President's Message

Dear Colleagues

Welcome back to the start of the 2010 school year.

This year I take over the role as President of our Association with a feeling not dissimilar to what it was like starting out for the very first time as Principal. I therefore empathize with those commencing their principalship role for the very first time in 2010, and to these in particular, on behalf of all in the Association, is extended a warm welcome. All of us are invited to make an extra effort in supporting our newest Principals.

As from mid 2009 the website of the Catholic Primary Principals’ Association of Western Australia has been managed and maintained through the generous support, and experience, of Paul Thompson and his team at ICT Services. They, like all our sponsors, deserve our attention and opportunity to be considered when undertaking any work in our respective schools throughout the year. To this point the website provides links to the many sponsors we have, and should serve as the starting point when considering engaging outside assistance in our schools. Additionally the website is designed to support Principals in leading our school communities. Importantly it provides information about the CPPA role, its responsibilities to all, and has links to outside educational sites.

The CPPA role and responsibility is always to be:

  • Based on the Association’s Constitution;
  • Structured  and framed around “Pillars” (Catholic, Primary, Principal and Association), in a clearly outlined  organisational structure; and
  • Is to be guided by the “Directions 2009-2011” document.

The above documents can all be located on the website.

In 2010 two significant events in support of both the collegiality and professional development aspects offered through the Association will be held.

In Term Two the CPPA will host a Seminar on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 April. (Venue: Hyatt Regency Perth). Michael Elphick will facilitate Day One, followed by Members Day on Friday. Michael is a consultant in education and a freelance writer who has undertaken specialized projects for schools and dioceses and is also a consultant with Edmund Rice Education Australia. He was facilitator for us during 2008.

The National APPA Conference is to be held in Perth this year, and as the peak body for all primary principals throughout Australia, is an opportunity to engage in professional and social dialogue with other principals from different states and sectors. The Conference is at the Burswood Convention Centre last week of Term Three (21 - 24 September).

Due to the above there will be no CPPA State Conference, the Term Two Seminar taking the place of both Conference and Term One Members Day.

In 2010 the Executive is committed to represent all its members on  relevant issues, including the  allocation of funds for primary schools through the co-responsibility fund; the performance appraisal process for Assistant Principals; input into, and representation onto CEO work parties and policy reviews: and responses to items on the national agenda. None of these can be attended to without the support and input of ALL members, and to this I urge all Principals to take an active part in the Association and to support one another in our important work.

DAVID BARNS

President

Catholic Primary Principals’ Association