IPPN

Published: 25 June 2024

As another school year draws to a close, I would like to thank you for all you have done in leading your school this year. To the fore is always the teaching and learning of the pupils, combined and often overtaken by the onerous task of managing and leading the organisation.

I have visited many schools this year and each one is an exemplar of our primary education system. I have seen happy, engaged pupils; warm welcoming staff; safe and conducive learning environments, all led by our Principals and Deputy Principals. We are very lucky to have such a hardworking, conscientious, talented cohort of school leaders.

The ‘N’ in IPPN is of course the NETWORKING. This takes many different forms -Local Support Groups, WhatsApp groups, friendships and collegiality. In whatever form, you continue to offer great support to your colleagues throughout the school year that is appreciated and acknowledged and offers sustainability to us all in our roles.

We look forward to celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the founding of IPPN with you next year. IPPN was founded to offer supports and services to primary school leaders and each of you plays a part in this at local level. That mutual support and collegiality is the fundamental principle upon which IPPN was founded and has a proven positive impact on our practice and, indeed, the sustainability of our roles.

We will continue to advocate on your behalf for Sustainable and Effective Leadership. As is set out in our Budget Submission, our priorities arise from the many challenges you experienced in your schools this year and we will continue our focus on these going forward - sustainability of school leadership, and the funding and resources that will have the greatest impact on school leaders’ capacity to lead and manage our schools.

To those of you who have decided the time is right for you to step away from your leadership role, please take time to reflect and celebrate your great contribution to your school and education. I wish you health, happiness and success in this new phase of your life.

Finally, when you can walk away from your desk, with the end of year jobs somewhat completed and the planning for September well in hand, I hope you realise the 3 Rs - Rest, Reflection and Rejuvenation. I wish you some quality time with family and friends and some holiday time for you.