Member Update 4 June 2025 | Term 2, Week 7

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

Recently I have been involved in some very interesting conversations around Catholic school enrolments and the reasons why families choose (or don't choose) a specific school. These discussions highlighted a consistent theme: the importance of word of mouth. Families are drawn to schools in a large part due to the strength of its community. Prospective families place great weight on the narrative of what the school is like, how staff and students engage, how families fit into the education partnership and what it feels like to be part of the school community. Whilst there are many factors that go into the enrolment process, this week I will leave you with a simple food for thought reflection question - Who is telling your school's story and what is this story saying?

Also in this newsletter:

• VACPSP Member Renewal: 2025 Memberships are now overdue. If you are yet to renew, you will soon receive an invoice in the mail. If you have any questions or concerns, or would prefer an email copy, please email admin@vacpsp.org.au.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.
• Multiage Education: Written by Australian Journal or Teaching Education, explores existent empirical studies with an interest in multiage education in small school settings, with a specific focus on curriculum and pedagogy. Click here to read. 
• ACPPA Member Survey: The 2025 ACPPA Member Survey is now live! In the attached Presentation, data from 2024 survey is included in the below link as well as data specific to VIC. ACPPA encourages Victoria members to complete the 2025 Member Survey. Click this link. 
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen:  8 June 2025 Pentecost. Read Helen's 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, an invoice has been posted to you. 

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. 

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. 

Multiage Education

Written by Australian Journal or Teaching Education.
This systematic quantitative literature review explores existent empirical studies with an interest in multiage education in small school settings, with a specific focus on curriculum and pedagogy. Database searches were methodically conducted across six data bases. The inclusion criteria specified the need for empirical research, and publication dates ranged from 1997 to 2017. The article begins by setting the scene for the systematic review, exploring historical and international practices related to multiage complexities and terminology. Curriculum and pedagogical practices are explored to identify key advantages and disadvantages associated with a multiage approach in small school contexts.  

ACPPA Member Survey 2025

The 2025 ACPPA Member Survey is now live! In the attached Presentation, data from 2024 survey is included in the below link as well as data specific to VIC. ACPPA encourages Victoria members to complete the 2025 Member Survey.

The survey is set to close on June 6th (however date could possibly change). 

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