Member Update 21 August 2025 | Term 3, Week 5

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

Term Three is now well and truly underway. This time of the year can be when things get tough. With many Principals attending the National Education Conference in Cairns, now a great opportunity to reflect and ensure you are connected to your 'why' of our role. Both in Principalship, and in my role as President, when times are tough I find it compelling to remember; “I am not alone, and my leadership matters more than ever.”

In your most challenging moments, I invite you to draw strength from these reminders:

1. You are a steward of hope.
Your leadership plants seeds of possibility. Even when the soil feels dry, your presence brings growth — to yourself, students, staff, and the community.
2. It’s a vocation, not just a job.
Principalship in Catholic education is sacred work. You lead not just for results, but for meaning, purpose, and the flourishing of the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
3. You don’t need to have all the answers.
Great leaders ask, listen, adapt, and trust in their team. Your humility and courage are as valuable as your strategic thinking.
4. Every challenge is shaping your legacy.
These tough times are forging resilience, wisdom, and compassion in you. That’s what makes you a truly transformational leader.
5. You are seen, valued, and appreciated.
Even if it doesn’t always feel like it — your work ripples beyond what you can see. A kind word to a staff member, a steady presence for a student, a decision made with integrity — they all matter.

“We are not called to be successful, but to be faithful.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta

Also in this newsletter:

• Looking for a Trusted Supplier? Visit the VACPSP Directory at any time.
• 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 Inaugural MACS Flourishing Learners Conference: Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is hosting the inaugural Flourishing Learners Conference. The two-day event will enable teachers and leaders across schools in the Archdiocese to deliver equity and excellence in education. The conference will take place 8-9 September 2025 at Marvel Stadium. Buy tickets here.
• Early Childhood Australia Book: See below to hear from Rod Soper, co-author of First Year at School, as he discusses the book’s essential insights for helping parents and educators ease children into their school journey.
  
• The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT): Read below about updates from VIT, an independent, self-funding authority, the VIT regulates the teaching profession in the public interest.
• Informa Conference: 4 weeks to go until Artificial Intelligence in Education Conference Melbourne: AI in Education Conference being held on the 16 September 2025 at the Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne. Register here.
• Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia: offers a range of Spiritual Exersocis in all their forms; guided retreats, spiritual conversations, discernmnet, spiritual direction, supervision, formation for leadership and mission. See there website here.
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 24 August 2025 Twenty-First 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.

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. 

The Inaugural MACS Flourishing Learners Conference

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is hosting the inaugural Flourishing Learners Conference. The two-day event will enable teachers and leaders across schools in the Archdiocese to deliver equity and excellence in education.

The Flourishing Learners Conference is not only an unparalleled opportunity for professional networking and access to subject-matter experts, but an environment designed to elicit dialogue around the best way to support teachers so they can best support students.

The conference will take place 8-9 September 2025 at Marvel Stadium

Early Childhood Australia Book

First Year at School is an essential guidebook that breaks down the challenges and expectations of starting school. 
Hear from Rod Soper, co-author of First Year at School, as he discusses the book’s essential insights for helping parents and educators ease children into their school journey. This comprehensive guide has become a invaluable tool for families and educational professionals to prepare children for the transition to school. 

Victorian Institute of Teaching | WHAT?

The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is an independent statutory authority for the teaching profession, whose primary function is to regulate members of the teaching profession to ensure quality teaching and provide for the safety and well-being of children.     

HOW?

The VIT was established by the Victorian Institute of Teaching Act (2001) in December 2002 and undertakes its functions in accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act (2006). Read more about VIT’s legislative requirements.

As an independent, self-funding authority, the VIT regulates the teaching profession in the public interest. Although the VIT reports to the Minister for Education, it is not a Victorian Government department or part of the Department of Education (DE).

NEW INITIATIVE SUPPORTING TEACHERS & LEADERS

Say goodbye to physical cards and hello to convenience. VIT registration is going digital – making it easier than ever for Victorian teachers and early childhood teachers to prove their registration status, right from their smartphone.

Informa | 4 weeks to go until Artificial Intelligence in Education Conference Melbourne!

The upcoming AI in Education Conference being held on the 16 September 2025 at the Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne.

Through expert presentations, panel discussions, and practical case studies, discover how AI is enabling smarter classrooms, personalized learning, and future-ready students.

We have an excellent line up of speakers including:
Nick Gissing, Head of AI and Innovation, Wodonga Senior Secondary College
Dr Amber Mcleod, Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Monash University
Rachelle Maynard, Head of Pedagogy Science and Technology, Ivanhoe Grammar School, Vic
Matthew Trotter, Manager, Digital Policy and Practice at Department of Education & Training, Victoria

To view the full agenda, please click on the link below:

AGENDA now online

Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia

Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia offers a range of Spiritual Exersocis in all their forms; guided retreats, spiritual conversations, discernmnet, spiritual direction, supervision, formation for leadership and mission. Programs are in person, online and a variety of venues.  Follow the link to subscribe to their newsller or investigate options to support you in your faith formation and leadership.

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. 

The VACPSP is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people.

Thank you to our Business Partners