Member Update 30 January | Term 1, 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

Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful and restorative break with family, friends and loved ones. I spent some time with my grandchildren and took time to enjoy the simple moments; long lunches, walks on the beach, time with my dog Milo... I did also take on one small new adventure! I got up early each morning and headed to the beach for a short swim, promising myself I would commit to this routine come rain, wind or shine! Living on the Great South West Coast in Warrnambool, weather variance is a universal truth, so this issue just had to be accepted. What I found with this simple adventure was both intrinsically and extrinsically motivating; that is, intrinsically, I felt proud to have kept to my commitment, and extrinsically, I experienced a feeling of refreshment and a deeper connection to nature. I reported to Sue, my partner, that by taking a dip each morning I felt was adding a month to my life! (To read an interesting article on motivation, see the recent 'Big Think' article, Feeling unmotivated? Use "Skinner's Law" to get yourself back on track).

As we step into 2025, we embrace new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and the promise of growth for ourselves, our schools, and our students. The past year has been a testament to our resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Catholic primary school education. Now, we stand on the threshold of another incredible year filled with possibilities. This year, let us lead with renewed passion, inspire with unwavering vision, and cultivate a learning environment where every student thrives. May we empower our teachers, uplift our communities, and ignite the spark of excellence in every child we serve. 

2025 will be a year of innovation, collaboration, and achievement for the VACPSP. Together, we will create a legacy of learning, leadership, and success! The VACPSP strategy is focused, collaborative, efficient and characterised by innovation. In 2025, Michael Gray, President and Josephine Brennan will again lead Strategy; a passionate, collaborative and committed volunteer Principal Executive (welcome newly elicited Deputy President Damian Howard, returning treasurer and secretary Carmel Stuttered and Julie David, respectively), will ensure relevance and quality. 

Success will be achieved through action, advocacy and communication with the VCEA, the Victorian Bishop’s Education governing directors, the state government and state educational authorities. The Principal Council, which is comprised of 18 representatives of principals from each principal network across Victoria, will ensure the VACPSP is well-informed about your needs, aspirations and hopes. These volunteer Principals represent you and cover Victoria’s geographical and regional diversity. Metropolitan, regional and remote areas have an equal voice through the Principal Council, who meet seven times a year.

The work of the VACPSP also brings your voice and a strong Victorian insight to the National educational agenda. For 2025 - 2027, Damian Howard (Carlo Acutis Wollert) and Rachel Holdsworth (Holy Spirit Manifold Heights), nominated by the VACPSP, will assume the Australian Catholic Primary Principal Association's (ACPPA) two national board positions. Damian and Rachel will meet six times with Principals from the seven states and territories as your voice and strong advocate. The National work connects with the National Catholic Education Commission, the Commonwealth Education Minister (Jason Clare), many local parliamentarians and all the national education bodies, including ACARA, ATSIL, ERA etc.

As we prepare for our year, two reminders:

- The 2025 membership renewal process is underway through Member Jungle. An email was sent recently with the link to renew. Please follow the link, nominate your enrolment numbers and renew your membership for 2025 (remember to use 'one time code' instead of password to sign in). If you have any questions, please email josephine@vacpsp.org.au

- Ball tickets! Soon we will come together as a principal community to celebrate not only the award recipients, but Catholic principalship more broadly. The event promotes our vocation and the status of principalship in one of Melbourne's most iconic venues; the Melbourne Town Hall.  To make the event a continued success we need your help and support so please rally together and purchase your ball tickets! We would love to make it a sellout event and come together celebrate the recipients, our profession and each other! Get your ticket/s here for the Second VACPSP President's Ball on Friday 21 March 2025! Staff, friends and family welcome (think of the fun on the final night of the Conference!)

Finally, I take this opportunity to congratulate valued partner Footsteps, Stephen Evans and the Footsteps' team, on it's 30th Anniversary! You will notice a special edition logo circulating around to mark the special occasion. We also congratulate Joseph Zeid and the team at Teeth on Wheels on it's 10th Anniversary! On behalf of the VACPSP, we thank Footsteps and Teeth on Wheels for their continued support of the Association and wish them all the best on their special milestones!

Also in this newsletter:

• Please support the Second VACPSP President's Ball in 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". Details of the Award Recipients inside.

• Happy Anniversary Footsteps!

• Happy Anniversary Teeth on Wheels!
  

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.

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.

Happy Anniversary Footsteps!

Happy Anniversary Teeth on Wheels!

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