Celebrating Diversity at WAPPA - Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
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Celebrating Diversity at WAPPA Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
2021
WAPPA Conference
11-13 August 2021
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS
Crown, Perth
Lead,
Motivate
& Live
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the workloads being currently undertaken by our
members as school leaders, the WAPPA Board of Management have resolved to
cancel the WAPPA 2020 conference that was scheduled for 2-4 September 2020.
When we know more about the recovery from the current health situation in our
state, nation and indeed worldwide, we will progress with our planning that is already
underway for the 2021 Conference which will be held on the 11-13 August 2021.
In these times of uncertainty, please know the WAPPA Support Line remains open to
WAPPA members who may like to share thoughts or concerns with an experienced
LI S TENING
G U IDANCE
EM P ATHY
EX P ERIENCE
C O NFIDENTIAL
UNDE R STANDING
T RUST
4
Highlight Image
Contents
2020 Soiree From the President 2
From the General Manager 3
2020 Soiree 4
Celebrating Diversity 6
Stronger, Smarter 7
6 Beyond Diversity
Once Upon a School
8
10
Celebrating Diversity WAPPA7s Mixer 12
Bob Hawke Gives WAPPA Alumni a Great Foundation 16
Work Remains on International Women’s Day 18
Regional Support for Our Members 20
WAPPA Member Support 21
Breaking Down the Barriers 22
Simon Breakspear’s Embedding Teaching Sprints 23
8 WAPPA Professional Learning 25
Beyond Diversity
10
!"
Engage dads in
your school
community
22 1300 FATHERS
www.fathering.org
Breaking Down the Barriers
Cover: Breaking Down the Barriers, Pg22 Contact WAPPA
Opinions expressed by contributors to WORDS are their own P (08) 6380 1755 | E wappa@wappa.net.au | W wappa.asn.au
and not necessarily endorsed by the publishers, the Western 440 Vincent Street West, West Leederville WA 6007
Australian Primary Principals’ Association (Inc) and its members. Professional Support Line (08) 9388 8437
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
1
From the President
Ian Anderson, President, WAPPA
As this issue goes to print, school My journey took me from teaching support and learn from each other
leaders are dealing with one of the in the lovely town of Esperance as and as a professional association,
a graduate, Mount Lawley Primary this is one of the things which
impact our society in our lifetime, School in the city before venturing underpins our membership.
COVID-19.
Recently, I had the opportunity to
Principal.
This has been a truly testing time for visit Marrakesh for the International
all of our school leaders and they are This journey took me via two # $
to be congratulated on how well they wheatbelt towns before my and Improvement (ICSEI)
have led their schools during such a Conference where I delivered a
presentation on Brightpath.
! "
No one really knew what impact Whilst there, I learned a little about
Crescent in Thornlie.
the virus would have on schools, the education system which operates
but I am extremely proud that our Our journeys help to shape the in Morocco and how they have
school leaders have managed to $ "" recently embarked on an ambitious
ensure continuity of school life for goal to have all 5 year old’s attending
experiencing diversity in our school by 2027.
possible during these very testing schools that we build the In a country like Morocco, diversity
times.
knowledge that helps us to and disadvantage is huge and it
When reading this issue of WORDS, %' % is great to see that a Government,
you will get a strong sense of some under the direction of the King, is
of the diversity which underpins WAPPA is also responding to the working at trying to overcome the
education in Western Australia. From diversity within our membership and level of disadvantage.
Donna Bridge’s story of leading a this has seen the addition of our
Aspirant and Alumni Membership School communities are supporting
school in the Kimberley through
categories and the growth of our and encouraging their schools
to the very personal story of Greg
WAPPA7s. with small acts of kindness. This is
Clarke’s journey as a Principal.
pleasing to see and thank you for
Many of us have stories which At the centre of our Strategic Plan is sharing them.
m.
connection.
highlight the diversity within
This is one of our strengths in that
which we have lived and members connect and share across
# all categories of membership. We
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
2
From the General Manager
Marni Hill, General Manager, WAPPA
()**) ' %# " + * + .. /
these changing times you may not initially be thinking of their services but they
are all ready and able to adapt and provide continued support to WAPPA and
''%
NFP Partners
We have restructured our partner and
sponsor programs this year and have
Natalie Therese and her team at This year David Tough and Woods the following three
Fotoworks are back again and we Furniture are supporting the sponsors on board.
are pleased to say they are our WAPPA7s events and in February
longest continuous Partner with over they had a great time at the
20 years of association with WAPPA. WAPPA7s Mixer. We look forward
(Originally as Fotek) They have been to their Partnership and ongoing
servicing schools for over 40 years support in 2020.
and supporting WAPPA member We welcome Brayden Zeer, Mindful
schools throughout WA. Meditation Australia who has been
working with WAPPA and our LEST
program in 2019 and again in 2020.
Last year saw the return of Concept
+ / :
Brown and his team at Concept
Sponsoring our 2020 Soiree event AV have joined us again for 2020.
in January, Simon Hughes and Concept AV proudly sponsored
the interactive screens we have Stephen Rushforth from the
%#! & & '
in our training rooms upstairs and Fathering Project who presented their
with a great afternoon at Ambrose
they would be pleased to show the program at our conference last year.
