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.

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.

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.

We are delighted to welcome you to our first episode of 2026, where we’re bringing together school leadership voices from across the country for a special national round table discussion on the year ahead.

Joining us today are four outstanding leaders who represent principals at both state and national levels through AGPPA.

We’re joined by Pat Murphy, President of QASSP in Queensland; Andrew Dalgleish, Vice President and Victorian President of the VPA; Michael Burgess, Treasurer and New South Wales President; and Niel Smith, Secretary, Western Australia President, and Australian President of WAPPA.

Together, they’ll be reflecting on the lessons of the past year, welcoming the opportunities of 2026, and sharing insights into the priorities, challenges, and possibilities facing school leaders across Australia.

Whether you’re a principal, aspiring leader, or part of the broader education community, this conversation is designed to spark ideas, strengthen connections, and set the tone for the year ahead.

So let’s get started—welcome to 2026, and welcome to the Victorian Principals Association Podcast.

In this special end-of-year episode of the VPA Podcast, President Andrew Dalglish takes a moment to say thank you to principals and school leaders across Victoria for their dedication, leadership and commitment throughout 2025.

Andrew shares a Christmas message, wishing everyone a safe, restful and joyful holiday season, also welcoming a very special guest to say a few words.

The episode wraps up with a look back at 2025 — acknowledging the challenges, resulting growth and collective achievements of the profession — and turns the focus forward to what lies ahead in 2026, with optimism, purpose and continued advocacy for school leaders.

A heartfelt message of gratitude, reflection and hope to close out the year.

In this episode, we sit down with two of Wirrigirri Primary School’s driving forces — Principal Bec Spink and Assistant Principal Toby Russo — to explore the heart, culture, and direction of one of Victoria’s most exciting new schools.

Bec brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to building a school where every child feels known, safe, and inspired. Toby adds a dynamic perspective on teaching, learning, and the systems that help great staff thrive. Together, they’re shaping Wirrigirri into a community-first school with a strong sense of identity, inclusion, and optimism.

We dive into:

• The story behind Wirrigirri Primary School — what makes it unique, how the school came to life, and the vision guiding its community.
• Their whole-school lunch program — why it matters, how it supports wellbeing, and the impact it’s already having on students.
• Hiring practices & building a high-performing staff team — what they look for in educators, how they foster belonging, and the kind of culture they’re building for years ahead.
• The bold “no wet weather days” approach — the philosophy behind it, the benefits for children, and what it means for play, resilience, and connection to Country.

This episode is packed with insight, energy, and genuine passion. We’re excited to share this conversation and spotlight the people and programs shaping Wirrigirri Primary School’s future.

Michael McLean is a very humble human, one who will sit on the leaf blower and always be seen greeting his families at the front gate. A unique story of leadership that started in business and progressed to being names as Winner of Outstanding Primary Principal of the year for 2025. Listen in to his journey and and the connection and engagement happening at Kerrimuir Primary School.

Relationships are at the heart of teaching, learning and community at Elwood Primary School, Nicole Richards was recognised as Finalist in the Outstanding Primary Principal of the year awards. Listen in as she talks about her school with passion and heart. Ari Peters also joins us, Assistant Principal and highly respected leader in her own right. 

A Youth Justice Facility may not be where you expect to find hope and 'Unconditional Positive Regard', that is what we are shining a light on and have discovered. A school that's far from what's known to mainstream society and one that's doing unbelievable things to support young people on their journey when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Congrats to Parkville College on sharing with us and for all the work you do.

Welcome - Andrew Dalgleish introduces the VPA podcast - learn a bit about the association and the President. An informative chat about the education system, challenges, exciting times and the future of the association.