I hope that Term 2 is progressing well for all members, particularly as we move into the colder months and the inevitable combination of winter bugs and the continued pace of school leadership begins to build.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Public Schools Education State Forum. The theme for the day, Continuing to Build Excellence Together, highlighted the outstanding work occurring across Victorian government schools and reinforced the critical role school leaders, teachers and support staff continue to play in delivering strong outcomes for students and communities.

It was pleasing to hear both the Minister and the Secretary strongly acknowledge the professionalism, commitment and impact of school leaders across the state. At times, in the day-to-day complexity of the role, it can feel like much of the work principals undertake occurs quietly in the background. Forums such as this are an important reminder that the leadership occurring in schools each day matters enormously.

The three key workshop themes throughout the day reflected many of the challenges and opportunities currently facing school leadership:

The evolving role of schools and schooling
Teaching and learning excellence
Families as partners in learning

What stood out most was the clear recognition that the role of schools continues to expand well beyond traditional expectations. Principals and school leaders are increasingly required to navigate complex operational, wellbeing, workforce and community responsibilities, while still maintaining an unwavering focus on teaching and learning excellence.

At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on collaboration, partnership and building system-wide excellence together. That message resonates strongly with the work members undertake every day in their own school communities.

There is no question that public education in Victoria continues to achieve extraordinary things, largely because of the expertise, commitment and leadership of those working within it.

2026/27 State Budget

Yesterday I was privileged to be part of the release of the Victorian Budget 2026/27. The budget positions Education as a central investment priority, with the Government committing more than $5.5 billion towards what it frames as “our children’s future.” For principals, the budget outlines system expansion, infrastructure investment and a sustained focus on early years, Disability Inclusion and workforce development. The detail, however, warrants a more measured and practical read.

The headline figures are significant:

$522.8 million for school maintenance
$511.5 million for upgrades and capacity expansion
$25.4 million for small-scale capital works
$28.8 million focused on accessibility improvements
Over $2.1 billion continuing disability inclusion reforms
Additional funding for transport and specialist supports
$61.9 million to support students with English as an additional language
$23.6 million for best-practice teaching initiatives
$222.2 million to continue VCAA reform following the Blacher Review
$49.2 million for the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership

My read of this Budget is best described as strategic with targeted investment. It builds on existing reforms rather than introducing wholesale change.

There are genuine investments here, particularly in infrastructure, inclusion, and early years—but as always, the translation from announcement to impact will depend on execution and it will still rely on school leaders to make it work.

2026 Victorian Education Excellence Awards

Nominations for the 2026 Victorian Education Excellence Awards (VEEA) are open.

This year, the VEEA marks 25 years of recognising the inspirational educators and staff who empower children and young people with the skills, courage, and curiosity to succeed in life.

Victorian government school staff may nominate themselves, a colleague, or their team for an award. However, principals cannot self-nominate and must be nominated by a peer or colleague for outstanding primary or secondary principal categories.

Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on Friday 23 October 2026. For more information, refer to the VEEA website.

Nominations close on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 11:59 pm For any enquiries, please email excellence.awards@education.vic.gov.au.

Regards,

Australian Principals Federation

Fortnightly Newsletter

Issue 297 · 06 May 2026

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