What is Principal Matters?

Principal Matters is available for subscription in all the Australian States and Territories and is also available to subscribers intenationally. It is published four times per year.

Principal Matters is intended as a forum for the professional interests of Principals of secondary schools. It is Australia's only journal produced specifically for, and by, practising secondary school leaders. With an editorial board comprised of educational leaders from government, Catholic and independent school sectors from across Australia, the journal is closely focused on the real issues which face secondary school leaders today.

Each issue of Principal Matters usually focuses on a particular educational issue or theme. Recent themes have included school systems and new structures, school mergers and closures, timetabling for curriculum innovation, principal welfare, leadership and educational reform, the impact of political frameworks on education, policy development and technology. There is also research information, educational comment, practical ideas, legal information, internet articles and state and national reports.

Subscription Information

To subscribe to Principal Matters, simply complete the Subscription Form and send it with your remittance to VASSP, Unit 2, 13-21 Vale Street, North Melbourne, 3051, Australia. For overseas subscribers please add AUD $10 per year.

Current subscription rates for Principal Matters (in Australian dollars, posted to destinations within Australia) are as follows:

• One copy for 4 issues - $90
• One copy for 8 issues - $165
• Two copies for 4 issues - $145
• Three copies for 4 issues - $195
• One year subscription for retired principals - $35

Prices are inclusive of GST.

Contributions to Principal Matters

Principal Matters is always looking out for articles from Principals, Deputy Principals, senior school educators and researchers on a broad range of topics, irrespective of the current theme.

• Maybe you have trialled a new program in your school?
• Maybe you have visited some schools overseas?
• Maybe you can see a way of doing things better at the school or systemic level?
• Maybe you have some useful practical tips for colleagues, e.g. time/life management strategies, desk organisation, staff morale strategies, making the best use of your laptop, creative timetabling, etc?
• Maybe your school is special or unusual in some way, e.g. location, architecture, demographics, history, etc?
• Maybe you are a retired principal with an interesting new life/occupation, etc?
• Maybe you've just attended a conference which changed your thinking in some areas?
• Maybe you just have an idea you'd like to share with others?

Comments (up to 350 words), short articles (up to 700 words) and longer articles (up to 2,800 words) are urgently sought! Please email your articles as a text message or word attachment to the Executive Editor, Ms Debra Brydon, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     Photos are very welcome.

If you would like to discuss an idea for an article, please contact the Contributing Editor in your Australian State or Territory. Their names and contact details can be found on page 1 of every issue of Principal Matters. Otherwise, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Editor on 0413 009 988 or 03 9888 1884.

Subscription/Distribution Queries

VASSP Offices
Unit 2, 13-21 Vale Street
North Melbourne 3051
Phone: 03 9326 8077
Fax: 03 9326 8147

NSW Contributing Editor

Lila Mularczyk
Phone: 02 96320401
Fax: 02 98922704
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it