Estate. As our Major Sponsor,
functionality of these screens to any The Fathering Project in schools is
OSHClub will continue to support
collegial groups using our training about giving kids the best fathers and
a number of events throughout the
rooms. ;
year and we thank them again for the
Partnership in 2020.
Constable Care Child Safety
Richard Collier & Marilyn Pratt Foundation provides safety education
at Teachers Mutual are proudly for children and young people
supporting WAPPA members in 2020 throughout Western Australia. They
The Konica Minolta team, Mark with their range of services. We are have had a long association with
Henderson, Kimberley Marshall & pleased to have them join us again WAPPA and we welcome this year as
this year. NFP Partner.
WAPPA and have been for over 10
years. This year they were all set to
sponsor the Football tipping again
Throughout the year you will see different programs and offers
for 2020. We will let you know more
" "5 "
about the footy seasons and how
they will progress.
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
3
2020 Soiree
Heather Prance, Principal, Corrigin DHS Door Prize Winners!
Following a full semester of LSL and then of reform to progress what is in place through
the summer holiday break where I enjoyed a focus on participation and engagement to
the luxury of no time schedules and thinking achieve student growth and progress based
only of myself and family, it was time to on quality data.
switch to school thinking. The WAPPA Soiree
It is refreshing that she said in no uncertain
on January 23 was the perfect event to
terms that when she visits schools, she does
transition back to school leadership mode on
not want a tour of buildings but rather to visit
a high.
classrooms to see students learning in action
The Ambrose Estate, Wembley Golf Course, and speak with teachers about individual
was an ideal venue for the warm summer student participation and growth.
weather with an open air alfresco overlooking
The Soiree was a very successful event
& '
that left me and I’m sure others to start the
views. Furnished to promote mingling with Kathryn Sparks
school year with the knowledge that there is
high tables to stand around, the scene was Deputy Principal
large network of leaders and a professional
set for a unique afternoon of collegiality in Makybe Rise PS
association to support us in both the good
the lead up to the new school year. Prize: Professional Learning
and the challenging times we encounter in
our leadership roles. Session at WAPPA
For me, the warm and personable
welcome on arrival by the WAPPA I congratulate the WAPPA Board and
Q
' 5 opportunity.
= / >
and care for leaders as individuals truly A big thank you to the team at OSHClub for
unique and one of the many reasons I supporting this event!
advocate membership.
As the arrival of attendees grew, so did
the buzz of conversation and laughter as
leaders reconnected with familiar faces and
were introduced to new contemporaries.
A selection of refreshments including non-
Brenda Kane
alcohol choices for those of us who were Teacher
driving ensured thirsts were quenched and Beaumaris PS
?
Prize: 3 day registration
Another highlight for me was listening to our for the
Director General, Lisa Rogers, speak of her WAPPA Conference
vision for schools. I was delighted with her
recognition of “change fatigue” and the idea
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
4
BACK FOR 2020
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Celebrating Diversity
Greg Clarke, Principal, Lake Gwellup PS
This term we are celebrating diversity across the membership, Bree from WAPPA chatted with Greg Clarke,
Principal of Lake Gwelup Primary School on his leadership journey and how things have changed as an
:;? 5 " +
Tell us a little about your for the past 24 years? The answer years, visibility of LGBTQ+ people
leadership journey. is simple; connection. Connection to in the community, and in the work
colleagues, connection to support, ' =
Like the majority of the membership,
connection to a learning culture and way, you were passively encouraged
my career has taken me to many
platform and connection to friends. to be invisible. Thankfully so much
varied and wonderful places across
Early leadership in small, isolated has changed. I’ve seen through my
Western Australia. Teaching for me
country towns is a tough gig. career that, a prime motivator for
began in 1987, with a move into
me is to be open, honest, authentic
leadership in 1995. WAPPA was never about paying
about who I am, my life, so that to
a membership simply to attend
Although I loved the classroom my students and the wider school
a conference (although that was
teaching part of my career, ultimately community I am a positive role model
fun), to me it is about knowing you
' Y for others that may also identify as
are connected to others who know
in the schools I worked in led me to LGBTQ+.
what you are going through, who
a long career in school leadership.
understand the complexities of the = >'
[ & '
job, who support and challenge you. Principal to be what I am known
and thankfully I had the opportunity
I could never put a dollar value on for, because it’s just a facet of my
to work with many wonderful role
that. I would encourage all new and life. But I think it’s really great now
models early in my career.
aspiring leaders to join. that we can celebrate diversity, and
What has been a highlight of your that in the past decade or so I can
What has your experience been
career? take my, now husband, to school
with diversity throughout your
~
Working as a Principal across many career?
and be proud of that and not have
districts and towns, some small and to be concerned with how others
For myself, being part of the
some large, has given me so many may or may not react. I think some
LGBTQ+ community, my journey has
amazing experiences. When asked of that comes with getting older and
been ever changing and evolving.
to pinpoint a career highlight, working becoming more sure of yourself as a
/ =
in Broome with the ‘school in houses’ person.
as a young teacher and a young
model easily springs to mind. Maybe
administrator, being open about that
it is the warmth of the Pilbara and I think we’ve come so far and that’s
aspect of my life was something I just
Kimberley or perhaps the stunning really important. When students
didn’t think was going to be helpful. It
> ' ='
are highlights for so many reasons. photo of myself and my husband,
of the locations I have worked in the
they don’t blink, they don’t really
What was your motivation to `{ }{ '
even think anything of it, other than
become a WAPPA member? than they generally are in 2020.
