Member Update 24 July 2025 | Term 3, Week 1

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

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you had a restful break, enjoyed time with loved ones and made time to refresh the mind. The second half of the year is a good time to reset and refocus on your personal and professional strategic directions. Accordingly, I encourage you to invest time in reviewing and setting goals, engaging with peers for professional conversations, looking at professional development opportunities and of course making space for prayer.

Over the break we have continued to work on the 2026 Conference preparations and this week met with GM Sponsors to discuss sponsorship arrangements. We have also continued to refine the EBA Position Paper. On the EBA, I note you should have received communication from VCEA with an update on negotiations. This proactive communication is part of VCEA's commitment to keep Principals informed of the process, a key part of our advocacy. I look forward to keeping you updated with the progression of the EBA. 

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.
  
• 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.
  
• 2025 Australian Primary Principals Day: On Friday, 1 August 2025, we invite you to use Australian Primary Principals Day as an opportunity to acknowledge your primary principal’s unique place in your school (and wider) community and to say  THANK YOU  for their dedication and valued contribution. Read more here. 
• SOS Teacher Agency: Formerly known as Staffing Organisational Services, the organisation is now trading as SOS Teacher Agency. The new name and branding reflect a clear focus on education staffing, while maintaining the same trusted service to schools and educators. An updated website has also been launched to support the refreshed identity. Visit there website here.
• Harvard School Leadership Program: The Principals' Centre in Australia | 12–16 January 2026 | Round One Scholarship Deadline: 30 June 2025. Learn more and apply here. 
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 27 July 2025 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. 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. 

ACPPA Principal Leadership Fund

The Principal Leadership Fund has been established to provide financial support and assistance to principals, building their capacity, skills and comfort in their role. To be considered for the Principal Leadership Fund, an applicant must be a Principal at a Catholic Primary School in Australia, with less than 10 years experience as a Catholic Primary school Principal. 

NOMINATIONS OPEN JUNE 2nd 2025 AND CLOSE AUGUST 6th 2025

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.

2025 Australian Primary Principals Day

On Friday, 1 August 2025, we invite you to use Australian Primary Principals Day as an opportunity to acknowledge your primary principal’s unique place in your school (and wider) community and to say  THANK YOU  for their dedication and valued contribution. 

SOS Teacher Agency

Formerly known as Staffing Organisational Services, the organisation is now trading as SOS Teacher Agency. The new name and branding reflect a clear focus on education staffing, while maintaining the same trusted service to schools and educators. An updated website has also been launched to support the refreshed identity.

Harvard School Leadership Program

The Principals' Centre in Australia | 12–16 January 2026 

The Principals' Centre in Australia (TPCA), a joint collaboration between the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Club of Australia, is designed to provide school leaders in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia with the knowledge, leadership strategies, and tools to become effective leaders of instructional change and accelerate learning for all students.

Hosted in Sydney and designed for region-specific learning needs, TPCA brings together school leaders and Harvard faculty over five days (12–16 January 2026). Working with colleagues from across the region, participants will explore research-based techniques and best practices as they develop leadership plans tailored to their schools at home.

ACEL National Conference Program Now Available

We’re excited to announce that the full program for the 2025 ACEL National Conference is now available.

Join ACEL in Sydney from 29 September – 1 October for this flagship event, presented in partnership with the NSW Department of Education. This year’s theme, Amplifying every voice, shaping our story, empowering all learners, will guide three days of bold, future-focused dialogue and professional learning.

Explore this newly released program to discover an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities that bring together educators and leaders from across the country.

View the program and start planning your conference experience today.

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