Member Update 27 March | Term 1, Week 9

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 Friday night we Let the Principal Shine at the Second VACPSP President's Ball and WOW! What a privilege it was to host this important event. Principals, teachers, families, sponsors and the Catholic community came together for a shared goal; to celebrate and acknowledge principalship. I was humbled to receive many emails expressing thanks and appreciation and extract a quote from one of those emails which beautifully encapsulates the essence of the evening:

I am writing to thank you for a particularly enjoyable evening on Friday at the Melbourne Town Hall. [I] found the whole celebratory event a delight. In every way the ball was beautifully organised and generous...from a lolly bar to the photo booth to the fun band and the particularly delicious meal and drinks. Most importantly, it was wonderful to be a witness to the tributes paid to [the principal recipients]. It is so thoughtful to acknowledge their important work in Catholic education; events like this are a reminder of this work and, hence, vital. 

I look forward to sharing some photos with you shortly! In the meantime, please save the date for March 2027 as we again come together on the big stage to acknowledge the vital role Principals play.

Also in this newsletter:

• VACPSP Member Renewal: If you are yet to renew, please do so through Member Jungle (use your principal@ email address and select 'one time code' which means you do not need a password). If you have any questions, please chat to your area representative. If you would prefer an invoice emailed to you, please email admin@vacpsp.org.au requesting it. By logging in you can see if you are a current member or yet to renew. Renewal is now overdue.
  
• Kookaburra powered by COS: Kookaburra Powered by COS is a leading Educational Audio Visual supplier. Kookaburra offers an extensive range of high-quality solutions in categories such as Interactive Classroom Panels, Large Format Presentation Screens (LED), Digital Signage, Data Projectors, Smart TV’s, Portable PA’s, School Bell Systems and Stage/Performance Lighting. Click here to see Kookaburra's capabilities. 
• COS: Check out the term 1 Specials!
  

• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Fifth Sunday of Lent 5/6 April 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 Member Renewal

If you are yet to renew, please do so through Member Jungle (use your principal@ email address and select 'one time code' which means you do not need a password). If you have any questions, please chat to your area representative.

If you would prefer an invoice emailed to you, please email admin@vacpsp.org.au requesting it. By logging in you can see if you are a current member or yet to renew. 

Kookaburra Powered by COS

Kookaburra Powered by COS is a leading Educational Audio Visual supplier.  Founded by a teacher in 1989, the business is 100% Australian-owned, proudly serving the Primary & Secondary Education markets.

Kookaburra offers an extensive range of high-quality solutions in categories such as Interactive Classroom Panels, Large Format Presentation Screens (LED), Digital Signage, Data Projectors, Smart TV’s, Portable PA’s, School Bell Systems and Stage/Performance Lighting.

Committed to Education, Kookaburra proudly supports professional development and networking events for school leaders across government and non-government sectors. Our strong industry relationships and dedication to quality continue to drive our success.

Kookaburra’s Victorian State Manager Dean Charge, has over 20 years experience within the Education Industry.  Dean lives on the Mornington Peninsula, and leads a small and experienced team serving Victoria.  Dean and his wife Susan have 2 teenage children attending Padua College in Mornington. 

Welcome new Business Partner, COS: Term 1 Specials

COS is Australia’s largest family-run and operated office and education supplies business, proudly led by second-generation sisters Belinda and Amie Lyone as co-CEOs. Founded in 1977 by the late Dominique Lyone, COS began as a small business with a vision for exceptional service and social responsibility. Over the past 45 years, COS has grown significantly, with over 600 employees and warehouses in every state and territory, ensuring truly national coverage and reliable service.

We are a trusted partner to schools, from early learning and primary to secondary schools, TAFEs, and universities, delivering essential supplies that keep classrooms, staffrooms, and learning spaces safe, healthy, and productive.

As a private, family-owned business, COS is deeply committed to community and sustainability. Through the Lyone Foundation, we donate 1% of annual revenue to support Australian charities, contributing over $20 million to local communities since 2013.

Our sustainability initiatives reflect our dedication to a greener future. We are actively working toward net zero operations and 100% renewable electricity across all our facilities. This includes eliminating single-use plastics in alignment with APCO targets and integrating electric vehicles into our delivery fleet, ensuring we support sustainable practices for schools and learning institutions nationwide. 

Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: Fifth Sunday of Lent 5/6 April 2025

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