‘you look happy’!
Why I have been a WAPPA member Thinking back over the past 30 or so
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
6
Stronger, Smarter
Donna Bridge, Principal, Brentwood PS
When I was at Fitzroy Valley DHS, that we maintain high expectations for
Stronger Smarter was a well embedded students to be the best they can be.
approach to improve outcomes for
Indigenous students. It was less about It is grounded in strength and diversity
the ‘what’ of cultural diversity and more and allows opportunities for innovation
about the ‘how’ of the processes and and creative solutions to complex
actions we followed. It also gave time # #
& uncover their own habitual patterns that
ways of seeing the world. To challenge impact on their own ways of thinking,
& ' seeing, talking and doing, and how our
provocations such as “We don’t really see own beliefs and assumptions impact our
the world as it is, we see it as we are”. relationships and interactions with others.
This year I moved, after 8 years at Fitzroy
Moving to a place like Fitzroy Crossing, beginning a new journey at
Brentwood Primary. Having lived and
Crossing can be a challenging worked in complex, regional and remote
5 "' J schools most of my career, I welcomed
the change, albeit with apprehension, as
Many teachers become the minority for I wondered would my way of working be
[ welcomed in a mainstream school with
adjust perceptions and embrace cultural only 14 Aboriginal students.
diversity as a strength required practices I took what I know how to do well and
being built into school processes and applied it to my new setting. Brentwood
supported and modelled by the leadership has a very diverse school population
group. `
A key practice included developing } Y
cultural action plans. This involved using English speakers to English as a third
a boab tree analogy. The tree can’t grow = '
without a solid foundation. Firstly, learning = '
' our students all get along and how they
which they connected with and believed honour the humanity of each other. I still
important in order to work collaboratively commit to practices that focus on how we
and supportively. This became their will work together. I am slowly introducing
foundation, or the roots of the tree. the concept of checking in and checking
out, cultural action plans and listening to
Secondly, teams discussed what they my teacher stories of who they are and
wanted the group to look like, feel like, what motivates them.
together with their actions and behaviours.
This became the branches of the tree. I am excited to see how the year unfolds.
How will my thinking be shaped by the
Lastly, the team thought about the trunk team and the processes we have in place,
of the tree - the rituals and artefacts that and how the school may improve with
they needed to have in place to get to the some of my ways of leading which honour
behaviours they wanted to see. These are my cultural identity?
the visible actions members of the team
will undertake. As we revisit our progress towards
culturally responsive schools and
I am sure, that team building activities classrooms, I will continue to use the
conducted in schools have similar ideas Stronger Smarter approach because it
for similar reasons. When considering Y
diversity in the workplace, however, it is your personal sphere (transforming
a great way to start because the process yourself into agents of change), the school
uses less writing and more visualisation to sphere (using strength based approaches
bring everyone together. and high expectations relationships) and
As an Aboriginal Principal, embracing the community sphere (partnerships built
Stronger Smarter aligned to an Aboriginal on cohesion and collaboration).
way of thinking and learning, and I am excited to work in such a
honoured my own sense of identity, whilst
helping maintain the positive, supportive different and diverse school
learning environment that was evident to
everyone who visited Fitzroy Valley. setting that challenges my thinking
In similar ways that The 7 Habits of Highly % 5
$ '
Y ' Diversity allows us to celebrate and
way of being, the Stronger Smarter strengthen our school and honour our
Approach honours the student, cares humanity as the Brentwood Family.
about their achievements and ensures
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
7
Beyond Diversity
Fadzi Whande, Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategist
We are living in a period of unprecedented social, cultural, political, technological, environmental and
' " =" 5 + 5 " %' '
not just in a workplace environment but also because our workplaces tend to mirror the sociocultural
' 5 #
Diversity and Inclusion are terms be the destination but rather the We can turn this fear into greater
that are often used interchangeably journey towards creating an inclusive understanding and knowledge that
= environment that fosters belonging. leads to acceptance. This will require
is important to establish a clear you to be intentional about interacting
The basis of diversity and inclusion
' '
is people. Whether teachers,
between the two. '
For me, diversity is like stakeholders, diversity and inclusion 3. Championing inclusion
is about how we engage, celebrate,
%# # /5 Our focus should not purely be about
accept, respect, value and behave
diversity or increasing representation
towards people.
is all the ingredients you of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
You can start to do this is by: people, women, LGBTI or those who
K Q are culturally and linguistically diverse,
1. Changing your perspective
U " 'J but about fostering environments for
Changing our perspective from Y =
and baking process and diversity from being a negative the responsibility of someone else
to a positive. Diversity is about nor is it achieved through a policy
% " " or strategy. Inclusion is a personal
'
X Y the opportunity to learn from responsibility and each of us have to
champion it. I share more about this in
describes this so well when Schools play such an important my TEDx talk entitled, ‘How diversity
she says that ‘Diversity is being role in fostering the values that heaven can be inclusion hell’.
