Victorian President's Report

It’s hard to believe that we have already reached the end of Term One. As always, the term has moved at pace - full of competing priorities, complex decisions and the relentless day-to-day demands that define school leadership.

As we close out the term, it is important to acknowledge the effort, professionalism and leadership demonstrated across our schools. The first term sets the tone for the year, and once again, principals have stepped up to ensure strong, stable and well-run learning environments for their staff, students and communities.

With the term break now upon us, I strongly encourage all members to take the opportunity to pause, reset and invest in your own wellbeing. A number of principals I’ve spoken with recently have reflected that it has been a very positive and productive term, but equally that they are more than ready for a well-earned break.

Thank you for your continued commitment to your schools and the profession. I wish you a safe and well-earned break, and I look forward to continuing our work together in Term Two.

Last week you may have seen the release of new national research shows how neglect, overwork and emotional strain are pushing principals to the brink. Led by Monash University in collaboration with Deakin University and the University of Sydney, this study examines the emotional labour of Australian public school principals. Report four which, paints a picture of public school principals feeling “hung out to dry” by education systems. This report is the final report in the Invisible labour: Principals’ emotional labour in volatile times and highlights what principals have been warning for years: that the role has become “unsustainable” without significant investment in supports and protections.

These reports make it clear: violence in schools is not inevitable, nor should the emotional and physical toll borne by principals be considered acceptable.

Recently I had the opportunity to meet with Frank Handy, many of you may have seen Frank recently at regional Principal Forums. The Victorian Government’s Independent Office for School Dispute Resolution provides a valuable, independent pathway for resolving complex and escalated issues between families and government schools. The Office works collaboratively with all parties to achieve fair, practical and mutually agreed outcomes through an alternative dispute resolution approach—focusing on solutions rather than blame. For principals, it offers a structured and impartial mechanism to support the resolution of challenging matters while maintaining relationships and ensuring the best interests of students remain at the centre. - https://www.vic.gov.au/independent-office-school-dispute-resolution

As a reminder, the APF office will be closed over the Easter holiday period. However, for urgent matters, please contact us at 0412 584 002, and a staff member will respond as soon as possible.

I wish everyone a wonderful term break and the opportunity to switch off and reconnect with family and friends.