Member Update 17 October 2024 | Term 4, Week 2

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 has been particularly busy at the VACPSP with multiple meetings, engagements and learning opportunities across the State! We started the week with a Principal Council Meeting where we discussed the AGM, President's Ball and conducted an EBA Workshop. The focus question for the Workshop was, "What is an empowered, enabled leader?” Your area representative will provide a full report of the meeting and the discussion around this question, but in summary, the Principal Council agreed that the Catholic identity and role as teacher and model of the Catholic faith is crucial to the role of a Catholic, Primary School Principal. This week I also attended a MACS meeting on Learning Leadership Development, an education summit meeting (School improvement focus with government, Catholic education and education experts), a North Central Principal Network Day, a virtual ACPPA Management Team Meeting and an EB Discussion Forum in Warragal. All of these experiences equip me with the knowledge, insight and network I need to discharge my role as President of our industry leading Association.

In all operations we have a keen eye on our shared purpose of improving educational outcomes in Victoria and Australia. This was clear to see this week and I particularly note the recent EBA Discussion Forums where passionate, professional educators have come together with a solutions-mindset to work together and answer big questions. From my perspective, these Forums have highlighted an important function of the VACPSP; to connect Principals from across Victoria. We often say we are 'Better, Together', but this process has shown me just how much better together we are. When Principals come together in one room magic happens as perspectives are articulated, ideas generated, learning reflected on and wisdom shared. Together we learn and grow in ways only collegiality can facilitate. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in these Forums. You have attended with a genuine intention to share ideas, unpack your understandings and workshop ways to support our vocation with a clear focus on being your best, so you can best serve your communities.

Finally, last Thursday we had our first Business Partner's Seminar where we welcomed our valued partners to the CLC for morning tea and a round table discussion. Through the event we shared the Catholic primary school context and education updates in Victoria, Australia and across the globe. The event was appreciated by our partners who we thank for their ongoing support of the Association.

I also remind you to reserve your table for the Second President’s Ball to be held on Friday 21 March 2025 at The Melbourne Town Hall. This event is not only a celebration of three outstanding Principals but also of principalship across the State. Show your support and get involved in this fun black-tie gala evening by purchasing a table. Tables of 8 available ($1280.00) by emailing josephine@vacpsp.org.au. Check out last year’s fun here.

Also in this newsletter:

• Presidents Ball 2025: Reservations for tables of 8 now open! Complete the form and email josephine@vacpsp.org.au to secure your spot and bring your team along for a fun night and "Let the Principal Shine".

• Early registrations NCEC Conference 2025: Register now.

• The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey: Survey is now open. Complete it here.

• VCEA Press Release: Catholic Schools will provide Pre-service Teacher Placement Grants to ensure equal support.

• VCEA Press Release: Non-government schools receive 40 per cent less in government funding according to Productivity Commission data.

• VCEA Press Release: Catholic schools lead participation in NAPLAN.
  

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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 for tables of 8 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.

Complete the below form and email to josephine@vacpsp.org.au to secure your table!

Early registrations NCEC Conference 2025

We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference registration is now open. The National Catholic Education Commission is partnering with host diocese, Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns to present the national conference for an expected 1,500 Catholic educators, leaders, clergy, parents and the broader Church involved in Catholic education.

With the theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’, the conference aims to provide an engaging professional learning experience with a focus on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access. We will be featuring a broad range of speakers, presentations and workshops focused on Catholic identity, mission and formation; learning and teaching; leadership and governance; parent engagement; parish and community engagement; resourcing and infrastructure; advocacy and marketing; and more.

A full program will be available shortly, please visit the ACEC 2025 Conference Website to view all conference information and updates. 

The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is now open

It’s time for teachers and early childhood teachers across the country to share their experiences and challenges of working in the profession through the annual Australian Teacher Workforce Survey. 

Last year we heard from over 42,000 teachers! This year we want to hear from even more to gain a richer understanding of the current teaching experience.

We are very grateful for your help – it takes 10–15 minutes to complete.

VCEA Press Release: Catholic Schools will provide Pre-service Teacher Placement Grants to ensure equal support

VCEA Press Release: Non-government schools receive 40 per cent less in government funding according to Productivity Commission data

VCEA Press Release: Catholic schools lead participation in NAPLAN

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