allow students to be accepting of
invited to the party; inclusion Having lived and worked in Africa,
individual uniqueness and respect
USA, UK and now identifying as a
% # [ and similarities in our community
proud Australian citizen, this has
never been more evident. I feel
Many well-intentioned organisations irrespective of race, religious beliefs,
fortunate to have been exposed to
have made diversity the priority social status, family makeup, ethnicity,
at the expense of inclusion. It is gender, physical ability, sexual
which has given me a greater
possible to have diversity with no orientation or family makeup.
appreciation for people. I think we
inclusion. While research shows that 2. Confronting your fear all can learn from each other and
diversity improves organisational need to be more intentional and
% ' '
to us can often create exclusion challenge the narrative of division and
leads to disappointing outcomes that and provide an incomplete view discrimination. At the end of the day
often result in a loss of productivity of situations, events, people and we all need each other and we are at
and performance. Diversity has communities. It ignores the lived our best when we value and respect
been the focus for so long that in experience and narratives of others each other.
a lot of cases it has become the and if it goes unchecked becomes
‘destination’. Diversity should never a bias that is reinforced daily.
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
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WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
9 !"
Rudy Rybarczyk, WAPPA Alumni
In an after dinner address to the the Horseshoe State School ever Valmai Searle and a school Principal
Australian Primary Principals existed! in her own right). Val was my peer
Association delegates in the mid tutor while Mr Kelly was otherwise
Our father ran the company mess
eighties, former President of WAPPA engaged with his wide range of
and was its chief cook. He never
Brian Kelly said, when referring to classes. She was a tough mentor but
called himself a chef, claiming
'
forever that in the mountains of
school, Horseshoe State School
paper work he had completed prior The school was supported by a fairly
in 1951, that besides the 13 town
to his arrival in Australia after the rough and tumble parent group who
children and prospectors’ children, he
war, he had inadvertently ticked a raised funds with dubious activities
had ‘two German children who came
box that asked whether he could boil always including the mandatory 10
to me without a word of English to
an egg. He had a French kitchen gallon keg of beer.
complete the set’.
hand Andre (what else?) a former
Crown and Anchor prevailed as
My brother Roland and I were those shearers’ cook Bertha, my mother as
did various other fund raisers and
two children. assistant and Jock the general hand.
winners usually donated their
My brother and I were in charge of
We had arrived in Melbourne winnings ‘back to the kids’ noted
replenishing table centre pieces such
Mr Kelly. As the evening wore on
as Holbrooks Sauce and Rosella
with our mother aboard the Tomato Sauce as well as pepper, salt
songs would start and I have yet to
meet an Italian who doesn’t think
migrant ship Castelbianco and a good supply of salt tablets.
he can provide a better rendition of
and after some weeks in We were soon enrolled in the local O Solo Mio than Luciano Pavarotti,
state school, under the watchful eye and the miners of those days were
Bonegilla and Northam of teacher/headmaster, Mr Kelly. % '
Migrant Camps, joined our It was a one teacher school, a title often called on to harmonise a few
no longer in existence with current classics, mainly in German, as both
father at Horseshoe Gold requirements for DOTT and clerical had lovely voices.
duties for Principals no matter what
Y ]^] the enrolment. Classes ranged My father could speak
from 1 to 6 with my brother and me
Horseshoe was 160 kilometers north
making up the ESL component.
several languages and
of Meekatharra and consisted of
just a few family homes and a single It was a time when ESL strategies he expected no less from
men’s quarters set a little apart were nonexistent as were Progress my brother and me once
from what might have been loosely Maps and Whole School Literacy
termed the town centre. The school Plans. “It was a time when Bloom’s " ="
was also some distance from the Taxonomy was unheard of” said
married couple’s quarters, no doubt
were, however, a few other
Brian, “not surprisingly because it
in anticipation of future development. hadn’t been written,” he said. Mr obstacles to overcome
Sadly today, the WA Department Kelly sat me next to his brightest
of Education has no record that star Valmai Stubbs (later to become mainly relating to two
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
10German boys arriving so a visit from all the school kids. They school, but the sharing of
were laden with get well gifts as well
soon after the conclusion of as an armful of Jughead and Archie our circumstances with
( ( . comics from my nemesis Reggie! other families and single
I was very humbled as I learnt that
There were a few incidents during the visit was not prompted by Mr ' #
and after school but it was very Kelly. From there on we were all
Like most mine sites Horseshoe had
noticeable that neither my father close friends evidenced by my being
its itinerant characters and I became
nor Mr Kelly interfered a great deal permitted to join the playground
friendly with ‘Sailor’ Hawkridge,
with this ‘sorting out’ process which marbles and knucklebones
‘Freddy’ Stride, and ‘Jack’ Head. All
is probably quite an unacceptable tournaments. My English lessons
were keen to know how we were
strategy these days. Reggie, my commenced in earnest as I studied
getting on and after several long
most frequent protagonist had to Archie and Jughead, and associated
necks (beers) provided invaluable
assert himself as the school leader. I actions with words. Reggie had
guidance to assist us in our progress.
never really disliked him but I did vow unwittingly provided me with the best
A Jewish metallurgist named Roy
and declare that one day he would text books available at the time for
Levi introduced me to the wonders
go home as I did and check the ESL purposes. Val was allowed to
of English Literature. When the mine
mirror for any visible damage. use them with me at school!
closed he left me his three leather
The School Inspector at the time was bound copies of the Complete Works
Meanwhile, under Mr Kelly’s a Mr Harry Trotman who displayed an of William Shakespeare.
