INFORM Newsletter
2026, Term 1, Issue 2
President's Report
Belinda Hudak
VASSP President
As we move through a busy and complex March, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank you for your continued leadership across your schools and communities.
Firstly, I want to congratulate Principals and their teams on the way you managed the stop work action on Tuesday. These situations are never straightforward, and I know the level of planning, communication and care required to ensure student supervision and wellbeing was significant. Your calm, professional leadership ensured that schools remained safe and well-supported during this time.
Over the Term, it has been an absolute highlight to attend Regional Meetings across our state. Thank you for the warm welcome I have received. It has been incredibly valuable to meet new colleagues, reconnect with others, and hear directly from members about the opportunities and challenges you are navigating in your contexts. These conversations are critical in shaping VASSP’s advocacy and ensuring your voices continue to inform system discussions.
Last Friday’s VASSP Leadership Seminar was another important moment in our calendar. The day provided a strong opportunity to reflect on the evolving nature of leadership. Dave Armstrong (Wangaratta High School) explored the role of principals in shaping how artificial intelligence is introduced and used in schools. He emphasised that AI is ultimately a leadership decision, requiring thoughtful, purposeful implementation aligned to teaching and learning.
Liam Wood (Saints Knowledge Institute) focused on building strong staff culture through Unconditional Positive Regard. He shared practical strategies for strengthening trust, maintaining high expectations and responding effectively to staff in challenging situations.
Together, their insights reinforced that strong leadership is both strategic and deeply human and reinforced the importance of balancing innovation with strong, relational leadership in our schools.
This week, I attended the ASPA Summit in Canberra. Day 1, the National Education Forum, brought together researchers, policymakers and school leaders for evidence-based discussion and collegial dialogue. Day 2, the National Policy Summit, included an address from the Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, and in-depth discussions focused on how we best support students to flourish. I look forward to sharing further insights from this work with you all.
As always, I encourage you to stay connected with VASSP. I will be hosting an online President’s End of Term update and Q&A session, and the link has been shared. I hope you are able to join me for this opportunity to connect, ask questions and continue our collective dialogue.
As we approach the end of Term, I want to thank you again for the work you do each day. I hope the upcoming break provides you with a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge.
Reminder for all members:
VASSP President Online
Please join the VASSP President online for member updates and Q&A.
Tuesday 31st March
12pm – 1pm
Online – Zoom (emailed to all members 19/03/2026)
Need to Know
VASSP MEMBER SURVEY: VSBA PRIORITIES AND EXPERIENCES
This survey seeks to identify the experiences and priorities of school leaders working with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA). Your feedback will guide VASSP’s advocacy and discussions with the VSBA about improving communication, streamlining processes, and reducing the administrative burden on principals.
VASSP Member Survey: VSBA Priorities and Experiences 2026 – Fill in form
NCCD DATA ACCESS ON PARMA
At the VASSP Term 1 State Committee Meeting it was raised with the Inclusive Education Team that the Year 7 students (and new students) counted as part of NCCD in 2025 was not easily visible to the new school in Panorama. This had been available as a group in the past but that function had dropped off for this year.
The Inclusive Education Team have followed up with the Panorama team and found there was a technical error occurring in the background that meant the NCCD dashboard was not capturing the 2026 enrolments. This issue has now been rectified, and schools should now see their 2026 enrolments in the dashboard and the student details page.
To view current students such as year 7s new to a secondary school, a school can click on the student details icon in the top right of the main dashboard screen and then use the filters on the left of the listing to sort for 2026 and the year level as required. The student listing will show the prior year NCCD and funding status for each student, along with the other student demographic fields.
GAT SUPERVISION UPDATE
There has been a helpful update to assist with the administration of the GAT expanding your options for supervisors. This a welcomed change and a focus area for VASSP in our meeting last year with CEO of the VCAA Andrew Smith.
