Member Update 29 May | Term 2, 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

Catholic education is integral to the Church’s mission to proclaim the Good News. The role of the Principal is fundamental to maintaining and developing the school’s mission, identity and educational outcomes. As spiritual and education leaders, Catholic primary school Principals are uniquely skilled and positioned to generate a Catholic culture, identity, student outcomes and lifelong learning that fosters the formation of the whole person. A strong and active professional association is paramount to building and supporting Principals’ personal and professional capacity to ensure they are empowered to lead in their community. By actively pursuing its vision and mission in all functions and decision-making, the VACPSP has advanced the support available to and lived experience of Catholic primary school Principals in Victoria. Specifically, the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals exist in partnership locally, statewide, and nationally to focus on Principalship, school advocacy, membership, professional learning, and community collegiality.

With that said, this week I am extremely proud to share the first Biennial VACPSP Chronicle with you. This document is a celebration of the work and achievements of the VACPSP over the course of two years, as well as an opportunity to contextualise Catholic education and acknowledge our invaluable sponsors

Also in this newsletter:

• VACPSP Member Renewal: 2025 Memberships are now overdue. If you are yet to renew, please email admin@vacpsp.org.au for an invoice. Alternatively renew via Member Jungle (use your principal@ email address and select 'one time code' which means you do not need a password). 
  
• 2026 VACPSP 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. Save the date for 25 - 27 March 2026, Mantra Lorne.
  
• 2023/2024 VASPCP Chronicle: The first Biennial VACPSP Chronicle is now available for you. Explore now. 
• Footsteps Arts Overview 2025: VACPSP sponsor Footsteps specialises in curriculum, age-based movement programs for Foundation/Year 0 to Year 12 students. Footsteps delivers engaging and relevant dance and drama programs developed around the Australian Curriculum. Footsteps' engaging programs take the pressure off teachers, with a specialist instructor guiding students toward an end-of-term arts extravaganza for your whole school community. Get a quote to engage Footsteps now using this link.
• Education Services Australia: New professional learning modules to get schools and teachers ready for AI. 
• Lead the Way Conference 2025: Help Spread the Word, Taking place on 11–12 August at Rydges Melbourne, this national event brings together professionals from education, community services, and government to strengthen wellbeing and safety through collaboration. See more below. 
• EDUtech Conference: Join thousands of passionate educators and EdTech leaders exploring digitisation, creativity, and inclusion in education. Discover tools that will transform your classrooms and leadership. 11–12 June at ICC Sydney. Purchase tickets below. 
• OECD Webinar Invitation: The teaching profession reimagined: From classroom innovation to system-level transformation. Date: Jun 11, 2025. Register here.
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen:  1 June Ascension of the Lord. 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. 

2023/2024 VACPSP Chronicle

The first Biennial VACPSP Chronicle is now available for you, with thanks to our partners. 
Explore the official VACPSP Publication. Experience the VACPSP years in a nutshell.

Education Services Australia

ESA Who? and Why?

Education Services Australia (ESA) is a ministerial not-for-profit company committed to making a positive difference in the lives and learning of Australian students. ESA collaborates with all education systems and sectors to enhance student outcomes, improve teacher impact, and strengthen school communities.

ESA provides:

• Development, sharing and deployment of nationally owned technical data and assessment systems
• Digital teaching and learning resources, tools and services
• Information and communications technology services.

New professional learning modules to get schools and teachers ready for AI

Teachers can now access a free online professional learning module designed to support safe and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, with a second module to follow.

Developed through a collaboration between Education Services Australia (ESA) and Microsoft, the Gen AI Readiness and Implementation for Teachers modules address concerns teachers may have in relation to AI technologies, while building their confidence and knowledge to use them effectively. The modules have been developed by subject matter experts, in consultation with school systems and practitioners, before being trialed by education leaders.

The first module, AI Readiness – Preparing for Safe and Effective Use of GenAI, is suitable for all teachers and available now via the Digital Technologies Hub website. Module two, AI Implementation: Strategies for guiding students in safe and responsible use of GenAI will be available in June.

