WAESPAA Conference 2026 28 and 29 October.
Ken Perris – Vision, Values and… what’s Vital.
In an era of constant change and competing demands, school leaders are frequently caught in the delicate balance between patience and pressure. This presentation explores how Western Australian education support leaders can cultivate productive feedback cultures and highly cohesive teams while protecting your own wellbeing.
Drawing on personal experience, observing outstanding leaders inside and out of education, complemented by advice from trusted mentors , an opportunity will be provided to reflect on your current leadership, with consideration being given to what you do well.
This conference also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the many education support leaders who have contributed to my leadership journey.
Cavelle Monck – The Hidden Room.
The Hidden Room invites Education Support leaders into a reflective and practical leadership experience that explores the often-overlooked space where perspective, courage, creativity, humour and humanity reside. While schools are skilled at creating physical environments that support learning, this session focuses on the unseen “room” that influences leadership decisions, relationships and organisational culture.
Through storytelling, shared conversation and guided reflection grounded in the realities of Education Support leadership, participants will reconnect with qualities that may have been overshadowed by the demands of their roles, such as joy, confidence, curiosity, resilience and purpose. Rather than presenting another framework of leadership competencies, the session encourages leaders to rediscover what strengthens and sustains their leadership practice.
Participants will leave with practical strategies and resources to intentionally protect and recreate this vital leadership space in their everyday work, ensuring that the insights gained extend beyond the conference experience. The Hidden Room offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with the qualities that enable leaders, teams and school communities to flourish.