Victorian President's Report

As the term draws to a close, the demands on schools  and on school leaders, in particular,  continue to intensify, reflecting the increasing complexity, urgency and breadth of whole-of-system requirements and Principal responsibilities.

A number of Principals I have spoken with over the course of the term have said that it has been a very positive start to the school year, and I hope that is true for you as you read this. Just yesterday, one Principal remarked that this is the first time in three years that he has started the year fully staffed -  a reminder that, while the challenges remain significant, there are also encouraging and really positive signs across the system.

You will be aware that the Australian Education Union (AEU) has advised of a range of industrial actions as part of the current enterprise bargaining campaign, including a proposed stop-work action on Tuesday 24 March. It is important to acknowledge that, for a significant proportion of Principals, this represents new and unfamiliar territory. Navigating this for the first time adds another layer of complexity and pressure to an already demanding role.

Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the Department’s requirements for managing any potential industrial action in your school, including the planning timeline and your obligations to communicate with staff, your SEIL, regional office and school community, while maintaining appropriate student supervision. I also strongly encourage members to monitor Department emails closely, as further communications may be issued to assist schools and Principals in preparing for and responding to any industrial action.

The APF remains actively engaged in the broader industrial landscape and continues to advocate strongly for improved conditions, recognition and support for Principal Class employees. It is not lost on us that, while much of the current industrial focus is on teacher conditions, the complexity, accountability and workload of the Principal role continues to grow. Please see the update here.

We will continue to negotiate our Log of Claims with the Department and ensure that the voice of Principals is not treated as an afterthought in these discussions.

At the same time, our immediate priority is you - supporting members to navigate this period with confidence, clarity and practical advice. Should you require support or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact the APF.