ASEPA President

At the latest ASEPA National Council meeting, leaders from across Australia discussed principal wellbeing, workforce shortages, disability reform, NDIS changes and the growing complexity facing schools. ASEPA continues to advocate strongly for leaders, students and families across the sector.

Members of WAESPAA Leadership and Advocacy recently met with WA Minister for Education, Sabine Winton MLA, to discuss the landscape of specialised education in WA. Important conversations supporting advocacy, leadership and student outcomes.

Register:
gems.eventsair.com/sepla-con-2026… #SEPLACON #SchoolLeadership

Ian Worley joins SEPLA-CON 2026 as a keynote speaker. A school leader with 27 years’ experience, Ian brings a grounded perspective on leadership, wellbeing and the realities of the role. A keynote that will resonate with principals across contexts.

Ian Worley joins SEPLA-CON 2026 as a keynote speaker. A school leader with 27 years’ experience, Ian brings a grounded perspective on leadership, wellbeing and the realities of the role. A keynote that will resonate with principals across contexts. Register:
gems.eventsair.com/sepla-con-2026… #SEPLACON #SchoolLeadership

The SEPLA-CON 2026 program is now available. Join school leaders from across Australia this July at ICC Sydney for two days of professional learning and collaboration. View the program:
gems.eventsair.com/sepla-con-2026…

The SEPLA-CON 2026 program is now available. Join school leaders from across Australia this July at ICC Sydney for two days of professional learning and collaboration. View the program:
gems.eventsair.com/sepla-con-2026…

Meet the speakers Dr Lyn Sharratt joins SEPLA-CON 2026 as a keynote speaker. Known globally for her work on using assessment to drive teaching and learning, Dr Sharratt provides practical frameworks that support leaders to improve outcomes for every student. Clear. Structured. Impactful. This is leadership learning you can take straight back into your school. Register now:
gems.eventsair.com/sepla-con-2026…

The SEPLA-CON 2026 program is now available. Join school leaders from across Australia this July at ICC Sydney for two days of professional learning and collaboration. View the program:
gems.eventsair.com/sepla-con-2026…

Strong leadership is built, not assumed. Great to see Western Australian Education Support Principals and Administrators Association offering real, practical development: 4 days | $500
Just $125 per day High-value leadership training for Education Support settings. Limited places.

Strong leadership is built with intention. Great to see Western Australian Education Support Principals and Administrators Association developing emerging leaders through their Aspirant Leaders Programme, led by Jenny Cole. This is how we strengthen schools across Australia.

Momentum is building for SEPLA-CON 2026. This July, school leaders from across Australia will come together at ICC Sydney for two days of professional learning, connection and shared leadership. With the school year now well underway, this is an important moment to look ahead; to invest in leadership, strengthen networks and engage with ideas that support our work in special education. ASEPA is proud to support SEPLA-CON as a key national gathering for leaders across our sector. Stay tuned as we reveal more about what’s to come.

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.