Victorian President's Report

As we move towards the end of Term 3, there is certainly no shortage of activity across our profession. The proposed new VGSA, changes to working arrangements, increasing complexity in managing our schools, and the continued scrutiny placed on principal class employees all reinforce just how important it is that the voice of school leaders is heard.

Over recent weeks, the APF has continued to advocate strongly on behalf of members, while also providing direct support to a growing number of principals and assistant principals navigating grievances, investigations, MPB matters and other complex workplace issues. If something doesn’t feel right, or you simply want a confidential second opinion before responding, please reach out to us early. That is exactly what we are here for.

As always, thank you for the work you continue to do for your schools, your communities and our profession. Please make sure you enjoy the term break.

2026 APF AGM and Conference

The APF Annual General Meeting and Seminar will be held on Friday, 16 October 2026 at the Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne.

This year’s theme, “Leading with Courage,” reflects the realities, challenges, professionalism, and commitment of principals across Victoria. We have secured an outstanding line-up of speakers who will share their insights, strategies, and leadership experiences designed to inspire and empower school leaders in their daily work.

The AGM and Seminar is one of the most significant events on the APF calendar providing an opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage with thought-provoking presentations, and contribute to shaping the future direction of our organisation and our profession.

Please register using the link below. We encourage you to prioritise your own professional learning and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to connect, share and engage with principal colleagues from across Victoria.

We also encourage you to consider bringing a non-member colleague along. It’s a great opportunity for them to experience the APF firsthand, connect with fellow school leaders and learn more about the support, advocacy and professional community the APF provides.

https://apf.net.au/agm/

R U OK? Day – A Conversation Can Make a Difference

Tomorrow, Thursday, 10 September 2026, is R U OK? Day — a national day dedicated to encouraging meaningful conversations, connection and suicide prevention.

Working in education is enormously rewarding, but we also know the pressures that come with leading a school. Principals and assistant principals spend much of their time supporting students, staff, families and their broader communities, and it can sometimes be easy to overlook their own wellbeing — or that of the colleague working alongside them.

R U OK? Day provides an important reminder to pause, notice those around us and ask a simple but powerful question: “Are you OK?”

For those that need a conversation starter - "Hi [Name], we spend so much time making sure our staff and students are okay, but I wanted to check in on you. Being a principal is a massive job. How are you holding up? Let’s grab a coffee or a quick phone call soon to vent and catch up."

Importantly, we don’t need to wait for R U OK? Day to check in. If someone is on your mind, any day is the right day to reach out.

At the APF, we understand that school leadership can sometimes feel isolating. Looking after the wellbeing of principals and assistant principals remains an important part of our work, and we encourage our members to continue looking out for one another.