Member Update 3 July 2025 | Term 2, Week 11

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

Not only does this week mark the end of term two, but also the end of June, an important time for the VACPSP when we enter into the next financial year's Business Partner and Sponsor agreements. This newsletter therefore serves as an important opportunity to thank our valued partners who enable us to undertake important work on behalf of Principals across Victoria and provide representation locally, state-wide and nationally. 

With that said, special thank you for your support in 2024/2025 to:

• Woods Furniture - Australia's Leading designer, manufacturer & supplier of high quality educational furniture since 1953.
• Catholic Development Fund (CDF) - From humble beginnings supporting local schools and parishes, today, CDF supports a range of Catholic organisations across a multitude of sectors that impact the broader community at an enormous scale.
• The School Photographer - 

  At The School Photographer we don't just take school photos, we can provide your school with a huge range of services to help promote your school within the community as well as various ways of helping to raise funds for your school.

• Brennan Law Partners - Brennan Law Partners delivers solutions in business and education law with a relentless commitment to excellence and integrity. 
• OSHClub - At OSHClub, we are passionate about providing world class experiences and programs that add depth and richness to children’s learning beyond the classroom and school curriculum.

I would also like to thank:

• ANZUK - ANZUK Education helps create exceptional experiences in education by placing the right educator, in the right place, at the right time.
• ASCA - ASCA is a unique not-for-profit association of over 7,000 Australian schools focused on maximising purchasing effectiveness and financial outcomes for its members.
• B2 Architecture - Harnessing our pedagogical knowledge, innate curiosity, collaborative nature, and creativity, we help schools plan, design and create environments where staff, students and school communities thrive, collectively and individually.
• Enquiry Tracker - For schools who are serious about managing and growing enrolments.
• Footsteps Dance Company - Footsteps specialises in curriculum, age-based movement programs for Foundation/Year 0 to Year 12 students. 
• Staffing Organisation Services (SOS) - Not just recruiters, Education Industry Experts.
• Schoolzine - Schoolzine is a platform for school communication and management.
• Teeth on Wheels - Our goal is to change the experience of visiting the dentist – we want to reduce fear and anxiety, minimise pain and encourage life-long oral health care for all of our patients.

Also in this newsletter:

• VACPSP Member Renewal: 2025 Memberships are now overdue. If you are yet to renew, you will soon receive an invoice in the mail. If you have any questions or concerns, or would prefer an email copy, please email admin@vacpsp.org.au.
  
• 2026 VACPSP Conference Save the Date: This conference journey will nourish your mind, body and soul and activate a spirit of creativity, enlivened faith and exceptional leadership through the lineup of speakers, activities and offerings. Save the date for 25 - 27 March 2026, Mantra Lorne.
  
• ACER Resources end-of-financial-year sale: Take advantage of ACER Resources' End-of-Financial-Year Sale and secure exceptional educational resources at exclusive prices. Visit there website here. 
  
• The 12th Annual STEM Education Conference: The esteemed STEM Education Conference is set to take place on 29th-30th July, 2025, in Sydney. Buy tickets here.
  
• Footsteps: How Footsteps Supports MACS Vision for Engagement. Read more here.
• ACPPA Principal Leadership Fund: The Principal Leadership Fund has been established to provide financial support and assistance to Principals, building their capacity, skills and comfort in there role. Read more about how to apply below.
• Education Ministers Meeting Communique: The Education Ministers Meeting is a forum for collaboration and decision-making on: Early childhood education and care, School education, Higher education and International education. Read the June 2025 Meeting Communique here. 
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 6 July 2025 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Read Helen's prayer here. 

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 Member Renewal

If you are yet to renew, an invoice has been posted to you. 

If you would prefer an invoice emailed to you, please email admin@vacpsp.org.au requesting it. By logging in you can see if you are a current member or yet to renew. 

Save the Date | 2026 VACPSP Conference

 In 2026 we introduce the theme of Nourish Your Purpose.

This conference journey will nourish your mind, body and soul and activate a spirit of creativity, enlivened faith and exceptional leadership through the lineup of speakers, activities and offerings.

Date: 25 - 27 March 2026
Venue: Mantra Lorne

Tickets will be available soon to purchase via trybooking. 

ACER Resources end-of-financial-year sale

Take advantage of ACER Resources' End-of-Financial-Year Sale and secure exceptional educational resources at exclusive prices. This limited-time offer provides an opportunity to invest in high-quality materials and tools that support learning and development across various sectors. Don’t miss out on these significant savings. 

The 12th Annual STEM Education Conference

In its 12th consecutive year, the esteemed STEM Education Conference is set to take place on 29th-30th July, 2025, in Sydney. As the leading education platform in Australia, we invite you to join our passionate speakers in sharing insights that will shape the future of STEM education.

Footsteps: How Footsteps Supports MACS Vision for Engagement

As Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) introduces its new Vision for Engagement, schools are being encouraged to foster deep partnerships between students, families, and staff, grounded in faith, community, and authentic relationships.

At Footsteps, we believe our Dance and Drama programs naturally align with this vision, offering schools a powerful way to bring their communities together while building student confidence, creativity, and connection.

ACPPA Principal Leadership Fund

Education Ministers Meeting Communique

The Education Ministers Meeting is a forum for collaboration and decision-making on:

• Early childhood education and care
• School education
• Higher education
• International education.

Australian, State and Territory government ministers responsible for education attend the meeting.
The Commonwealth Minister for Education serves as the Chair of the Education Ministers' Meeting.
Attached today is the June 2025 Meeting Communique

Thoughts and Prayers with Helen

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