QASSP Achievements

Click here to download the document in PDF format. (Updated on 25 September 2012)

In addition to regular consultation and advocacy undertaken by our members with Education Queensland, listed below are some of the more recent significant achievements of the Association.

HEADS OF CURRICULUM
QASSP negotiated with Education Queensland and the Queensland Teachers’ Union, for Heads of Curriculum to be recognised as a substantive leadership position in primary schools.

PREP CLASSROOM SIZE
The minimum standard classroom size and features were considerably enhanced, including covered walkways, as a direct result of QASSP’s advocacy.

TRS SAFETY NET
When all schools were converted to cash for TRS, there was no safety net until QASSP persistently advocated for this necessity. This safety net is accessed by the majority of primary schools.

INCREASE TO TEACHER AND TEACHER AIDE TIME IN ONE TEACHER SCHOOLS
QASSP raised concerns about teachers in one teacher schools being, at times, the sole adult on a school site and as a result increases were negotiated to ensure that it was always possible to have two staff members at school.

REVIEW OF THE ALLOCATIVE MODEL OF RESOURCING TO SCHOOLS
QASSP was responsible for this review being included in the Flying Start commitments prior to year 7 students being moved to high schools.

ANOMALY MONEY FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Through QASSP’s advocacy via APPA, state primary education budgets increased by $100 per student per year which corrected the primary funding anomaly.

ONE SCHOOL ONE PLAN
QASSP raised concerns about the number of plans that schools were expected to complete, and the department is now creating a very sophisticated online tool for the strategic and annual plans with links to the eight other mandatory plans. This is a major improvement from the 39 plans that were identified.

EMPLOYMENT OF QASSP SERVICE OFFICER
In 2011, QASSP fulfilled a long term goal to employ a ‘service officer’ to offer confidential advice and support to its members.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFERINGS
QASSP’s professional development offerings are world-class and have been responsible for influencing Queensland education and principals’ practices through providers such as John Joseph, Fraser Mustard and Malachi Pancoast.

OWNERSHIP OF OFFICE PREMISES IN CBD
QASSP is the only principals’ professional association in Queensland (and one of three in Australia) to own its own premises. QASSP currently rents this office out, in order to utilise larger premises, which allow us to sublet to the Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association and the Australian Primary Principals Association.

WEBSITE
QASSP’s website is extensive and contains information that is available to the general public and to members exclusively in a secure members section. QASSP’s position papers are readily available through the website.

CURRENT WORK

• Development of Leadership Learning Pathways professional development offerings and support.
• Ongoing advocacy for ‘Smart Leaders’, ‘Smart Schools’ and ‘Smart Children’ via QASSP’s A Smart Start to Schooling Futures Plan.
• Badges awarded for 10 years or more association membership.
• Implementation of a professionally developed marketing plan.