Victorian Principals Association

Last Friday, our VPA Alumni and Friends community came together for a memorable day of connection, reflection and shared stories.

From a scenic ferry journey across Port Phillip Bay to a relaxed lunch in Portarlington, the event provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and strengthen the lifelong relationships that continue to shape our profession.

Our alumni remain an integral part of the VPA community, and it was wonderful to see such strong engagement and genuine connection throughout the day.

The Victorian Principals Association 2026 Board & State Council Planning Days brought together our Board and State Council members for two focused days of strategy, governance and sector leadership.

Across the program, we set a clear direction for 2026, strengthened our advocacy priorities and deepened our collective impact on behalf of Victorian primary principals.

Highlights included:
• President Andrew Dalgleish is opening the Planning Days and leading strategic governance and advocacy discussions.
• A powerful relationship-building activity led by Board Member Matt Borg.
• Dr David Howes outlining departmental priorities and reform directions for 2026.
• An in-depth Schools Finance Policy session with Liam Fitzgerald and colleagues.
• Marcia Devlin presenting on the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Learning’s leadership programs.
• AI policy discussions and a practical primary schools workshop led by Anam Javed, with insights from Daniel Watson.
• A PROTECT update from Claire Tobin and forward-focused advocacy discussions ahead of the 2026 State Election.

We also thank our valued Business Partners for their ongoing support and contributions across the two days.

Thank you to our Board and State Council members for your insight, commitment and leadership.

Together, we remain connected, united and empowered as we shape a strong year ahead for primary education in Victoria.

Early Bird registrations for the 2026 VPA Conference are now open.

From 26–28 August 2026, school leaders from across Victoria will come together at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre to connect, reflect, and lead with purpose.

Under the theme Leading with Connection and Purpose, the VPA Conference 2026 offers 2.5 days of contemporary professional learning, meaningful conversation, and leadership inspiration.

Secure your place with Early Bird pricing:
👉 http://vpaconference.com.au/registration

It was a pleasure for the Victorian Principals Association to join our Gold Business Partner, Bank First, for a meaningful volunteer day at Pinchapoo HQ in Bayswater.

Together, we had the opportunity to hear founder Kate’s inspiring story and get hands-on assembling personal hygiene packs that will support individuals and school families experiencing hardship. Pinchapoo’s work plays a vital role in restoring dignity and improving wellbeing across communities, and we’re proud to contribute to their impact.

Thank you to the Pinchapoo team for hosting us and to Bank First for sharing this experience alongside us. A powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organisations come together with purpose.

To begin the year, we bring together school leadership voices from across Australia for a special AGPPA executive meeting on the year ahead.

Featuring presidents and association representatives from AGPPA:

• Pat Murphy, President, AGPPA and President of QASSP (QLD)

• Andrew Dalgleish, Vice President, AGPPA & President of VPA

• Michael Burgess, AGPPA Treasurer & NSW Primary Principals' Association President

• Niel Smith, AGPPA Secretary, & WAPPA President (WA)

Together, they reflect on the lessons of 2025, explore the opportunities of 2026, and share insights into the priorities, challenges and possibilities shaping school leadership nationally.

Listen to the first episode of the VPA Podcast of 2026, online now: https://share.transistor.fm/s/50c81e31

Whether you are a principal, aspiring leader or part of the broader education community, this conversation sets the tone for a connected and purposeful year ahead.

As Term 1 begins, schools across Victorian Government Schools welcome new and returning students, with teachers, staff and school leaders preparing for another year of learning and leadership. The VPA extend a warm welcome to you all as you embark on the year ahead.

We look forward to another year of growth, excellence and achievement across the education sector and to continuing our support of school leaders throughout 2026.

As we wrap up the 2025 school year, the VPA extends our appreciation to the principals who continue to lead with purpose and professionalism.

We hope the break brings rest, reflection, and time to recharge. We look forward to another successful academic year in 2026.

In this episode, we sit down with Principal Bec Spink and Assistant Principal Toby Russo, two of the driving forces behind Wirrigirri Primary School, one of Victoria’s most exciting new schools.

Bec and Toby share the story behind Wirrigirri’s identity, culture, and community-first vision, offering a powerful look into what it means to build a school where every child feels known, safe, and inspired.
🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
• The origins and vision shaping Wirrigirri Primary School
• Their innovative whole-school lunch program and its impact on wellbeing
• Hiring practices that foster a high-performing, connected staff team
• The bold “no wet weather days” philosophy, and why it matters for play, resilience, and connection to Country

🎧 Listen now: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a8964583

This conversation is packed with insight, energy, and genuine passion from two exceptional leaders. Listen now and discover the people and practices shaping Wirrigirri’s future.

Episode 4 of the VPA Podcast: Connected United Empowered, is out now!
Meet Michael McLean, Principal of Kerrimuir Primary School and this year’s Outstanding Primary Principal at the 2025 Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Michael’s journey from business to education is one of humility, connection and purpose. Known for greeting families at the school gate and leading with genuine care, he shares how strong relationships and community engagement have shaped the success of Kerrimuir Primary School.

A thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and the power of connection.

🎙️ Listen now: https://vpa.transistor.fm/4

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