf of all members of the Association of Retired Primary Principals we wish to extend appreciation to the Executive Committee for their outstanding efforts in organizing and promoting ARPP during 2021.

President:                                Tom Croker

Vice Presidents:                      Heather Causley & Rick Riddle

Secretary:                               Kerryanne Knox

Treasurer:                               Noel West

Events Organiser:                   Maurie Bird

Membership Coordinator:     Kerryanne Knox

Committee Members:

Geoff Scott, Jackie Malecki, Chris Worthington and Ray Gentles

 The Executive Committee wishes to thank you for your attendance and support of our various ARPP events during 2021.

May we extend to you the very best wishes for the 2022 year.

Above all, keep well & enjoy the good life

Tom Croker

President

For The Executive Team

–  NEWCASTLE -On 30 June a Lunch Meeting was held at Adamstown in Newcastle providing an opportunity to catch up with our Newcastle & District colleagues. It was great to chat with 20 retirees who attended and were treated to a wonderful lunch. A Stewart House Raffle on the day raised $150 and our special thanks to member Brian Collins for coordinating the event.

 – EMPEROR’S GARDEN – On THursday 8 September we held our city Lunch Meeting at the Emperor’s Garden Restaurant Haymarket commencing with a Meet & Greet at 11.30am at Covent Garden Hotel. 30 Members were in attendance and we were treated to a very delightful lunch providing the opportunity for a catch up with our colleagues. A big thank you to Vice President Heather Causley for the coordination

3. SUBMISSION

In support of our colleagues and a fair go for public education we submitted our Response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Teacher Shortages. This is attached and will also be posted on our website.

Our special thanks to Secretary Kerryanne Knox for the coordination of the Submission.

4. ANNUAL GOLF DAY

Due to the extensive wet weather, this will now be held at Massey Park Golf Course in October. The day is open to ARPP members & friends, to club & social players. Executive Committee member Ray Gentles will be coordinating the day.

5. MEMBER PROFILE

A big thank you to those members who have returned their Member Profile information. To date we have received 30% and we would encourage those members yet to complete their profile to do so asap. The information enables us to update

our database and provide us with details of your years of service.

MEET A MEMBER Snapshot:

Our member for this edition is Suzie Smith who trained at Nepean College of Advanced Education (WEstmead Teachers College). Suzie’s first teaching appointment was to Guise PS followed by Sarah Redfern PS, and then a period of time as a Liverpool Region DSP Consultant.Suzie then moved to become Assistant Principal at Warragamba PS then on to Campbelltown North PS as Deputy. Suzie was then appointed as Principal at Campbelltown North and then as Principal of Macquarie Fields PS from where she retired.

During her career Suzie served on the PPA State Conference Committee as a member, Executive Officer and Convenor. Suzie also was Convenor for the South Western Sydney Regional Conference.

A wonderful career. Well done Suzie

6. PROFESSIONAL REGISTER– As mentioned in earlier Updates we are planning to establish a Professional Register which will provide the opportunity for members to contribute to discussions and issues on behalf of the ARPP.

The NSWPPA would also welcome our assistance with matters relating to the Reference Groups.

To that end we are now calling on interested colleagues to nominate an area of interest relating to the current Reference Groups:

Reference Groups

Aboriginal Education                                                          Principal Support

Assessment Planning & Accountability                              Schools for Specific Purposes

Asset Management                                                              Student Wellbeing

Curriculum                                                                          Teaching Principals

Disability Programs                                                             Technology

Finance & Administration

Human Resources

In addition there are several Standing Committees that can be included:

Leadership, Legal Issues, Rural Education, Communication & Engagement

If you would like to be involved with any of the above Groups please advise Secretary Kerryanne Knox (kknox@bigpond.com) or Geoff Scott (geoff.scott@det.nsw.edu.au)

7. WELFARE NEWS

Our thoughts and well wishes go to Alan Laughlin, Malcolm Sandstrom and Brian Anson who are recovery from recent medical treatment

VALE: Sadly, since our last Newsletter the following colleagues have passed away:

