Appendices - Department of Education and Communities - NSW ...

APPendixUnder Mr Graham’s management the Department playeda key role in high level meetings with each NSW universityexecutive group during 2009 to identify strategic directionsand potential for collaboration. These meetings wereparticularly helpful in establishing the groundwork for newpartnerships with schools and improved pathways from VETto university to increase participation of students from lowersocio-economic status backgrounds, a key component ofthe Commonwealth’s higher education reforms.A more efficient, streamlined approach to registrationand accreditation processes for non-university highereducation providers has also been implemented resultingin improvement in the risk management of complianceand quality.In copyright, Mr Graham had responsibility for nationalnegotiations for a new national copyright agreement forschools which will reduce the cost of learning materials by$18 million over three years.Maria Gray-SpenceSES Level 5, $231,951Regional Director, Illawarra/South East■■■■■■■■■■■■expansion of the Positive Behaviour for Success initiativeacross 47 schoolscomprehensive training in the use of data for schoolplanning and learning improvement for regional andschool staffdevelopment of a leadership strategy that provides afresh approach for preparing and attracting staff toleadership positionsincreased number of school learning communities acrossthe region expanding the learning options for studentsand professional learning opportunities for teachersfive additional courses approved following successfulVETAB auditSouthern Stars, the annual regional gala eventshowcased the talents of more than 2600 students andenjoyed record breaking audiences overfour performances.Ms Gray-Spence has continued to develop strongrelationships and partnerships with key stakeholder groupsincluding principals’ associations, regional AboriginalEducation Consultative Groups, parent and communitygroups, TAFE NSW - Illawarra Institute and the Universityof Wollongong. She has ensured that these groups havehad input into planning and decision making processes inthe region.Maria Gray-Spence commenced in the position of RegionalDirector, Illawarra and South East in May 2009. She hasdemonstrated a clear focus on improving the educationaloutcomes of all students in the region, particularlyAboriginal students.Ms Gray-Spence has provided strong and strategicleadership, expanding the capacity of the region to provideoutstanding support to schools and to deliver qualityeducational programs. She has made certain that NationalPartnerships agreements have been implemented acrossthe region in a coordinated and strategic way to assuretheir success.Key initiatives during 2009 included:■■the establishment of two Industry Training Colleges(Illawarra and Queanbeyan) in partnership with TAFENSW - Illawarra InstitutePeter HaighSES Level 5, $231,951Regional Director, North CoastPeter Haigh has continued to provide strong and strategicleadership across the North Coast Region in 2009.Under Mr Haigh’s leadership the region’s Principal LiaisonGroup has developed as a guiding coalition of principalsat the strategic level. Policy Liaison Groups and NetworkCoordination teams have developed into critical andwell-functioning entities that have continued to matureduring 2009.APPENDICES 101