SASSLA - SA State School Leaders Assoc

28/05/2026

This morning we had The Hon. Lucy Hood MP Minister for Education, Training & Skills join our Joint Associations meeting. 👏

It was a valuable opportunity for Minister Hood to discuss with the Presidents & Chief Executives of each association to discuss what education is looking like right now and what are some of our priorities of we would like to be changed in the future.

Thank you Minister Hood for joining us for our meeting this morning.
Especially on National Public Education Day 🤝

SAPPA - South Australian Primary Principals Association
Educators SA
SASSLA - SA State School Leaders Assoc
South Australian Special Education Principal and Leaders Association
Preschool Directors Association of South Australia
South Australia Area School Leader's Association
Small Schools Association

28/05/2026

SASSLA is proud to support our public education leaders because better leaders make better schools and better schools change lives!

24/05/2026

💻REGISTER NOW for SASSLA's Webinar - Keeping Safe: Current Risks and Concerns on Friday 26 June at 11.00am.

Join us for an important and timely webinar designed to support leaders in navigating today’s most critical compliance and safety responsibilities.

This session will focus on the three key statutory areas requiring leader accountability:

✅ Child Safety
✅ Work Health and Safety (WHS)
✅ Code of Ethics

Hear directly from Phil and Mardi of SASSLA, alongside special guest Lisa Dwiar, Director Workforce Relations and Safety, as they share practical insights, current updates, and expert guidance. We’ll explore:

◾Your responsibilities as a site leader
◾Key updates to child safety, including the new Education and Care Services National Law, NQS and ESB requirements
◾How your performance is linked to these statutory obligations
◾Potential consequences if standards are not met
◾How SASSLA can support you where breach of standards is identified through performance or misconduct related matters

🔗 Register on our website and a Teams calendar invitation will be emailed to you

Online opportunities are provided to connect with SASSLA staff, education stakeholders and guest speakers to discuss pertinent leadership issues. Information with respect to our next Webinar is below. Please click here to register for the Webinar and a Teams link will be sent to the email you provid...

16/05/2026

We thank Sue George-Duif and the leaders of the Para Hills 3 Portfolio for their kind invitation to connect with SASSLA this week.

We love getting out and about to visit sites, education offices or portfolio days. Email Leanne at [email protected] if you would like to connect with us 😊

07/05/2026

👉 SASSLA and SAPPA - South Australian Primary Principals Association have jointly prepared a School-Based Preschool Report to better understand the current realities of school-based preschools and identify policy opportunities to support their continued development.

It is increasingly evident that, while the model remains highly effective, it operates within a system that has not kept pace with the scale of change in early-years policy, regulation, and expectations. Over time, the regulatory environment, accountability settings, and operational demands placed on school-based preschools have expanded significantly. However, the underlying funding models, leadership structures, and policy frameworks have remained largely unchanged.

🔗 Read the report now https://sassla.au/current-issues/school-based-preschool-report-2026/

05/05/2026

We congratulate Jenny Kustermann on her new role as the President of the Preschool Directors Association of South Australia 👏

Jenny has been a long term SASSLA member and has worked with us collaboratively in the past on the Preschool Director Workload Evaluation. This joint work with the PDA achieved an allocation of $16 million per annum to allow for reduction in face-to-face teaching for Preschool Directors and other staffing options that reduced workload pressures.

We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the PDA and working together with Jenny on future projects for the benefit of all Preschool Directors.

Also a big thank you to Kate Ryan who is leaving the role to work as a Director in corporate. It was a pleasure working with you Kate 🥰

The Board are delighted to announce Jenny Kustermann as the new President of the Preschool Directors Association (PDA). Jenny brings outstanding experience, commitment, and vision to the role as a long-time PDA member and past vice-president. Jenny is passionate about supporting leadership succession, drawing on her experience as a teacher, UniSA tutor, SAASSO trainer and Leader Advisor, and is committed to growing new leaders and supporting established directors alike.

With extensive leadership expertise as a DfE preschool director across multiple sites, Jenny has a deep understanding of early childhood education, the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework, and the DfE Strategy. Her proven capability in site operations, governance, finance, capital works, HR, enrolment, and professional development is complemented by her recent work in the DfE Business Improvement division, where she worked closely with executives, associations, consultants, and site leaders on projects shaping the future of preschools.

Jenny's strength in communication and building connections means members can look forward to greater professional development, support, and advocacy, as PDA continues to represent preschool leader voices during this pivotal period for the sector.

Welcome Jenny!
(Note: Jenny starts June 1st-any inquiries prior to her start date can be addressed to executive board members Jen Bais or Jo Saunders or via messenger)

01/05/2026

SASSLA has officially released our Future Directions for 2026 – 2028.

This document provides an ambitious program of work over a three-year planning cycle that will deliver benefits to our members and in turn support a successful public education system.

🔗 Read now on our website: https://sassla.au/latest-news/sasslas-future-directions-2026-2028/

23/04/2026

SASSLA staff represent a small but mighty team!

Phil, Leanne, Mardi and Anne bring expert knowledge in school leadership and human resources from their time in the department and government roles. We were also joined by past staff members at our recent 25th birthday celebrations including John Gregory, previous Chief Executive, and Helen Rothenberg, previous Executive Officer.

We thank our staff members for their dedication to our members and passion for public education 👏👏👏

17/04/2026

🎉 Two Board Members were recognised with milestone awards for their dedication to the SASSLA Board at our recent 25 Year Birthday Celebration.

Craig Duguid, Principal Seaview High School, was awarded with a 10 Year Service Award for his work on the SASSLA Board.

Marion Coady, Principal Aberfoyle Park High School/Acting Education Director, was awarded with a 25 Year Silver Service Award. Marion has been a Board Member since SASSLA's inception!

They join a team of other committed Board Members who are also undertaking considerable lengthy tenures including Tyson Grinham (13 years), Steve Freeman (18 years), Ian Kent, (8 years) and Sue Burtenshaw (7 years).

Board Members volunteer their time to ensure SASSLA is a successful and robust organisation dedicated to the the leadership class and public education. Without their generous contribution, we wouldn't exist!

10/04/2026

We wrap up term 1 with a record number of members requiring our assistance for a single term!

Leaders are turning to SASSLA for practical support, trusted advice and strong advocacy when things get tough.

We know leaders’ jobs are growing in complexity and accountability. Let us be your professional protection and support in a changing and demanding system. When everyone looks to you, you can look to us.

Not a SASSLA member? JOIN NOW at sassla.au and commence term 2 knowing you have a safety net in place.

Join over 500 fellow South Australian members with access to legal and employment related support. Through highly competent staff who have a deep understanding of employment policy relevant to leaders, and direct access to specialist legal advice when needed, we advocate for the individual and colle...