Member Update 21 November 2024 | Term 4, Week 7

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

The Victorian Association of Catholic Primary Schools (VACPSP) is proud to announce the winners of it's Second President Ball Principal Awards for 2025. The event will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall, ‘Swanston Hall’ on Friday 21 March 2025.

The Principal Awards ceremony is a special occasion that honours Principals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and contributed significantly to student learning. The event allows Catholic education and school communities to unite to celebrate and recognise outstanding Principal leaders.

The Principal Awards ceremony is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Principals, teachers, community and staff. It is a proud moment for Principals, and we are excited to announce the 2025 award winners are:

For Excellence in Principal Leadership: School Innovation & Improvement in a Victorian Catholic Primary School, Mr Gavan O'Donnell, St Joseph's School, Chelsea, Melbourne Archdiocese.

For Excellence in Principal Leadership: Building Community in a Victorian Catholic Primary School, Mrs Karen Wilson, St Peter Apostle School, Hoppers Crossing, Melbourne Archdiocese.

For Excellence in Principal Leadership: Faith & Mission in a Victorian Catholic Primary School, three Partners in Mission, Mr Michael Mahoney, St Mary’s School, Colac, Mr Jack Lenaghan, Sacred Heart School, Colac, and Mrs Leanne Eastman, St Brendan's School, Coragulac, Ballarat Diocese.

Congratulations to these worthy recipients! We look forward to celebrating your incredible achievements together in March and also recognise Principalship more broadly. Ball tickets are open and selling fast! We would love to see you there to Let the Principal Shine! It's a fun night where we can relax, mingle, dance, eat good food and enjoy good company (think Gala night of the Conference). Please see ticketing information here. 

Also in this newsletter:

• Second President's Ball 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".
  

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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.

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