Independent Schools Victoria Principals Conference 2025
Delivered in collaboration between the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership and Independent Schools Victoria, the conference was held on Monday 15 September 2025 at the Academy’s East Melbourne learning centre. Thank you to all the principals, keynote speakers, workshop leaders, panellists and attendees who made it a meaningful and inspiring event.
Highlights
- A full day of evidence-informed professional learning and thought leadership.
- Keynotes and panel discussions from leading voices in education.
- Interactive workshops exploring leadership strategy, wellbeing, AI, and the future of education.
- Time spent networking, reflecting, and sharing practices with peers across the Independent sector.
Speakers and workshops
Speakers included keynote presenters, panellists and school leaders who shared insights into the evolving role of principals. Workshop topics included:
- Using research well to drive school improvement.
- AI strategy and governance in schools.
- Principal and staff wellbeing.
- Preparing students for the future of work and learning.
- Leadership excellence through the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework.
Full list of speakers, panellists and workshops is available here.
Resources
We are pleased to share materials from the conference, including workshop slide decks, handouts, and other presentation documents.
| Session | Resource description |
|---|---|
|
Keynote: The changing face of education and impact on leadership Presenter: Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University |
Keynote slides (PDF, 1.49 MB) |
|
Workshop: Using research well to drive improvement: Facilitators: Mark Rickinson, Jo Gleeson |
Workshop slides (PDF, 1.71 MB) |
|
Workshop: AI strategy and governance Facilitator: James Field |
AI governance and management framework for schools (requires email address) |
|
Workshop: Principal and staff wellbeing Facilitator: Jodi Richardson |
Workshop overview handout (PDF, 288 KB) |
|
Workshop: Setting students up for success – the future of education Facilitator: Louka Parry |
Workshop slides (PDF, 2.39 MB) |
|
Workshop: Leadership excellence in action - applying the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework Facilitators: Kendra Parker and Lisa Conibeer |
Workshop slides (PDF, 1.25 MB) |
If you have questions about a particular workshop or resource, please email us.
What’s next?
We hope the conference has given you new ideas, energy, and connections to take back to your school community, and we are looking forward to engaging with Independent schools in the future.
In the meantime:
- Subscribe to Academy Connect to learn about upcoming professional learning opportunities.
- Follow our socials on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram for events and professional learning announcements.
Contact
For enquiries about conference content or resources:
