SASPA SNG: Bringing Country Leaders Together

Presented by Kirsty Gebert (Deputy Principal, Banksia Park International High School).

As we move beyond traditional measures such as NAPLAN, SACE and WEC, Banksia Park International High School is broadening the way it measures success through whole-school indicators, student profiles, data visualisation tools and locally developed “Pulse Checks”. This session will showcase how the school is collecting, analysing and visualising data to establish baselines, monitor progress towards improvement goals, strengthen student agency, and create more personalised learning experiences, while sharing key insights from its collaboration with the 2025 Department’s data team.

Presented by Amber Mackinnon & Sam McArdle (Department for Education) 

Learn about the Department’s growing anti-racism program of work and the practical steps being taken to build culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces for all staff and students. This session will explore the new system-wide approach, including leadership support, anti-racism capability building, and the development of an anonymous reporting mechanism designed to strengthen trust, accountability and system-wide learning.

Presented by Lorraine Stewart & Kristen Mangelsdorf (Department for Education)

Learn about the Department’s growing anti-racism program of work and the practical steps being taken to build culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces for all staff and students. This session will explore the new system-wide approach, including leadership support, anti-racism capability building, and the development of an anonymous reporting mechanism designed to strengthen trust, accountability and system-wide learning.

Presented by Julia Atkin

This session will have a look at the SA Curriculum. Drawing on global and local research, including OECD thinking and South Australia’s student-centred approach, this session will unpack how dispositions enable learners to apply capabilities, why particular dispositions are highlighted within each learning area, and what this means for school leaders leading meaningful curriculum change. Participants will also consider practical strategies for building shared understanding and co-constructing meaning with staff to activate, rather than simply implement, the curriculum.

Presented by Sarah Watson & Colleen Abbott (Department for Education)

Sarah Watson, Assistant Director, Industrial Relations & Policy, and Colleen Abbott, Senior Lead P&C Strategic Projects, will chat with us about the upcoming Enterprise Bargaining process and what it means for school leaders. The conversation will describe the process towards a new Enterprise Agreement from March 2027, including key timelines, the development of the management agenda, and the complex negotiation and approval processes involving employee associations, industrial relations, government agencies and Cabinet. Attendees will gain insight into what can be expected over the next 6–12 months, and the broader context shaping the negotiations.

Presented by Chris Roberts (SAASLA & Department for Education)

Learn about the Country Education Strategy and its focus on improving country students’ access to teachers, educational experiences and post-school pathways. The session will also explore the role of Hybrid Learning and Local Delivery in expanding subject choice and opportunities for students, while ensuring learning remains connected to local contexts and community needs.