The following information was sent to school in Notice to Schools 24 – 19 March 2026 – Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority:
For the administration of the GAT only, and where all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted, schools are able to source additional assistant supervisors from the following list if they meet the eligibility criteria:
- Educational support staff
- Casual Relief Teachers
- Retired teachers
- University students
- Early childhood learning personnel
- Primary school personnel
Eligibility criteria
The only teachers who will be approved to supervise the GAT are those not involved in teaching or delivery
of any VCE, VCE VM or scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequence and with no close personal association with any student completing one or more VCE, VCE VM or scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequence.
Under no circumstances may teachers of VCE, VCE VM or scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequences be used as assistant supervisors.
Reimbursement is not available to schools if they opt to use eligible school staff as additional assistant supervisors for the GAT.
Schools should contact Examinations Planning and Logistics if they are unsure whether a school staff member is eligible to be an assistant supervisor for the GAT.
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS INITIATIVE
- EVALUATION UPDATE
The long awaited evaluation of the Mental Health Practitioners Initiative confirms what many of us are seeing in our schools: the program is highly valued and making a real difference for students.
Since rollout, MHPs have delivered more than 74,000 counselling sessions to almost 15,000 students across Victoria. Students report improved emotional regulation, stronger mental health literacy and high levels of trust in their MHP. For many, particularly in regional communities, school-based access is the only realistic pathway to support.
However, the evaluation also highlights emerging pressures. The majority of MHP time is now spent on direct counselling, often supporting students with complex needs beyond the original scope of the role. Low FTE allocations, workforce shortages and long external service waitlists are contributing to this shift. The report identifies clinical governance and funded supervision as areas requiring strengthening, alongside a review of FTE allocation, particularly for regional and specialist settings.
The initiative is clearly embedded and delivering impact. The next phase must ensure it is sustainable, equitable and properly supported.
VASSP will continue advocating for refinements that protect students, staff and school leaders while strengthening the long-term effectiveness of the program.
Mental health practitioners in secondary and specialist schools | vic.gov.au.
OPPORTUNITIES
Inclusive Classrooms Professional Learning Program
Inclusive Classrooms offers a suite of courses for school staff designed specifically for the Victorian education context. The courses focus on practical teaching strategies, adjustments and supports at the school, classroom and individual levels.
View the program flyer here, and click here for more information on how to apply.
Apply now: Victorian Young Leaders to China 2026
Applications are open for the Department of Education’s 2026 Victorian Young Leaders (VYL) to China virtual program. This two-week online intensive language and culture program is aimed at students in Years 9 and 10 and will be delivered in Term 3, 2026.
The program uses technology to provide opportunities for students to enhance and apply their Chinese language and culture skills alongside Chinese peers and teachers. It also fosters connections through interactive cultural exchanges, and an optional immersion at the Museum of Chinese Australian History and Chinatown which includes an Amazing Race style student experience.
Submit your interest in the program via the form or visit VYL China 2026 for more information.
Expressions of interest close on 2 April 2026.
ASPA Update
ASPA Releases 2026 Policy Briefing
The ASPA 2026 Policy Briefing articulates the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association’s policy positions and strategic priorities for secondary education and school leadership across Australia.
The 2026 ASPA Policy Briefing responds to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement and proposed National Teaching and Learning Commission. It addresses principal wellbeing, workforce sustainability, equitable funding, technology, and student inclusion, advancing evidence-based positions to strengthen secondary education and school leadership for all students.
If you would like to receive the ASPA Bulletin and be part of the mailing list, please register here: https://www.aspa.asn.au/contact
*VASSP values our members’ privacy and will not share member information without authorisation
Chief Operating Officer’s Report
Amy Rashid
Chief Operating Officer
VASSP Leadership Seminar: From Curiosity to Creation
The VASSP Leadership Seminar reinforced where the real work sits. Not in ideas alone, but in what leaders are testing, refining and applying in their own schools.
A standout was VASSP member and Principal, Dave Armstrong, who shared his work with AI over the past ten months.
This was not a polished case study. It was a practical account of what happens when a leader gets curious and follows it through.
From curiosity to capability
Dave’s entry point was curiosity, sparked through earlier VASSP professional learning, including the Annual Conference 2025 and the AI Forum held in November. The focus was straightforward. How can this reduce workload and support better practice?
