Membership News
Hear from WAPPA President, Niel Smith.
“I want to draw your attention to our upcoming workshops so you can plan ahead and get registered for some of the great opportunities WAPPA offers.“
A warm welcome to our new members:
- Lucy Billingham, Baynton West PS
- Suzi Hogg, Narrogin PS
- Shelley Campbell, Waikiki PS
- Larissa McNaught, Wandina PS
- Tamara Gulley, Midwest Regional EO
Deputy Principal Board Members
We had an amazing response to our call for EOIs, for Deputy Principal Members to be co-opted to the WAPPA Board. Close to 20 nominations were received from members across the state, wishing to represent the voice of Deputy Principals on our board.
The WAPPA Board meet next Monday to finalise the number and names of co-opted members, who will be advised in coming weeks. Thank you once again, to everyone who nominated.
TRB Payments ‼️
One of the many benefits of being a WAPPA Member is that the Association pays your annual Teacher’s Registration Board (TRB) fee.
If you are an Ordinary Member and have submitted your TRB Authority form to us, you should have received an email from Margaret Last (mlast@wappa.net.au) confirming that we have now paid your annual TRB fee. Please note that any additional TRB fees remain payable by you directly.
If you have only recently joined and/ornot yet submitted your TRB Authority form or if you are an Aspirant or Restricted Ordinary Member, please ensure that you pay your annual TRB fee promptly to avoid the risk of deregistration.
Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
APPA Update
To find all the latest APPA news, research and position papers that APPA have been developing this year, click the link below.
SUPPORT & ADVOCACY
Support Summary
Since the last edition of WORDS a range of support calls and queries have come into the Business Centre, including:
Queries regarding selection process and procedures
Inappropriate behaviour of volunteers on site
Planning requirements for teachers’ periods of leave
SEN Planning requirements
Inappropriate social media use by community members
As can be seen, the matters on which we provide support and advice are wide ranging and often very contextualised. If you are experiencing any of the above, or simply wish to seek support and advice on any matter, we would encourage you to reach out.
New Professional Community –
Remote Leaders
Based on Member Feedback, we have introduced a brand new WAPPA Professional Community – Remote Leaders. As all of our communities are based on self-nomination, you do not need to be a leader in a remote community school in order to join this community. Remote Leaders will be chaired by Board Member, Craig Mainard.
The WAPPA Professional Community, Remote Leaders supports school leaders in navigating the complexities of leading schools in geographically isolated areas. This community provides a space for collaboration, advocacy, and professional learning, ensuring leaders are equipped to address the unique challenges of their context while driving positive outcomes for students and staff.
ACU Survey – Offensive Behaviours and Productivity in Schools
Many members would be familiar with the work of the ACU’s Principal Health and Wellbeing Survey. The 2024 survey data is due for public release next week and we are unfortunately expecting much of the same. In order to ‘drill down’ further, in an effort to support school leader health, wellbeing and system level support, the ACU conducted a follow up survey into Understanding Critical Incidents (Full report in the link).
Data from the Critical Incidents survey indicated that:
Most school leaders experienced one or more critical incident (81.5%), with more than half (50.4%) dealing with two or more, and just 18.5% not experiencing a critical incident during their time in leadership.
More than 70% of reported critical incidents were categorised by school leaders as being of “high” or “extreme” severity.
Tasmanian and Western Australian school leaders reported the most “high” or “extreme” severity incidents.
School leaders in Western Australia reported the highest experience of multiple critical incidents, with Victoria second highest in the one or more critical incident category, and Tasmania second highest for experiencing two or more critical incidents.
The most common incidents reported were security threats (21.2%, followed by mental health crises (12.3%), suicide threats or attempts (10.8%) bullying (10.8%, and medical emergencies (9.9%).
Most school leaders felt “not prepared” or only “somewhat prepared” to deal with critical incidents (57%).
Almost 67% of respondents experienced cumulative trauma due to multiple critical incidents without a chance to recover, adversely impacting on their mental health and family relationships.
All participants said changes or improvements were needed to better support school leaders manage critical incidents.