guidance, Val was doing a ongoing interest in the progress of Mr
So, at the time, being an ESL kid
Kelly’s two ESL children. He would
wonderful job coaching me was never a drawback. In fact it was
& '
quite the opposite. When I read Brian
` " $ ' ‘sums’ and comprehension questions
Kelly’s account of his two years at
and ask that we complete them
progress in my Transcription Horseshoe, I realised that it was also
in our pads, while an anxious Mr
Kelly looked on. Mr Trotman would
Book, Arithmetic and Art! Mr leave us amidst glowing praise for
his teaching career. Testimony to his
Y '
Kelly took to using his own the achievements of the school
children went on to become teachers,
including the two German lads who
art work as a catalyst for a statistic to which he referred as
were making remarkable progress.
somewhat ‘grisly’ but one he was
` " q Mr Kelly rewarded us with extended
proud of never the less.
play during which we would play Red
Rover with our Headmaster on one of “So much for Horseshoe”
the teams. He often lost his beautiful
The turning point to my learning blue Pringle lambswool sweater Mixer
Kristy Harrison, Deputy Principal, Creaney PS
/ > '
representation of members, both county and metro.
We took the opportunity to connect with WAPPA Board
members and like-minded colleagues and built collegiality
and positive partnerships. Through conversations with
members, the excitement, motivation and enthusiasm was
clear to see.
Colleagues were discussing career pathways thus far and
hopes for the future, and bonding over some common
country and remote experiences and school contexts.
and made plans for future discussion and collegiality.
Networking and collegially was evident throughout the
evening and energy was buzzing.
One of the empowering aspects about which many
members spoke was that whilst we have a structure
in place, we also have the freedom to put forward and
work with our WAPPA7s members wants, needs and
challenges for the future. When speaking with others at
the Mixer and throughout our journey, we all have our
own ideas. With WAPPA7s we have a voice to share and
put these ideas forward. We also have the freedom to
create and we are grateful to WAPPA for providing us this
avenue.
“I had a wonderful time, saw some old friends, made
some new ones and walked away feeling re-energized
and re-connected.”
- Paul Fuller, Glengarry PS
WAPPA7s are motivated and passionate WAPPA
members in the early stages of educational leadership.
;
experience. Members are Deputy Principals and
Principals with a desire develop their leadership
capabilities in a collegial environment, whilst supporting
WAPPA in sustainability and engagement of current
and future members. WAPPA7s will provide a forum
and creative space for discussion and debate of ideas,
opinions and practices, essentially establishing an avenue
' /
Throughout this year we have planned meetings and
events supporting WAPPA7s to provide connection,
direction and ideas for the future, build leadership
capacity and support current and future members. We all
look forward to the challenge ahead for school leaders.
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()**) ''% #"
WAPPA will support you to take the next step in your professional and
# %
$ 5 " " ' 5%
)# " "
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" " ]^^
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
14Aspiring to
Leadership?
Are you an amazing teacher and team leader, now
aspiring to take the next step in your career path?
As an Aspirant Member, WAPPA can help you
discover your path to leadership.
WAPPA can give you access to the support and
professional learning programs that will help you take
this journey.
/ .] ()**)
3,000+
2,245
OF WA
GOVERNMENT
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PROVIDED HAVE A REGISTRATIONS
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40 | Edition 1 2020
15Bob Hawke Gives WAPPA Alumni a Great Foundation
Noel Bourke, WAPPA Alumni
About forty WAPPA newly minted 19 team. My interest in playing cricket Learning opportunities so that
Alumni attended an interesting and dwindled rapidly after I was posted they could keep up their Teacher’s
informative talk by the foundation to sunny Bunbury, where I found the Registration, or whatever it is called
principal of Bob Hawke College, beach and some of those decorating these days. Others felt it was an
John Burke, at the Alumni’s inaugural it, far more attractive. opportunity to maintain concrete links
/ % with WAPPA and Primary Education,
; '
Friday, November 29, 2019. with an occasional guest speaker.
= &
Some others thought it would be a
After John’s presentation, President, required hand-eye co-ordination,
great chance for social occasions with
Ian Anderson, thanked everyone Y
like-minded, former colleagues. To
for their attendance, introduced the to call myself a cricketer. My friend
each, his or her own.
WAPPA Board members and invited emphasised the fact that it was a
everyone to join them for lunch. Well VETERANS competition, so I decided David skilfully focussed everyone’s
done, WAPPA! to play along. minds on a few key WAPPA Alumni
functions. He sought written individual
This inaugural Alumni I soon found out that, just like the
responses from everyone present
WAPPA Alumni, and indeed, teaching,
function was a resounding and then established an Interim
Steering Committee, with David as
) /5 becoming involved. The indoor
$ % '
cricket competition was played in a
Hewitt, WAPPA’s Manager WAPPA Board.
huge warehouse in Malaga. I was
' Six months later, the WAPPA Alumni
of Member Services, for described as being over 35 years of is up and running. No doubt more
initiating the idea of a age. Most of the opposing players information will be forthcoming from
were muscular athletes, built like the WAPPA via publications and
()**) )' Adonis and hell bent on victory at all e-mails. I am sure that those attending
David facilitated a July meeting of costs. My team consisted of players the inaugural Alumni meeting will be
Retiree Members to canvas interest encouraging other retirees to attend
for such a venture and then sold the who played for various reasons. A future meetings.
idea to a supportive WAPPA Board. couple, including the captain, played
One future gathering sure to be well
to win. Some others, though, thought
Alumni is a word more used in the attended will be the tour of the brand-
it was an enjoyable way to maintain
USA than in Australia. According to new Bob Hawke College, which John
''
the inaugural 1981 Edition of the Burke promised to provide to Alumni
there really because they enjoyed
Macquarie Dictionary it means a members sometime in 2020, after the
the social side of drinks, nibbles and
graduate of a school or university. ' &
camaraderie after the game.
