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I N S I D E

S P E C I A L P O I N T S

O F I N T E R E S T :

Gary worked as a electrician before qualifying as a primary school teacher in 1990. Gary has taught and

been principal in 4 remote Aboriginal schools across the NT over a ten year period, at a senior leadership

and principal level in urban mainstream schools in Darwin.

Gary is recognised nationally for his work in Indigenous and mainstream education, has been a keynote

speaker at numerous educational conferences and forums nation-wide. Gary recently worked as a

specialist principal based at Charles Darwin University , and has been appointed as the Director for the

NT’s Centre for School Leadership Learning and Development (CSLLD), based at Charles Darwin

University. Gary has six formal qualifications in education and training and is studying for a PhD in

Aboriginal Education through Deakin University, and working on a 2014 major research paper to be

featured in the Australian Education Review (AER), published through ACER. Gary has a long-term

commitment to tackling Indigenous educational inequality through his many connections in the

education industry, including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Principals Association

(NATSIPA).

NATSIPA NEWSLETTER

‘Creating our own future’ J U L Y 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 2

Gary Fry has a long-term commitment to

tackling Indigenous Education

Our Purpose

To provide a strong

representative voice from

the unique perspectives of

school-based Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander

Principals and Leaders.

NATSIPA will embed

Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander

perspectives through

influencing the formulation

of National Education

Policy.

Aims and Objectives

To expand the capacity of

Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander peoples in

education to deliver high

quality educational

leadership

Gary Fry is an Indigenous man from Darwin in the Northern Territory, and his

Aboriginal heritage is Dagiman; the traditional custodians of the land that

Katherine (NT) is situated. Gary lives in the Northern Territory and has a

strong and long term commitment to improving the quality of life for

Indigenous families.

Welcome to our new and existing members of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Principals’ Association. I am very pleased to have our association membership continue to grow

with interest from our leaders across Australia. NATSIPA has had its first Aboriginal leader from ACT

join the team and we are keen to discover many of our colleagues who may not know that we exist.

NATSIPA is keen to identify potential members to ensure our mob are being supported in a variety

of ways from up to date information about what is happening on the national agenda to state and

territory initiates that may be relevant and of interest. The role of principal and executive is a

challenging and demanding one and often there are many added roles and responsibilities in

addition to running a school. The role of principalship is a complex but rewarding one that is unique

to your context and community. NATSIPA is keen to know what is happening in your school and

community to promote the many good news stories and successes that are real life but NATSIPA is

also offering support to members that may be facing challenges. Contact your nearest state or

territory NATSIPA representative or contact dyonne.anderson@det.nsw.edu.au Looking forward

to hearing from you . Stay strong and stay connected.

Dyonne Anderson, President

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

Principal

Leadership

program

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NAIDOC 2

Tagai State

College

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WIPCE 4

NSW Deadly

Leaders Alli-

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Upcoming

events

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P A G E 2

N A T S I P A N E W S L E T T E R

‘ C R E A T I N G O U R O W N F U T U R E ’

The program is open to all school teachers and leaders (government and non-government sectors).

Cost for 10 credit point units are approximately $720 CSP and $1800 FFP.

Enrolment is open to those with a four year Bachelor of Teaching.

For advice on enrolment in this program, please email: gary.fry1@nt.gov.au

Principal Leadership in Remote Aboriginal Schools program

Leading Teaching and

Learning

Developing Self and

Others

Leading Improvement and

Change

Leading the

Management of the

School

Engaging and Working

with the Community

Leading High Learning Outcomes in English and Mathematics for Indigenous Students

Leading a High Quality School

Leading Remote School Improvement through Quality Strategic Planning and Data Analysis

Leading School Growth through Organisational Management

Leading High Quality Pathways to Community Participation

Leading High Quality Learning Environments for Indigenous Students

Leading High Quality Social Enterprise in Remote Aboriginal Schools

Leading Pathways into Indigenous Capacity Building

Leading Strong Governance in Remote Aboriginal Schools

Leading Progressive School— Community Relationships

CONTACT—GARY FRY / CENTRE FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT / PHONE—(+61) 08 8946 7365 / remote@cslld.edu.au

Building Principal Leadership in Remote Aboriginal Schools is a program aimed at developing the

leadership and management capacities of remote school principals, however maintains relevance

across mainstream contexts. The program focuses strongly on the technical knowledge, skills and

policy toolkits that facilitate school progression, whilst simultaneously equipping participants’

with knowledge and abilities in navigating the social complexities of school education and

overcoming these challenges in leading organisational growth.

