School leaders gathered in Melbourne for two days of connection, ideas and practical learning focused on the future of P12 education
Bringing P12 leaders together
The 2026 P12 Leadership Summit brought school leaders together in Melbourne for two days of meaningful conversation, shared learning and strong collaboration across the P12 sector. Held at the Flagstaff Gardens Hotel on 26 and 27 March 2026, the summit created space for educators, leaders and partners to reflect on the opportunities and challenges unique to P12 education.
The summit opened with a welcome from the P12 Alliance Executive, followed by reflections from John Stafford, CEP Life Member, and Nic Abbey, President of the Victorian Council of School Organisations, who spoke to the history, importance and achievements of P12 schools in Victoria. It set the tone for an event grounded in connection, leadership and a shared commitment to supporting school communities.
A program shaped by leadership, ideas and practice
Friday’s program continued with a strong line-up of sessions covering a wide range of topics, including VLPs in P12 schools, P12 Hub development, professional practice, student wellbeing, rural education, transition, school culture and the future of the P12 Alliance. Contributors across the day included Michael Ho, Steph Murphy, Lucy Buncle, Phoenix College, Brad Rowswell, Frank Handy, Brydon Coverdale, Amanda Lecaude, Dale Sidebottom and Louisa Barham.
EWS sharing digital strategy and school storytelling
A valued part of the day was the contribution from Education Web Solutions (EWS). Michael Ho, Director of EWS, presented on how schools can maximise their website impact, sharing insights into the role strong digital communication plays in shaping visibility, trust and community connection. The session also highlighted EWS’s work with Yarrawonga P12 College, offering a practical example of how a school’s website can better reflect its story, audience and identity.
Beyond presenting, the EWS team was proud to support the event and capture media from across the summit, helping document the energy, conversations and key moments of the day. The gallery reflects more than just a conference program — it captures genuine connection, shared ideas and the spirit of educators coming together to support one another.
Check out the gallery (bottom of article)
Trans-Tasman perspectives and shared learning
The summit also benefited from a valuable international perspective. Louisa Barham from Raglan Area School presented on the structure and set-up of New Zealand Area Schools, adding depth to the conversation around leadership in broad and diverse school settings. Louisa also serves as President of the NZ Area Schools Association, reinforcing the strength of the trans-Tasman connection.
It was also wonderful to acknowledge Andrew King, President of the New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association, whose connection to the wider rural and area school community added further richness to the day. Together, these contributions highlighted how much schools in Australia and New Zealand can learn from one another when it comes to leadership, communication and supporting diverse school communities.
A highlight of the day: School of Play
One of the standout highlights of the summit was the School of Play session with Dale Sidebottom, which brought a fun and energetic shift to the day as principals got up, joined in and shared plenty of laughs through interactive activities. Beyond the smiling faces, the session reinforced an important message around the value of playfulness in strengthening school culture, boosting wellbeing and enhancing learning across both staffrooms and classrooms.
Be sure to explore the gallery below to see the smiling faces, shared moments and energy that made this session such a memorable part of the summit.
Looking ahead
What made the summit especially impactful was the balance between big-picture thinking and practical takeaways. From transition and wellbeing to communication, culture and future planning, the sessions encouraged leaders to think deeply about how they want their schools to be seen, how they support their communities, and how they continue to grow strong, connected learning environments. The round table discussion on the future of the P12 Alliance added another meaningful layer, inviting members to reflect on communication, representation and the next chapter for the network.
Final reflection
Events like the P12 Leadership Summit matter because they create room for shared reflection, fresh ideas and stronger collective momentum. When school leaders, presenters, partners and education organisations come together in one space, it reminds us of the value of collaboration and the power of learning from one another.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 P12 Leadership Summit such a meaningful event — from the organisers and speakers to the attendees, partners and supporters who contributed across the two days. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passionate people come together to strengthen the future of P12 education.
It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passionate educators and leaders come together to strengthen the future of P12 education.
