Member Update 1 May | Term 2, Week 2

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

Editorial: Reflection on Mateship & Humanity and the Spirit Working in Our Lives

Dear Principals across Victoria,

An official welcome back to Term 2! Last week was certainly an extraordinary week; unusual, not only because of the public holiday bookending the week, but also because of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, as animated through the Easter story. We also honoured those who gave their lives for Peace and Freedom on ANZAC Day. Then we paused to remember the passing of our dear Pope Francis, who was laid to rest on Saturday.

I am always amazed that through great sadness, we often grow closer together. There must be something about the shared human experience that bridges all gaps and connects us in profound ways. Watching both the Vatican Square and our local St. Patrick’s Cathedral overflowing with people united to grieve and honour the late Pope Francis, you could feel a silent understanding that transcended distance, language, hopes, dreams, and ethnicity. The ANZAC embodied this spirit too - their mateship is iconic and symbolic of the human connections that cannot be broken despite adversity.

This week, I had initially planned to discuss faith leadership in a contemporary world; and with the passing of Pope Francis, this topic seems more relevant than ever. With change in the broader world, and now in our Catholic community as we eagerly await the Conclave and election of the next Pope, I leave you with this: How can Catholic schools maintain a strong faith identity while being inclusive and welcoming? How can we bridge the gaps of difference and instead celebrate diversity, understanding that we all belong to a shared existence where all our diversities are valued? How can we model Pope Francis’ mission of caring for the poor, respecting and living sustainably within our natural world and the Pop’s ultimate mission; connecting with the story of Jesus and his humanity? How can we honour the memory of the ANZAC and foster brave camaraderie for the greater good of society?

As Catholic school leaders, we stand at the intersection of memory and mission. The Holy Father’s legacy calls us not to stand still in sorrow, but to move forward with courage. He believed in the power of education, not merely as a transmission of knowledge but as the shaping of hearts and minds. He championed the dignity of every child, every teacher, every person. He saw in each young person not only potential, but promise. 

In faith and service,
Michael Gray
President – Catholic Principals Network

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.
  
• ACU Survey: APPA's research project exploring the impact of offensive behaviours on school leaders. This survey aims to explore the broader implications of offensive behaviours and their impact on school leader performance and productivity. Click here to complete the Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
• ACPPA: Notification of 2025 Annual General Meeting. 19 May 2025 at 11:00am AEST. Read more here. 
• Election Information: Funding Explainer: Click here to visit the website for more information. 
• ATSIL Resources: ATSIL have curated a collection of amazing resources around the theme Ignite in 2025, designed to support teachers and leaders as you reflect, plan and grow.
• Halt Summit: Thursday 8 & Friday 9 May 2025, The Highly Accomplished and Lead teacher Summit is a free, exclusive event for nationally certified teachers from across Australia and invited guests. The Summit provides an opportunity for HALTs to work with leading thinkers to develop skills that equip them to lead and inspire colleagues and collaborate with other HALTs. Register here. 
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 3-4 May Third Sunday of Easter. Click here to read.

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. 

ACU Survey on Offensive Behaviours and Productivity

APPA's research project exploring the impact of offensive behaviours on school leaders. This survey aims to explore the broader implications of offensive behaviours and their impact on school leader performance and productivity. The survey should take no more than 15-20 minutes. It will remain open until 4th May.

Click here to complete the Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

ACPPA Notification of 2025 Annual General Meeting

National Catholic Education Commission: Federal Election

As the Federal election campaign heads into the final week, Jacinta Collins (Executive Director, National Catholic Education Commission) reports commitments from both major parties to commit to school choice and sector inclusiveness which are key priorities for Catholic school communities. 

ATSIL Resources

With learning well underway for children and young people in schools and learning communities across Australia, Term 2 is a great time to reflect on areas of your own teaching practice or leadership that you would like to develop. To help you, ATSIL have curated a collection of amazing resources around the theme Ignite in 2025, designed to support teachers and leaders as you reflect, plan and grow.

Term 2 is also the time ATSIL host the HALT Summit, taking place on 8 and 9 May. For those already recognised as Highly Accomplished or Lead teachers, and for those aspiring to be, the Summit is an inspiring and thought-provoking opportunity to connect with leading thinkers, encounter new ideas and develop skills to lead and inspire colleagues.

In today’s AITSL Mail, ATSIL launch their AITSL 2025 Survey – where they want you to tell them what’s working, what’s not, and how ATSIL can better support you in your work. Your insights are confidential and incredibly valuable, and they will help guide AITSL’s work to benefit the outstanding work you do in our schools and for our children and young people every day. 

HALT Summit: Registrations are open!

The HALT Summit is a free, hybrid 2-day event for certified teachers from across Australia. The Summit provides an opportunity for HALTs to work with leading thinkers to develop skills that equip them to lead and inspire colleagues and collaborate with other Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers.

School and educational leaders play a vital role in recognising and supporting HALTs. Certified HALTs can invite their leaders or aspiring HALTs to join the Summit as virtual delegates.

This event is by invitation only, and places are strictly limited.

Thursday 8 & Friday 9 May 2025

Thoughts and Prayers with Helen

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