NATSIPA Overview

1. The National Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander
Principals’ Association
The History

2. The background of NATSIPA
 In 2007 a small group of Aboriginal principals were
invited to Adelaide to discuss the possibilities of a
national association- 7 principals attended representing
3 states
 In 2008 49 participants attending the first gathering in
Darwin to further discuss the next steps of the principal
association. Two chairs and seven executive nominated
 In 2009 seven executive members and a new Chair
attend the first National Conversation with Principals in
Canberra with the Education Minister, Julia Gilliard ( 3
original executive and 4 new members)

3. National Aboriginal & Torres
Strait Islander Principals’
Association
 Constitution developed in June 2010
 New Co-chairs appointed in October 2010 (NSW & WA)
 Invitation to sit on Dare To Lead Steering Committee in
2011
 Meeting with the Eduaction Minister, Peter Garrett Sept
2011
 Representation Australian Institute for Teachers & School
Leadership (AITSL), MATSITI, First Peoples Education
Advisory Group, Congress & ACARA
 Discussions with APPA for representation on Principals
Australia

4. Purpose
 To be the foremost representative voice of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander school Principals adding
valuable perspectives to the national education agenda.
 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational leaders,
working in schools and education departments, through
NATSIPA, will embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander perspectives and influence the formulation of
national education policy, with the key goals of
improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
educational outcomes.

5. Aims and objectives:
 To increase the breadth and depth of high quality Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander principals in education leadership.
 To sustain a coordinated professional support network of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander educational leaders.
 To build strong relationships and partnerships with principals,
education systems and other organisations working to improve
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
 To work with education and professional representative groups to
strategically influence future state and national policies relating to
the well-being and life chances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australians.
 To promote reconciliation and greater understanding and respect to
ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and
cultures inform education policies.
 To analyse and advise on the impact policies and practices have on
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school communities.

6. Key Questions
 What is effective leadership?
 How can I enhance my leadership capacity?
 How can I benefit from this network?
 www.NATSIPA.org.au