Member Update 27 February | Term 1, Week 5

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

As leaders how do we ensure that our work remains meaningful for ourselves and our teams? The answer lies in defining and communicating why we do what we do (NB. it also lies in having resources that match job demands, and the VACPSP will continue to advocate for this). APPA President Angela Falkenberg recently shared the following insight from Simon Sinek regarding strategic success: "Start With Why" philosophy:

We create purpose when we explain why an initiative matters—how it connects to student learning, well-being, or staff development. When our teams understand the larger picture, they see their work as valuable. A teacher managing a complex student or school administration balancing budgets and staffing decisions teams needs to know that their efforts contribute to something greater than themselves. Without that clarity, tasks can feel like rolling a boulder with no real destination.

As leaders, we can

• Define the why. Clearly articulate the purpose behind each initiative, policy, or decision.
• Connect the dots. Help staff see how their work contributes to the bigger vision.
• Recognise effort. Acknowledge and celebrate progress, not just outcomes.
• Model purpose. Approach each challenge with a growth and learning mindset, showing that the journey is both purposeful and meaningful.

When striving for excellence, inclusion and reaching your goals; communication, feedback, deep listening and belief in your plan is critical. Communicating this message builds support and empowers the community to become your friend and advocate.   

Also in this newsletter:

• Tickets have closed for the Second VACPSP President's Ball in 2025: We cannot wait to celebrate with you!

• Celebrating 30 years of Footsteps: We’re incredibly proud to provide curriculum-based dance and drama programs aligned with ACARA Version 9, along with School Concert themes featuring videoed lessons and scripts to support teachers and students in-between visits. A huge thank you to QASSP members for your ongoing support! Come visit us at the State Conference and grab your 30th Anniversary bag—we’d love to celebrate with you! Click here to request a quotation for your school.

• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: First Sunday in Lent 8/9 of March 2025. Download Helen's prayer resource.

• CatholicCare Webinar: CatholicCare Victoria’s Schools Counselling Unit invites you and your wellbeing staff to a webinar focused on how we can collaborate with you to treating students with mental health issues on Wednesday, 18th March, from 10-11am. Register 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.

VACPSP President's Ball 2025: Tickets Have Closed

Celebrating 30 Years of Footsteps

We’re incredibly proud to provide curriculum-based dance and drama programs aligned with ACARA Version 9, along with School Concert themes featuring videoed lessons and scripts to support teachers and students in-between visits.
A huge thank you to QASSP members for your ongoing support! 🙌

Come visit us at the State Conference and grab your 30th Anniversary bag—we’d love to celebrate with you! 🎊

Click here to request a quotation for your school!

Thoughts and Prayers with Helen:

CatholicCare Webinar: Discover mental health supports for your school community

A widespread daily challenge in all schools is supporting student, staff and community wellbeing and helping all to thrive. The VACPSP and Catholic Care Victoria invite you to a webinar designed to showcase fantastic on-ground support for schools and Principals.

The prevalence of students suffering from mental health issues, including school refusal, which prevent or disrupt their education engagement, is of growing importance to teachers, wellbeing staff and principals.

CatholicCare Victoria’s Schools Counselling Unit invites you and your wellbeing staff to a webinar focused on how we can collaborate with you to treating students with mental health issues.

Join us on Wednesday, 18th March, from 10-11am. What can you expect:
●    Expert view on mental health challenges facing primary school principals and wellbeing staff
●  How a collaborative approach involving all players (student, parents/family, teacher, psychologist/counsellor/wellbeing officer, principal, mental health specialist, case worker) is required to provide long-term solutions for students and families
●    Overview of CCV School Counselling and Wrap-Around Services

There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers during the session.

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