Member Update 26 June 2025 | Term 2, Week 10

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

The VACPSP steadfastly champions what truly matters; your united voice as a leader. In representing this voice not only must we be informed through the VACPSP Executive and Principal Council, but also have opportunity to engage directly with you. This is exactly what we have done in preparation for the VACPSP Position Paper on considerations for the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement from the Victorian, Catholic Primary Principal perspective. This process first involved detailed workshops with the Principal Council, followed by consultations with each zone. The zone consultations enabled us to hear directly from you, understand your lived experience and identify patterns in your experiences. In review of the feedback a well-rounded Victorian, Catholic Primary Principal Voice was formed. 

This step, however, is merely the first part of the process as not only is it important to articulate your experience to highlight areas of action, but to understand what this means in a practical context. For the EBA Position Paper this has meant engaging with other industry leading bodies including; PAVCSS (Catholic secondary voice), Australian Principals Federation (government school primary principal voice), and all of the education office Directors to gather important contextual and legal considerations. With a focus on solutions, the VACPSP wants to not just collate the voice but translate this into achievable, informed, impactful actions and discussions with key bodies to help set us up for success.

I look forward to sharing this paper with you in due course. 

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.
  
• ACER Resources end-of-financial-year sale: Take advantage of ACER Resources' End-of-Financial-Year Sale and secure exceptional educational resources at exclusive prices. Visit there website here. 
• Woods Furniture: Looking to refresh your school’s staffroom? Durable, vibrant, and designed with real educator needs in mind this vibrant nook is more than furniture - it’s a small investment in wellbeing.
• VCAA F–10 Join Language Reference Panel: Teachers and other interested parties are invited to apply to be part of a language curriculum reference panel to revise Chinese (Background Language Learner and First Language Learner pathways). Click the link for more information. 
• McCrindle Research: This research organisation focus of data to give clarity to the complex world of today and tomorrow.  Read more below. 
• The 12th Annual STEM Education Conference: The esteemed STEM Education Conference is set to take place on 29th-30th July, 2025, in Sydney. Buy tickets here.
• Support Families in Navigating Their Child’s First Year at School: This popular book contains expert insights to help parents nurture their child’s emotional, social and academic journey, enabling them to approach this important milestone with confidence.  Purchase the book here. 
• Footsteps: How Footsteps Supports MACS Vision for Engagement. Read more here.
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen:  29 June The Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul. 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. 

ACER Resources end-of-financial-year sale

Take advantage of ACER Resources' End-of-Financial-Year Sale and secure exceptional educational resources at exclusive prices. This limited-time offer provides an opportunity to invest in high-quality materials and tools that support learning and development across various sectors. Don’t miss out on these significant savings. 

Woods Furniture

Looking to refresh your school’s staffroom? This flexible, Australian-made set-up is a game-changer.
Durable, vibrant, and designed with real educator needs in mind this vibrant nook is more than furniture - it’s a small investment in wellbeing.
Australian-made | Custom upholstery | Ready for staffrooms, libraries & breakout zones

VCAA F–10: Join Language Reference Panel

Teachers and other interested parties are invited to apply to be part of a language curriculum reference panel to revise Chinese (Background Language Learner and First Language Learner pathways).

As a panel member, you will help ensure that the Victorian Curriculum F–10 continues to be a high-quality, relevant curriculum that meets the needs of students and teachers across the state

McCrindle Research

This research organisation focus of data to give clarity to the complex world of today and tomorrow. The focus of this below article is: Reimagining Education Towards 2035.

The 12th Annual STEM Education Conference

In its 12th consecutive year, the esteemed STEM Education Conference is set to take place on 29th-30th July, 2025, in Sydney. As the leading education platform in Australia, we invite you to join our passionate speakers in sharing insights that will shape the future of STEM education.

Support Families in Navigating Their Child’s First Year at School

Support families with ECA’s First Year at School—a comprehensive resource designed to ease children's transition into school life. This popular book contains expert insights to help parents nurture their child’s emotional, social and academic journey, enabling them to approach this important milestone with confidence. 

Footsteps: How Footsteps Supports MACS Vision for Engagement

As Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) introduces its new Vision for Engagement, schools are being encouraged to foster deep partnerships between students, families, and staff, grounded in faith, community, and authentic relationships.

At Footsteps, we believe our Dance and Drama programs naturally align with this vision, offering schools a powerful way to bring their communities together while building student confidence, creativity, and connection.

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