Regional principals conference

Ettalong principal Mr Colin Wallis joined other primary school principals from the Peninsula and the Hunter-Central Coast region for the annual Regional Principals' Conference late last month.

"It was a most informative and thought-provoking conference, giving me much to think about and to re-energe myself to keep forging ahead," said Mr Wallis.

"One of the interesting speakers was Professor Barry Carpenter, who spoke to us about the growing incidence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders and the impact it is having upon schools and on children's learning and behaviour.

"It is a very concerning but real issue across all sectors both here and overseas.

"Deputy director-general of schools Mr Greg Prior also presented some information about the directions of public education in NSW and of course the Local Schools Local Decisions program that is set to impact upon all schools in the very near future.

"This initiative is aiming to put greater decision-making about schools at the local level so as to better meet local needs," he said.

Newsletter, 3 Apr 2012

Colin Wallis, Ettalong Public School