Strangely, the 2010 revised edition 260 Year seven students. See you
of the Macquarie does not mention Of course, as a school principal, I then!
Alumni or Alumnus at all. It doesn’t & '
mention leadership, either. reasons and I had always tried to
' '
I attended that July meeting, during passionate about teaching and those
which my mind went back to time who were only there for the pay-check
in the mid 1980s, when aged about and the holidays. Fortunately, there
48, a deputy-principal friend asked were very few of those.
me to become a member of his
veterans indoor cricket team. Now That initial Alumni meeting in July was
I love cricket. In my youth I opened quite similar. When asked by David
the batting at Aquinas College and, to suggest what function or role the
later on, the Mt Lawley Colts Under Alumni could play, some said it was
a means of organising Professional
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WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
17Work Remains on
International Women’s Day
Melissa Langdon
Associate Professor Melissa Langdon is a consultant and academic on
education, leadership and gender diversity. She is the principal of Melissa
Langdon Consulting and founder of the popular social network, BOSSMAMA.
This article has been republished from www.businessnews.com.au
International Women’s Day on WA Museum chief executive Alec education has the power to transform
Sunday March 8 is a time to celebrate Coles thinks International Women’s communities.
women’s achievements. It’s also a Day is a time to focus on issues of
time for courageous conversations The Fogarty Foundation supports
equality, opportunity and inclusion.
about how we can better support CoderDojo WA, which teaches
women at work and in society. “As an English speaking white male, children skills in coding, creativity,
somewhat beyond middle age, I am critical thinking, collaboration and
Leading those conversations are
some of Western Australia’s business, aware of the relative privilege I have communication, and increases girls’
education and indigenous leaders, enjoyed. The least I can do is to try and participation in STEM.
' Y = / > redress the balance for the workforce
Day and what it means for the state. of the future,” Mr Coles said.
Leaders’ views In particular he celebrated WA’s female
The University of Western Australia’s leaders in academia, business and
vice-chancellor elect, Amit Chakma, public service, including Sue Murphy,
sees International Women’s Day as Erica Smyth, Kerry Sanderson, Ms
Y Gaines, and his colleagues Jenny Allen
day “When I take stock of what has and Diana Jones, who had all “blazed
been accomplished and what still trails in their own way”.
needs to be done”.
Bindi Bindi Dreaming managing
Fortescue Metals Group chief director and Curtin Ignition graduate
executive Elizabeth Gaines says it
' Marissa Verma views the day as an
in those women who have created opportunity to showcase outstanding
opportunities for themselves, their women doing wonderful things for
families, and communities. themselves and their communities. Annie Fogarty. Photo:Attila Csaszar
“In particular, we have She also acknowledges the resilience Professor Chakma agrees that
of Aboriginal women who, despite education is critical for achieving
some amazing Aboriginal challenges, became the best leaders, gender equity. He said universities, in
mothers, aunties and mentors. particular, could be catalysts for social
team members who have change.
Education, social change
successfully participated “They are places where new ideas are
For WA Australian of the Year Annie
in our training programs, Fogarty, gender equity starts with
providing girls with equitable access to And some old ideas that do not stand
education. up to scrutiny over time are rejected,”
Professor Chakma said.
and have also stepped up As executive chairperson and co-
founder of the Fogarty Foundation, Equity at work
into leadership positions
she advances social change through "
within the business,” education. last month show WA has the highest
gender pay gap in Australia at 22.1 per
Y ; [ > cent versus a national average of 13.9
Caitlyn Fogarty, says the day is a per cent. Full-time women working in
celebration of the opportunities female every industry earn less than men.
leaders often provide within their
communities, saying: “Teach a man to Meanwhile, reduced superannuation
has led to growing poverty and
' homelessness for middle-aged
a lifetime”. women.
Annie and Caitlyn Fogarty believe that
Elizabeth Gaines. Photo: Gabriel Oliveira
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
18“It is stating the obvious This was just a few years ago in a Campbell, said confronting negative
workplace with progressive policies. behaviours towards women was
that the continuing failure essential.
It made me wonder, if it was this
to recognise the potential '& ' “Where there are hostile workplace
of half of our workforce is supportive policies, what was it like cultures, we simply can’t ask women
elsewhere? to lean in and try harder to reach
not only discriminatory, it leadership positions. Instead, we need
I launched my consultancy and social
is downright foolish,” WA to ensure undermining behaviour is
network in response, and now work
called out,” Professor Campbell said.
Y'[ Y with businesses to help them innovate
through gender diversity. And men had a big role to play in this
move towards better workplaces,
Despite the advances of recent years,
Professor Chakma said, by working
Ms Gaines said more change was
alongside women to build inclusive and
needed with regard to how family
supportive cultures.
dynamics played out in the workplace.
