Welcome
It is a privilege to serve as President of our association that represents and supports the leaders of Victoria’s public secondary schools. Across our state, principals and assistant principals lead complex, diverse communities and play a vital role in shaping opportunities for young people.
VASSP exists to stand alongside school leaders, advocating for the profession and strengthening the collective voice of public education.
I look forward to working with members across Victoria as we continue to support leadership and strengthen our profession.
Belinda Hudak
VASSP President
About VASSP
The Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing Victorian government secondary school Principal class.
Since 1956, VASSP has been the informed and experienced voice of Victorian government secondary education. VASSP continues to advance the profession through representation, consultation and advocacy, building leadership capacity through a collaborative ethos and shared strategic purpose.
Our Purpose
To champion the voices of Victorian Government Secondary School leaders to inform education policy, strengthen public education and enable Principals to flourish as leaders of their schools and communities.
Our Vision
A thriving public education system, led by empowered, connected and supported school leaders.
Our Mission
We connect, support and develop Victorian Government secondary school leaders through advocacy, professional learning and service to our members.
Our Strategic Pillars
VASSP represents and supports principals and assistant principals across Victoria. We exist to strengthen leadership, influence education policy and provide trusted professional support grounded in lived school experience.
Advocacy & Influence
Using our collective voice to shape education policy and champion a strong public education system.
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As principals for principals, we ensure the realities of school leadership inform system decision-making.
- Build and maintain trusted and respected partnerships with government, education organisations and the broader community.
- Foster meaningful and collaborative engagement so member voices drive VASSP advocacy.
- Influence education policy, reform and implementation through informed voices.
- Promote and celebrate the value and impact of Victorian public education
Learning & Growth
Empowering members with the knowledge, skills and connections to grow at every stage of their leadership journey.
Every leadership journey is unique -grounded in professional respect, shared experience, and commitment to growth.
- Facilitating Professional Learning and leadership development for members and their school teams.
- Foster collaboration, mentoring and professional networks.
- Support emerging and aspiring leaders as they transition into leadership.
- Develop and share research-informed leadership practice.
Support &
Care
Building a strong and supportive community where principal class members feel connected, valued and able to flourish.
We are relentless in our support – creating a trusted professional community where every principal class member feels valued, connected and never alone.
- Create a culture where leaders feel valued, supported and able to flourish.
- Provide timely advice, guidance and advocacy at every stage of leadership.
- Strengthen principal wellbeing through responsive professional and personal support.
- Foster a connected statewide community through regional networks and peer support.
- Welcome, connect and support new and acting principal class.
An Independent Partner Across a Shared System
VASSP operates as an independent professional association, distinct from the Department of Education Victoria (DE) while maintaining a close and productive working relationship. VASSP’s membership comprises Principal Class employees working across Victoria’s public secondary schools.
As DE policy, legislative and operational frameworks underpin the work of all schools, a core function of VASSP is to support school leaders to lead effectively and with confidence within these structures.
VASSP’s Role
The Department of Education Strategic Plan 2025–2029 sets the direction for the system, with a clear vision of a great education for every child and young person, and a focus on improving learning, wellbeing and equity outcomes. Within this context, VASSP plays a critical dual role:
| Supporting Implementation VASSP supports principals to interpret and implement system priorities through professional learning, advice and practical support aligned to DE expectations. | Advocating for Members VASSP serves as a conduit between the DE and the Principal Class, representing the lived experience of school leaders and advocating for conditions that enable effective and sustainable leadership. |
Principalship is increasingly complex. Where DE directives, processes or conditions create pressure or unintended consequences, VASSP maintains an independent voice—providing guidance and representation, and engaging with the DE to seek clarity, resolution and system improvement.