Member Update 12 September 2024 | Term 3, Week 9

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

This week started with our regular Principal Council Meeting. Whilst we discussed many items, a significant feature of this agenda was an EBA Position Paper Workshop. Through this Workshop the Principal Council discussed what it means to be a Flourishing Catholic School. This is important to work to compliment what we are discussing in the EBA Forums and to clarify and elaborate on the VACPSP position with a proactive, solutions minded focus. I am so grateful at the uptake of the EBA Forums and am enjoying working with you to gather rich knowledge and detailed perspectives. 

With that said, in order to attend as many EBA Forums as possible this year, we have decided to push our AGM back two weeks. The new AGM date is Friday 8 November in an online only forum. A formal notice will follow in due course. I anticipate the meeting to be no longer than an hour but importantly, we will be voting on the role of Vice President and Treasurer. If you are unable to attend, please ensure you discuss submitting a Proxy Vote with your Principal Council Representative. 

In other news, we are putting a call out for a 2026 Conference committee. If you would like to be part of the consultant team, please contact josephine@vacpsp.org.au. 

Finally, today is R U OK day. Every day is a good day to have a conversation that can make a difference to someone’s day and even life but today is a great place to start. Importantly you don’t have to be an expert to ask somebody “Are you OK?”; it’s something that we can all do to make a difference. By inspiring people to take the time to ask” Are you OK?" and listen, we can help people struggling with life feel connected and supported. If you are struggling, please reach out to me at any time. The VACPSP is proud to be a support to Catholic Primary Principals throughout their journey, be it as a new Principal, long serving or retiree. We are a community, bound by our vocation and pursuit of Mission. We are Better, Together. 

Also in this newsletter:

• RU OK Day: Have a conversation using these 4 steps. More information inside.

• Presidents Ball 2025: Save the date!

• Principal's role in promoting the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey: AITSL correspondence.

• Free NBN for Eligible School Age Children: The School Student Broadband Initiative.

• APPA's Women's leadership experience in Canberra, October 7-10 2024: Apply now! Only 20 places available!

• WISA Conference: Catholic Primary Principals and deputies get a 10% discount to attend our School Wellbeing Conference here in Melbourne on 29 October 2024; see the flyer and program enclosed.
  

• Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing survey: Live for new participant registrations at https://healthandwellbeing.org.

• ACPPA Survey: 2024 Member Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACPPA2024

• Pitch Up Survey: PitchUp is a Victorian-based startup helping business managers and principals to reduce the workload of hiring out their facilities whilst generating additional revenue for their school. Last term they helped over 500 women and girls find better places to play at Catholic Secondary Schools and are now seeking feedback from Catholic Primary School leaders to see whether this model could also work for them. Have your say  here (3-min survey).

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.

R U OK? Day: Have a conversation using these 4 steps

Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK? here.

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.

Extracted from: How to ask "Are you OK?" | R U OK?

VACPSP President's Ball 2025: Save the Date

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 along to Celebrate The Principal.

Save the date for this stellar, sell-out event on Friday 21 March 2025.

Principal's role in promoting the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey: AITSL Correspondence

Your experience as a principal is unique. Have your say in the annual Australian Teacher Workforce Survey and share more about your experiences in the profession and the challenges you face.

The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is now open in most states and territories, please refer to the table below for administration periods.

The workforce is stretched, time is limited, and filling out an extra survey can add to the load, but we need to hear from you and teachers to help us understand how to build a more sustainable teaching profession. We invite you to take 10-15 minutes out of your busy schedules to complete the survey.

Can you help to reach more teachers?

As leaders, you play a crucial role in fostering engagement and can significantly impact teacher response rates. In fact, when leaders and mentors in schools advocate for teachers to complete the survey or set aside time for their staff to do so, response rates soar. We would greatly appreciate your help to encourage your teachers to participate by sending out the sample email attached and, if possible, setting aside time in a staff meeting for teachers to complete the survey.

Check your inbox: All registered teachers will receive a unique survey link via email from their teacher regulatory authority when the survey opens in their state or territory.

Responses to the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey are confidential and will be de-identified before inclusion in the ATWD. No teacher or school will be identified. Read more about how your privacy is protected in the survey.

