Member Update 11 September 2025 | Term 3, Week 8
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
Enrolment is the heartbeat of a primary school, vital for its future and a key part of a Principal's strategic work. Successful enrolment is about more than just numbers; it requires careful planning and a clear vision, This week I wanted to reflect on why enrolment matters so profoundly and share some practical support in the administration of enrolment and professional development for your leadership team's school promotion and publicity.
Why enrolment matters?
1. Sustainability of the School
Funding & Resources: In Australia, government and system funding is linked to student numbers. Strong enrolments mean a secure financial base to provide programs, staff, and facilities.
Staffing Stability: Consistent enrolments allow the school to plan for staffing needs with confidence, attracting and retaining quality teachers and support staff.
2. School Identity & Community Confidence
Reputation & Trust: Healthy enrolments show that families value the school, its mission, and the education offered.
Community Presence: The school becomes a beacon in the local area, a place of belonging where families gather, celebrate, and invest in the future.
3. Diversity & Opportunity for Students
Social Development: Larger and more stable enrolments give children a wider circle of peers to learn, play, and grow with.
Breadth of Curriculum: Adequate numbers make it possible to offer specialist programs (arts, sports, languages, technology) that enrich learning.
4. Mission & Legacy (for Catholic schools in particular)
Passing on the Faith: Enrolment directly impacts the ability to nurture young people in Catholic identity, values, and spirituality.
Future Generations: Sustained enrolment ensures that the mission of Catholic education continues as a strong and visible witness in the community.
5. Wellbeing of the School Community
Parent Confidence: Strong enrolments reassure parents that their child is part of a thriving, future-focused school.
Staff Morale: Teachers are energised when they see that families choose and value the school.
In short, enrolment is very important for a primary school. It determines not just survival, but the ability to thrive, serve, and inspire.
Practical Support for Enrolment
- Enrolment software
Helpfully, there are practical things you can do to support enrolment growth. For example, platforms like Enquiry Tracker. Enquiry Tracker is a VACPSP sponsor and provides a trusted service that can help you manage a school-based professional enrolment process and significantly reduce your time on enrolment administration. During my time at St Joseph’s I utilised the software and found it very helpful to streamline the enrolment process. The Enquiry Tracker service also provides training for school-based staff and facilitates a future-focused enrolment growth strategy. For MACS schools I note the Melbourne Archdiocese (MACS) has negotiated a group buying package for its schools.
To learn more visit https://enquirytracker.net/
2. Brand Strategy for Schools: Professional Development.
Clarifying your school’s brand and identity is one of the most powerful things you can do. Questions to ask yourself when defining the brand is –
- What is the school’s why? Is your ‘selling’ point an education that is connected to faith? Is pastoral care a cornerstone? Is the focus on teaching Catholic values to improve the state of the world?
- What is your school’s story? Who inspired the ethos of your school? What was special about your saint namesake? How can you harness a compelling emotional connection to resonate with families.
- What are the schools core values? Remember to not only ‘tell’ but also show. How do you live the school values? How do you deliver in a practical sense on the promise of building these values in your students?
- What are unique strengths of your community? Who is your target family? How can you appeal to their desires for education to connect into your school’s identified strengths?
One effective way to communicate and promote this brand is through multimedia such as video. Trusted Business Partner The School Photographer offers a suite of promotional options to help translate the school’s brand to prospective families including 360 Virtual Tour Videos, showcase films, business cards, orientation invitation, banners and more.
To learn more visit The School Photographer
Also in this newsletter:
- Looking for a Trusted Supplier? Visit the VACPSP Directory at any time.
- 2026 VACPSP Conference Tickets: This conference journey will nourish your mind, body and soul and activate a spirit of creativity, enlivened faith, inspired understanding and exceptional leadership through the lineup of speakers, activities and offerings. Join us at The Mantra Lorne on 25 - 27 March 2026. Early Bird offer for members only open until 1 October 2025. Buy tickets now on TryBooking.
- Teacher Registrations 2026: All Victorian teachers are required to complete the annual registration process by 30 September each year to maintain their registration, regardless of their registration category. Teachers can login to their MyVIT account to complete their registration tasks.
- Teacher Bulletin Podcast: Principals leading through crisis - what did they learn? Listen and read more here.
- Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 14 September 2025 The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Feast Day. 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
Teacher Registrations 2026
All Victorian teachers are required to complete the annual registration process by 30 September each year to maintain their registration, regardless of their registration category.
The 2025-26 annual registration period is now open. Teachers can login to their MyVIT account to complete their registration tasks.
This year, VIT registration is going fully digital with all teachers receiving their annual registration notifications via email and SMS, and the introduction of digital registration cards. To supplement this messaging, VIT is seeking your assistance in promoting the annual registration period through your relevant channels.
This news item provides teachers with all the information they require to complete their tasks (including a ‘how to’ guide and video, FAQs, information on updating identity documents and more).
Teacher Bulletin Podcast
The Research Files Episode 103: Principals leading through crises – what did they learn?
In this episode of The Research Files, Teacher is joined by Michelle Striepe to discuss her and her colleagues’ research into what school leaders have learned from leading during crises – including a 3-prong approach they used – and how they can be more resilient for future crises.
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