At Fortescue, Ms Gaines has taken
“If we are serious about practical steps by committing to the
addressing gender inequality,
with female leaders through Mentor
we need to re-examine / &
the conversation around Y
men, fathers and caring Ms Verma said she mentored Aboriginal
girls and women to share what she had
Alec Coles. Photo: Attila Csaszar responsibilities,” she said, learned about indigenous culture and:
adding it was important to “How we can balance in walking in two
Issues over employment disparity worlds as I call it, and how to groom
can start early on, according to normalise their uptake of them to become our future leaders.”
Department of Planning Lands 5 QJ%
and Heritage director general Gail Diversity and business
McGowan, who said processes could # Research shows that gender diversity is
be “stacked up against women” from good for business.
the recruitment stage. Ms McGowan said some women even
hid the fact that they were parents Gender-balanced teams outperform
Ms McGowan suggests employers at work due to fear of judgment or male-dominated teams in sales and
consider blind recruitment processes, ' &
' Y teams with 55 per cent women.
selection criteria. She encourages all parents to be visible
'& ;Y “The truth is diversity isn’t just the right
“[They should be] thinking about the thing to do, it is the smart thing to do,”
transferability of candidates’ skills,” she openly collecting her granddaughter Ms Gaines said.
said, including those developed during from day care.
career breaks and parental leave,” Ms She said achieving gender equality
McGowan said. :' & ' relied on CEOs making strong
she can do to support them and what commitments and ensuring they were
Ms Gaines said she was aware of many can be changed to achieve better enacted at every level.
women who had been overlooked for outcomes.
promotions or career opportunities “As leaders, we need to
because the person being promoted Inclusive cultures change the conversation
had been a ‘mirror image’ of the person For women who are innovative, push
responsible for making the decision – > from asking ‘why’ to ‘how’
usually a man. mould, the ‘likeability trap’ can persist. because we need diversity
Parental support There is also the issue of workplace in the workplace to be
Working parents’ career progression bullying and misconduct, with 39 per
cent of Australian women experiencing business as usual and,
by the ‘child penalty’ that occurs after ultimately this comes down
[ years, according to the Australian
Human Rights Commission. to the culture and values of
face other challenges.
Professor of politics and director of the a business and the broader
As a breastfeeding parent, I expressed
in a public toilet due to the lack of Global Institute for Women’s Leadership '' Y ;
facilities in my workplace at the time. at King’s College, London, Rosie
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
19Regional Support for Our Members
: `J5 / Y ` +
It is not until you move around the Tjuntjuntjarra and the Ngaanyatjarra been instigated and supported by
regions do you really get the chance Lands Schools which is comprised WAPPA. There are some common
to see how the Western Australian of eight campuses spread across the threads across our regions with a
Primary Principals Association Western Desert of Western Australia. commitment to support each other
(WAPPA) works to support its despite the distances between
The WAPPA voice is connected
members. In 2019 and now in 2020 schools in regional Western Australia.
:
I have had that opportunity to see
Education Region with many I am continually impressed with the
'& /
members receiving support from camaraderie and generous time
in the regions. 2019 allowed me to
experienced O’Connor Primary given to members by other members
spend a month in the Wheatbelt
School Principal Mr Steve Delfs, to support them through challenges
Education Region working with
Chapter Chair. Mr Delfs has and issues. Additionally, there is
dedicated school leaders within 69
mentored, coached and been always a member on the end of the
schools from Northam to Moora and
a wonderful colleague to many phone who is there just to listen
schools in between.
members in Kalgoorlie and within the !' &
A highlight was the WAPPA WAPPA arena for many years. are members to have the WAPPA
team hosting a chapter meeting Member Support, which is available
The 47 schools in the Midwest
at Narrogin which followed the to support members and is manned
Education Region extend from
successful Combined Schools by former experienced Principals.
Exmouth to Geraldton and out
Professional Learning (PL) event for
to Meekatharra in the east and Add the wonderful Business Centre
primary and secondary educators,
Dandaragaran and Watheroo in the team into the mix and there you have
attended by 500 educators from
south. They are another amazing a strong and supportive team. What
throughout region. Like many
group of regional schools who stay amazes me is that there is a strong
regions, the Wheatbelt Education
connected through the Geraldton moral purpose to give back to the
Regional Networks incorporate
Network, and through their chapter association and the profession and
WAPPA key messages and
chairs in the various Midwest that presents itself in many forms
communications through their
locations. across our regions.
network meetings which is a great
way to share key messages and to Ms Melanie Hancock, WAPPA Coaching and mentoring,
connect leaders. Chapter Chair,Geraldton, has
supported many new and phoning a colleague or
Ms Petrina Bean, Chapter Chair,
experienced members through mate, taking someone
Dalwallinu District High School,
her active promotion of PL and
has made a huge contribution for coffee, organising to
support for developing leaders. A
to education and WAPPA in the
highlight has been high quality PL for
Wheatbelt Education Region. Ms
leaders being delivered by WAPPA
share travel or PL, and even
Bean was recently successful in the
coordination of an education awards
in this region including 7 Habits ‘lending teachers’ for hard
of Highly Successful People and
event recognising dedicated and to staff schools are just some
Fierce Conversations along with a
committed educators in their region.
