Presidents Message

It is a great honour to be elected President of the Queensland Association of Special Education Leaders (QASEL) for 2021-22. For the interest of members I have included below a brief overview of my professional history. As President I look forward to continuing to build QASEL’s reputation as the peak professional association for leaders of special education in Queensland.

The three core values of QASEL - Leading, Linking, Learning -  will continue to guide our way as we work together to meet the challenges that lay ahead.

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2020 was a difficult year across the globe, and while we are fortunate to live and work in Queensland, we have not been immune to the great disruptor that is COVID-19. However, with disruption comes change, and with change comes opportunity. Throughout 2021, I am eager to work with all members to continue the great work that is already underway and explore new opportunities into the future by:

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Leading

• Continue to influence decision-making and education related government policy and agendas through regular meetings with the Minister for Education, Director General, Deputy Director General, Assistant Director Generals and Regional Directors.

• Sharpen QASEL’s strategic direction through a review of current vision and values statements and development of a long-term strategic plan.

• Introduce an annual implementation plan with outcomes, targets, resources and budget - aligned to our strategic agenda.

• Maintain and grow strong strategic connections with key external stakeholders and senior officers of the department.

• Collaboratively develop and review position papers in priority areas such as resource provisions, inclusive education, ECDPs, facilities, human resources etc.

• Actively engage in stakeholder meetings and departmental consultation processes – being your voice at the table.

Linking

• Increase member contact through a range of measures including: school visits, face-to-face and Teams/Skype group chats.

• Introduce new processes to encourage and welcome new members.

• Develop and implement a communication plan that maps out the strategic use of all communication methods including email, newsletter, website, social media and aligns to our strategic objectives.

• Utilise contemporary communication practices that allow QASEL members to link with each other and collaborate intentionally and effectively.

• Enhance governance structures and processes by providing greater opportunities for more members to be actively engaged in decision-making.

• Provide professional learning opportunities for members including member mentoring programs, professional learning sessions and the annual QASELcon event.

Learning

• Initiate a President’s work-shadowing program to connect with members at the coalface (in particular HOSES).

• Broker panel training for QASEL members at all levels, to improve selection and recruitment processes within the sector.

• Create a professional development and collegial engagement strategy, to ensure the provision of high quality, needs-based learning to our members.

• Provide opportunities for members to share quality professional learnings, targeted to the needs of members – use the group to grow the group.

• Build strong relationships with members, walking beside them in their work to provide genuine support.

As president of QASEL I represent, advocate for, and support Principals, Deputy Principals, Heads of Special Education Services (HOSES), Heads of Curriculum and other leaders and aspirants across all sectors of education in Queensland. I am your voice at the highest levels of Government and the Department of Education. As a QASEL member you are now also a member of our national association, the Australian Special Education Principals Association.

I look forward to supporting you in your leadership journey and working with you to ensure that together we develop and sustain high quality innovative leaders in special education and advocate for the best possible teaching and learning conditions for our students. They deserve nothing less.  

Ric Day

President

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Ric's Professional Background

Career Summary

• Lead Principal, North Coast Region and Principal Hotline (Oct-Dec 2020)

• Executive Policy and Liaison Advisor, Office of the Director General (Oct-Dec 2019, June-Oct 2020)   

• Regional Project Officer, North Coast Region (April - Aug 2019, Jan - June 2020) 

• Special School Principal, Mount Ommaney and Woody Point Special Schools  (2011-2019) 

• Lead Principal Special Schools, State-wide (June-July, 2017) 

• Internal School Reviewer, School Improvement Unit (Term 3, 2016) 

• Special School Deputy Principal, Woody Point and Caboolture Special Schools (2004 - 2011) 

• Head of Special Education Services, Grovely State School (2003-2004) 

• Special Education Teacher, Special, Primary and Secondary Schools (1993-2020)

QASEL contributions

• President (2021-current)

• Long serving and active member (since 2002) and Vice-President (since 2018) 

• Executive and/or management committee member (2004-2020) 

• Conference Convenor (2013-2014) and planning committee member (2012-2019) 

• QASELcon after-dinner interviewer "Ric Day Tonight" (2014-2019)  

• Key contributor to QASEL position papers and advocacy regarding issues including: ECDPs, Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, Resourcing for SWD, ICT funding allocations