About

Who we are

The International Confederation of Principals

ICP was established in 1990 by Principal Associations from 10 countries – Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, USSR, United Kingdom and United States of America – as the peak global organisation for principals. Today ICP reaches out across four regions of the globe.

ICP is non political and non sectoral with members from government and non government sectors and from primary and secondary schools.

The ICP is dedicated to the development, support and promotion of school leadership globally.

Executive

ICP is governed by a Council of nominated representatives from each of the member associations.
Each association has one vote at the Council and can be represented by up to three individual members.
The day to day business of ICP is managed by an Executive of seven: the President (2 year term), President Elect/Immediate Past President (one year term each), 4 regional representatives and 1 general representative. The Executive is supported by an appointed Executive Secretary.
President -Dr Peter Kent (ASCL) peter.kent@lawrencesheriffschool.com 
President Elect – Leendert-Jan Veldhuyzen (VO – RAAD) l.veldhuyzen@kolom.net
The ICP regional representatives are:
The Americas – Executive representative – Ms Nancy Brady (OPC) nancy.brady@ocdsb.ca
Africa – Executive representative –  Mr Alfred Indimuli Kahi (KESSHA) indimulikahi@yahoo.com
Asia and Oceania – Executive representative – Mr Michael Hall (ASPA) eduacumen1@gmail.com
Europe – Executive representative – Ms Maria Doyle (IPPN) maria.doyle@ippn.ie
General Executive Representative – Matthew Johnson matthew.johnson@det.nsw.edu.au
Executive Secretary – Ms Sofía Hughes – admin@icponline.org
The Registered Office for the ICP is:
Level 1/ 31 Stewart Street
Devonport
Tasmania 7310

Life Members

Life Membership

In 2006, the ICP Executive and Council passed a motion to award ICP Members with Life Membership.
Life Membership was then bestowed on a number of past presidents up to that date – 2006; however the process did not continue beyond that time and in 2016 in response to a request from the Council the Executive again explored the issue of reinstating Life Membership.
Following discussion at Council, the following criteria were developed and passed by the Perth Council August 2016.
In making the decision to recommend a person for Life Membership, the Executive and Council must be satisfied that the person to be nominated meets at least four of the following criteria:
1. Active participation in ICP for ten years or more
2. Be a member of the ICP Executive for at least two years
3. Serve as President of ICP
4. Be recognised as an educational leader in the international environment
5. Demonstrate considerable commitment to the furtherance of education internationally
6. Professional character and conduct consistent with the aims and objectives of ICP
In making the decision to accept or reject a recommendation for Life Membership, the Council must have regard for the prestigious nature of Life Membership.
Current Life Members are: 

Alta van Heerden (South Africa) President (2019 – 2021) additional year due to pandemic.

Awarded posthumous October 2022.

Sheree Vertigan AM (Australia) Executive Secretary (2014 – 2022)

Fiona Forbes ( Australia) President (2017 & 2018)

Rob Nairn (Australia) Past Executive Member 

Ari Pokka (Finland) President (2015 & 2016)

Lisa Vincent (Canada) President (2014 & 2013)

Virginia O’Mahony (Ireland) President (2012 & 2011)

Andrew Blair AM (Australia) President (2011 & 2010)

Kathleen Griffin (United Kingdom – in absentia) President (2009 & 2008)

David Wylde ( South Africa) President (2007 & 2006)

Vicki Shannon (Canada) Past Executive Member

Sean Cottrell ( Ireland) Past Executive Member

Belinda Charles ( Singapore) Past Executive Member

Edie Jacobs ( South Africa) Past Executive Member

Nola Hambleton (New Zealand) Past President (2003-2004)

Jack Delaney (United States of America) Past President (1997- 1998)

Rob McConchie (Australia) Past President (1995-1996)

Jean- Jacques Streuli (Switzerland) Past President ((1990 – 1994)

Service to ICP (Special Award)

Tsutomi Shiozaki (Japan) awarded 2017

Dr Indu Khetarpal (India) awarded 2022

Clive Byrne ( Ireland) awarded 2022

Nomination for Life Membership

Past Presidents

  • Dr Peter Kent, United Kingdom ( 2022 – 2023)
  • Alta van Heerden, South Africa (2019 – 2021) * extended term in office due to pandemic.
  • Fiona Forbes, Australia (2017-2018)
  • Ari Pokka, Finland (2015-2016)
  • Lisa Vincent, Canada (2013 – 2014)
  • Virginia O’Mahony, Ireland (2011 – 2012)
  • Andrew Blair, Australia (2009 – 2010)
  • Kathleen Griffin, United Kingdom (2007 – 2008)
  • David Wylde, South Africa (2005 – 2006)
  • Nola Hambleton, New Zealand (2003 – 2004)
  • Ken Ahn, South Korea (2001 – 2002)
  • Antero Penttilä, Finland (1999 – 2000)
  • Jack Delaney, USA (1997 – 1998)
  • Rob Mc Conchie, Australia (1995 – 1996)
  • Jean Jacques Streuli, Switzerland (1990 – 1994)