Summary of Meeting, 29 May 2009

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The following is a summary of topics discussed at the last meeting of the SASPA Principal Officers’ Group:

• National Curriculum update – information from DECS and National Curriculum Board.  SASPA Curriculum Committee is providing comment on papers that have been released.

• futureSACE:
• Curriculum Committee providing feedback on VET paper – views to be sought via chatlist.
• Moderation and Assessment paper – response being refined.
• Discussion requested about scaling and TER.
• Collaboration to be sought with DECS to develop support materials for Research Project.
• “It’s About Time” seminar plans well advanced; huge interest from schools, such that capacity has been increased to 160.

• SASPA will re-affirm wish to have DECS pick up on our recommendations.
• Impact of breakdown maintenance, TPT placements and cleaning contracts on school resources discussed.
• Local Selection – SASPA asking for cooperation from members re advertising of staffing positions so that more positions can be advertised.
• Merit Selection Survey – members’ response to the White Paper will be sought in an online survey.
• ASPA teacher shortage survey also online.
• DER Forum:
• Our suggestions taken into account in policy writing in DECS re laptops.
• Useful meetings continuing with DECS, and at DER Forums.
• Combined Leaders’ Education Conference being planned for 2010 (SASPA, SAPPA, Small Schools, Area Schools, Special Schools and Pre-Schools).
• ASPA Conference 23-27 September in Adelaide:
• Brochures mailed to SASPA members.
• Papers selected for all sessions; keynotes confirmed.
• Scholarships available to SASPA AP and DP members.
• National funding for professional development for Principals – suggestion that a consortium of universities should establish a Principals’ Professional Learning Centre.
• Review of Teaching Australia has been completed.
• COAG funding – opportunity for SASPA to have some input about use and distribution of COAG funds – particularly in relation to professional learning and SES.
• Meeting with CE included discussions on NAPLAN results.