WAPPA Updates

Kaya

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest WAPPA members:

MMA, in partnership with Curtin University, has DoE approval to undertake a research project with two schools interested in starting a whole-school mindfulness program.

When Norm greeted you with a handshake he would clasp your hand with both of his and make you feel as though he was really delighted to see you.

Norm was the head man of Wooldridges – Dominee Book Stores and a passionate supporter of WAPPA.

Kaya

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest WAPPA members:

Peter Howse, Cowaramup Primary School
Michaela Wright, Armadale Primary School
Ammie Wood, Fairview Primary School
Louise Bennier, Ballajura Primary School
Keryn Williamson, Mindarie Primary School
Michelle Brown, School of Special Educational Needs: Sensory
Kerry Fullarton, Noranda Primary School

We look forward to providing you with the Support, Advocacy, Leadership Development and Connection, that WAPPA is renowned for. Likewise, we welcome your voice to the ongoing discussion around primary education and school leadership, through the numerous avenues provided to our members.

On Wednesday, 16 March West Leederville Primary School brought together Telethon Kids Institute Researchers and WAPPA President, Niel Smith, for the live forum: Kids, Schools and COVID-19.

Each year we see a small turnover of Chapter Chairs.

This year, however, we saw two of our more experienced Chapter Chairs step down, Steve Delfs and Luke Breman both deciding to hand over the baton to another member.

Kaya

I have spoken to many members in the last fortnight, who are already counting the days until the end of term, knowing and hoping that Term 2 will bring with it, a significant step closer to a leadership role that is more closely aligned with the JDF. 

Members are being asked to do an extraordinary amount of health-related contact tracing, communication, data input, and technical matters that schools are simply not designed to. Whilst Covid has certainly added to leaders' workload, the long term picture is still not getting any better, as you will see below.

Growing Up Digital: Towards digital wellness for all

Kaya.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest WAPPA members:

Annalyn Navarette, Karratha PS
Kellee O'Dwyer, Bridgetown PS
Rosie Paine, Sheoak PS
Kristin Pittard, Osborne PS

We look forward to providing you with the Support, Advocacy, Leadership Development and Connection, that WAPPA is renowned for.

Likewise, we welcome your voice to the ongoing discussion around primary education and school leadership, through the numerous avenues provided to our members.

"At one stage I had tingles. It was awesome. 
I haven't had that 'zinging' feeling all year - but I did today."
- Stephen Ivey, Level 5 Principal, Highgate Primary School

Social, Emotional, Relational Leadership

What an absolute ripper opening to the Webinar Series! The timing couldn’t have been better for Western Australian leaders.

Kristen is a dynamo. No wonder she consults all over the world. She lives and breathes her message, often citing this work she is doing with her team.

When Ian Francis first decided to move to Christmas Island in 2004, he only ever imagined it would be for a short stint.

Seventeen years later and the father of four is now the Island’s longest standing high school Principal.

So says Jodi Piercey, Deputy Principal at Lake Gwelup Primary School, who in her 30 years of teaching has seen the number of anxious students rise sharply in recent years.

According to a nationwide survey in 2015, Young Minds Matter, anxiety disorders are experienced by one in seven adolescents.