On completion of the Building Principal Leadership in Remote Schools Program participants’ will

have:

A comprehensive and broadened understanding of successful school leadership and

management practices applicable to remote and urban contexts

A comprehensive and broaden understanding of key national and state/territory school

reform polices and frameworks, and in particular their application to, and implications for

indigenous education

A detailed understanding of the organisational properties of schools (in particular as

relates to remote contexts) and the leadership approaches required in successfully

addressing the internal complexities inherent within their design

A detailed understanding of and ability to navigate the social, economic, cultural and

political environments impacting remote and urban Indigenous schools

NA

IDO

C 2

01

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Serv

ing

Co

un

try:

Cen

ten

ary

& B

eyo

nd

NAIDOC-Serving Country-Centenary and Beyond

NATSIPA is keen to promote the many great successes occurring in your schools and community.

NAIDOC is always an important time of the year to acknowledge the great work of students, educa-

tors and community members. Please send photos and an overview of your event to add to our

newsletter and our website. NATSIPA would like to celebrate the diversity of our school and com-

munity contexts and to highlight the success of schools from individuals to whole school and com-

munity celebrations.

The theme was selected by the

National NAIDOC Committee to

honour all Aboriginal and Torres

Strait islander men and women who

have fought in defence of our

country.

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The World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education The World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education The World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education

WIPCE 2014WIPCE 2014WIPCE 2014––– HawaiiHawaiiHawaii

E Mau Ana Ka Mo’ oleloE Mau Ana Ka Mo’ oleloE Mau Ana Ka Mo’ olelo

I was excited to represent NATSIPA at WIPCE in Hawaii on 21-26 May. The program was outstanding and at no stage was I

disappointed. The presentations that I attended were leadership focused and from a variety of Indigenous Peoples from

across the world. There were a number of outstanding research projects presented that were transferable to Australia’s

Aboriginal student population for example a project in New Zealand that was exploring the Positive Behaviour for Learning

model and the implications for Maori students. The project suggested that the western models in our schools are not sup-

porting our students as best as they could.

I had an opportunity to reconnect with our Maori brothers and sisters from across the ditch to further discuss opportunities

to link our principal associations. These discussions are continuing with the development of a Memorandum of Understand-

ing. A MOU will enhance our currently positive relationship and to build on future learning opportunities together including a

joint Trans-Tasman biannual experience.

A new relationship has been forged with a small group of Native Hawaiian principals who are keen to connect with NATSIPA

and to broaden networks and professional learning opportunities. The cultural exchange was a privilege and I appreciate the

enthusiasm of other Indigenous principals to engage with us.

The sharing of culture through song and dance was special and memorable. I have never experienced such quality perfor-

mances on such a large scale over a week. It was a time to share cultures and the sense of pride was overwhelming. I will

never forget my time at WIPCE in Hawaii and I can only encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators to plan to

attend the next event in Toronto in 2017. I have no doubt it will be inspirational and worthwhile. Presentations will be avail-

able on our website www.NATSIPA.org.

Dyonne Anderson

Top left: Native Hawaiian Principals and NATSIPA rep

From left to right: Lani Waiau, Dyonn e Anderson,

Mahina Duarte, Meahilahila Kelling

Below: Students from Halau Ku Mana– Public Charter

School in Hawaii

Right: First Nations performers -mother & son (Sage)

WIPCE in

Toronto in

2017

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NSW Deadly Leaders AllianceNSW Deadly Leaders AllianceNSW Deadly Leaders Alliance

The NSW Deadly Leaders Alliance held the inaugural forum for 23 Aboriginal leaders from across NSW on 20 and

21 March in Tweed Heads. The theme of the forum was ‘Rising to the Challenge’. There were a number of work-

shops held that supported the work of leaders in schools considering the current challenging educational climate.

Chris Sarra designed and delivered a number of engaging and thought provoking workshops that aimed to chal-

lenge the participants to reflect on their leadership style and what that means to them as Aboriginal leaders. Ve-

ronica Willmott and Pam Widders were in attendance from NSW Department and Education and Communities

People & Careers Directorate to meet the participants and provide a workshop on the current priorities of People

and Careers for Aboriginal educators in the department.

