Member Update 15 February 2024 | Term 1, 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

The week started with the Principal Council meeting for the first time in 2024. We welcomed new members, conducted a detailed induction and spoke about various agenda items including strategic direction for 2024.

This week I also attended the 'sod turning' ceremony at new school, Carlo Acutis Catholic Primary School in Wollert West. This new school is opening in 2025 and the very capable Damian Howard has been appointed as Foundation Principal. We look forward to seeing the building project unfold! 

This is likely my last email about conference tickets because they are closing tomorrow! I thank you for your support of the event which means we can host exceptional, wordclass speakers and have a truely memorable few days together. I note we are selling gala tickets (Thursday of the Conference) seperately to Conference/Accomodation so make sure you reserve your seat for the Thursday dinner! Tickets can be bought here. Please also check with your colleagues to ensure they have secured their tickets!

Also in this newsletter: 

• 2024 VACPSP Conference: TICKETS ARE CLOSING TOMORROW!!!!
• 2024 Conference: Official Booklet including Program! 
  
• Principal's Discovery Breakfast: Enquiry Tracker to host on 29 February at the Catholic Leadership Centre. RSVP here. With welcome from VACPSP President, Michael Gray.
  
  

2024 VACPSP Conference, Lorne: The countdown is on!

Think. Engage. Lead. WITH STRENGTH.

Building on the previous conference themes of Courage and Hope, we introduce the theme of Strength. The Strength of our Faith and the teachings of Jesus and our own saint, Mary McKillop, the Strength of leading differently and justly, Strength in the face of the challenges of today's society, including a focus on the Strength of our indigenous story and spirituality, and our own inner conviction. A Strength that enables us to lead as we do.

This conference journey will inspire, inform and equip you to make a long-term, sustainable and measurable impact on young people and school communities. The conference is underpinned by “the story of our faith ... treasures handed to us. Whether Catholic or not, practicing or not, we are custodians or keepers of these stories because we work in Catholic schools." (200 Years Catholic Education).

2024 Conference: Official Booklet

Principal's Discovery Breakfast: 29 February, thanks to Enquiry Tracker

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. 

Thank you to our Business Partners