Victorian Principals Association - CONNECTED - UNITED - EMPOWERED

Opening a new School - Fabulous Firsts - Shannon Cormack, Biyala Primary School

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Shannon Cormack from Biyala Primary School to explore the incredible journey of opening a brand-new school and the leadership lessons that come with building something from the ground up. Shannon shares the excitement, challenges, and realities of creating a school community from day one, from shaping culture and building trust to establishing a vision that brings staff, students, and families together. Through honest reflections on education, leadership, and resilience, Shannon offers valuable insights into what it takes to lead through uncertainty while staying true to purpose. This episode is more than a story about opening a school; it’s an adventure through leadership, courage, community, and the deep belief in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an experienced principal, or passionate about education, Shannon’s story is one filled with wisdom, heart, and inspiration.

Everyone is a leader - Matt Borg, Keilor Views Primary School

Matt doesn’t sit behind a desk, because leadership at Keilor Views Primary School isn’t something hidden behind an office door. At a school where everyone is empowered, everyone is a leader, and every voice matters, Principal Matt Borg has helped build something truly special, a thriving school community grounded in respect, connection, and belonging. For many families, this isn’t just a school; it’s a place rich with memories, where generations return, and great pride in community runs strong.  Today, we sit down with Matt to explore what it takes to create a culture where leadership is shared, relationships matter, and a school becomes so much more than a place to learn; it becomes home.

51 Years of Service - Paul Kenna | Belle Vue Park Primary School

Paul Kenna is a name synonymous with commitment, leadership, and service within Victorian education.  After an extraordinary 51 years serving the education system, Paul’s journey stands as a remarkable example of dedication to students, staff, schools, and the community. Throughout more than five decades in education, including many years as an outstanding principal. Paul has led with integrity, compassion, humility, and a deep belief in the power of public education to change lives. His impact has stretched far beyond the school gates, shaping generations of young people, mentoring educators, and building strong, connected school communities. In this special episode, we celebrate not only an incredible career milestone but the legacy of a leader who has devoted his life to making a difference in the lives of others. Please join us as we welcome Paul Kenna from Belle Vue Park Primary School, a respected educator, inspirational principal, and true servant of education.

Leadership and Life - Lynn Ordish - Mossgiel Park Primary School

We are absolutely delighted to welcome a truly inspiring leader in education, Lynn Ordish, Principal of Mossgiel Park Primary School. Lynn is the kind of principal who doesn’t just lead a school; she shapes a community. Over the years, she has built Mossgiel Park into a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment where students thrive, staff feel empowered, and families feel genuinely connected. Her leadership is grounded in care, clarity, and a deep belief in what’s possible for every child. You can see it in the school's culture, the energy in the classrooms, the pride on the playground, and the strong sense of belonging that runs through everything they do. Mossgiel Park isn’t just a place of learning; it’s a place where young people are known, supported, and inspired to grow. And that’s a direct reflection of Lynn’s vision and commitment over many years. We’re really excited to share this conversation with you as we dive into Lynn’s journey, her leadership philosophy, and what it takes to create a school culture that truly stands out. This is a great one, let’s get into it.

VPA Member Advisors - Supporting the work of Principals

Welcome to the Victorian Principals Association Podcast — the voice of school leadership across Victoria. In this episode, we’re shining a light on the dedicated professionals who stand beside our principals every day — the VPA Member Advisors. Joining us are Geoff Agnew, Meenah Marchbank, Deborah Patterson, and Jo Menzel — experienced leaders who bring deep knowledge of education, governance, leadership, and wellbeing to schools across the state. As VPA Member Advisors, they work directly with principals to provide trusted advice, practical guidance, and professional support in an increasingly complex educational landscape. Whether navigating workforce challenges, managing change, supporting staff wellbeing, or responding to critical incidents, they are a steady hand and a sounding board for school leaders. Their work extends beyond problem-solving — they mentor, advocate, and empower principals to lead with confidence, clarity, and resilience. In today’s conversation, we’ll explore the vital role they play, the common challenges facing school leaders, and how their support strengthens leadership across Victorian schools. Let’s begin.