Survey shows more support needed

As principals will be aware from the recent report from the Australian Principals’ Health and Wellbeing Survey, the data from this longitudinal study of Australian school leaders finds that many are experiencing major work intensification, high levels of stress, and unsatisfactory levels of intimidation or actual violence.

Many of these concerns are also being experienced by teachers and support staff in schools. The IEU welcomes the initiatives in some dioceses to support principals’ wellbeing and looks forward to working with principals and their employers in relation to issues of workload and workplace safety.

The IEU Principals’ Sub Branch AGM was held on 9 February and congratulations to those who have accepted leadership roles. A warm welcome goes to Peter Meers from James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange who attended Principals’ Sub Branch for the first time.

In particular, congratulations are extended to Sidonie Coffey on being re-elected as Sub Branch president, Kathy Neely as deputy president, and Jude Ryan and Des Fox as joint secretaries. Noeleen O’Neill, Geoff McManus, Therese Seymour and Julie Terry were elected as Sub Branch committee members.

Future Sub Branch meeting dates have been set for 4 May, 3 August, 2 November this year and 15 February next year.

Opportunities for diocesan and/or regional IEU meetings are always appreciated and a gathering has been arranged in Wagga Wagga on 20 March and a principals’ breakfast meeting in Newcastle on 17 May. Discussions are underway for other IEU diocesan events within the context of future enterprise agreement negotiations.

At a professional level, principals will be aware that the IEU recently circulated a survey to its members to help inform the Union’s national submission on the future of NAPLAN testing. The IEU values the engagement of principals with its professional agenda, including in regard to funding and resourcing issues, student assessment, teacher accreditation and school registration.

Principals are always welcome to contact the IEU for advice and support in regard to any matters affecting their working lives.

Pam Smith
Principals Organiser