Two points anchored his approach:
- This is not a future problem. Schools are already engaged
- The difference sits in how deliberately we use the tools
The shift he described was from broad questioning to disciplined use:
- Tight, specific prompting with continuous feedback
- Treating AI as a back-and-forth process, not a one-off task
- Ongoing revision to improve the quality of outputs
In practice, this included creating adaptable curriculum planning supports and PAL‑Assist, a high‑performance compliance tool that helps school leaders navigate the complex Victorian Policy and Advisory Library (PAL).
The leadership imperative
A consistent thread was the role of leadership.
- It is difficult to lead something you have not engaged with directly
- Understanding comes from doing, not observing
Dave grounded this through practical application. For example:
- using Gemini Deep Research to generate cited summaries that could be checked and refined
- using NotebookLM to organise and visualise planning documents
The focus remained on reducing friction in the work and supporting better decisions.
From consumer to creator
A key shift in Dave’s work has been moving beyond using tools to building solutions.
- Developing curriculum planners and practical utilities
- Working within school policies and constraints
- Using AI to respond to real, local needs
He was also clear about limitations:
- AI has no moral judgement
- Detection tools are inconsistent
- Not every product is worth the time
Stronger together in practice
What stood out was the decision to share this work while it is still evolving.
This is the work. Leaders testing in context and making that learning visible so others can take and adapt it in their own schools.
AI Tools for teachers and educators
Wangaratta High School has a number of bespoke AI tools for testing proof-of-concept experimentation and supporting teacher workload and professional learning. These tools are available for other interested users. Access to some apps and tools is restricted to Department of Education users.
Several are web-based, AI-powered, and others are apps that you just download to your Mac or Windows device and run locally.
VASSP business partner Atomi have recently published a white paper on AI in Victorian schools. You can read it in full here.
Professional Learning & Upcoming Events
VASSP Conference 2026
Following a sold-out event in 2025, registrations are now open for the 2026 VASSP Conference. Click here for more information and to secure your place at our early-bird rates.
Join principals and school leaders from across the state for practical learning, strong professional connections and shared insight aligned to Stronger Together: Leading with Impact.
For further information and to register for events visit VASSP Professional Learning
Also coming up:
- Assistant Principal Connections Seminar – Friday 22 May, VASSP Offices
- Applying for Principal Class Positions – Tuesday 16 June, VASSP Offices
- AGM and Leadership Seminar – Friday 13 November, Pentridge
For further information and to register for events visit VASSP Professional Learning
Industry Updates
Final Report Shines Light on the Hidden Toll of School Leadership
The fourth and final report in the Invisible Labour: Principals’ Emotional Labour in Volatile Times series has been released, and VASSP encourages every member to read it.
Built on 298 critical incident testimonies from public-school principals across Australia, “Hung Out to Dry” documents experiences that will be familiar to many of our members — intensifying emotional demands, inadequate systemic support, and the personal toll of leading through crisis largely alone.
But this research goes beyond bearing witness. It makes clear, evidence-based recommendations at national, state and school levels that chart a credible path forward. These include significant workload reduction in genuine consultation with principals, mandatory professional supervision that sits outside the line-management relationship, dedicated funding for school-based support roles, and a fundamental cultural shift within education departments — away from compliance and monitoring, toward meaningful service and support for school leaders.
VASSP has supported this work since its inception and will continue to use its findings to advocate strongly on your behalf. The recommendations in this report align closely with the concerns we hear from members every day, and they give our advocacy a powerful, evidence-based foundation.
Read the full report at monash.edu/education/research/projects/school-principals-emotional-labour-in-volatile-times
Mission Australia - Youth Survey
Now in its 25th year, and approved by the department, the annual Mission Australia Youth Survey identifies the values, aspirations and concerns of young people across Australia aged 14-19 years. By participating, your school could benefit as follows:
- Receive a complimentary tailored report (subject to receiving 100 responses)
- Access insights to support wellbeing planning and curriculum use
- Assurance that a support process is in place to identify students at risk
The survey launched on 19 March and is open until 14 August. Further information is available at Youth Survey | Mission Australia or you can contact youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au.
