Executive Director’s Update to Principals #39 - 16 August 2023
Restructuring of the Zones
Dear Colleagues
I write to you in planning for 2024, to provide notification of our intention to progress the next stage of the restructuring of the Zones. Last year we surveyed Principals of the mid-North regarding the decision and that feedback was balanced and constructive. It recognised the appreciation of the collegiality of the existing Zone structures, whilst acknowledging the pragmatics of the decision to move to four Zones to provide the focussed support.
The decision to move to four Zones commenced with the Hutton Report of 2010 and the Ryan and Kimber Report in 2016. As I commenced in the Diocese and met with Principals, I heard repeatedly that the North was too big and that 3 consultants to support primary schools was inadequate.
A fourth Education Consultant was appointed in early 2022 and we maintained the existing structures throughout 2022 and 2023, given the high-change environment that all within the education sector were experiencing.
I feel it is important that we honour the design intention to move to four Zones in 2024. I appreciate that this is a change and hope that by moving to the more intimate structure for the Week 2 and 8 meetings, that the opportunity for face to face meetings in the North and Mid North may be facilitated, at least on some occasions, as is the case in the other Zones.
There are some logistical implications such as executive structures, calendaring and the re-allocation of funds for the respective Zones, which is why I am communicating this decision now.
I write to you as Principals of the Mid North Zone in the first instance as this change primarily impacts you, but consequentially, involves all Zones. It is my intention to write to the remainder of primary Principals tomorrow, however wished to advise you first.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to bring them to me directly or you may raise them with Janet or Matt.