Tom Larkin – for those who can recall the Glenfield Conference days Tom was a great supporter of the Conference and remembered especially as the ‘Movie Man’ providing lots of fun and enjoyment with his selection of movies

He was a great guy and the life of the Glenfield Conference. He had a great passion for army vehicles and on one occasion turned up with an old army tank much to the delight of all in attendance.He met regularly with the                                 FOGS (Friends of Glenfield) and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

John Notley – John was the principal of Gymea Bay PS from 1995-2011 his last principalship. Prior to that he had been Deputy Principal at Engadine West PS under the principalship of Bob Smith and where he gained his 4th List.

He was a past member of ARPP for several years and great mates with Mick Tattam. Robyn Evans, the current NSWPPA President worked with John at Gymea bay PS had this to say about John

” John was deliberate in his intent and cherished the absolute essence of his school & community, the staff and students.The opportunities were endless for every student and staff member.Iam humbled John saw something in me and I am ever grateful he pushed me forward to explore what might be possible. That’s a legacy!”.

Greg Prior –   Greg, a former Primary Principal, CEO and Deputy Secretary School Operations (formerly known as DDG) passed away on  Saturday10 September. A special Tribute to Greg is being prepared as a special Notice for members and friends who have shared in his outstanding career.

8. NSWPPA/APPA CONFERENCE

A reminder that the Conference will be held from 1-4 November at the Wentworth Hotel. This year it is being hosted by the Australian Primary Principals Association.

The invitation to Life members has been circulated and takes place on Thursday 3 November commencing at 12.00pm followed by lunch and the NSWPPA Awards session.

Please Remember to Register for the day.

9. STEWART HOUSE

This is our Charity of Choice which has since it began over 90 years ago has supported 150,000 students. This is a unique organisation for public schools in NSW & ACT not seen anywhere else in Australia with the purpose to change lives of students in difficult circumstances and give them hope & aspirations for the future.

The target of 1600 students in a 12-day Residential program has been not possible during the pandemic and is currently limited to 40 students during Terms 2 & 3. The good news is that the number will return to the full quota of 86 students in Term 4

Special thanks to those principals & staff that assist with the coordination of students attending Stewart House.

The decline in revenue from the salary contribution scheme continues and now only provides 30% of the annual operating expenses.

Stewart House continues to promote Strategies for increasing the contributions and greater awareness of the needs of Stewart House with representation being made to NSW Department, Premier & Cabinet and NSW Teachers Federation. A recent Meeting with the PPA President and SPC President highlighted the importance of promoting support from teachers and principals.

All teachers & principals, both current and retired, are encouraged to support the campaign. 

10. FOSH Update

ARPP is a major driver of the Friends of Stewart House, and it is pleasing to have it back in action. There have been two events to date: another Wine Drive which raised $1,625.00 and a recent fund-raising outing to Doyle’s for a wonderful lunch.

It is pleasing to note that FOSH, despite the downtime due to COVID, was recently  able to donate $10,000 to support Stewart House.

Thanks to everyone who supports this very important organisation We appreciate your ongoing assistance and commitment to Stewart House.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

We Welcome back Malcolm Sandstrom, Barry Cant, Alan Kerr & Bruce Thompson who have renewed their membership for 2022

We continue to seek your support in promoting our organisation as a strong advocate for our schools,

Leaders & NSWPPA and a continuing voice for public education. ARPP was established to provide an

avenue for retirees to keep in touch and to be able to meet and share their life in retirement.

All retirees whether they are metropolitan, or country can be involved through the various groups as they

meet during the year. If there is anyone whom you would like to contact, please inform Kerryanne Knox at

kknox@bigpond.com, President Tom at mtcroker@bigpond.net.au. or Geoff Scott at geoff.scott@det.nsw.edu.au.

PUBLIC ED MEDIA UPDATES

Attached are articles which I am sure will be of interest to many of you  regarding the current views on funding and support for our public education schools.

Enjoy.

Stay well and travel safely

ARPP Executive Committee