- Year Level(s):
- Primary, Secondary
- Learning Area:
- Leaders
- Subject Area(s):
- Leadership
- Pre-Service Concession:
- No
Small Schools Association of South Australia Inc.
The objectives of the Small Schools Association of South Australia (SSASA) is to maintain and promote the educational effectiveness of small schools in South Australian communities and to provide a forum through which the needs of members can be met.
The definition of a “small school” includes those with around or fewer than 150 students and has minimal or no leadership density.
Over the years the executive has worked on many levels to address the vast challenges we face in our educational settings. We have negotiated for changes to administration/ teaching workloads and looked at facilities and resources. School closures and amalgamations have been on the agenda. Staffing formulas and human resource issues have also been explored.
The need for differentiation within department policies has also been a priority. Multi-year level classes and multi-year level teaching has been a consistent area that we have been addressing.
Our conferences have continued to be held covering many and varied topics. Some memorable occasions have been themed around, “Children come First”, “Environments to engage all Learners” and “Creative practises and innovation in Small Schools” to name a few.
Over time the association has developed a respected reputation within the department and we have had the opportunity through consultation to exercise considerable influence on your behalf. We have maintained sound relationships with Chief Executives and the various Ministers for Education. This close
relationship has been borne out of honesty, frankness, genuine warmth and empathy- traits that are common to all those people successful in teaching and leading in small schools in South Australia.
Visits to Small Schools across the state by the executive members is a new strategy to help collect concerns and information. Another collegiate communication initiative.
Currently as an Association through your executive, we are working on the four major key levels; Expert teaching, Quality leadership, Engaged parents and Communities and Resourcing and Investment. Many strategies are in place to support this work.
The association has a proud history which it can reflect on as we move towards a bright long term future for Small Schools across South Australia.
Memberships
Annual membership to SSASA is a school membership, meaning that all staff in your school become members of our association.
Professional Support and Representation
- Advocacy: Representation of small schools’ interests to the Department for Education and government, ensuring the unique needs and perspectives of smaller sites are heard in policy and funding decisions.
- Networking: Access to a professional network of leaders and staff from similar-sized schools for collaboration, sharing of ideas, and problem-solving.
- Professional Learning: Opportunities to participate in conferences and professional development activities tailored to the context of small schools.
Bi-annual Learning Conference
- Conference for Staff: Access to a bi-annual learning conference specifically designed for staff in small schools, focusing on relevant strategies, innovations, and opportunities to share best practice among peers.
Community and Wellbeing - Peer Support: A collegial network offering support with challenges that may be unique to small schools, reducing professional isolation.
- Information and Communication
- Regular Updates: Information on policy changes, events, and initiatives that may specifically impact small schools.
- Voice in Decision-Making: Input into strategic planning and consultation processes that shape the direction of primary education in South Australia.
