Member Update 20 February | Term 1, 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

As I finalise this week's newsletter I am once again on the road. This time I am travelling back to Melbourne to attend the Outer Eastern Network meeting tomorrow. These meetings are an important time to connect at a local level and gain bot both an insight into the Principal experience and share update on the work of the Principal Council and VACPSP Executive. At this meeting I will also be conducting one of the final EBA Discussion Forum as we complete the feedback gathering process in anticipation of the VACPSP position paper expressing the Victorian Catholic Primary Principal voice. The VACPSP is recognised as the informed and respected voice of Victorian Catholic Primary School Principals. The Association is a critical conduit between our lived experience and the decision-making stakeholders.  

Speaking of the Principal Council, Monday just gone saw our first meeting of 2025! It was great to be together again after the summer break and catch up on a variety of agenda items including induction, local and national updates, VACPSP events, EBA discussion and preliminary strategic planning for 2026 and beyond (your Principal Council Representative will share the Infographic Report with you shortly). Importantly when discussing the Modern Leadership Model, data relating to leadership and VACPSP strategic direction, the Principal Council agreed that there is a pressure put on Principals and schools from the community to "solve the problems of society" yet that same society seldom recognises or acknowledges the role of schools and Principals as fundamental. As the Principal voice and representative, it is therefore the role of the VACPSP to action this sentiment and advocate for an improved Principal experience. It was from an awareness of this that the President's Ball was conceived with the view of building up respect for the profession, acknowledging the profession and coming together to appreciate and celebrate your achievements. 

With that, two reminders:

1. If you are yet to renew your Membership, please do so. VACPSP Membership is not only important to support you but also crucial to strengthen our Association's influence. I remind you of the multitude of benefits which includes but is not limited to events, engagement and legal support. We are Better, Together. If you are a small school (under 50) please contact josephine@vacpsp.org.au to discuss a VACPSP supported renewal.

2. Ball tickets. Please purchase tickets ASAP as TryBooking is closing next week! Let's be the change we want to see and lead by example in recognising principalship and celebrating Catholic Primary education in Victoria!

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. Tickets close this Friday 20th of February. 

• Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund: Applications open for 2025!

• Back to School with Ochre: New Resources in English, Maths and Science.
• Free Catholic Care Webinar: Discover mental health support for your school community, Wednesday, 18th March, from 10:00-11:00am. Register here. 
  
• Australian Catholic Youth Festival: The next Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be held in the Archdiocese of Melbourne from Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December. To find out more and register please visit acyf.org.au. 
• APPA Survey: Medication management in primary schools. Complete survey here

• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1/2 March 2025. Download Helen's prayer resource. 

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: Tickets Close Friday 20th of February

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.

Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund: Applications open for 2025!

The Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund is a national charity that proudly invests in Australia's young sporting starts by providing financial scholarships of $1000 to support and empower athletes that are facing financial barriers to achieve their dreams. We support athletes aged 10-18 years old, whose financial circumstances would preclude them from otherwise participating at a representative level for their state or Australia in national and international championships.

Back to School with Ochre: New Resources

It's a very exciting time here at Ochre where our team of brilliant teachers have been working hard to finish hundreds of new, adaptable teaching resources over the break. You can plan lessons for your classroom using our brand new resources in English, maths and science. 

Free Webinar: Discover mental health supports for your school community

A widespread daily challenge in all schools is supporting student, staff and community wellbeing and helping all to thrive. The VACPSP and Catholic Care Victoria invite you to a webinar designed to showcase fantastic on-ground support for schools and Principals.

The prevalence of students suffering from mental health issues, including school refusal, which prevent or disrupt their education engagement, is of growing importance to teachers, wellbeing staff and principals.

CatholicCare Victoria’s Schools Counselling Unit invites you and your wellbeing staff to a webinar focused on how we can collaborate with you to treating students with mental health issues.

Join us on Wednesday, 18th March, from 10-11am. What can you expect:
●    Expert view on mental health challenges facing primary school principals and wellbeing staff
●  How a collaborative approach involving all players (student, parents/family, teacher, psychologist/counsellor/wellbeing officer, principal, mental health specialist, case worker) is required to provide long-term solutions for students and families
●    Overview of CCV School Counselling and Wrap-Around Services

There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers during the session.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago. Held in Melbourne in 2025, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the jubilee year as a community and help young people be pilgrims of hope.

The next Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be held in the Archdiocese of Melbourne from Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December. To find out more and register please visit acyf.org.au.

APPA Survey into ‘Medication Management in Primary Schools’.

The data is powerful in telling the story about primary school responsibilities that are increasing and yet unfunded. We are seeking more responses.

Please complete the survey here - Medication Management in Primary Schools

Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1/2 March 2025

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. 

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