Celebrating Our Leaders

Gratitude for Principals on Australian Primary Principal’s Day 2025

Today, on Australian Primary Principal’s Day 2025, we take a moment to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible school leaders who shape the heart of our education system — our principals. From leading with vision and purpose to nurturing the wellbeing of students and staff, primary school principals do so much more than guide the operations of a school — they guide communities.

In every classroom conversation, staff meeting, and playground interaction, the influence of a principal is felt. They set the tone for a culture of care, resilience, and inclusion. This year, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for the tireless work our principals do, particularly in championing student wellbeing and social-emotional learning (SEL) — two pillars of a thriving school community.

Principals understanding and support of the key tenets of SEL are critical for adopting and implementing effective strategies and programs. To read the 2019 Update of Principals' Perspectives on How Social and Emotional Learning Can Prepare Children and Transform Schools, click here.

Supporting Social-Emotional Learning with Second Step

One of the most powerful ways principals have supported wellbeing in recent years is through the implementation of evidence-based SEL programs like Second Step. By prioritising SEL, principals help embed empathy, cooperation, and emotional regulation into the daily lives of students. These are skills that extend far beyond the school gates, laying the foundation for mentally healthy, compassionate future citizens.

Principals play a critical role in ensuring that SEL is not an add-on, but a core part of the curriculum. Their leadership ensures that programs like Second Step are not just adopted, but embraced — shaping school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and safe.

Empowering Leaders with the Principal Toolkit

Behind every confident decision and compassionate policy, there’s often a great resource — and the Principal Toolkit has been a game-changer for many of our school leaders. Providing practical strategies and insights into school-wide wellbeing approaches, this toolkit supports principals in weaving mental health, inclusion, and safety into every layer of school life.

From staff training to family engagement, the Principal Toolkit has helped countless leaders feel equipped to foster environments where everyone — students, staff, and families — can flourish.

Talk-it-Over Tool included in the Second Step Principal Toolkit

Thank You, Principals

On this special day, we say thank you — for your vision, your courage, and your unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Your leadership lights the way for teachers to teach, for students to learn, and for communities to thrive.

To every principal across Australia: you are making a profound difference. Your work matters, and today, we celebrate you.

Happy Primary Principal’s Day 2025!

If you are a Primary Principal looking to further support the social-emotional needs of your students, please don't hesitate in contacting us to discuss how the evidence-based Second Step program can support your efforts.

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Positive Pieces Education is the Australian and New Zealand publisher of the Second Step social-emotional learning program. Learn more