Hi there Wentyl,

The astonishing salaries paid to senior leaders and principals at our nation’s top private schools made compelling reading this week. We compiled a list of more than 100 average executive salaries at leading private schools, revealing that many command $1m packages – yep, that’s a tidy $400k more than the Prime Minister. The exact salaries are never willingly disclosed – they’re one of the sector’s most closely guarded secrets. 

Our reports are based on federal figures that schools have only recently been forced to report, and let me assure you, they’re not happy about it.

To put it in perspective, a big private school that pays its principal more than a million dollars has an annual income of around $100m and employs around 400 staff educating around 2000 children. 

University bosses on similar salaries run organisations that have an annual income of around $3.6bn, employ 8000 staff and educate 40,000 students. Same pay cheque, big difference! 

Australia's highly paid private school principals include Philip Grutzner (Melbourne Grammar School, Victoria), Megan Krimmer (Abbotsleigh, NSW), and Chris Ivey (Somerset College, Queensland). SEE THE FULL LIST

There are big bucks aplenty in the childcare sector too. We've looked at the little-known individuals at the helm of our big childcare providers – who’s running the corporations, what they’re paid and how profitable (or otherwise) their companies are, after a year described by one of the CEOs as “the lowest point for our sector". These individuals are ultimately responsible for caring for many young and vulnerable Australians, yet most maintain a low public profile.

In other stories this week, we reported that female students at Melbourne Islamic schools are having their periods tracked by teachers. One brave student has spoken out, labelling the practice “invasive” and “uncomfortable” in this compelling account.

We also detailed the impact of an AI cheating crackdown by universities which has left students angered at being forced back on campus to defend their work, and looked at why schools will soon start teaching national pride in a move that received a resounding thumbs-up from our readers.

Finally, if you’re struggling to help your kids or grandkids with their maths homework, then check out our story about the amazing so-called Human Calculator. Watch her solve 80 sums a minute!

Have a great week and don’t forget to get in touch with our team at education@news.com.au with feedback and story tips.

Cheers, Susie