The 2025 theme was ‘Great Expectations’ which acknowledged the importance of thinking about the future and planning for great achievements, creating innovative learning environments that equip, inspire, encourage and support the diversity of learners in Australian schools. It is about setting great expectations for all members of the education community.

This year's conference streams highlighted 4 key focus areas:

• Curriculum Design and Delivery – both classroom practice and whole school practice now and in the future
• Engagement and Wellbeing – trauma informed practice, classroom management, whole school positive behaviour support programs
• Working in Partnerships/Collaboration – NDIS, NCCD, Inclusion Outreach Coaches; new state led funding models and initiatives; pre school and post school pathways
• Leadership in Education – how to ensure school-wide strategies, policies, initiatives are in place to support the provision of excellent teaching and learning environments; leadership issues addressing the current challenges; how to prioritise leadership challenges. 

Helen Hatherly
Conference Chair - 2025 AASE National Conference
President, AASE Victorian Chapter