Current Issues

SASSLA is experiencing a rise in members being investigated for misconduct. It is prudent to reiterate the importance of professional conduct standards contained in the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector. These apply to all education staff and any breach of them may leave an employee open to disciplinary action. There are […]

The recently released 2024 ACU Principal Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Report continues to highlight a concerning trend of increasing incidents of violence and bullying towards principals, exacerbating their stress levels and impacting their mental health. Everyone deserves a safe workplace, and it is simply intolerable that nearly 54.5% of Australian principals are reporting threats of

In the second half of 2024, SASSLA and the Principal and Preschool Director Associations (the Joint Associations) engaged in detailed discussions with the department on the government’s commitment for improved employment security for Band A principals and preschool directors. A detailed overview of the discussions is provided here. A final position was reached in October 2024.

SASSLA has recently developed a paper which develops a future scenario for the function of the Band A Principal and Preschool Director (PSD) labour market. The paper is available to read here. The development of a future scenario of the functioning of the Band A labour market is a valuable tool to assess future risks

SASSLA is excited to partner with Monash University at our National Conference in May. We understand the major principal recruitment and retention crisis in South Australia and nationally due to intensified workloads and the emotional labour of managing diverse communities. We understand that change is urgently needed! Use the QR code below if you would

SASSLA recently contributed to the Federal Government’s Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System in the form of a formal submission available to read here. The submission is focused on three areas we see as topical and important to future employment related education policy. These are: The Need for Improved Forecasting of Teacher

SASSLA and SASPA have collaborated on the development of a concept paper titled Reconceptualising the Principal Role. The purpose of this paper is to present a powerful and persuasive argument that a fresh look at the principal role is urgently needed. Our approach is to surface the key systemic issues relevant to the principal role

Excessive workload in the education workforce is a major problem that continues to be a hot topic in our profession. A lively discussion is also happening in political, academic and media circles about the nature of the problem and how it needs to be confronted. Workload is a critical area of focus in the current

In term 3 2022, SASSLA visited 12 school sites in the Iron Triangle, Riverland, South-East, Mid-North and Kangaroo Island. The focus of our site visits was to gain an appreciation of the issues and pressures facing principals and their leadership teams. Our work with country principals has enabled us to develop a more complete picture of

SASSLA, together with the Australian Principals Federation (VIC and WA Branch), have prepared a combined submission in response to the Federal Education Minister’s plan to address workforce shortages. We commend Minister Clare on the concerted attempts to grow and strengthen the teaching profession however we are concerned that the plan fails to note and address