PROGRAM
Featuring a diverse list of leading experts, the 2025 AISSA Governance Conference has been designed and tailored to the needs of our members.
This year’s program will deep dive into the factors which are contributing to this shift and how can school Boards and senior leadership teams help reverse the trend.
Additionally, the 2025 Governance Conference will explore:
Experts from the education sector will showcase innovative approaches to support Boards to prepare and fully support school leaders throughout their careers.• Actionable insights into reversing the decline in leadership aspirations
• Understanding the role of the Principal and how Boards can better support them
• Critical tipping point moments in Board/Principal relationships
• Retention and development strategies for leaders and aspiring leaders
• Board development strategies
Who should attend?
The conference is designed to foster shared understanding, collaborative problem solving and growth.
We strongly encourage entire Boards to attend as a team. The impact of the conference will be heightened when full Board and Senior leaders including Principals and People and Culture/Human Resource professionals and School Operations and Business Managers also attend.
The conference will also be of value to middle and aspiring leaders. We are offering a generous pricing structure for AISSA schools to assist in making it accessible to whole teams.
Program |
Friday, 20 June 2025 |
| 8:00am | Registration Opens - Tea and coffee on arrival |
| 8:45am | Welcome to Country |
| 9:00am | Conference Welcome Anne Dunstan, Chief Executive, Association of Independent Schools of South Australia |
| 9:15am | The Principal Shortage: Examining the Research, Understanding the Crisis The shortage of school principals has reached a critical level, with far-reaching implications for education. Delve into key research findings to uncover the root causes of the crisis, including increasing job complexity, rising stress and burnout, governance challenges, and shifting expectations of school leadership. Gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving the leadership shortage and begin to identify ways in which boards can address this issue. Anne Dunstan, Chief Executive, Association of Independent Schools of South Australia Mary Hudson, Senior Educational Consultant, Director Leadership Institute and Centre for Innovation, Association of Independent Schools of South Australia |
| 9:35am | Table discussion and reflection |
| 9:45am | Selecting and nurturing exceptional principals in a decade of disorientation Leading in disorienting times requires critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and the ability to communicate effectively. However, new skills are required to navigate the future. Explore the 2025 Skills Horizon, to be prepared for what is ahead and consider the leadership capabilities required for now and in the future. Professor Kai Reimer, Sydney Executive Plus, University of Sydney Business School |
| 10:30am | Morning Tea - Sponsored by Metro Canteens |
| 11:00am | Tipping Point Moments in Board & Principal Dynamics - From Cruise to Crisis Explore the growing leadership crisis in schools and examine key factors that shape governance dynamics including the tension and opportunities within board-leadership relationships, the power of perspective—how worldview and background influence decision-making—and the impact of stress and conflict on leadership effectiveness will be explored. Gain insights into fostering productive governance relationships that support strong, sustainable school leadership. Christina Franklin, Principal Consultant, Advalore Partners |
| 12:30pm | Networking Lunch - Sponsored by Metro Canteens |
| 1:15pm | Appointment, Retention and Development Strategies for the Principal Obtain insights into contemporary principal appointment processes, effective induction and mentoring strategies, and approaches to supporting principal wellbeing. David Wilksch, Principal Growth Director, Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA Panel of school leaders and governors, chaired by Christina Franklin |
| 2:15pm | Retention and Development Strategies for the Board Explore effective strategies for retaining and developing leadership talent, including how to assess governance alignment through self-review, and implement tools that foster continuous learning and engagement for long term success. Panel chaired by Christina Franklin |
| 3:15pm | Vote of Thanks - Anne Dunstan |
| 3:30pm | Networking Drinks |
| 5:00pm | Close |
Please note: Program times shown are Australian Central Standard Times (ACST). The program overview may be subject to changes.