The two days challenged and strengthened the participants knowledge of leadership and how to guide effective

leadership teams within schools. Tammy Anderson designed and delivered a workshop on ‘Aspiring Leaders’

which focussed on one schools journey to build the depth and capacity amongst a transient staff. Strategies in-

cluded mentoring and shadowing that explored the unique challenges of school leadership. The workshop provid-

ed participants with activities and strategies to engage teachers into leadership roles. Participants were provided

with an insight into a process that is being utilised and is having great success at Briar Road Public School.

The module developed by the principal group and a 5 minute DVD was developed for all Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander leaders to use as they require. The module is titled Applying for Promotions and Advertised Posi-

tions. The website is http://www.det.nsw.edu.au/proflearn/NPPD/03CabbageTreeIsland!.html. Allan Duroux pre-

sented the module to the group for feedback.

The organising committee consisted of a dedicated group of leaders from a range of schools: Dyonne Anderson,

Principal Cabbage Tree Island PS, Tami Chadderton, AP Kyogle PS, Tammy Anderson, Principal Briar Rd PS, Allan

Duroux Principal Blakebrook PS, Nathan Towney, DP Newcastle HS and John Duroux retired principal. As a result

of the project, further support has been provided by the NSW Department of Education and Communities High

Performance Directorate and 21 Aboriginal leaders have been provided with the opportunity to participate in

Coach in a Box. Coach in a box will support and challenge individuals to explore their personal leadership plans.

An evaluation process will bring the group back together at its completion.

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State and Territory NATSIPA Executives:

Northern Territory: Gary Fry : gary.fry1@nt.gov.au

Queensland: Kath Wenben: kwenb1@eq.edu.au

Torres Strait Islands: Judith Ketchell: jketc1@eq.edu.au

Western Australia: Weston Jackson: Weston.jackson@education.wa.edu.au

South Australia: Deb Fairey: deb.fairey349@schools.sa.edu.au

New South Wales: Dyonne Anderson: dyonne.anderson@det.nsw.edu.au

Victoria: Deb Cottier: cottier.debbie@edumail.vic.gov.au

Please contact your representative for any further details about projects and to

share issues and good news stories.

Upcoming events: Leading Educators Around the World (LEAP) Syd-

ney 6 August Masonic Hall

www.aleap4principals.com.au closes 18 July

From Hope to Expectation– Educators making the

LEAP to a Stronger Smarter future for Indigenous

education.

Australian Education Union (AEU)

Aboriginal teachers and educators

18-19 October, Sydney

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teach-

ers Initiative (MATSITI) Principals Conference

Sydney 16-17 October

Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA)

21-24 October Sofitel, Sydney

2015

NATSIPA conference 2015

NATSIPA has recently provided feed-

back to:

the Senate Inquiry into ACARA

and the Australian Curriculum;

Teacher Education Ministerial

Advisory Group;

Principal Preparation programs-

AITSL; and

Planning-Leadership Develop-

ment Profiles-AITSL.

NATSIPA Reports

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NSW Deadly Leaders Alliance Module– Applying for Promotions and Advertised

Positions

If you are a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and educators interested in

organising a network meeting to focus on applying for promotions and advertised positions I

have the module for you. The NSW Deadly Leaders Alliance has a 2 hour module that can be

delivered by experienced and credible Aboriginal leaders to your group. The module can be

expanded into a longer presentation depending on the needs of the group. The presentation

would be free of charge and a copy of the module is yours to use and alter depending on your

school sector and group. The NSW Deadly Leaders Alliance module has been recognised by the

NSW High Performance Unit as a quality resource to be shared. A minimum of 6 people would

be preferred. Please contact Dyonne Anderson dyonne.anderson@det.nsw.edu.au or email

Al Duroux at allan.duroux@det.nsw.edu.au for further information.

GONSKI– Australian Education Union

NATSIPA recently attended an Australian Education

Union meeting in Canberra on 17 & 18 June as a

proxy for Paul Bridge, Aboriginal Principal, Derby High

School in WA. Paul is currently on a study tour in

Canada after successfully winning a Churchill Scholar-

ship.

“The idea was to create a system where students suc-

cess at school would be determined by their ability,

application & willingness to work hard rather than

where they lived, what their family background was or

whether they were indigenous or had a disability”

The Abbott government is refusing to honour the Gon-

ski agreement over six years. It will only provide four

years of funding. This is not good enough for our most

disadvantaged students. They deserve better. It is im-

portant that we voice our disapproval and make a

stand. Let your local, state and federal members know

of your concern.

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