Our History 

The Tasmanian Principals Association is an Incorporated Association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1964, with an elected President and State Executive. The responsibility of the State Executive is to provide effective governance and oversight of TPA’s strategic operations, as outlined in its strategic plan.

The Tasmanian Principals Association (TPA) was formed in 2004 by the amalgamation of the Tasmanian Primary Principals Association (TPPA) and the Tasmanian Secondary Principals Association (TSPA).

The earliest records show different iterations for school leaders coming together in regions across the state. The Launceston Headmasters Association existed before 1957 representing both primary and secondary headmasters. The business of the meetings focused on local administrative tasks like arranging Launceston Show exhibitions, keeping Launceston schools abreast of current educational trends in the state and securing conditions and assistance for schools consistent with the best the Department could offer.

Annual Report 10 April 1958 – 12 March 1959 – The Association consisted of 3 Secondary Schools, 17 Primary Schools and the principal of the Technical College. Eight meetings were held with an average of 15 members present at each meeting. Moved that subscription for the ensuing year be five shillings.

On 16 February 1966, a motion was carried that a separate section of the Launceston Headmasters’ Association be formed to be known as the Launceston State Secondary Schools Headmasters’ Association to deal with matters pertinent only to secondary schools. The Launceston Headmasters’ Association as previously constituted to this motion remained the recognised official organisation.

On 16 February 1966, a motion was carried that a separate section of the Launceston Headmasters’ Association be formed to be known as the Launceston State Secondary Schools Headmasters’ Association to deal with matters pertinent only to secondary schools. The Launceston Headmasters’ Association as previously constituted to this motion remained the recognised official organisation.

With the Launceston Headmasters’ Association, the only association in the state there was strong advocacy to form a state association. On April 17 1971 delegates were invited from the North, North West and South to meet at Campbell Town where it was agreed to form a state Association.

Those who attended were:

North: Neville Jetson, Trevor Bell, Dexter Cocker, Larter Dennis and Peter Radford

North West: Doug Lamb, Noel Pearce and Keith Hayward

South: Laurie McKenzie, Terry McCulloch, Steve Grey, Max Wells and Charles Viney

In 1971 the Tasmanian Primary Principals Association (TPPA) and the Tasmanian Secondary Principals Association (TSPA) were formed.