ASPA president Andy Mison lays bare the widespread problems facing Australian school principals

Rising violence and severe teacher shortages are some of the ‘complex’ issues laid bare by Australia’s top principal as he warns of a mass exodus of school leaders.

In a rare letter to his peers, the nation’s top principal has bluntly described the “challenging times” ahead for Australia’s school leaders, with rising occupational violence and a “staffing and leadership crisis” contributing to an exodus of school leaders.

Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (ASPA) president Andy Mison’s letter was sent to public school principals on Friday.

“As we approach the end of Term 3, I want to start by acknowledging the profound commitment and resilience you demonstrate every single day,” Mr Mison wrote.

“The role of a principal has never been more complex, nor more crucial.”

The president of the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association, Andy Mison.

Mr Mison told this masthead that principals are at the coalface of nearly every shock society faces, and with rises in social dysfunction, financial insecurity and mental health challenges, these shocks are becoming more frequent and destabilising.

“Some of these challenges are being faced by schools alone and principals are at the coalface of that,” he said.

“Principals see the consequences of high cost of living, negative impacts of social media and breakdowns in social interactions.”

Mr Mison said it was this “complex tapestry” of issues which led him to pen the frank letter.

“I have to be blunt or else I fear not much will change,” he said.

Chief among the concerns he raised were a “staffing and leadership crisis” and rising violence in schools.

“We are grappling with a severe teacher shortage, with projections of at least 4100 vacant teaching positions anticipated for 2025,” he said.

“A leadership pipeline crisis compounds this, as an alarming number of our colleagues signal their intention to leave the profession.

“Shockingly, more than half (53.2 per cent) of principals surveyed have indicated they intend to quit their roles.

“The safety of our schools is paramount, yet leaders are facing unacceptable levels of violence.

“Nearly half of all principals (49.6 per cent) report being subjected to physical violence, with threats of violence at their highest levels since surveys began in 2011.

“Bullying and its impact on student mental health and engagement remains a significant challenge for school communities.”

Mr Mison said more than half of principals surveyed by the Australian Catholic University said they were considering leaving the profession. Picture: iStock

Mr Mison told this masthead he hoped the blunt letter would shine a light on the integral work principals do every day and express ASPA’s solidarity with them.

“We have to talk about the problem and what isn't working before we can improve them,” he said.

“The way forward is for government and community to build support in the form of trust and respect for our profession.

“We need further co-ordination and investment from other agencies like police, health, family and community services.

“It’s not all doom and gloom – I am optimistic.”

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Originally published as ASPA president Andy Mison lays bare the widespread problems facing Australian school principals