The 2025 Independent Schools Victoria Principals Conference is on Monday 15 September 2025 in East Melbourne. The conference will provide evidence-informed professional learning, inspiring presentations, workshops and networking opportunities.
Why attend
This is an excellent opportunity for Victorian Independent school principals to:
- hear from renowned thought leaders in education
- discover new ways of thinking about leadership excellence
- participate in workshops
- network, learn and reflect from one another.
Registration
Fully subsidised by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.
Choosing workshops
When you register, you will be required to select 2 workshops to attend across the day.
The workshops offer a variety of perspectives on the conference theme- The Evolving Role of the School Principal. You will hear from Independent Schools Victoria principals and leaders, renowned thought leaders and the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.
Conference theme and program
Theme: The Evolving Role of the School Principal
Schools are operating in a rapidly changing environment. Principals are expected to lead through digital transformation, respond to rising community expectations, and prepare students for careers that do not yet exist. Their roles continue to expand – being part educator, part strategist, part community leader.
This full-day event invites 235 principals from across the Independent sector to engage with leading thinkers, explore practical leadership strategies, and connect with peers. The Minister for Education, the Hon. Ben Carroll MP, will open the conference featuring a dynamic program of plenary sessions, workshops and panels, with a strong focus on professional dialogue and hands-on learning.
We invite you to attend this opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, engage deeply with the challenges and possibilities of the principal role, and connect with peers who are leading change across the Independent sector.
Program – Monday 15 September 2025
| Time | Session | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am – 8:45 am | Check in and networking Coffee, tea and fruit provided |
45 minutes | Bastow Lounge |
| 8:45 am – 8:55 am | Conference welcome MC, Tyron Paspa, Director - Regional Division, Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership |
10 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 8:55 am – 9:00 am | Welcome to Country Wurundjeri Elder Tony Garvey |
5 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 9:00 am – 9:15 am | Minister’s address; official conference opening The Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education |
45 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 9:15 am – 10:00 am | Keynote 1: The changing face of education and impact on leadership Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University |
45 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 10:00 am – 10:45 am |
Panel Discussion 1: Host: Emma Perrett, Expert Teacher in Residence, Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership Panellists:
|
45 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 10.45 am – 11.15 am | Morning tea | 30 minutes | |
| 11.15 am – 11.45 am | Keynote 2: Where will our students end up: the future of jobs and the labour market Josh Nestor, Managing Director, Seek Investments |
30 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 11.45 am – 12:00pm | Transition break | 15 minutes | |
| 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm |
Workshop rotation 1:
|
45 minutes | Various rooms |
| 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm | Lunch | 60 minutes | |
| 1.45 pm – 2.30 pm |
Workshop rotation 2:
|
45 minutes | Various rooms |
| 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Transition break | 15 minutes | |
| 2.45 pm – 3.15 pm |
Panel Discussion 2: Host: Rachel Holthouse, CEO, Independent Schools Victoria Panellists:
|
30 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 3.15 pm – 3.45 pm |
School presentation: the changing role of school leadership Introduction: Dr Toni Meath, Board Chair, Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership; Principal, Melbourne Girls Grammar Presenter: Ashleigh Martin, Principal, Caulfield Grammar School |
30 minutes | Academy Hall |
| 3.45 pm – 4.15 pm |
Reflections and conference close Facilitator: Tyron Paspa Panellists:
|
30 minutes | Academy Hall |
Speakers and workshops
The conference will include a range of keynote addresses, panel discussions and workshops:
Full list of speakers and workshops.
Plan your attendance
- When: 15 September 2025, 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Where: Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, 41 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne
- Catering: Tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch and canapes provided
- Cost: Fully subsidised by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
Useful information
- East Melbourne venue details – accessibility, getting there, carparking
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Accommodation details
Contact us
Registration enquiries
Conference updates
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- Subscribe to our e-newsletter Academy Connect
On This page
Speakers and workshops
Venue and travel