2024 Australian Teacher Workforce Survey dates

Further information

The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is part of the Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) initiative and is the biggest survey of the teaching profession in Australia.

The ATWD is supported by all governments, employer groups and associations, and is delivering a comprehensive picture of the national teacher workforce, from initial teacher education through all stages of the teacher career, and across all states, territories and employer sectors.

Free NBN for Eligible School Age Children: The School Student Broadband Initiative

The School Student Broadband Initiative offers free internet to eligible families until the end of 2025.

Here's what you need to know:

• Free internet: If your family qualifies, you'll get free NBN internet at home. You'll get to choose from a list of internet providers.
• Application deadline: You have until December 31 2024 to apply.
• Start date: The free service starts when your internet is connected and lasts until December 31 2025.
• Family use: Everyone in your household can use the internet.
• After the free period: When the free service ends, you won't be automatically charged. You'll need to agree before paying for any continued service.
• If you move house: You can take the free service with you if your new home is eligible. Just contact your internet provider to arrange this.

APPA's Women's leadership experience in Canberra. October 7-10 2024: Only 20 places available!

Dear colleague

 Engage in dynamic conversations and seize the chance to make a real impact with APPA! Contribute to the groundbreaking work of identifying the key drivers and challenges in attracting and retaining talented women in school leadership roles. Together, we’re shaping the future of education leadership!

 The Women’s Leadership Program includes:

• A meeting at Government House with Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC
• A meeting with the President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines in the Senate Chamber at Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
• Meet with Professor Genevieve Bell AO FAHA FTSE, Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University,
• 3 nights’ accommodation and breakfast at the Kurrajong Hotel Canberra: where modern conveniences blend seamlessly with Art Deco glamour, and impeccable service.
• A welcome and networking dinner on Monday evening at The Terrace, Hotel Kurrajong, Barton - Hotel Kurrajong
• A Wednesday evening dinner at Ballyhoo, part of The Lawns precinct in the Rose Gardens opposite Old Parliament House.
• Airport transfers
• Coach transport to and from all events!

This Women’s Leadership Program is hosted by Angela Falkenberg, APPA President and Wendy Cave ACT Principal and former ACT Principal Association president. 

We hope you can join us.

Registration details are in the attached flyer.

Only 20 places available.

Please note: Participants will need to make their own arrangements for travelling to and from Canberra.

Angela Falkenberg

President

Australian Primary Principals Association

WISA Conference: Catholic Primary Principals and deputies get a 10% discount to attend our School Wellbeing Conference here in Melbourne on 29 October 2024; see the attached flyer and program

Catholic Primary Principals and deputies get a 10% discount to attend our School Wellbeing Conference here in Melbourne on 29 October 2024; see the attached flyer and program. We are excited about the excellent line-up of Australia’s best and brightest academics and practitioners. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the WISA Team at admin@wisawellbeing.com.au

Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey

We need your voice to tell the world what is happening to Australian School Leaders!    

The Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey is a confidential survey, independent of all employer groups, professional associations and unions. First, you will be able to review your job-related personal health and wellbeing, with an individualised report returned automatically upon completion. Second, global results will build a holistic picture of the state of school leader health and wellbeing. The results provide a system-level report with recommendations for future actions.

This research has significant impact in the diagnostic feedback given to school principals, the evaluation of existing policy initiatives, and the consultation with state departments leading to important new policy initiatives. This year, we have updated the design and layout of our survey and personal report access. If you have taken the survey before, check your email or new participants can register at Health & Wellbeing (healthandwellbeing.org).

Ongoing previously registered participants have received their links but we encourage school leaders to contact us if their emails have changed.  If participants are no longer in a principal role, they can still take the shortened survey. We look forward to hearing the voices of Australian school leaders this year. 

ACPPA Survey: 2024 Member Survey

Pitch Up Survey: Have your say

PitchUp is a Victorian-based startup helping business managers and principals to reduce the workload of hiring out their facilities whilst generating additional revenue for their school. 

Last term they helped over 500 women and girls find better places to play at Catholic Secondary Schools and are now seeking feedback from Catholic Primary School leaders to see whether this model could also work for them. Have your say here (3-min survey).

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