ASEPA President

A great gathering of special education leaders in South Australia. SA SEPLA recently hosted their Term 1 Conference in Glenelg, bringing principals and leaders together to connect, share insights and strengthen practice across the sector. Professional learning and strong leadership networks remain central to supporting students with disability across our schools. Next up: the Joondalup 2-Day Workshop. Places are limited, so secure your spot soon:
reg.planetreg.au/joondalup26

ASEPA President Matthew Johnson joined global school leaders in Utrecht as part of the International Confederation of Principals Executive Committee. International collaboration between principal associations helps strengthen school leadership worldwide.

WA educators travelled to Darwin to deliver professional learning in foundational & maths assessment for students working below curriculum level. Cross-state dialogue on teaching, wellbeing & engagement strengthens leadership and practice and ultimately improves outcomes.

School leadership has never required more emotional bandwidth. On 6 March in Perth, WAESPAA presents Leading Whole School Culture with Adam Voigt. Focused, practical modules on:
• Brain-based understanding of student conduct
• Restorative practices that reduce staff stress
• Rebuilding trust with parents Practical. Strategic. Immediately usable.

Assessment should do more than measure. It should inform teaching and guide support. When tools are structured yet flexible, educators gain clearer insight and students are better supported. Students are more than numbers. They are learners with strengths and potential. ASEPA supports evidence-based approaches that help teachers see the whole child and improve outcomes.

No single program meets every need. When educators collaborate, share practice, and learn from one another, students benefit. Progress in special education is built through collective expertise, not one-size-fits-all solutions. ASEPA continues to support collaboration that strengthens pathways and keeps student needs at the centre.

Difference matters when it comes to learning. Students with disability often need specialist expertise, structured teaching, and skilled educators. When that expertise is undervalued, students lose essential support. ASEPA continues to advocate for systems that invest in specialist educators and recognise that diverse needs require more than general solutions.

Parents have always been central to progress in special education. Families advocate every day for the settings and supports their children need. Some choose mainstream with adjustments. Others rely on specialist or co-located settings for safety and learning. Choice matters. Strong systems listen to families and recognise that inclusion looks different for every child. ASEPA stands for family voice, professional judgement, and student-centred decisions.

Equity is not created by ideology. It is created by outcomes. Research reminds us that students with disability thrive when decisions are grounded in evidence, professional expertise, and what actually improves learning and wellbeing.

Inclusion is not created by placement alone. 
It is created by safety, quality teaching, and the right support. Children with disability need options, expertise, and family voice at the centre. ASEPA stands for inclusion that works in real schools, for real children.

ASEPA Board member Lisa Wright reflects on a year of change in Tasmania. With most students with disability educated in local schools, collaboration is critical. As new school groupings take shape, 2026 brings optimism for clarity and stronger connections. ASEPA remains committed to ensuring Tasmania’s unique context is heard and supported.

We would like to wish all of our members a happy festive season and a safe relaxing break! The Australian Special Education Principals Association will still be posting regularly on our social media channels to share highlights of 2025, key insights and much more! We look forward to working with you in 2026!

At the ICP Council, ASEPA President Matt Johnson co-chaired a session on leadership succession and AI. For Australian and special education leaders, this message rings true. ASEPA continues to support this work.

Our National President Matt Johnson joined the global 24 Hours for Change in Education event. A clear message emerged. When school leaders are supported and heard, children and communities thrive. As AI continues to grow, humanity must stay at the centre of schooling. ASEPA remains focused on:
• Strong leadership
• Human-centred systems
• Children’s wellbeing
• Community strength Leading together creates stronger schools for every child.

Early Bird Registration open for SEPLA-CON 2026! 
20–21 July 2026 | ICC Sydney Use your 2025 budget to secure seats at Australia’s leading special education conference. 
Two days of insight, inclusion + innovation. Group registration available (10 + staff).
Don’t miss out! Register now: gems.eventsair.com/sepla-con-2026…

ASEPA President & CEO Matthew Johnson: 
“Education Support Centres & Schools are not barriers to inclusion; they are expressions of it.” ASEPA stands with WAESPAA in recognising the vital role of WA’s Education Support Centres & Schools in shaping an inclusive education system.

Call for Abstracts - gems.eventsair.com/PresentationPo…

SEPLA-CON 2026 Call for Abstracts SEPLA-CON takes place 20 to 21 July 2026 at ICC Sydney. 
The theme is Together for Tomorrow: Embracing Diversity, Enabling Success. Educators and leaders are invited to submit abstracts that strengthen inclusive education and student success. Abstracts close Friday 28 November 2025. Workshops. Presentations. Posters. Shopfronts. Your voice can help shape the future of special education.

The SA SEPLA Term 4 Conference is nearly here; a day of learning, sharing, and celebration. 📅 14 Nov | 📍 EDC Hindmarsh | 8:00–3:30 Featuring keynote speakers + the 2025 SA SEPLA Awards. Register by 7 Nov, 3pm: reg.planetreg.au/SaSeplaTerm4

Throwback to Day 1 at SEPLA-CON & ASEPA National Conference 2025! From Dr Adam Fraser’s insights on wellbeing to Jess Irwin’s powerful closing keynote, the day was filled with inspiration, reflection, and connection.