Welcome to the latest OPPA Pānui.

Kia ora koutou

Leading into the last week of what has been a busy term, I want to highlight the importance of taking some time for yourselves over the coming term break. Although some will be feeling a little robbed, given that Easter and ANZAC day public holidays fall in the term break this year - it's important to focus on the things you can control, and not those you can't.

This could be said to about what is happening within the sector currently too. Stay true to what you know is right for your school, and navigate the current changes with an open mind, but always keeping at the forefront, what is best for the tamariki at your Kura .

Enjoy the well earned break ahead everyone.

OPPA / University of Otago College of Education Prestigious Study Award 2025 - Here is the Link to apply

The Otago Primary Principals Association (OPPA) wishes to encourage and support school leaders as they engage in high-level professional development.

Current research supports the premise that quality leadership is critical in enhancing learning outcomes for students.  OPPA contends that leadership itself is enhanced through the benefit of in-depth study and this will be supported through appropriate leave to carry out specific study in New Zealand and/or overseas (with current global situation taken into account).

This award is open to all OPPA members and the subsequent papers/reports may be disseminated nationally through the NZPF national conference, the principals’ magazine and the OPPA website.

The study award will be directly related to current New Zealand educational goals and objectives, and all applications must reflect this.

OPPA Conference Subsidy Award 2025

OPPA conference subsidy application. The conference subsidy is available to any Principal who is a current financial member of OPPA and who didn't receive a subsidy last year. The application form is attached to this newsletter and closes on 16th May 2025

Here is the Link to apply now!

PD Opportunities

Some great PD opportunities coming up this year, lead by the OPPA Seminar group. Here is what is coming up so far this year:

• James Nottingham - The Learning Pit

  5th & 6th May - Flyer attached here

• Peter Liljedahl - Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics

  3rd September - Flyer attached here

• OPPA AGM - Paul Wood - Better Never Stops

  21st November 2025 (more information to follow)

Ngā mihi koutou ngā tumuaki