Program

The program will be updated as planning proceeds. Please check this page regularly.

Monday, 31 August 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
School PerformanceIMP ACTgovt_ ogo
Jazz Ensemble by ACT Instrumental Music Program

Tuesday, 1 September 2026

07:30 – 17:00 Conference Registration
08:30 – 08:45 School Performance: Canberra Girls Grammar SchoolCGGS Logo
Cantantes (Years 5–6)
NCCC Main Foyer
08:50 – 09:15 Conference Opening
Bradman Theatrette
Virginia Haussegger AM

Welcome to Country
Ngunnawal Elder, Bradley Djirabidj Bell

Official Welcome Address

09:20 – 10:20 Opening Keynote
Kindness: A Species Survival Skill

Hugh Mackay AO, Australian Psychologist and Social Researcher
10:20 – 10:50 Fireside Chat – Minister for Education

APPA President Angela Falkenberg will be joined by Minister for Education, The Hon Jason Clare MP, for an interactive fireside chat exploring key issues in the sector.

10:50 – 11:00 Conference Partner Address – advancedlife
11:00 – 11:30 Morning Tea & Exhibition
11:30 – 12:30 eSafety Commissioner
From playground to platform: building socially and emotionally safer schools and online communities

Kellie Britnell, Manager, Awareness and Capability
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch & Exhibition
13:30 – 14:30 Evolving online safety education for today’s digital world
Lucy
Lucy Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of PROJECT ROCKIT
14:30 – 14:35 Gold Sponsor Address – The School Photographer
14:35 – 15:15 Afternoon Tea & Exhibition
15:15 – 16:15 Strengths at Work to Activate Agency
Professor Lea Waters AM, Australian Psychologist
16:15 – 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

All delegates are warmly invited to gather for Mass at the historic Saint Christopher’s Cathedral. Located in the heart of Manuka, this service offers a peaceful opportunity for reflection and fellowship with colleagues.

17:30 Sector Networking Functions

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, 2 September 2026

08:00 – 08:30 Conference Registration
08:30 – 08:45 School PerformanceIMP ACTgovt_ ogo
ACT Instrumental Music Program Young Voices Choir
NCCC Main Foyer
08:50 – 09:05 Welcome Day 2
Bradman Theatrette
09:05 – 09:45 Activating students to learn and thrive
Martin Westwell, Chief Executive of the South Australian Department for Education


09:45 – 09:50 Gold Sponsor Address – Education Services Australia
09:50 – 10:00 Movement to workshop rooms
10:00 – 11:00 Workshops A
Location Bradman Theatrette  Menzies Theatrette Nichollas Theatrette Sutherland Theatrette

Turning Vision and Voice into Agency – Connected, Protected, Respected
Andrew Fuller
Renowned educational psychologist, Andrew provides practical strategies to enhance student wellbeing, engagement, and mental health, helping schools create a supportive learning environment


Digital or Distracted? Rethinking Technology to Transform Learning

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.

From Burnout to Breakthrough
Brad Gaynor
Experienced educator and consultant, Brad focuses on building resilient school communities, effective team collaboration, and strengthening student outcomes.

Parenting, Technology, and Rites of Passage in the 21st Century
Dr Arne Rubinstein
International education expert, Arne brings insights into school improvement, leadership practices, and pedagogical innovation that drive lasting change.
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.
Location Bradman Theatrette  Menzies Theatrette Nichollas Theatrette Sutherland Theatrette

Turning Vision and Voice into Agency – Connected, Protected, Respected
Andrew Fuller
Renowned educational psychologist, Andrew provides practical strategies to enhance student wellbeing, engagement, and mental health, helping schools create a supportive learning environment


Digital or Distracted? Rethinking Technology to Transform Learning

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.

From Burnout to Breakthrough
Brad Gaynor
Experienced educator and consultant, Brad focuses on building resilient school communities, effective team collaboration, and strengthening student outcomes.

Parenting, Technology, and Rites of Passage in the 21st Century
Dr Arne Rubinstein
International education expert, Arne brings insights into school improvement, leadership practices, and pedagogical innovation that drive lasting change.
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.

18:30 – 22:30 Conference Dinner
The Great Hall, Australian Parliament House
Dress code: Business Casual

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.

Thursday, 3 September 2026

8:30 – 12:15 Conference Registration
08:50 – 09:00 Welcome Day 3
Bradman Theatrette
09:00 – 10:00 What should students understand about the past?
Prof. Frank Bongiorno AM, University of Canberra
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
10:40 – 10:45 Sponsor Delegate Address – School Yard Heroes
10:45 – 11:15 Morning Tea & Exhibition
11:15 – 12:15 Closing Keynote
Powered-Up Performers: The neuroscience of performance in a digital age
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