In a bid to continue the data collection and anecdotal evidence in this critical area, the ACU are conducting another survey to dovetail into their work, focusing on Offensive Behaviours and Productivity in Schools. If members are keen to contribute towards this ongoing body of research, you are encouraged to complete the survey using this link.
From the Field
Hands on Learning
Wellard Village PS
Wellard Village Primary School is proud to be one of three schools in Western Australia selected to become a Hands on Learning (HoL) Demonstration School in 2025…
CONNECTION & LEADERSHIP
Aspirant Event
This workshop is for teachers aspiring to leadership and will focus on mastering application writing skills to advance to the next career opportunity.
Share this link with your dedicated teachers.
Event: April School Holidays
Making the LeapThe transition from Teacher to Deputy Principal is more complex than most. This workshop will address the key research on role transition and will give participants a clear perspective of what they need to do, demonstrate, understand and develop before they make the leap. Workshop Dates: 7 May 2025 – Term 2, Week 2 9 July 2025 – July School Holidays 13 Nov 2025 – Term 4, Week 5 |
Standards and Integrity Directorate
Facilitated by: Standards and Integrity Directorate, Department of Education
WAPPA and the Standards and Integrity Directorate are proud to work together to bring you three informative and interactive half day workshops.
Register for all three:
Workshop 1: 4 June 2025 – Term 2, Week 6
Workshop 2: 11 June 2025 – Term 2, Week 7
Workshop 3: 18 June 2025 – Term 2, Week 8
WAPPA Conference Concurrent Sessions – EOI
We are looking for school leaders who wish to showcase excellence and best practice in their schools. For more details and how to apply, click the link.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Exclusive WAPPA Member Benefits
Save nearly $200 a year on Qantas Club Membership!
Are you travelling with Qantas during the school holidays? Did you know that as a WAPPA member, you can enjoy exclusive savings on Qantas Club membership? Through WAPPA’s partnership, members receive a discount of nearly $200 per year on their annual Qantas Club membership, giving you access to premium lounges, priority check-in, extra baggage allowances, and more. Make the most of this fantastic benefit and travel in comfort! For more details before you join Qantas Club or before your next Qantas Club renewal, contact WAPPA to access your discount.
*The Qantas Corporate Club cost for 1 year with a WAPPA discount is $503.20 or $935.20 for 2 years, plus joining fee of $129.
Professional Communities
Expand your professional networks and join a WAPPA Professional Community.PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
A Partnership for Every School
Real Schools has expanded its School Culture Partnership program to offer four flexible levels, starting at under $10,000 per year. These options cater to schools of all sizes, budgets, and professional learning (PL) needs. Schools continue to receive expert-led support, with added flexibility, such as the ability to schedule PL Days online throughout the year instead of all at once.
But don’t just take our word for it!
Hear from Springfield Primary School – a proud Real Schools partner.
WA Whitepaper:
Teach for Impact & Restorative Practices
Teach for Impact & Restorative Practices
Candice Brown has authored a whitepaper for WA educators, highlighting how the DoE’s Quality Teaching Strategy and Teaching for Impact framework align with restorative practices. By focusing on relationship-building and non-punitive conflict resolution, these approaches contribute to a more inclusive, effective learning environment and improved student outcomes.
Two WA-Based
Expert Facilitators
To meet growing demand in WA, Real Schools now has two Expert Facilitators. Candice Brown has been supporting WA schools for years, and now Merrilee Wright, a Perth-based educator with 23+ years of experience in teaching, leadership, and mentoring, has joined the team. Together, they work alongside school leaders, teachers, students, and families to foster positive school cultures and engagement.
New in 2025:
Real Schools Student Behaviour PhD
This new self-paced online course provides teachers with a practical roadmap to improve student behaviour, build mutual trust, and create structured, engaging classrooms.
Designed to boost confidence in managing challenging behaviours, the course includes clear strategies and communication techniques. Educators can join anytime, and group discounts are available.
Want to know more?
Still not sure what is involved in a Real Schools School Culture Partnership?
Take a look at this quick explainer video.
Or better yet, call or book a meeting to talk about partnering with Real Schools today.
Call: 1300 789 422
Email: info@realschools.com.au
Web: www.realschools.com.au