BOSTES wishes to thank principals, teachers and school administrators for their support and involvement throughout 2014. Their work is essential to BOSTES' operations.

In addition to the annual calendar of activities – NAPLAN, HSC, RoSA and the regular syllabus updates – the year included the ongoing roll-out of the new K-10 syllabuses, the Commonwealth reviews of the Australian curriculum and teacher education, and implementation of Great Teaching Inspired Learning initiatives.

For all these projects, BOSTES has worked to ensure the three school sectors, teachers, parents, students and the wider community had every opportunity to contribute to both policy development and implementation.

In the meetings I have with your representative organisations and in consultations on specific projects, BOSTES has benefited from feedback – which we value and welcome.

NSW can be very proud of our syllabuses and credentials – they are world class. They remain world class because we build in flexibility for improvements and take a long term and rigorous approach for more detailed reviews.

As a former teacher, what most excites me about the developments of 2014 are those initiatives directly related to quality teaching. From entry into teaching degrees, to the content of the degrees and professional development and accreditation of practicing teachers, NSW has a comprehensive and holistic strategy to deliver great teaching.

Finally I wish all our BOSTES Bulletin readers an enjoyable end of year and a well-earned break if you are taking holidays. I look forward to working with all of you again in the same constructive way when the school year recommences in 2015.

Tom Alegounarias
President, BOSTES