Member Update 12 June 2025 | Term 2, Week 8

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 week, I was privileged to be invited to the PAVCSS (Principals' Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools) Conference, hosted in the beautiful township of Creswick. The Conference was a valuable experience not only in my continual professional learning and faith development but also in our strategic advocacy for principalship in Victoria. Together with Josephine (VACPSP Business Development, Strategy and Events), we have been focused on building positive relationships and connections with all stakeholders to ensure maximum impact of our Victorian Catholic primary principal voice. Building connections with the Secondary community and the PAVCSS executive has been part of that goal.

Whilst in Creswick, I was also fortunate to visit St Augustine's and spend time with Jess Reynolds (Deputy Principal & Learning Leader). Jess took me on a tour of the under-construction new school building works, and we had the opportunity to visit the mathematics and literacy classrooms. Jess outlined how Principal Michael Heenan is leading a focus on explicit instruction, underpinned by principles of growth and success, relationships, and learning design. The visit highlighted the diversity and vital work Catholic primary schools do in supporting the many small regional Victorian communities.

This week has been equally crucial in VACPSP advocacy with a meeting with Elizabeth Labone, Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA). The top item on the comprehensive agenda was a briefing update on the status and process of the upcoming Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. I have also attended the launch of the MACS Annual Report for 2024 and the Vision for Engagement yesterday. I am proud of the positive, supportive and shared focus we have fostered with all stakeholders in Victoria for the betterment of the principal class and ultimately for Catholic education.

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.
• APPA Media Release: The Economic and Moral Imperative of Investing in Primary and Earlier. Read more about the media release here.
• Dunlop Sisters Awards 2025: The Dunlop Sisters Professional Development Award to honour the remarkable contributions of women in education. Named after the Four Dunlop Sisters - the mother and aunts of Enquiry Tracker founders Antony and Gregory Campitelli - the award pays tribute to their lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and service in schools across Australia. Congratulations to the winners. 
• The Mackillop Institute: Introducing Power to Kids eLearning Suite, whether you're a teacher, social worker, or community professional, this program will equip you to act with confidence and sensitivity. Claim your free eLearn today and access early bird pricing for the full suite of eLearns using this link. 
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 15 June 2025 The Most Holy Trinity. 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. 

APPA Media Release

The Economic and Moral Imperative of Investing in Primary and Earlier
Australian Primary Principals Association 
Primary Education Summit - May 2025 

Read more regarding the media release below

Dunlop Sisters Award Winner

In 2024, we introduced the Dunlop Sisters Professional Development Award to honour the remarkable contributions of women in education. Named after the Four Dunlop Sisters - the mother and aunts of Enquiry Tracker founders Antony and Gregory Campitelli - the award pays tribute to their lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and service in schools across Australia.

Cathy Duynhoven 
St Joseph's Primary School, Warrnambool VIC
Cathy’s visionary leadership has transformed enrolment and communication at her school and beyond. Her passion for innovation, support for peers, and lasting community impact make her a standout leader

Jessica Cowley 
Mancel College, QLD 
Achieving 58% enrolment growth in a specialist setting, Jessica has driven inclusive engagement and raised the profile of her school through her expert use of Enquiry Tracker. 

Kylie McWilliams 
Ryan Catholic College, QLD
Kylie’s strategic approach and deep care for families have strengthened enrolments and school culture, making her a trusted leader across her diocese.

The Mackillop Institute

Do you feel confident to recognise the signs of child sexual abuse?
Do you feel confident having conversations with children about their sexual safety?

As a professional working with children, you have a role in preventing child sexual abuse.
The Power to Kids e-Learning suite is a flexible, online professional development series designed to build the knowledge and confidence of professionals working with children and young people on key sexual safety topics. Through increased awareness and confidence, professionals can better engage children in preventative conversations and strengthen their responses to child sexual abuse. Whether you're a teacher, social worker, or community professional, this program will equip you to act with confidence and sensitivity.

Claim your free eLearn today and access early bird pricing for the full suite of eLearns: just $159 (normally $199). Offer ends 11th July 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