APPA Conference Keynote Highlights

Last week, I joined school leaders from across Australia at the 2025 APPA National Conference in Brisbane. The theme, Leading Well. Together., was explored through inspiring keynotes and workshops.

Professor Dylan Wiliam opened with a full-day masterclass on evidence-based strategies for improving learning. Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett spoke on resilience, teamwork, and leadership, while Ben Sacco challenged us to rethink education from the ground up. A lively dialogue between Libbi Gorr and Denise Bowden, moderated by APPA President Angela Falkenberg, blended humour, cultural insight, and leadership truths. Other highlights included Cam McDonald on team strengths, Gemma Munro on balancing achievement with wellbeing, Kirstin Ferguson on modern leadership, and Dr Justin Coulson on building trust and belonging in school communities.

Workshops provided practical strategies, with Dr Coulson’s session on emotional intelligence standing out for its focus on empathy, communication, and positive relationships. Other sessions explored digital innovation, inclusive school cultures, and staff wellbeing.

The conference closed with Gill Hicks, who shared powerful reflections on resilience and change in The Infinity of Change.

Together, these insights highlighted that strong leadership is not only about strategy, but also about wellbeing, connection, and courage. I am grateful to Mrs Tokich for leading our school during my absence.

High Impact Teaching Practice – Staff Coaching

Yesterday, we welcomed back Toni Hatten, who worked alongside our teachers, providing coaching, feedback, and modelling of effective direct instruction practices for our Classroom Support Teachers. She also facilitated professional learning focused on the successful delivery of direct instruction programs. We extend our thanks to Ms Hallahan, our HITP Leader, for her leadership in supporting staff and for coordinating this valuable day of learning.

Happy Father’s Day

This Sunday we take time to celebrate and give thanks for all the fathers, grandfathers and father figures in our community. We are grateful for the love, care and guidance you provide each day. May you feel truly appreciated and blessed this Father’s Day.

We share this special prayer for our fathers:

Heavenly Father,
Bless all fathers with strength and patience,
wisdom and gentleness,
so that they may reflect Your love in all they do.
Guide them in their role as protectors and providers,
and may they always know the joy of their children’s love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Kind regards,

Bridgette McCann

Acting Principal

Special wishes to those children who will celebrate their birthdays  this week: Miah G, 2R, Olivia C, 2R, Jonadab M, 3/4G, Ruby K, KY, Mia B, 2R, Kyliemaine S, 3/4O, Bianca C, 1B, Zoe M, 3/4G, Dante B, 5/6P, Amelie L, 3/4G, Lazar S, KY, Hamish M, 1B, Bonnie C, 1B.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Harmony Award this week.

Well done!!   

Last week, St Michael’s was privileged to welcome Lachie Eveston and Libby Goodsell, Aboriginal Education Officers from Catholic Education, for a special visit. Throughout the day, Lachie and Libby shared their deep knowledge and cultural insights with our students, helping them to better understand the significance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and the importance of acknowledging and respecting Ngunnawal land — the Country on which our school stands.

One of the most memorable parts of the day were the Yarning Circles held across all year levels. These circles provided a safe, respectful space for students to listen, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about Aboriginal culture, traditions, and perspectives. Students asked thoughtful questions and shared their own reflections, showing genuine curiosity and appreciation.

Our students greatly enjoyed Lachie and Libby’s engaging presentation style and their wealth of knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Thank you again to Lachie and Libby. Experiences like these enrich our learning and help us grow as a community that values and respects the stories, histories, and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples.