VASSP Assistant Principals’ Seminar

VASSP Assistant Principals' Seminar

About the event

Assistant Principal is a vitally important role within a school.  At the same time the role can be diverse, demanding and requiring diplomacy and discipline.  VASSP recognises the complexity of the Assistant Principal role with one of the strategies to expand our support of APs is providing the VASSP Assistant Principal Seminar. 

Join us to participate in the VASSP AP Seminar on Friday 28 November, 9:30am – 2:30pm at VASSP Vale Street  (usual comments about parking)     

The Seminar includes sessions with expert speakers on:
 

  • Session 1: Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026: What you need to know – Belinda Hudak, VASSP President
  • Session 2: Performance Division – Ben Johnstone McCloud
  • Session 3: Principal Preparation – being the leader, before you’re the leader, John Richmond

 

A great opportunity to:  

  • participate in Professional Learning specifically for Assistant Principals 
  • network with fellow Assistant Principals and share ideas 
  • expand your knowledge of current education trends 
  • find out more about VASSP and what it can offer you  

Program

TimePresenterSession
9:15 – 9:30am Arrival and sign-in
9:30 – 9:45amRobyn Anderson,
VASSP Assistant Principal Field Officer		Welcome and Connections
9:45 – 10:45amBelinda Hudak
VASSP President

Session 1:
Unpacking the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026

The VGSA 2026 will have significant implications for school leadership, workforce planning and day-to-day school operations. Led by the VASSP President, this session will unpack the key changes, including the reduction in Principal-directed meeting time, and consider what these mean for collaboration, professional learning, communication and school culture.

The session will also focus on implementation, with guidance for 2027 planning, emerging Department advice and the practical considerations Assistant Principals will need to navigate as schools transition to the new arrangements.

10:45am – 11:00amBank First 
11:00 – 11:30am Morning tea
11:30am – 12:30pmBenjamin Johnstone-Mccloud,
Executive Director School Performance

Session 2:
Using Performance Insights to Strengthen School Improvement

Hear from the Department of Education’s Performance Division on key processes and supports that inform school improvement. This session will explore school reviews, intensive school support, and how data can be used to strengthen AIP planning and improvement priorities.

Gain greater insight into how the Department uses performance information to identify areas for improvement, target support and inform planning, and what this means for Assistant Principals in leading improvement within their own school context.

12:30pm – 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm – 2:00pmJohn Richmond,
VASSP Field Officer

Session 3:
Principal Preparation: Being the Leader Before You’re the Leader

Thinking about principalship? This session will explore how Assistant Principals can intentionally prepare for the next step in their leadership journey. Consider the experiences to seek, the skills and capabilities to develop, and the supports available to help build readiness for principalship.

A practical session for aspiring principals who want to prepare with purpose, broaden their leadership experience and better understand what it takes to step into the role.

2:00pm – 2:30pmRobyn Anderson,
VASSP Assistant Principal Field Officer		VASSP Assistant Principal Opportunities – 2027