Victorian President's Report

This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Department's New Principals Orientation Program. I was lucky enough to sneak into the presentation delivered by the WAVES (Workplace Aggresion and Violence Employee Supports) team.

It was a timely reminder that, as school leaders, we spend much of our time supporting others. We absorb challenges, manage competing demands, provide reassurance to our staff, and often act as the buffer between the many pressures facing our schools and the people we lead. In doing so, it is easy to overlook our own wellbeing.

The Department provides a range of wellbeing supports available to principals and assistant principals. I encourage you to take a few moments to review the attached poster, print it for your office, and familiarise yourself with the services available. You may never need them, but knowing where to turn, is an important part of maintaining a healthy and sustainable leadership career.

 As the APF, we also remain here to support, advocate for and walk alongside you whenever you need us.

New Premier

The Australian Principals Federation has formally congratulated Ben Carroll  as Victoria's 50th Premier and reaffirmed our commitment to working collaboratively with the Government in support of Victoria's public schools.

In our correspondence, the APF acknowledged the vital role of school leaders in delivering outstanding outcomes for students while navigating increasingly complex demands. We highlighted the importance of continuing to address principal and assistant principal workload, wellbeing, appropriate resourcing, and policies that enable school leaders to focus on teaching, learning, and supporting their school communities.

The APF looks forward to establishing a positive and productive working relationship with the Premier, the new Minister and Government, ensuring the voice of Victorian government school principals and Assistant Principals continues to be heard as key education priorities are progressed.

EBA Update

Members received an email from the APF yesterday regarding feedback with the in-principle offer that was made on July 17th, particular around member feedback regarding charges proposed around meetings. We await the announcement of the new Minister for Education and will continue to advocate strongly on your behalf and keep you informed as discussions with the Department progress and next steps will be communicated shortly.

Principal's Day

As we look ahead, we take this opportunity to acknowledge Principal’s Day, to be celebrated on Friday 7th August. Initiated by the Victorian Principals Association (VPA), this day is an important moment to recognise and celebrate the exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact of school principals across the state.

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL)

Shape how the Teacher Standards reflect practice

The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) were developed over 15 years ago. While the Teacher Standards continue to guide practice across Australia, they have not been formally reviewed since they were first adopted.

The review will consider the extent to which the Teacher Standards remain relevant, evidence-informed and aligned with an understanding of effective practice.

Your experience and perspectives will help identify areas where the Teacher Standards may be strengthened or improved to ensure they remain fit for purpose and inform recommendations on revisions needed.

You can share your views by completing the 20-minute survey. The survey will be closed on 7 August.

Find out more and access the survey