Eight Primary School Principals from the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn had the opportunity to attend the 2019 Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) Conference in Adelaide from 3 to 6 September.

This year’s conference theme, ‘Leading the Way: Connection, Collaboration, Community’ uncovered ways to help support Principals in leading their school communities and ensure that every student receives a world class education. At the conference Principals were able to network with other primary school leaders from all over Australia and from other sectors: Catholic, State and Independent schools, as well as Principals from New Zealand.

Principals who attended from our Archdiocese included Marylou Gorham, Trinity Catholic Primary School, Murrumburrah; Philippa Brearley, Holy Trinity Primary School, Curtin; David Austin, Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo; Jo Scott-Pegum, St Patrick’s Primary School, Bega; Christine Baron, St Mary’s War Memorial School, West Wyalong; Julie Wiley, St Thomas More’s Primary School, Campbell; Frances Robertson, St Patrick’s Parish School, Cooma; and Matt Egan-Richards, St Clare of Assisi Primary School, Conder.

The aim of the conference was for primary school Principals from across the nation to come together and grow their knowledge, connections and support. Principals had the opportunity to build a stronger and more vibrant community of primary school leaders, who have the ability to make a difference and share a commitment to children’s wellbeing, growth and achievement.

Principal Julie Wiley enjoyed the keynote speakers, in particular the presentations and workshops by Louka Parry and Dave Faulkner on being educational changemakers. 

This presentation also resonated with Principal Christine Baron, who noted the important maxim that ‘You judge yourself according to your intention, where others judge you by your actions’.

Principal Jo Scott-Pegum said, “When Dan Haesler said ‘Learning is Change’, it summed up the conference potential and actual for me. As a group of Principals during the conference we were given the opportunity to collaborate, connect and build community. We have listened, talked, been edified in our work and challenged toward new thinking and next actions for co-creating our future bright.” 

“We were all inspired by the powerful message from the keynote speakers, in particular His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le (Governor of South Australia), Louka Parry and Dave Faulkner (Education Changemakers) – for their stories, for sharing their passion for education and supporting us to make a real difference for the young people of Australia,” she said.