VASSP Project Services
Customised, on-site project support
VASSP offers customised, on-site and independent project support, professional development and logistical support in most areas of school operations.
What services are available?
Project services include but is not limited to:
- Leadership team development workshops
- Leadership coaching – individual and team
- School Improvement Review processes
- Curriculum reviews
- School Policy and Workforce reviews
- Principal preparation – application writing and interview skills
- In-depth individualised support
Regional Meetings
VASSP Field Officers
Regional Group Meetings, 2026
- Term 1: Thursday 5 February, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 2: Thursday 30 April, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 3: Thursday 23 July, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 4: Thursday 15 October, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 1: Tuesday 17 February, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 2: Tuesday 19 May, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 3: Tuesday 28 July, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 4: Tuesday 27 October, 8:30am – 10:30am
Term 1:
- Thursday 19 February, 9:30am – 11:30am
- Thursday 26 March, 9:30am – 11:30am
Term 2:
- Thursday 7 May, 9:30am – 11:30am
- Thursday 11 June, 9:30am – 11:30am
Term 3:
- Thursday 30 July, 9:30am – 11:30am
- Thursday 10 September, 9:30am – 11:30am
Term 4:
- Thursday 29 October, 9:30am – 11:30am
- Thursday 10 December, 9:30am – 11:30am
- Term 1: Friday 13 March, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 2: Friday 15 May, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 3: Friday 4 September, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 4: Friday 4 December, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Term 1:
- Wednesday 25 February, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Term 2:
- Wednesday 20 May, 9:00am – 11:00am
Term 3:
- Wednesday 26 August, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Term 4:
- Tuesday 13 October, 10:30am – 12:30pm
- Wednesday 28 October, 9:00am – 11:00am
- Wednesday 18 November, 8:00am – 10:00am
- Term 1: Wednesday 11 March, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 2: Wednesday 17 June, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 3: Wednesday 2 September, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 4: Wednesday 25 November, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 1: Friday 6 March, 9:00am – 11:00am
- Term 2: Friday 22 May, 9:00am – 11:00am
- Term 3: Friday 28 August, 9:00am – 11:00am
- Term 4: Friday 6 November, 9:00am – 11:00am
- Term 1: Tuesday 10 March, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Term 2: Tuesday 2 June, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Term 3: Tuesday 25 August, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Term 4: Tuesday 17 November, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Term 1: Thursday 26 February, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 2: Thursday 4 June, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 3: Thursday 27 August, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 4: Thursday 19 November, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 1: Thursday 5 March, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 2: Thursday 21 May, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 3: Thursday 6 August, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 4: Thursday 12 November, 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Term 1: Wednesday 11 February, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 2: Wednesday 6 May, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 3: Wednesday 5 August, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 4: Wednesday 4 November, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 1: Thursday 19 March, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 2: Thursday 18 June, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 3: Thursday 3 September, 8:30am – 10:30am
- Term 4: Thursday 22 October, 8:30am – 10:30am
Friends of VASSP
Messages and updates from friends of VASSP
Ourschool Update Report
Alumni programs must show evidence of impact
Every school principal knows how important it is to show evidence that the school is achieving its purpose.
Ourschool is no different. Alumni program coordinators are required to collect key data to show their school communities what’s been achieved in the school’s alumni program.
But the reporting of end of semester and annual data is only one element of an alumni program’s evidence and collaboration loop. A thriving and effective alumni program also includes:
- regular verbal check-in meetings between the alumni program coordinator and the school leader appointed to oversee them
- regular updates in the school newsletter
- end of term reports to the school council and school community
- regular updates and communications to the alumni community
At the end of each semester and school year Ourschool gives each partner school its individual infographic, based on some of the key metrics and achievements that coordinators report to us.
This then gives Ourschool the ability to aggregate these key achievements to show total impact across our partner schools.
Last year we had 25 partner schools in Victoria, two in NSW and one in Queensland. The infographic shown here reveals the impact achieved last year.
