Member Update 13 February | Term 1, Week 3

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

Over the past few weeks, I have been privileged to visit the schools of our Second President’s Ball Award recipients to film videos showcasing their exceptional leadership and outstanding achievements in their community. This week we have filmed two videos and it struck me that it is one thing to know someone is doing great work, and another to experience it; to feel it, see it and hear it. We especially thank The School Photographer for supporting us to record this experience and I really look forward to sharing these special videos with you at the upcoming Ball. If you are yet to buy your tickets, they are closing soon(!) so make sure to secure a spot to celebrate being a principal!  Not only do we have a black-tie event in store but a three-course meal, photobooth, wellbeing prizes, attendee showbags, and maybe even a lolly bar…

Reading Difficulties and Family Support

In other news, the VACPSP recently received correspondence from Jacinta Collins, Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), inviting Principal Associations nationwide to share professional advice about children with reading difficulties. The letter from the President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) raises concern about children with reading difficulties being treated with ineffective visual therapies. The formal correspondence from RANZCO as well as a resource flowchart to support teachers is included in this newsletter.

Advocacy at the National level for all Principals

Following the recent National Principals’ Reference Group (NPRG) meeting in Sydney on 22nd November 2024 with Jason Clare (Commonwealth Education Minister), the Australian Primary Principal Association (APPA) has followed up by writing a formal request to support Principal Wellbeing. The NPRG, established in June of 2024, represents a crucial step in ensuring the wisdom and perspective of school leaders from all sectors — Public, Catholic, and Independent—supports the effective design and implementation of federal government policies. APPA’s position is that formalising the NPRG with a measure of permanency and bi-partisan support would significantly enhance Principal impact and advocacy.

Have a great week!

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.

• Letter to Jacinta Collins from RANZCO: January 2025.

• Teacher Resource: How to identify a student who is performing below age-expected reading norms.
• Letter to Jason Clare MP from APPA: National Principals' Reference Group Meeting (NPRG).
  
• Photograph: Minister Clare (Commonwealth Minister of Education) and Angela Falkenberg (President of APPA).

• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 22/23 February 2025. Download Helen's prayer resource.

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.

Letter to Jacinta Collins from RANZCO

Teacher resource: How to identify a student performing below age-expected reading norms.

Letter to Jason Clare MP: National Principals' Reference Group Meeting (NPRG)

Minister Clare (Commonwealth Minister of Education) and Angela Falkenberg (President of APPA)

Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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