Member Update 30 October 2025 | Term 4, Week 4

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

Before I introduce our fourth keynote speaker for the 2026 Conference, I remind you that the VACPSP AGM is next Friday 7 November. The meeting is by video link so please register in advance for the meeting by clicking here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Otherwise, you can join from the link here or found in the VACPSP AGM Agenda.

If you cannot attend, please RSVP as an apology and complete the 2025 VACPSP AGM Proxy Vote Form. It is very important you complete the Proxy Vote Form and email it back to josephine@vacpsp.org.au as soon as possible. A Proxy just means you are nominating someone else to present your voting preferences in your absence. If you are not sure who to nominate, you may nominate VACPSP Secretary Julie David by clicking the box. Without the required quorum (i.e. enough votes/attendees) the AGM cannot proceed, and any resolutions passed may be invalid.

...Now back to the Conference!

Meet Dr Preeya Alexander! Dr Preeya is a practising General Practitioner based in metropolitan Melbourne. In 2015, she was awarded the Richard Clinton Gutch Medal for achieving the highest overall score in the General Practice exams in Victoria.

An accomplished author, Preeya has written several books, including the children’s book Rainbow Plate, the evidence-based parenting guide Eat Sleep Play Love (for caregivers of children aged 0–2), and the cookbook Full Plate. She also holds the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential, having completed additional training in this field.

Through her social media platforms, podcast, and blog, Preeya works to combat health misinformation and make complex medical topics accessible and engaging. She hosts the popular Happy to Health with Dr Preeya podcast, previously co-hosted two series of Good Chef Bad Chef on Channel 10, and will co-host the ABC Health Report on ABC Radio National in 2025.

Preeya has been featured as a health expert on Sunrise, hosted two Catalyst episodes on ABC, and regularly appears on The Drum, ABC NewsRadio and Nova FM. Her expertise is also featured in outlets such as Mamamia and Body+Soul.

Beyond her medical career, Preeya enjoys gardening—particularly tending to her family’s veggie patch—along with cooking and travelling (preferably somewhere warm with great food and family-friendly restaurants!). As both a doctor and mum of two, she is deeply passionate about empowering people to make informed decisions about their health through accurate, evidence-based information.

I look forward to hearing Dr Preeya’s perspectives on wellbeing, balance, and evidence-based health and how these principles can support you to know and understand your students. 

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 (less than 25 tickets remaining!) Remember to book your Gala Dinner tickets separately! Thanks to our 2026 Conference Sponsors for their support. Learn more about the Conference and list of sponsors on the official Conference webpage here.
  
• 2025 Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey: This is the final week of the 2025 Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey, which will close on 2 November 2025. Complete the survey here.
• Safe to Learn - The Neuroscience of Connection, Co-Regulation, and Wellbeing: Presented by The MacKillop Institute and supported by Compass. Safe to Learn brings together the latest approaches in neuroscience, trauma-aware practice, and whole-school wellbeing to help you strengthen the conditions for learning across your school community. Read more below. 
  
• Ochre - Resources that you can use in the classroom this Term: Ochre is delighted to highlight some resources that will support you to embed a coherent high-quality curriculum and evidence-based instruction in your classroom this term and into 2026 – including some new releases. Access there resources here. 
• World Teachers’ Day 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: 2 November 2025 All Saints Day 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 

2025 Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey

This is the final week of the 2025 Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey, which will close on 2 November 2025.

This year marks 15 years of data collection from Australian school leaders - a significant milestone that will be celebrated in our upcoming anniversary report.

To help maximise input from school leaders for this landmark year, we would greatly appreciate it if you could continue to encourage participation by asking school leaders to complete the survey in the link below.

Safe to Learn: The Neuroscience of Connection, Co-Regulation, and Wellbeing

Safe to Learn brings together the latest approaches in neuroscience, trauma-aware practice, and whole-school wellbeing to help  you strengthen the conditions for learning across your school community. You’ll hear from nationally recognised experts and leave with practical, evidence-informed strategies your staff can apply immediately to cultivate safe and inclusive environments for both students and educators.

Presented by The MacKillop Institute and supported by Compass.

Resources that you can use in the classroom this Term

Ochre is delighted to highlight some resources that will support you to embed a coherent high-quality curriculum and evidence-based instruction in your classroom this term and into 2026 – including some new releases.  

Don't forget to access the Ochre Release Roadmap - a new plan which lets you see what curriculum and lesson resources are available now and what’s coming out when over the next two years. 

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