HCC4 Network of Schools
| Dear Colleagues Almost there ! Week Eleven at a time when the last few weeks pass slowly. I hope you all have an excellent vacation when you get to it later this week. There are clearly many things to be proud of in our schools if the list published by John in his RD's message last week is anything to go by ! And, for all of those other gains, incremental and incredible; and often immeasurable: well done ! Post PARS palaver postponed I had hoped to get together before the end of term to go over some of the common themes from PARS and to discuss some ideas for some shared action. Time has overtaken, however, and we will seek an opportunity to do this as soon as possible next term. LAP Funding Later this week, a committee will be meeting to determine the allocation of Learning Assistance Program funds within the network primary schools. The committee includes PPA representatives, and representatives from the Professional Associations also took part in the decision to determine allocations at SED Network level. We're hopeful that this will mean, across the State, that funding for the Learning Assistance Program can then be confirmed as soon as possible. Best wishes to Year Twelve I'm sure that all of us would join in wishing the Year Twelve students all the very best. And, it must be a special feeling for those of you and your staff who 'teach' Year Twelve in the fullest sense that it can mean. In navigating through this week of special events and speeches: good luck, and may everything flow smoothly. I am looking forward to being present at Merewether High School on Friday and Newcastle High School on Thursday for Year 12 assemblies. Regional Priorities During this relieving period, I have taken over responsibility for the regional Strategic Priority area which aims to "Build collaborative interdependent schools and communities." There is a good amount of literature around to support the view that we are able to achieve great things when we strengthen our potential to work with each other and to share ideas and solutions to needs. The establishment of Local Management Groups has been just one way in which this priority has been advanced. On November 2nd, representatives of all LMG's will be meeting in Maitland to review what has happened so far and to look toward the future and ways that we may get the most positive outcomes in relation to this priority. Presidents of your local groups within the SPC and the PPA have been contacted for suggestions regarding the format that an evaluation of LMG's might take and the regional reference group which meets to oversee work in relation to this priority has also looked broadly at the wider context which may be applicable to our work in this area. If you are interested in some of the ideas which provide background in this area, have a look at the priority site which can be accessed at http://www.pryorcommitment.com/cisac/ There is a number of readings and links available here which you may find useful. Positive Behaviours for Learning In keeping with the spirit of sharing and learning from each other, I was one of a small number of people from Hunter Central Coast Region who attended and observed at some training days held recently at Penrith for Western Sydney Region. A large number of Western Sydney schools has been committing to the Positive Behaviours for Learning program which was featured in the most recent edition of Side by Side (Issue 4 September 2006, Strong Foundations, Page 13) The PBL system adopted by the Western Sydney region is based on the Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support (PBIS) model developed in the United States in the early 1990s and used in 4,200 American schools. Professor Tim Lewis and Dr Lori Newcomer, from the University of Missouri, have assisted the Western Sydney region to roll out the PBL program by running a number of two-day workshops for school teams and coaches on how to implement PBL in their schools. A key feature of this program is the reliance on strong data and the building of positive approaches across a whole range of areas. There will be further thought around the ways that we can structure our learning environments to create optimum conditions for both learners and teachers. For some background on the program, you can visit the US website at http://www.pbis.org/main.htm You will notice that this site and the program it describes is called Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support. Positive Behaviours for Learning is a local adaptation and seeks to ensure the emphasis on the key focus of creation of positive environments for learning. I am aware that many network schools have already made some very positive gains in Values Education and am interested in some discussions next term about how we can build on work in creating positive learning environments. There was movement at the station. . . Best wishes are extended to Peter Atkinson from Kotara School who is now on leave until the end of 2007. An Expression of Interest process is underway to select a relieving person. Gail Cornford will take up her new role at Biraban Public School next term with the news that Biraban is one of the schools recently added to the Schools In Partnership program (SIP) This program is an initiative following the Aboriginal Education Review and aims to strengthen school and community partnerships in schools where there are significant Aboriginal communities. Along with Biraban, Fennell Bay and Muswellbrook South have also been named as SIP schools. SIP schools attract some differences in staffing and resourcing, with the intent being to build positive community relationships, policies and practices of cultural inclusivity, increased engagement of communities with their schools and a strong focus on raised expectations and a closing of the gap between performance groups. The position of Principal at Carrington is currently being filled by Teeny Blatchford, with the probability that a new Principal will be appointed to commence at the beginning of 2007. From the commencement of Term 4, we will welcome Peter Hall to Merewether. Peter will be no stranger to network schools following his recent time at Lambton High School. This week also sees the departures of Rick Frost and Steve Wait. Steve has been a tower of strength in the VET area and we wish him all of the very best. Rick is off overseas and we will miss his significant input in the Student Services area. To all of those people who have been relieving at some stage throughout the term, many thanks for your efforts. HCC4 Blog Please remember that you can access a range of information and resources via the HCC4 blog at http://www.pryorcommitment.com/hcc4/ This blog is updated from time to time with information which you may find useful, links to other sites etc. If you would like to receive an email any time the site is updated, you can do this by clicking the link in the left hand side menu bar which says Subscribe to be notified of site updates Don't forget to scroll down and have a look at the various posts, especially the information about the Quality Service surveys etc. There are also links to a Media Watch blog where interesting bits and pieces from the media are posted. You can also let members of your staff know about the Leaders in Public Schools site and email list and primary Exec staff may be interested in the contact details for nEXt which can be accessed here If you come across sites or information which you think would be good to share with others, please let me know and it can be posted in one of these areas. Next Term Term 4 will be the usual headlong rush. In visits to schools I will be working with you in the planning process as you look at what modifications may be needed for the next iteration of your 2006-8 School Plan. There will be BST data in primary schools to consider along with a range of other factors to consider in planning for 2007. In the meantime : have a great holiday ! 
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