Member Update 23 October 2025 | Term 4, Week 3

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

Meet our third keynote speaker, and faith leader, for the 2026 Conference, Raymond Friel! 

Raymond has over two decades of leadership experience spanning Catholic secondary education, multi academy trusts and Catholic charities. Beginning his career as an English teacher, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a headteacher for fourteen years, including executive leadership across two schools. During this time, he also served as a National Leader in Education and Ofsted inspector, leading schools to consecutive Outstanding ratings, launching a sixth form, and fostering cultures where young people could truly thrive.

In 2016, Raymond was appointed CEO of one of England’s largest Catholic multi academy trusts, where he led a renewal of vision, mission, and Gospel values that revitalised the organisation. He later took on the role of CEO at Caritas Social Action Network- the Bishops’ Conference agency focused on tackling poverty and injustice - further deepening his commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and community impact.

A published author on Catholic leadership, education, and prayer, Raymond now works as an independent consultant, supporting schools, parishes, charities, and businesses to strengthen their values-led leadership and organisational development. In recognition of his outstanding service to education, he was awarded an OBE in 2022 - an honour he dedicated to his family and colleagues.

Raymond will be travelling from the UK to join as at our Conference, and we are extremely fortunate to have him as a resource and guide for the entire Conference program. I look forward to learning from Raymond and hearing his insight in application to Catholic Principal leadership!

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. Tickets selling fast on TryBooking. Thanks to our 2026 Conference Sponsors for their support. Learn more about the Conference and list of sponsors on the official Conference webpage here.
  
• eSafety Update: Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is introducing a law that will restrict the ability of people under 16 to create or maintain social media accounts. Read more below about the law changes.
• AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 School Activity Book: The Women’s Asian Cup Tournament to support this legacy, the Local Organising Committee has developed a School Activity Book, to connect students with Asia’s most thrilling football tournament, coming to Australia in March 2026. The dynamic resource is designed to engage students in meaningful discussions on geography, history, and cultural diversity, using football as an inspirational tool. Download the resource here.
• World Teachers’ Day:  World Teachers’ Day: is on Friday 31 October – a day dedicated to recognising the incredible work you do in educating, inspiring and supporting children and young people across Australia. Please share the celebration with your colleagues, friends, families and school communities. Encourage everyone to join in and show their gratitude – because every teacher deserves a moment in the spotlight. See the link to see how to get involved!
• Thoughts and Prayers with Helen: 26 October 2025 Thirtieth 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

The 2026 Conference theme is "Nourish Your Purpose". It seeks to invigorate a faith engaged spirit of leadership, enliven principalship creativity and foster shared learning experiences that equip Principals with the knowledge and skills to confidently lead their school community.

The Conference will engage with the through lines of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Through the Conference program, delegates will reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives and their role as school leaders. Delegates will build their sense of belonging, purpose, and connection, and further explore their faith through Mass, reflections, workshops, journaling and prayer.

Date: 25 - 27 March 2026
Venue: Mantra Lorne 

eSafety Update

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is introducing a law that will restrict the ability of people under 16 to create or maintain social media accounts. The idea is not to isolate young people, but to protect them during a vulnerable period of their development. 

The eSafety Commission outlines the key reasons for this Australia-wide change:

Why now?

Mental health & wellbeing risks: Keeping accounts tends to expose younger users to features that can increase anxiety, sleep disruption, cyberbullying, and harmful or manipulative content. Limiting access is viewed as a means to mitigate these risks.

Digital maturity & resilience: Giving young people more time to develop key skills — digital literacy, critical thinking, self-control — before they engage more fully with social media.

Platform accountability: Shifting responsibility from individual parents/carers toward the platforms themselves to take more decisive action in how they allow young people to engage online.

Key features of the Changes

Platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from opening or maintaining accounts. Under-16s will still be able to view some public content without an account — it isn't blocking access altogether. The law takes effect on 10 December 2025.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 School Activity Book

AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™  School Activity Book!
 
The Women’s Asian Cup Tournament will be held in March 2026 across the host cities of Perth, the Gold Coast and Sydney, and promises to be a landmark moment for women’s sport in Australia. The tournament will showcase the top 12 national teams from within the Asian Football Confederation, including powerhouses such as Japan and China. As host nation, Australia has a unique opportunity to inspire young people, promote gender equality and strengthen participation in football through schools and communities nationwide.
 
To support this legacy, the Local Organising Committee has developed a School Activity Book, to connect students with Asia’s most thrilling football tournament, coming to Australia in March 2026. The dynamic resource is designed to engage students in meaningful discussions on geography, history, and cultural diversity, using football as an inspirational tool. Ideal for classroom use, home learning, or independent study, this resource seamlessly integrates football-themed education into a variety of teaching contexts. Featuring illustrations of players and indigenous artwork, these pages offer students an opportunity to bring the tournament to life.
 
Despite the Handbook not officially launching until later this month, AFC wanted to take this opportunity to share that this free e-resource is available to download from the AFC WAC2026™ Kids Hub portal below. 

Celebrate World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is on Friday 31 October – a day dedicated to recognising the incredible work you do in educating, inspiring and supporting children and young people across Australia

Did you know that teachers are consistently among the most trusted professionals worldwide, according to surveys such as the annual Edelman Trust Barometer.

We also know high-quality teaching is the single most significant in-school factor influencing learner outcomes. Together, this trust and impact are powerful – and worth celebrating. Behind every moment of learning is a teacher’s expertise, care and commitment to helping children and young people thrive. And I know that every day you do this, navigating challenges and juggling the many demands of your learning environment, is no small feat.

Whether you’re just starting out, well into your teaching career, or leading learning in early childhood settings or schools, your work changes lives.

Celebrate with your community
Our celebration kit is packed with everything you need to make the day special – printable hat props, social media tiles, thank you cards and fun activities for all learners.

Spread the word
Please share the celebration with your colleagues, friends, families and school communities. Encourage everyone to join in and show their gratitude – because every teacher deserves a moment in the spotlight.

See yourself celebrated
Visit the media wall to watch the celebrations roll in from across Australia. We want every teacher, in every setting, to see the smiling faces saying “hats off” to you.

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