Roadshow which brought several of the clever ideas and kind
[ : $ key WAPPA experts to the region to
is another large region with 47 present key messages. gestures that I have seen that
schools from Wiluna to Esperance
and includes some of the more
There is some outstanding work "
going in the regions which has
remote schools in the state including,
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
20WAPPA Member Support
Neil Taylor, Retired Support Line Member
2020 marks 15 years of service The initial Professional Support Today the Support Line provides
from the WAPPA Professional
Line team formed in July 2005 on any job-related matters. Call data
Support Line. It was during Colin comprised:
Pettit’s period of Presidency that is used to track trends in issues
the Professional Support Line was Monday Barry Groves impacting members to assist the Board
established. of Management in identifying and
Tuesday Noel Bourke responding.
In July 2005 Colin personally Wednesday Neil Taylor Each WAPPA President has had an
phoned a number of recently
Thursday Barry Arnold
retired Principals, explained the #
intended role, support for members Friday Brian Jeppeson with personally dealing with many of
experiencing day to day issues. Relief Rudy the more serious and time consuming
Rybarczyk issues.
Those who said they would like to be
involved in providing this new service David Sewell Likewise other professional WAPPA
were invited to join up as advisors. #
[ ' After several weeks Brian Jeppeson '
one of term three 2005. retired and Rudy Rybarczy took over situations, especially after Support Line
Support Line duties on Fridays. hours.
Previous Support Line members
include Bob King, Rod Steere, Cris The current Support Line team is: The appointment of Liesl Quince as
Sandri, Darrilyn Dawson, John Mason, General Counsel has meant that
Jim Bray, Penny Haleen, Jan Matthews Monday Denise Hilsz members now have timely legal
support.
and myself, Neil Taylor. Tuesday Greg Brice
WAPPA Member Support will
Members may, if they wish, call or Wednesday Phillipa Berkhout continue to remain open and
email a request for a Support Line available to our members during the
% ' [ Thursday Jan Applin term, school holidays and during any
service is open to all members. Friday Stephen Breen possible school closures due to the
current COVID-19 crisis
Relief Rudy Rybarczyk
We are here to support you
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
21Breaking Down the Barriers
Natalie Tarr, Principal, Nollamara PS
Cultural diversity has been a part of I listen to gain insights, relationships with families by taking
the rich tapestry in Western Australian understandings and an appreciation of the time to listen to them during
' perspectives, wants and needs. enrolments and ensuring that
this state. understanding begins from the very
Understanding another person’s
= 5 culture begins with stereotypes. These school.
are the broad brush strokes that give
in our schools were born a person from outside the culture an [
initial access point. But, if you stick are crucial for children and families
overseas and more than with the stereotypes, it’s a bit like from culturally diverse backgrounds.
using Google earth without zooming
one in 10 speak a language in. You get to see the big picture, but Starting at a new school
" " ` " "' you miss all of the rich detail that is
essential to understanding people, can be confronting enough
Our students come to school with their family practices and culture. for any child, so when there
multiple cultural identities, from more
than 120 religious faiths and represent In EAL/D terms we look at it as
the areas below the surface of an are cultural, religious and
over 300 languages spoken, including
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘iceberg’ or in Aboriginal education, language differences, there
languages and dialects. How to the metaphor of the ‘ant hill’.
cater for, accommodate, recognise, Listening is my way of zooming in and
is a greater need to ensure
celebrate and understand diversity have used this simple skill over many
continues to be a challenge in schools that students and their
years when working with families
as culture is complex, dynamic and from diverse backgrounds. It assists families feel welcomed and
ever evolving. to develop an understanding of the
My knowledge of culture and ways individuals I am working with and '+% " "
of understanding and supporting the trying to support, and enable solutions That sense of comfort comes from
needs of newly-arrived migrant and to be found collaboratively, that are belonging, so it’s important to
humanitarian entrants (refugees) suited to them as well as their cultural ensure that the cultural diversity in
has developed over the 25 years. background or religious beliefs. your school and its community are
I have worked in education as an Listening commences during Y '
English as an Additional Language/ enrolment at school. You can do business of running your school.
Dialect (EAL/D) visiting teacher and in this by providing Culturally and
teaching and leadership roles in four As a principal in a school where there
Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) families is a high level of cultural diversity, I
primary and secondary schools with with an accredited interpreter and
Intensive English Centres in Perth, have worked with the wider school
using open questions to obtain as community and relevant agencies
as well as a year spent on Christmas much background information as
Island. to build two-way understandings. I
possible (without being too intrusive) have made a few mistakes along the
My major learning during on the student. Recording a language, way but learnt by simply listening and
history, child rearing information and reaching out for the right information,
" ' ' : milestones, education background these become learning opportunities.
and migration summary enables
If you are going to be the school to have accurate records I have developed mutually respectful
and provides teachers with enough relationships with key groups within
effective in supporting information to assist the student to the school community to invite them
settle into their new environment. into the school to share information,
students, parents and your dispel myths and break down barriers.
This information is also valuable for I have ensured that there is balanced
school community, take representation on the School Board
awareness of the agencies and
time to understand them as support the student and family may
and P&C. Where language could have
been a barrier, I have arranged for a
individuals and that means need, especially if they are from a person to interpret at our meetings so
torture/trauma background. parents feel valued, understood and
' I have built many positive listened to.
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 1 2020
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