Member Update 28 August 2025 | Term 3, Week 6
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
I was fortunate to recently be invited to the Headspace (national youth mental health foundation) event, "Dinner with Dr Dan Siegel". The purpose of the event was to bring together the education and health sector for the betterment of understanding and providing for our young people's mental health. The event was supported by Be You, Beyond Blue and the Australian Government. Whilst the guests in attendance came from various sectors and industries, they all shared a passion for children, schools, and communities.
Kirsten Douglas (Head of Schools & Communities Division, Headspace) was our gracious host and following the event shared a reflection on Dr Dan's presentation particularly noting the concepts of mindsight, belonging, modern education's 3 R's, collaboration, risk-taking, and restoring hope. I am pleased to be able to share these philosophical provocations with you now:
Exploring the Foundations of Mind and Self Dan introduced the concept of Mindsight—the innate human capacity to perceive and understand the mind of oneself and others. This invites a profound question: What role should educators, schools, and parents play in nurturing this capacity within children and young people?
Creating Spaces for Contribution and Recognition Schools must intentionally design environments where children and adolescents can contribute meaningfully to their communities. These opportunities allow young people to demonstrate their strengths, showcase their skills, and feel valued within the group.
Belonging and Group Dynamics A true sense of belonging enables individuals to express their authentic selves, engage meaningfully, and form genuine connections. However, the dynamics of in-groups and out-groups can significantly influence behaviour, often shaping how individuals relate to one another.
Reframing the 3 R’s for Contemporary Learning Modern education must elevate the importance of Reflection, Relationships, and Resilience—a reimagining of the traditional 3 R’s. This shift underscores the critical need to prioritise social and emotional learning in today’s schools.
From ME to WE: Cultivating Collaboration Over Competition The ME-WE paradigm encourages educational spaces that foster collaboration rather than competition. Students should be guided to unite in solving shared challenges, rather than competing against one another.
Risk-Taking as a Developmental Imperative Adolescents require safe and structured opportunities to take and seek risks. Risk-taking is not only natural but essential to their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Integrating Trauma, Grief, and Loss into Identity While experiences of trauma, grief, and loss are deeply personal, it is the process of making meaning from these experiences—and integrating them into one’s identity—that fosters healing and growth.
Recognising the Potential of Adolescence Adolescence is a period rich with creativity, courage, and possibility. Rather than viewing it through a lens of conflict and chaos, parents and educators should embrace this stage as a time of remarkable transformation and innovation.
Restoring Hope Through Connection When individuals feel hopeless or helpless, offering them a way to be helpful can be profoundly restorative. Isolation and disconnection are among the greatest threats to human wellbeing—belonging and purpose are the antidotes.
In Dr Dan's closing remarks, he shared that even a small group, when united by purpose and vision, has the power to achieve extraordinary things. The VACPSP is in a sense that very group. When we come together, we are indeed better, together and capable of anything. With that said I invite you to discuss one of the ideas above with a trusted colleague. What are your experiences with the topic? What insights can you share? What insights can you seek? What questions do you have or what information do you still need to investigate to be the most impactful, informed leader? If you would like to discuss with me, I of course welcome contact at any time. Please do not hesitate to send me an email, phone or book a time for a call.
To learn more about Dr Dan Siegel, visit the website where there are lots of resources available.
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.
- Teacher Bulletin Article: How students and staff are embracing AI in teaching and learning. Read article here.
- Victorian Government response to Rapid Child Safety: Education Minister's and State Government follow up with Child Safety in Early Education; on 2 July 2025, the Victorian Government commissioned an independent Rapid Child Safety Review in response to allegations of child sexual abuse in early childhood, education and care (ECEC) settings. Read more below.
- Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 31 August 2025 Twenty-Second 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.
Teacher Bulletin Article
How students and staff are embracing AI in teaching and learning.
We have an environment that absolutely is invested in exploring what this might look like for educators and students and young people now and into the future.’
Staff and students at Adelaide Botanic High School have been using EdChat, a generative AI tool developed by the South Australia Department for Education, since 2023. In this article, principal Sarah Chambers shares examples of how the tool is being used by students to support learning, and by staff to reduce workload.
Victorian Government response to Rapid Child Safety
On 2 July 2025, the Victorian Government commissioned an independent Rapid Child Safety Review in response to allegations of child sexual abuse in early childhood, education and care (ECEC) settings.
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.
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