The program will be updated as planning proceeds. Please check this page regularly.
Monday, August 31, 2026
| 8:30 – 17:00 |
Impact Canberra: Strengthening Civics and Citizenship through School Leadership Experience a full day of professional immersion and cultural exploration across Canberra. Our carefully timed itinerary ensures a seamless transition from leadership insights in schools to themed site visits across the capital. Extend your professional development beyond the conference walls and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and educational landscape of the nation’s capital. The day begins with a guided school tour for real-world leadership insights, followed by your choice of one of three curated, themed experiences. |
| 17:00 – 19:00 | Welcome Reception Exhibition Hall, National Convention Centre Canberra |
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
| 8:30 – 17:00 | Conference Registration |
| 8:30 – 9:15 | Conference Opening Virginia Haussegger Welcome to Country Ngunnawal Elder, Bradley Djirabidj Bell Official Welcome Address School Performance |
| 9:20 – 10:20 | Opening Keynote Hugh Mackay, Australian Psychologist and Social Researcher |
| 10:20 – 10:30 | Conference Partner Address – advancedlife  |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Morning Tea & Exhibition |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Fireside Chat APPA President Angela Falkenberg will be joined by Minister for Education Jason Clare for an interactive fireside chat exploring key issues in the sector. |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | eSafety Commissioner Nicky Sloss & Kellie Britnell |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch & Exhibition |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Rosie Thomas OAM, Co-Founder Project Rockit |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Afternoon Tea & Exhibition |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Professor Lea Waters AM, Australian Psychologist |
| 16:00 – 17:00 |
Networking Drinks & Exhibition Session Wind down the day and catch up with colleagues in a relaxed environment while exploring the latest products and services from our sponsors and exhibitors. It is the perfect opportunity to build new connections and see the newest industry innovations firsthand within the exhibition space. |
| 17:00 |
Mass Saint Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka |
| 17:30 |
Join your colleagues from the Government, Catholic, and Independent sectors for an evening of dedicated networking designed to foster collegiality and share unique leadership insights across the primary education landscape. |
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
| 8:00 – 8:30 | Conference Registration |
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| 8:30 – 9:00 |
Welcome Day 2 School Performance |
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| 9:05 – 9:45 | Martin Westwell, Chief Executive of the South Australian Department for Education |
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| 10:00 – 11:00 | Workshops A | |||
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Andrew Fuller |
 Alice Leung STEM education leader, Alice shares innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and leadership in STEM, inspiring schools to foster curiosity, creativity, and future-ready skills. |
 Brad Gaynor Experienced educator and consultant, Brad focuses on building resilient school communities, effective team collaboration, and strengthening student outcomes. |
 Dr Arne Rubinstein International education expert, Arne brings insights into school improvement, leadership practices, and pedagogical innovation that drive lasting change. |
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| 11:15 – 11:45 | Morning Tea & Exhibition | |||
| 11:45 – 12:45 | Workshops B Workshops in this session repeat the same workshops as above, allowing delegates to attend a second presenter. |
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Andrew Fuller |
Alice Leung STEM education leader, Alice shares innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and leadership in STEM, inspiring schools to foster curiosity, creativity, and future-ready skills. |
Brad Gaynor Experienced educator and consultant, Brad focuses on building resilient school communities, effective team collaboration, and strengthening student outcomes. |
Arne Rubinstein International education expert, Arne brings insights into school improvement, leadership practices, and pedagogical innovation that drive lasting change. |
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| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch & Exhibition | |||
| 13:00 – 16:30 | Self-Care Wellness Activities Optional Take a moment to pause and reset with our dedicated wellness afternoon, designed to support your wellbeing alongside the formal conference program. These optional, hands-on sessions offer a fun and informal way to re-energise and reconnect while exploring Canberra’s unique offerings in a relaxed setting with colleagues. Focused entirely on relaxation and enjoyment, these activities provide the perfect opportunity to recharge during a busy conference week |
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| 18:30 – 22:30 | Conference Dinner The Great Hall, Australian Parliament House Experience the rare privilege of dining in the heart of Australian democracy with a seat in the Great Hall at Parliament House. This stunning space, known for its soaring ceilings and the world-famous Arthur Boyd tapestry, offers a backdrop that is as historic as it is grand. It is a truly unique setting to relax and connect with colleagues in one of the nation’s most famous landmarks. |
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Thursday, 3 September 2026
| 8:30 – 12:15 | Conference Registration |
| 8:30 – 9:00 |
Welcome Day 3 School Performance Instrumental Music Program Young Voices Choir |
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Frank Bongiorno AM, Australian Historian Australian Catholic University  |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Australian Primary Principals Association Update Angela Falkenberg, APPA President |
| 10:30 – 10:40 | New Zealand Principals’ Federation Jason Miles, National President
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| 10:45 – 11:15 | Morning Tea & Exhibition |
| 11:15 – 12:15 | Closing Keynote Dr Kristy Goodwin, Neuro-performance Scientist |
| 12:15 – 13:00 | Conference Close and Prize Announcements Launch 2027 APPA Conference |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Exhibition & Farewell Lunch |