President’s Address

Dear VASSP Members,

Welcome to a new year. I hope the summer break has provided you with some rest, time with family and friends, and moments to reset after another demanding year of leadership.

As we begin 2026, I want to acknowledge that for many of our colleagues this return to school has been far from straightforward. Recent floods and fires across parts of Victoria have once again reminded us how exposed our communities can be, and how often schools sit at the centre of recovery. To those principals and teams supporting students, families and staff through these events often while dealing with your own personal impacts, please know that VASSP stands with you. Your leadership, care and resilience do not go unnoticed.

It is both an honour and a genuine privilege to write to you for the first time as President of the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals. I step into this role with deep gratitude for the trust placed in me, and with real excitement about the work ahead.

My connection with VASSP began in 2007, when I participated in the Emerging Leaders Program as a Leading Teacher. Like many of you, I was eager to learn, to connect, and to find my place in the profession. What struck me then, and has stayed with me ever since, was how this association truly sees people. Presidents, former Presidents and senior colleagues took the time to listen, to offer advice, and to share their wisdom generously. From that moment, I understood that VASSP was more than an association; it was a professional home.

That sense of belonging, care and advocacy has remained constant through every stage of my leadership journey, including periods of significant reform and the profound disruption of recent years. VASSP has consistently stood beside principals and school leaders, representing our voices, advocating for our work, and supporting our wellbeing.

I want to sincerely thank Colin for his leadership and service. His calm presence, deep system knowledge and unwavering commitment to members have strengthened the association in important ways. I am grateful for the legacy he leaves and for the strong foundations on which we now build.

My passion for public education in Victoria is deeply personal. I believe it remains our most powerful vehicle for equity, opportunity and community connection. Every young person, regardless of postcode, background or circumstance, deserves access to a high-quality education that opens pathways and fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth.

As a regional principal, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact of public education on students, families and communities. Our schools are rich in cultural, socio-economic and educational diversity, and that diversity is a strength. Across Victoria, principals and staff work every day to create inclusive pathways to success, supported by culturally responsive initiatives, strong wellbeing structures, and partnerships that extend learning beyond the school gate.

Schools have increasingly become central hubs for social, emotional and practical support. Families often turn to schools first not only for education, but for guidance, wellbeing and connection to broader services. This presents a powerful opportunity to strengthen collaboration across education, health, community and industry sectors, breaking down silos so that students are supported not just to learn, but to truly thrive.

The challenges facing school leaders are increasingly complex. Principals now lead at the intersection of education, wellbeing, workforce pressures and community expectations. Yet despite this complexity, the work remains profoundly important. Every decision we make shapes the lives of young people and the future of our communities.

VASSP’s role is to stand with you in that work, to ensure your expertise is respected, your voices are heard, and that policy and practice are informed by those closest to the work. I am deeply committed to advocating for your work across all levels of the system, ensuring metro, regional, rural and diverse contexts are reflected in system decision-making, and encouraging leaders across the state to raise their voices with confidence.

As we look ahead, the anticipation of the new Agreement brings both opportunity and uncertainty for schools. Whatever the outcome, VASSP will work closely with principals, the Department and our partners to support a clear, practical transition, advocating for settings that are workable, well-resourced and grounded in the realities of school leadership. Our focus will be on ensuring school leaders are informed, supported and not carrying additional burden as change unfolds.

Guided by a belief in strong relationships, trust and shared purpose, my focus as President will be on representation, advocacy and genuine support for members. Together, we can continue to strengthen a system that is inclusive, future-focused and responsive to context, where every school is resourced, supported and confident to meet the needs of every learner.

I look forward to working alongside you as we continue to build our collective voice, celebrate the diversity of our schools, and ensure every principal and assistant principal feels the same sense of belonging that I experienced as an emerging leader all those years ago.

Wishing you the very best start to the year. I am proud to serve you and honoured to lead this association in the year ahead.

Belinda Hudak
VASSP President