Member Update 9 October 2025 | Term 4, Week 1

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

Welcome back to Term 4!

With Conference tickets selling fast, and the event quickly approaching, I will spend our upcoming newsletters exploring the lineup of exceptional speakers presenting at our 2026 Conference. Firstly, I am pleased to share Adam Spencer will once again be our MC for the event. 

Prepare to be inspired as Adam Spencer takes the stage as MC for our conference, bringing his amazing energy, and insight to every moment.

Many of you would have seen Adam in action and experienced firsthand his wit and charisma with a crowd. By way of background Adam was completing a PhD in Pure Mathematics at the University of Sydney when he won a national Raw Comedy championship with Triple J, Australia’s youth radio station. He then went to become one of Australia’s most respected, wittiest, and though provoking breakfast radio commentators across Triple J and later ABC 702. His dexterity at being both mathematical - he has authored 7 best-selling books for talented maths students - and verbal - he was voted debater in the world at the 1996 World Championships - makes him a curios customer indeed. Adam Spencer is currently the ambassador for Science and Maths at the University of Sydney, and his latest book, Maths 101, for Dumb Dads and Desperate Mums, has been released by Hardie Grant.

I look forward to having Adam with us once again as we Nourish Your Purpose. Secure your tickets now.

Also in this newsletter:

• Looking for a Trusted Supplier? Visit the VACPSP Directory at any time.
• 2026 VACPSP Conference: 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. Tickets selling fast on TryBooking. Thanks to our 2026 Conference Sponsors for their support. Learn more about the Conference and list of sponsors on the official Conference webpage here.
• APPA Medication Survey Press Release and Results due to go out 20 October: As a "heads up", please note the survey results, along with a Press Release, will be published on 20 October 2025. We look forward to sharing them with you then.
• VCAA Communications | A Message from the CEO: Read below the update from Andrew Smith Chief Executive Officer. 

• Professional Opportunity: 6R Leadership Program with The Brown Collective: Brendan Flanagan, Principal of Clairvaux Catholic Primary School in Geelong, recently shared his experience of participating in the Australia wide  Brown Collective 6R leadership program. Brendan, and other Principal leaders, speak highly of the exciting experienced of learning and working with a highly motivated program team and many other Catholic primary principals across Australia. The 6R Leadership program is centered around the concepts of; Reflection & Renewal; Relationships, Refinement, Refresh and Reaching Out. See what participants had to say about their involvement in this significant, practical and peer-supported leadership program here: https://vimeo.com/1121008775) 

• National Horizons | From the President: The recent APPA conference in Brisbane served as a powerful platform for school leaders, emphasising the theme 'LEADING WELL. Together.' The event provided invaluable insights and fostered deep discussions on pressing issues within our profession. Read more about the event here.
• Breath of Grace - Pray with Mary this October: This October, the month of Mary, we warmly invite you into a simple daily prayer practice — Breath of Grace. We invite you to experience it for yourself. Preview a daily prayer here. Register here. 
  
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 12 October 2025 | Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. 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.

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

With thanks to 2026 Conference Premium Sponsors:

VCAA Communications | A Message from the CEO

Each day, I am reminded of the impact of our work on the broader Victorian public – schools, parents/carers, teachers and students.

At the student level, I saw the positive impact through the 2025 Plain English Speaking Award State Final. This annual competition provides young Victorians a voice and grows their confidence through the art of public speaking.

This term we also opened applications for the Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants – a learning initiative providing funding for schools offering the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate, to support lifelong learning and increased community participation.

In our 2025 program, Ascot Vale Heights School have used their funding to support students with intellectual disabilities, improving elements to their sensory garden and establishing a job-ready program. This example demonstrates the importance of applied learning and setting students up for pathways beyond school. I encourage eligible schools to apply for the 2026 round.   

Applications are now also open for our 2026 VCE Season of Excellence. For those that know talented students in featured VCE or VCE VET subjects, please consider this incredible opportunity for them. It’s a chance to get exposure through some of Melbourne’s premier arts and cultural venues, and showcase the high-quality work that has been developed, as part of their studies.

Through the newly reviewed and published Foundation Levels A to D in the English curriculum, Victoria continues to lead inclusive curriculum delivery in Australia. Foundation Levels A to D curriculum is for learners with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, and for those experiencing learning delays. It provides levels that build a meaningful pathway from Foundation Level A through to Level 10, grounded in contemporary research. You can find this curriculum and supporting resources on our F–10 website.

We also introduced 6 new VCE CCAFL studies on-demand videos designed to support teachers to implement the revised VCE CCAFL study designs in 2025. 

Moving into Term 4, I’m pleased to report that development of all VCE examinations to be administered in 2025 has progressed positively, with papers now finalised and moving through production and print.

As I complete my first school term as CEO at the VCAA, I would like to thank those principals, school leaders and teachers who have been generous with their time and expertise in helping me to understand the important role the VCAA plays to support the learning of young Victorians.
I look forward to working with all schools to fulfil our commitment to empower them in delivering high-quality curriculum and assessment to students across Victoria. 

Andrew Smith
Chief Executive Officer 

National Horizons | From the President

2025 APPA National Conference: LEADING WELL. Together 
  
The recent APPA conference in Brisbane served as a powerful platform for school leaders, emphasising the theme 'LEADING WELL. Together.' The event provided invaluable insights and fostered deep discussions on pressing issues within our profession.

Breath of Grace - Pray with Mary this October

Breath of Grace - Pray with Mary this October

This October, the month of Mary, we warmly invite you into a simple daily prayer practice — Breath of Grace.

Each day, from October 1st to 31st, you will receive a short 2.5-minute video guiding you in the Ignatian way of praying with the breath. Together, we will pray the Hail Mary — one word at a time, allowing it to gently settle into the rhythm of your breathing, your heart, and your daily life.

With beautiful images of Mary, these prayers are simple yet profound, offering a way to rest, reflect, and let grace flow quietly into your day.

We invite you to experience it for yourself. Preview a daily prayer here. Then register on the below link.

October 1 – October 31
Delivered daily to your inbox
Free of charge (optional donation to support the ministry)

May this prayerful journey with Mary breathe new life into you each day.

OECD Australia Education Update

This country note provides an overview of the key characteristics of the education system in Australia based on data from Education at a Glance 2025. In line with this year’s thematic focus, it emphasises tertiary education while also covering other parts of the education system. The data in this note are provided for the latest available year. Readers interested in the reference years for the data should refer to the corresponding tables in Education at a Glance 2025. 

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. 

The VACPSP is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people.

Thank you to our Business Partners