Member Update 6 March | Term 1, Week 6

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

Last week I quoted author and speaker, Simon Sinek when reflecting upon the importance of defining and communicating the 'why' to meaningfully motivate our staff. Simon also has interesting insight on building teams and developing and shifting culture. This video explores the question, 'Where do you have to start culture change?' and touches on some interesting ideas. Simon's ideas prompted me to think about the stories we tell in our communities and how those stories have the power to influence cultural and how stories may be harnessed to affect cultural change. Stories are an important way humans communicate and in our rich Catholic traditions, we have the privilege to engage with a variety of longstanding stories and teachings with deep meaning. Stories have the power to shape our world and form attitudes, beliefs and values. So I ask you, what stories are you telling yourself? Your community? Your staff? Do these stories fit within your mission and vision? 

With St Joseph's and St Patrick's day approaching, we are reminded that our schools are named after Saint's with interesting and important stories to tell. I encourage you to reflect on the stories of your Saint and enliven their teachings to support your current vision and mission.

Also in this newsletter:

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

• MultiLit: 30th Anniversary and the Inaugural Advancing Effective Education Summit 30-31st May 2025. See information here.

• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Second Sunday in Lent 15/16 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.

MultiLit: 30th Anniversary and the Inaugural Advancing Effective Education Summit 30 -31st May 2025

MultiLit is a private company that was created out of Macquarie University in 2006. MultiLit is a leading provider of effective literacy instruction in Australasia. The programs are uniquely placed to be effective because they are all grounded in scientific evidence-based best practice. As a result of being a research initiative of Macquarie University, MultiLit’s publications, professional development and Literacy Centre are continually informed by an ongoing research program. Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall AM leads the research team. In 2020, MultiLit celebrated its 25th anniversary. For more than two decades, they have provided assistance to thousands of students in a variety of settings, including schools, our Literacy Centres and community-based literacy projects across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Join a host of national and international speakers over this two-day conference focusing on research, leadership and theory to practice in delivering effective instruction.

MultiLit began in 1995 as a research initiative at the Macquarie University Special Education Centre, led by Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall AM with Dr Robyn Wheldall (Beaman).

In celebration of MultiLit’s 30th anniversary, the inaugural Advancing Effective Education Summit will be hosted on
30–31 May 2025 in Sydney.

Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Second Sunday in Lent 15/16 of March 2025

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