Dear Colleagues

I hope that the term is going well for you.  As I have been visiting many schools in the last few weeks, I have seen great examples of people really putting an emphasis on providing the best things possible, and of using data and evidence to look for ways to identify targets for improvement.

In addition, schools are finding time to provide broader opportunities and nurture talent.  Just a few of the achievements I have heard about include the Electrifiers, from New Lambton South, who performed at an exceptionally high level in the recent championships.  In addition, school bands have been performing very well in other competitions, while a number of schools are still showing great pride in a number of sports teams.

I had an opportunity to see first hand the work of one school in performing arts and have also heard of the great interest generated in robotics, and in cartooning: all in different schools. Congratulations and best wishes to all of the successes, and please convey special thanks to all of the staff who put in that bit extra: adding value.

Newcastle nEXt

I had the opportunity to speak with a group of primary AP's at Adamstown last Wednesday and it was good to share some ideas with people who are working at that critical level of both "making a difference in my room" and also "making a difference in the room next door."  We also know, as we do with our Head Teachers and Deputies, that we rely so much on all of these people to actually be the "teachers of teachers: leading those who lead the learning."

Don't forget that there are a number of resources on the HCC4 News and Updates site at the link which says 'School Development Ideas and Resources'

Email list - for Leaders In Public Schools

Executive staff and anyone else interested in Leadership In Public Schools are also invited to join the LIPS list which can be accessed by clicking this link and looking for the Join LIPS link.  It would be appreciated if you could let your Executive know about this link.

http://www.pryorcommitment.com/ln/

There is a number of interesting papers and articles on the LIPS blog site which relate to the whole story of the possible linkages between school achievement and self esteem.  Worth a look in view of some of the current debates around Reporting to Parents.  Follow the link as described above to see the LIPS site.

HCC4 News and Updates - Updated regularly - Be notified by email

Please note that the HCC4 News and Updates blog is updated regularly.  If you would like to ensure that you receive notice by email when new items are added, please visit the site at the link below and look for the link in the 'Pages' section which says 'Subscribe to be notified of site updates'

http://www.pryorcommitment.com/hcc4

(Remember: generic password for this site - User = hcc4    Password = blog)

Don't forget to check the MediaWatch link for news stories of interest.

Please let me know of good stories and achievements you would like shared.

And finally, a couple of quotes :

You can't lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse. ~ John Peers

And, a challenge to all of us who would purport to want to develop lifelong learners, and our own ability to demonstrate our own lifelong learning :

Your ability to learn depends partly on your ability to relinquish what you've held. ~ Milton Hall

And, a great quote from Dr Paul Brock, recipient of this year's Meritorious Service to Public Education Award awaits you on the HCC4 News and Updates site.

Have a good week.