Member Update 18 September 2025 | Term 3, Week 9

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

Our 2026 Conference, Nourish Your Purpose, brings together a distinguished group of faith leaders and inspirational speakers who are shaping the Catholic community across education and ministry locally and internationally. These leaders bring decades of experience, vision, and impact, offering insights that will inspire, challenge, and engage attendees. From seasoned clergy to innovative educators and creative voices, each leader embodies a commitment to faith, service, and leadership. I am pleased to share a bit more about our faith leader line up for the 2026 event:

Our Mass will be led by the esteemed Fr Mark Reynolds who has been a priest for over 40 years, serving in key leadership roles across the Archdiocese. Fr Reynolds has spent 10 years with the Catholic Education Office and seven years on the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV), shaping educational and pastoral initiatives across Victoria. Fr Reynolds is the current Episcopal Vicar for Catholic schools, Melbourne Archdiocese. We are grateful to Fr Mark who will join us at Our Lady of Fatima, Lorne for an inspirational and nourishing Mass. 

A key faith figure throughout the Conference will be Raymond Friel. Not only will Raymond be presenting a workshop keynote on our first day but be he will also be part of the program's ongoing reflection and prayer components. Raymond lives in the United Kingdom and is in Australia especially for our event. Raymond is a seasoned Catholic leader with over 20 years of experience in education and the charity sector, making a lasting impact through visionary leadership and community engagement. Raymond has written two books offering important insight for leaders and provides invaluable strategies for translating faith to "Monday". Raymond is a wealth of knowledge, and I look forward to him connecting with many of you.

We are also extremely grateful to once again have the support, guidance and presence of Dr Helen Healy (PhD, M.Ed, Grad. Dip. RE, B.Ed, Dip. T). Helen has served as faith leader for the past few Conferences and whilst is now retired, spent 45 years in school leadership, leaving a legacy of excellence, innovation, and mentoring the next generation of educators. Helen writes weekly prayers and reflections for the VACPSP that we share in this newsletter (see link below), Thoughts and Prayers by Helen. that are an invaluable faith to use with your staff and school community.

Musician Gen Bryant will also be joining us at the 2026 event providing inspiring faith filled music. 

Early bird tickets for the 2026 Conference are closing 1 October 2025, so you still have time to secure your discounted ticket! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from inspiring faith leaders, connect with the community, and be part of an unforgettable experience.

Also in this newsletter:

• Looking for a Trusted Supplier? Visit the VACPSP Directory at any time.
• 2026 VACPSP Conference: 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.
  25 - 27 March 2026, Mantra Lorne. Early Bird offer for members only open until 1 October 2025. Buy tickets now on TryBooking. 
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 21 September 2025 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 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.

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

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