More updates available via Ourschool’s LinkedIn page or Ourschool’s website
Partner Messages
Partner messages
Online, in class, at home. Atomi brings fresh ways to reach new minds, helping teachers create engaging and impactful learning for every high school student. With curriculum-aligned bite-sized videos and interactive content, dynamic assessment tools and actionable insights, all driven by powerful intelligence.
Everyday habits that can help keep your super safe from scammers
By Aware Super
There are three simple steps you can follow to protect your super from scammers and have a safe and happy retirement:
- Stop: Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure about a request. You should never feel pressured to do something on the spot. Any legitimate organisation will move at your pace, not theirs.
- Think: Take a moment to ask yourself, ‘Who’s really there?’. If you can, verify the number, email, or website independently, like through your fund’s app. Or consider calling back the company to verify the request with a number you already know is safe.
- Protect: Act quickly if something feels wrong and report the matter to your super fund or financial institution. If you think you may have been the victim of a fraud or scam and you’re concerned about your account security, your fund should be able to help. Be sure to log onto your account and check your details remain the same on a regular basis to protect yourself.
What can you do if you’ve experienced a scam?
If you’ve experienced a scam, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone. Even the most cautious person can fall for one. If you think you’ve experienced a scam relating to your super or finances, you can:
- Call Aware Super/your super fund or your bank so they can secure your account.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch to help prevent others being affected.
The faster you act and report your suspicions, the stronger your chance of limiting the impact.
If you need additional support
There are options available if you need extra support:
- Learn more on keeping your super safe with Aware Super.
- You can stay updated with current scams at gov.au.
- If you’re an Aware Super member and worried about your super account, call 1300 650 873.
- You can contact IDCARE if you need support with identify theft.
- You can contact Beyond Blue or Lifeline if you need support for your mental health.
The New Business Team at The Uniform Group are your first point of contact, guiding new partnerships from initial enquiry through to acquisition and long-term success. They are the anchor of every relationship, focused on understanding your brand, your people, your goals, and turning that insight into tailored uniform solutions designed to grow with you.
The Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership delivers world-class professional learning and resources that strengthen teaching and leadership, improve student outcomes and elevate the profession.
Explore the highlights below or visit the Academy website for further professional learning opportunities.
AI in Education Symposium – Click here for more information
Explore safe and ethical generative AI strategies at the first statewide AI in Education Symposium, hosted by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.
The symposium will showcase evidence-informed practice, local and international research, and practical tools to support schools to lead on AI.
- Multiple dates and locations available
This two-day workshop will equip you with the high-quality communication and strategic discussion skills they need to build trust, solve complex issues and foster collaborative school communities.
Literacy Pedagogy and Practice
- Multiple dates and locations available
This five-month program will provide you with evidence-informed strategies and frameworks to embed high-impact literacy practices and improve student outcomes across Victorian schools.
Mathematics Pedagogy and Practice
- Multiple dates and locations available
Strengthen your pedagogical content knowledge and ability to apply evidence-informed principles, including the VTLM 2.0, to improve mathematics outcomes for students across Victoria
Subscribe to the Academy Connect newsletter to stay up to date with professional learning. Phone: 03 8199 2900
Provisional Appointments
VASSP would like to congratulate the following provisionally appointed leaders.
Stuart Bott – Yarrawonga College P-12 |
Jai Law – Warragul Regional College |
Aimee Maddocks – Timbarra P-9 College |
Dwayne Connell – Tarneit Senior College |
Kimberley Konisberry – Ararat Secondary College |
Erin Gleeson – Croydon Community School |
Joanna Sommers – Werribee Secondary College |
Daniel Marget – Werribee Secondary College |
Natalie Day – McKinnon Secondary College |
Emma Fitzpatrick – Reservoir High School |
Timothy Clifton – Craigieburn Secondary College |
Angela Haines – Collingwood Eng Language School |
Rajvinder Kaur – Reservoir High School |
Daniel Williams – Carwatha College P-12 |
Georgia Shannnon – Greater Shepparton Secondary College |
Ben Tiffen – Cranbourne West Secondary College |
David Seddon – Weeroona College Bendigo |
Chris Harris – Red Cliffs Secondary College |