Both modules align with the principles outlined in the Australian Framework for Generative AI and completion will contribute to an educator’s required professional development activities, supported by a certificate.
Each module will take between 60–90 minutes to complete. 

Footsteps Dance 2025

As planning and budgeting for 2026 begins, we’d love for you to consider a Footsteps Dance and/or Drama program for your students.

With over 30 years of experience, Footsteps have worked with thousands of schools and inspired countless students across the country. Footsteps engaging programs take the pressure off your teachers,

Footsteps would be thrilled to support your students’ artistic journey in 2026. Click the link below for a quotation for your school. 

Lead the Way Conference 2025 Help Spread The Word

Lead the Way Conference 2025 within your network.
Taking place on 11–12 August at Rydges Melbourne, this national event brings together professionals from education, community services, and government to strengthen wellbeing and safety through collaboration.

Theme: Strengthening Wellbeing and Safety through Collaboration
Presented by MacKillop Family Services, The MacKillop Institute, and MacKillop Seasons, this unique conference unites passionate champions and leaders from schools, child and family services, and mental health to drive meaningful, cross-sector change.

Why This Conference Matters
Lead the Way is more than a conference—it’s a platform for shared learning, practical strategies, and real change. Through keynote presentations, real-world case studies, and interactive workshops, attendees will gain evidence-informed tools to foster stronger cultures of safety, support, and connection.

Who Should Attend
•    School principals, leaders, wellbeing coordinators, and educators
•    CEOs and managers in community services and mental health
•    Child protection professionals and policymakers
•    Government and sector leaders focused on safety and inclusion
•    Researchers and academics exploring evidence-based practice

Key Benefits
•    Insights from leaders across education, community, social, and mental health
•    Practical tools to enhance staff and student wellbeing
•    Real-world examples of transformation
•    Meaningful cross-sector networking
•    Discounted group rates to support team learning

About MacKillop Family Services
MacKillop Family Services is a national organisation committed to supporting vulnerable children, families, and communities. With decades of frontline experience, we provide integrated support through education, family services, out-of-home care, disability programs, and therapeutic programs.

This event is proudly delivered by:
•    The MacKillop Institute – Training and development that supports organisations to respond to stress and adversity, and create safe, supportive environments.
•    MacKillop Seasons – Grief and loss programs for children, families, schools, and communities

EDUtech Australia 2025 Conference

EDUrech is thrilled to be exhibiting at EDUtech AU 2025 on 11–12 June at ICC Sydney!
Join thousands of passionate educators and EdTech leaders exploring digitisation, creativity, and inclusion in education. Discover tools that will transform your classrooms and leadership.
Register now and use the code ACPPA20 to get a special discount for Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association members. Link Below

OECD Webinar Invitation

The OECD?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. The OECD draws on more than 60 years of experience and insights to shape policies that foster prosperity and opportunity, underpinned by equality and well-being.

The OECD has a particular focus on Education and Skills and believes Education is the foundation for better jobs and better lives. The OECD work focuses on what truly drives high-quality education and skills: identifying where systems excel, where they struggle, and what strategies can enhance outcomes. The OECD provides robust comparative data and policy advice and facilitates cooperation to empower governments to strengthen educational performance, create effective practices, and generate solutions to improve education systems. The OECD also has practical support for leadership, teaching and curriculum.

The teaching profession reimagined: From classroom innovation to system-level transformation.
Date: Jun 11, 2025
The future of teaching will be shaped by its capacity to innovate, and that innovation often begins in the classroom. As traditional educational models struggle to meet the needs of today’s learners, a growing movement is reimagining teaching as relationship-centered, metacognitive and something that is grounded in real-world problem-solving. But what kind of support do teachers need to take risks and try new approaches? And how can we ensure experimentation leads to better outcomes for both educators and learners? 

Drawing on insights from the OECD’s New Professionalism and the Future of Teaching project, this webinar will bring together educators and researchers to explore how innovation can take root and thrive in classrooms, across schools and throughout entire education systems. Join us in discussing how some new practices, from the school level to the system level, can drive meaningful and lasting transformation and find out what it takes to create the conditions where such change can thrive. 

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