Member Update 8 May | Term 2, 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

This week, many schools will be busy with Mother's Day, a day when we can honour all mothers' incredible strength, love, and dedication. Mother's nurturing spirit, tireless care, and quiet heroism shape hearts and minds. Thank you for the countless ways you inspire and uplift all those around you.

A few years ago, I remember reading an article about this special day. The article spoke about it being a symbolic day - a day where we celebrate the sentiment of motherhood that may be shared with all women. Mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and all those who mother in our lives - mothers - you are a gift to the diversity of your families, our school communities, and the world.

In the spirit of Mary, Mother of Jesus, may your love continue to guide all with gentleness, strength, and grace. We pray for your joy and well-being today and always.

With heartfelt thanks and blessings,

Kind regards,
Michael 

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.
  
• 2026 VACPSPS Conference Save the date: This conference journey will nourish your mind, body and soul and activate a spirit of creativity, enlivened faith and exceptional leadership through the lineup of speakers, activities and offerings. 25 - 27 March 2026, Mantra Lorne.
• ACPPA: Notification of 2025 Annual General Meeting. 19 May 2025 at 11:00am AEST. Read more here. 
  
• 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.
• AERO Resource: The importance of intentional teaching in ECEC and unpacking student learning in schools.  Read more here.
• Be You Event: Online Webinar: Mental health and wellbeing within schools. Online   Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025  Time: 10 – 11am AEST. Register here, spaces are limited.
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen:  18-19 May 2025, Fifth Sunday of Easter. Read Helens prayer 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 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. 

Save the Date | 2026 VACPSP Conference

 In 2026 we introduce the theme of Nourish Your Purpose.

This conference journey will nourish your mind, body and soul and activate a spirit of creativity, enlivened faith and exceptional leadership through the lineup of speakers, activities and offerings.

Date: 25 - 27 March 2026
Venue: Mantra Lorne

Tickets will be available soon to purchase via trybooking. 

ACPPA Notification of 2025 Annual General Meeting

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

AERO Resource: The importance of intentional teaching in ECEC and unpacking student learning in schools.

Australian Education Research Organisation is pleased to share that several AERO publications have gone live today. AERO;s discussion paper highlights how effective intentional teaching is critical for maximising children’s learning and development outcomes in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, particularly for children experiencing disadvantage. Also, 4 new explainers provide teachers with insights into how students learn, process, retain and apply information, and are a welcome addition to our Model of Learning and Teaching.

Be You Event: Online Webinar

Are you passionate about mental health and wellbeing outcomes in your service or school, but you’re unsure where to start?

Be You is here to help. 

We invite you to join our special event, Demystifying the implementation of mental health strategies in education. 
You will hear from Robyn Mildon, CEO of the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, on overcoming blockers that might be hindering progress and leveraging key factors to drive positive mental health outcomes in your service or school.

Location: Online  
Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 
Time: 10 – 11am AEST  

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