Member Update 15 May | Term 2, Week 4

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

Walking out of our Principal Council meeting this week, I felt deeply energised—not just by the richness of the dialogue but also by the powerful sense of shared purpose.

This wasn’t just another meeting. It was a space of insight, wisdom, and clarity — a moment where experienced leaders in Catholic education came together to explore what matters most in Principalship, in our faith-based mission, and in the enterprise of Catholic schooling.

What I felt in that room was connection. Purpose. Momentum.
When passionate, values-driven people gather around a shared vocation, possibility expands.
From this meeting, I carry a renewed drive to be your voice — to advocate for your leadership, your schools, and the vibrant, hope-filled future of Catholic education.

So what’s next?
We’ve surfaced six key agenda items for our upcoming Directors’ meetings:

•  Reportable Conduct
• The next EBA
• Redress schemes and implications for the Principal role
• System procurement and contract quality
• Accreditation policy development & TAPS software improvement and
• Principal agency

We’ve also begun shaping the next iteration of our strategic plan—a bold, practical step forward—and considered how best to present a strong Victorian perspective at the upcoming Commonwealth Education Summit.
Through our national bodies, ACPPA and APPA, we’re preparing to engage both federal and state politicians on critical issues impacting primary leaders and schools. The position papers can be accessed in the link below and cover, 

• Curriculum reform and primary pedagogy
• Principal workload & Wellbeing
• Resourcing for primary schooling, and 
• Supporting students with complex needs

Please look out for your Network Representative, who will soon share their Rep Report, providing further insight into our current advocacy and workstreams.

Also, this week, I would like to highlight the issue of school refusal, a challenge many of our communities face with compassion and intent. Angela Gorman-Alesi, Counselling and Clinical Psychologist with CatholicCare Victoria's article, “Please Don’t Make Me Go: Thirty Years of Worry, Wonder, and School Refusal in the Primary School Trenches”, invites us to reflect with empathy, deepen our understanding, and respond with renewed hope and support. Read Angela's article in the below link. 

I’m also pleased to share that the Diocese of Sandhurst is moving forward in partnership with Enquiry Tracker, supporting schools in enrolment, admissions, and marketing — another example of how we can leverage partnerships to strengthen our mission.

Let’s continue to fuel each other with courage, collaboration, and creativity — and keep leading with heart.

Kind regards,
Michael 

Also in this newsletter:

• VACPSP Member Renewal: If you are yet to renew, please do so through Member Jungle (use your principal@ email address and select 'one time code' which means you do not need a password). If you have any questions, please chat to your area representative. 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. Renewal is now overdue.
  
• 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. 25 - 27 March 2026, Mantra Lorne.
• ACPPA: Notification of 2025 Annual General Meeting. 19 May 2025 at 11:00am AEST. Read more here. 
  
• APPA Position Paper: To read about the APPA Position Paper click here. 
  
• Facing school refusal with compassion and insight: Angela Gorman-Alesi, Counselling and Clinical Psychologist with CatholicCare Victoria shares her article, “Please Don’t Make Me Go: Thirty Years of Worry, Wonder, and School Refusal in the Primary School Trenches”. Click here to downlaod the article.
• School Admission & Marketing: Congratulations to Kate Fogarty, Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, on leading the diocese into partnership with Enquiry Tracker. 
  
• Be You Event: Online Webinar: Mental health and wellbeing within schools. Online   Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025  Time: 10 – 11am AEST. Register here, spaces are limited.
  
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen:  18-19 May 2025, Fifth Sunday of Easter. Read Helens 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, please do so through Member Jungle (use your principal@ email address and select 'one time code' which means you do not need a password). If you have any questions, please chat to your area representative.

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. 

ACPPA Notification of 2025 Annual General Meeting

APPA Position Paper

Facing School Refusal with Compassion and Insight

While school refusal has long been part of school life, health professionals are increasingly observing a rise in its frequency and complexity. In today’s newsletter, we’re honoured to share the wisdom of Angela Gorman-Alesi, Counselling and Clinical Psychologist with CatholicCare Victoria. With decades of experience supporting children, families, and schools, Angela offers a deeply insightful perspective on this growing concern.

Her article, “Please Don’t Make Me Go: Thirty Years of Worry, Wonder, and School Refusal in the Primary School Trenches”, invites us to reflect with empathy, deepen our understanding, and respond with renewed hope and support.
You can learn more about CatholicCare Victoria and the services they provide here: https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au

Angela presents school refusal as “emotional distress that results in a child being unable to attend school, often linked to underlying anxiety disorders, family dysfunction, or neurodevelopmental conditions” (Kearney & Albano, 2004). Post-pandemic, children have returned to classrooms with fragile regulation, heightened emotional responses, and narrower windows of tolerance. Teachers say, “They’re different now.” They’re not wrong.

School Admissions & Marketing

Congratulations to Kate Fogarty, Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, on leading the diocese into partnership with Enquiry Tracker. This brings the total number of Victorian Catholic schools using the platform to 278. This is a great step forward in providing an incredible solution that greatly assists school admissions and marketing. Well done to the Enquiry Tracker team on this milestone - VACPSP is proud to partner with such forward-thinking educational leaders.

Be You Event: Online Webinar

Are you passionate about mental health and wellbeing outcomes in your service or school, but you’re unsure where to start?

Be You is here to help. 

Be You invites you to join there special event, Demystifying the implementation of mental health strategies in education. 
You will hear from Robyn Mildon, CEO of the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, on overcoming blockers that might be hindering progress and leveraging key factors to drive positive mental health outcomes in your service or school.

Location: Online  
Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 
Time: 10 – 11am AEST  

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