APPA National Conference 2026
The premier conference for Australian primary school principals and leaders, featuring keynote speakers, workshops, and professional networking.
Sessions (39)
0850 – 0920
Angela Falkenberg Refreshing & Inspiring Self: the role of personal agency in leading well. Sponsored by
APPA Shorts – Leadership Stories Inspiring fresh perspectives for future learning Frank Oberklaid AM – Co-Group Leader of Child Health Policy, Equity and Translation, Murdoch Children’s Research Insti
Coaches to Mass – departing Grand Chancellor Driveway
Conference Close
Conference Dinner – MACQ 02 Sponsored by Hearing Loop Australia
Conference Housekeeping
Conference Song John Coleman
Exhibitor Session & Live Music Afternoon Tea | Exhibition Area – Federation Ballroom
Exhibitor Session Afternoon Tea | Exhibition Area – Federation Ballroom
Farewell Lunch
Gihan Perera Future-Ready Leaders: From Chaos and Confusion to Clarity and Confidence
Gwen Pinnington & Sona Lewincamp Inspiring Leadership and Interpersonal Effectiveness using the CompassionshipTM INs of Trust
James Castrission Extreme South – The Explorers Mindset
Launch APPA/NZPF Trans-Tasman Conference 2024
Louka Parry & Anne Knock Leaders as Futurists: Cultivating fully human schools Sponsored By
Mass St Mary’s Cathedral, Corner of Harrington Street and Patrick Street
Michael Carr-Gregg Taking Care of Our Own: Addressing Primary Principals’ Mental Health Needs
Minister’s Address
Morning Tea | Exhibition Area – Federation Ballroom
Musical Performance
Nathan Wallis Understand Your Brain – The First 1000 Days
Pasi Sahlberg Fast track to transforming Australian primary schools
Polly McGee Human scale teaching and learning: creating Self-led, co-regulated schools in chaos, crisis and calm
Prize Announcement
Sector Functions
SESSION FIVE Harbourview 1 Polly McGeeThe Embodied Leader: Practices for leading authentically from the whole Self
Simon Breakspear The Pruning Principle Unlocking progress by mastering the art of strategic subtraction
Sponsor Address Advanced Life School Photography and Print Specialist
Sponsor Address MSP Photography
Sponsor Address The School Photographer
Student School Performance St Mary’s College
Student School Performance The Hutchins School
Student School Performance Year 6 Pandani Band Southern Combined Public Primary School Band
The Primary Connection Hear from the national bodies regarding contemporary and future work in education. Panellists: David deCarvalho – CEO, ACARA Mark Grant – CEO, AITSL Andrew Smith – CEO, ESA Jenn
Welcome Reception | Exhibition Area – Federation Ballroom Musical Performance by Cary LewincampSponsored by BFX Furniture
Welcome to Country
Welcome to Day Three
Welcome to Day Two