Member Update 12 December 2024 | Term 4, Week 10

Acknowledgement of Country

The VACPSP acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands that encompass our Catholic primary schools across Victoria – Dioceses of Ballarat, Sale, Sandhurst and the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The VACPSP recognises the Traditional Custodians' culture and the continuing spiritual connection to land, sea and waters.

The VACPSP pays our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live, work, teach and learn within Catholic education in Victoria.

We commit to working together to create culturally safe schools for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to learn and thrive. We commit to working together for reconciliation, justice and treaty.

From the President

As the countdown to Christmas officially begins, I am sure many of you have started to watch (and rewatch) favourite Christmas movies. Recently I watched a new one that Netflix was promoting called, "That Christmas". On the surface it's a movie designed for children but underneath the meaning is very profound. In summary it is the story of the complexity of humanity and the many ways we can be misunderstood. One example within the story was that of identical twins. One twin is coined the 'nice' twin, whilst her sister the 'naughty' twin. At the beginning we see the 'naughty' twin's mischievous ways but quickly we learn that she has pure motivation and many of her 'tricks' were based on moral principles or designed to make her sister laugh and be happy. This got me thinking about this advent season and reminded me that our true purpose is to please God, not people. God sees the motivations of our hearts and to Him alone are we accountable. I think this rings true for the role of principal, especially during the end of year and future planning. We must be steadfast in doing the right thing, even if at first others cannot understand what we are doing. It is the blessing and burden of being a leader, having to make the hard decisions. I hope you find strength, patience and courage during this busy period and feel the Holy Spirit all around you.

With that said, it is my final newsletter for 2024! Thank you for a wonderful year and congratulations on the completion of another school year. On behalf of the VACPSP, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. I hope you find time to connect with your loved ones and find peace and joy in the simple things this season offers; family, friends, time to slow down, good food, twinkling lights, the childhood magic...

Whilst this season can be full of joy, it can also magnify sadness. Know I am always here for a chat or catch up so please reach out at any time.

And finally, a reminder to please purchase your Ball tickets! We would love to make it a sellout event and together celebrate our profession and each other! Get your ticket/s here and save the date for the Second VACPSP President's Ball on Friday 21 March 2025!

Also in this newsletter:

• Please support the Second VACPSP President's Ball in 2025: Reservations for all tickets now open on TryBooking! Secure your spot and bring your team along for a fun night and "Let the Principal Shine". Details of the Award Recipients inside.

• Merry Christmas from CDF: Wishing you and your school communities a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with grace and success. See full message inside. https://www.catholicdevelopmentfund.org.au/communityfund
  

• ECSI - ATT MACS schools: PL opportunities 24-26 February 2025 'Pilgrims of Hope'.

• ECSI - ATT MACS schools: Expression of interest for the ECSI survey instruments in 2025. Enhancing Catholic School Identity 2025 Survey Period.
  

The information contained in and/or the views and opinions expressed in content made by third party service providers and shared with VACPSP Members represents the views and opinions of the original creators of that content only and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the VACPSP. The sharing of material or content from third party service providers is done for educational purposes only and to provide information and resources that may provide benefit to some or all VACPSP Members. The sharing of this content does not constitute an endorsement by the VACPSP of such content.

The VACPSP disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied or other consequential damage or hurt caused by or arising from third party material and content, which is provided as is and without any warranties.

VACPSP President's Ball 2025: All tickets open!

After the success of the 2023 event, the 2025 event will again be held at the Melbourne Town Hall for a formal black-tie dinner and celebration.

Bring family, friends and staff, or come as a zone group, to Let the Principal Shine on Friday 21 March 2025.

Merry Christmas from CDF

For over 65 years, the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) has been privileged to support Catholic schools and communities across Victoria, empowering them to put faith into action through the vital work of education. Together, we have achieved so much, building a brighter future for students and their families through the collective stewardship of our Catholic community.

As we come to the close of another year, the CDF team extends our heartfelt wishes to all Catholic primary school principals across Victoria. May this Christmas season bring you joy, peace, and a chance to reflect on the blessings of the year gone by.

We look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead, working together to nurture hope and bring Christ’s love to life in the communities you lead.

Wishing you and your school communities a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with grace and success.

ECSI - ATT MACS schools: PL opportunities in February 2025.

ECSI - ATT MACS schools: Expression of interest for the ECSI survey instruments in 2025.

Catholic Dialogue School Consortium

Enhancing Catholic School Identity 2025 Survey Period

The Catholic Dialogue School Consortium is managed and administered by CES Ltd, with support from the VCEA. All Victorian schools wishing to participate in the ECSI project have access to the survey instruments, a range of Practical Theological Instruments (PTI’s), and opportunities to engage in Whole school Renewal Projects.  These initiatives enable participating schools to undertake further action to enhance the Catholic identity of their schools.

Schools are now invited to register for the 2025 ECSI Survey period. Please contact your local Identity Team or Catholic Dialogue School Consortium VCEA contact Christopher Reed creed@vcea.catholic.edu.au for further information or registration related to the 2025 ECSI survey period.

Prayer

Loving and generous God, awaken us to your presence as we continue to discern what is life-giving, empowering and sustainable for the good of all Catholic primary Principals, the school communities we support and the students we serve.

May our inspiration and commitment deepen as we reflect on and respond to the needs of Principals according to the vision of the Gospel and the voice of the Spirit.

Pour out your abundant blessings upon all involved in Principalship, a ministry of witness and leadership in Catholic education.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Patron of Catholic Education in Australia, pray for us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter update and a snapshot of the actions, connections and programs that the Association supports, leads or engages with on your behalf.

I am proud to represent the Victorian Catholic Primary Principal voice statewide and nationally and lead this professional, influential and trusted collegial body. By being a Member, your perspective, experience and knowledge of the school context joins the wealth of knowledge we take to key stakeholders to inform discussions.

As always, I not only welcome but encourage active communication between myself and members and look forward to engaging with you in person, phone or by email. Please share your insight with me at any time, be it through your Principal Council Representative or directly by emailing president@vacpsp.org.au or booking a call with me here. 

Thank you to our Business Partners