By leaders, for leaders

Connecting school and preschool leaders with practical, expert support throughout their career, advocating for their collective interests to strengthen the profession and education system.

Key Papers

SASSLA's research, discussion and policy papers provide a collective voice to influence the challenges that leaders face today and the future of the profession.

News & Issues

News

Board Member Nominations Open 2 November 2026

Nominations for five Board Member positions open Monday 2 November 2026 and close on Friday 4 December 2026 at 12.00noon. This is your chance to be actively involved as a Board Member in shaping the strategic direction of SASSLA.

News

Meet SASSLA's New Chief Executive

SASSLA is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kathryn Bruggemann as Chief Executive, commencing on 18 January 2027.

News

SASSLA’s Future Directions 2026 – 2028

SASSLA has officially released it’s Future Directions 2026 – 2028. This document provides an ambitious program of work over a three-year planning cycle that will deliver benefits to our members and in turn support a successful public education system.

Issue

Educators Must be Protected by the Additional Workers Compensation Scheme

Any serious injury sustained by an educator as a result of criminal conduct, or from being placed in a dangerous situation at work, must be covered by the Additional Compensation Scheme. We continue to support education leaders who have experienced stalking and physical abuse, yet many are left without weekly compensation entitlements after two years while it is unsafe or detrimental for them to return to work.

Joining SASSLA has afforded me the greatest level of professional support I could possibly have hoped for.

It provided me the opportunity to be heard meaningfully and with the assumption of good intent. The Association has shown great expertise in both legal and departmental processes, as well as holding clear understandings about management and site context. I have appreciated their professional network and membership.

Betty Elsworthy
Retired Preschool Director
Whilst other associations and the Department talk about leader well-being, it has only been SASSLA who has provided me with care, concern and professional guidance.

As leaders we often hear of others enduring stressful times and it is easy to gossip, dismiss or think it won’t happen to us and walk away. I hope no-one has to endure what I have, but if you do, you can’t afford not to belong to SASSLA.

Lynne-Maree Hastings
Retired Principal
I see my SASSLA membership as a type of insurance policy.

It’s my support network to fall back on in possible times of crisis. Knowing that I have legal assistance a phone call away and financial assistance with legal costs gives me peace of mind. It’s reassuring to know that I have genuine peer support now and throughout my future career.

Ilia Tsoutouras
Education Director
I have been a SASSLA member for over 15 years and worked in both country and metropolitan schools. I have always appreciated SASSLA’s strong advocacy work on behalf of all leaders.

I am fortunate to have experienced the compassion, support, and expert advice of SASSLA’s Chief Executive, Phil O’Loughlin, in partnership with the legal support of Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers, during a challenging professional time. I highly recommend SASSLA to education leaders.

Matt Saunders
Principal
My SASSLA membership is an essential, professional investment in a service and resource I could not go without.

Knowing I can make a call to SASSLA enables immediate communication to take place in a confidential and reassuring context when faced with unforeseen challenges. They actively listen with clarity and provide recommendations of action during conversations. All matters are dealt with great sensitivity and care.

Dina Zunis
Principal (Primary Principal of the Year 2021)