Newsletter, 2024 Term 4 Issue 8

This group provided a platform to share what is working well and highlight areas needing improvement. The insights gathered have been shared with key Disability and Inclusion leaders from the Department, ensuring your experiences and perspectives directly inform future improvements to the model. Thank you to all who participated—your contributions are critical in shaping a more effective and equitable system.

We have to remind ourselves that we are the experts in leading secondary schools and that our opinions are not only grounded in real world experience but should be valued. The Victorian Government Schools Agreement requires our employer to consult with principals when decisions impact on principal workload. Given that most decisions that result in schools having to act on the decision means an impact on principal workload, the Association, as a key stakeholder, should be consulted. The Agreement has a clear legal definition of consultation and, along with the other principal organisations, we have been raising the issue of genuine consultation needing to be embedded in system decision making. Two examples, from opposite ends of the spectrum of consultation, illustrate the challenges. First, the school saving bonus and its implementation has been an exercise in deep and meaningful consultation where our collective voice has was able to have a positive impact on the outcome. However, the decision changing the DSPM, was the exact opposite; we were told of the changes once the decision had been made. Our concerns have been raised at the highest levels.

Our voice is also being heard nationally. Last year we were, along with the NSW SPC, considering rejoining the Australian Secondary Principals Association (ASPA), and we did rejoin at the beginning of the year. Our involvement with ASPA and therefore the other state and territory associations, has resulted in VASSP having a more effective and wide-ranging input into the national conversation on education. More importantly, the collegiality with our colleagues from around the country reminds us that we are not alone in the challenges we face.

In my final report from last year, I made reference to changes needing to be made to the Association. We have had a busy year making the necessary changes to the rules and modernising the organisation. We have been growing the membership base, especially assistant principals, and we are focusing on providing more tailored supports for them. The strength of the Association is in its members and their engagement. We had more nominees for the elections than we have had for a long time and increased attendance at major events. This all augurs well for the future of your Association.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support of the Association. The team at VASSP; Amy, Kim, Chelsea, Molly, Sue, Deb, Garry, JR and Ian, who continue to work for you. I would also like to thank the members of the Executive; Belinda, Tim, Brad, George, Ellie, Richelle, Jill and Ian and all the members of the State Committee. And I look forward to continuing working with the Executive and State Committee in the new year.

For the past three years I have referred to this quotation from the Buddha: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” The words and sentiment remain apposite as the festive season and a long break rapidly approaches after what has been another difficult year; however, the following words from Walt Disney, which I used last year, still seem more appropriate: “I always look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.” When that break finally happens, make sure you stop and reflect on how respected you are by your school communities and your Association for surmounting the challenges of the last twelve months in your school.