2025 APPA Conference Leading Well Together
2025 APPA Conference Leading Well Together was held 26-29 August in Brisbane.
The NTPA had two representatives attend this event. The event provided invaluable insights and fostered deep discussions on pressing issues within our profession.
Some of the highlights were:
Danielle Einstein argues anxiety has increased due to overprotection, lowered expectations, constant technology and reduced opportunities to practise coping, and they recommend gradual exposure, concrete coping skills and coordinated parent–teacher–clinician responses.
The Queensland Minister outlined pragmatic supports for school leaders (reduce red tape, unified processes, resourcing for behaviour support and safety, anti‑bullying/taskforce actions).
Ben Sacco urged proactive anticipation using systems, agreed plans and balanced effort to prepare for Gen Beta, AI and hyperconnectivity.
Dr Cam McDonald promoted precision learning: tailored instruction and behaviour supports to individual learning profiles to harness strengths.
Gemma Munro offered a “Peaceful Peak Performance” toolkit to reduce burnout (shifts to Alpha state, demote threat-driven thinking, pause–go–pause rhythms and simple daily practices).
Kirstin Ferguson highlighted leadership blindspots and the value of humility, vulnerability and psychological safety.
Justin Coulson emphasised connection and trust in schools with principals as “Chief Relatedness Officers,” with trust built from credibility, reliability, intimacy and low self‑orientation so students and staff feel seen, heard and valued.