Victorian President's Report

As the term draws to a close, it is remarkable to reflect on how quickly the school year has progressed. It feels as though only yesterday schools were welcoming staff and students back for the start of the year.

The term has been particularly eventful, with several significant issues at the forefront, including the proposed Enhanced Bail Supervision (EBS) trial, the School Savings Bonus (SSB), and other key policy matters impacting schools.

I am pleased to report that engagement and consultation on the EBS trial is well underway. Additionally, the Deputy Premier’s commitment to ensuring that offenders will not be placed in mainstream schools is being upheld. 

You may have also seen recent media coverage calling for a register of bail offenders.  For clarity, the APF does not support or advocate for the establishment of a register of repeat offenders. However, we do strongly support the timely, efficient, and direct provision of relevant information to schools regarding students who are repeat bail offenders. Access to this information is essential for school leaders to implement appropriate support and intervention strategies—not only for the offender but also for the broader student community.

The introduction of the School Savings Bonus has had a significant impact on schools, bringing additional workload and pressures despite best efforts to minimise administrative burdens. In response, we have been working closely with Business Managers Victoria (BMV) to address concerns and identify practical improvements. Given the widespread speculation that the SSB will be included in the next state budget, it is crucial that schools provide feedback on their experiences. To support this, BMV has developed a survey, and we strongly encourage you to take the time to complete it or forward it to the most appropriate staff members in your school.

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.

Finally, we encourage all members to take the opportunity to rest and recharge during the break. If you're looking for a worthwhile book or podcast over the holidays, a colleague recently mentioned a podcast featuring Chris Fagan, head coach of the Brisbane Lions Football Club. Chris discussed the challenges of leadership transitions and referenced The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. He highlighted key insights from the book, emphasising the importance of setting clear priorities, building strategic relationships, and securing early wins. These principles apply across various leadership roles, from business to sports and education. Whether stepping into a new role or refining leadership skills, the book offers valuable takeaways and practical advice for leaders navigating change.