Member Update 9 May 2024 | Term 2, 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

*Please don't forget to pay your membership invoice. See details below.*

Yesterday I read a wonderful reflection from Superfriend's CEO in their monthly newsletter. The newsletter spoke of a recent adult soccer game where he witnessed genuine, human kindness shown by one opponent to another. In summary, in the face of what seemed like a serious injury, the opposition goal keeper (who happened to be a doctor) left their post and without hesitation ran down the field to help. The article reminded us of the impact of small acts of kindness and the impact we can have on each other's lives for the good. In light of so much darkness in the recent media (which is not surprising as we humans do have a negativity bias attracting us to this 'click bait'), I thought it would be appropriate to start a "Good News from Around the Grounds" in our Catholic communities. Every week I will publish stories of kindness and hope as shared by you of moments big or small that were for the good that took place in your school community. Please email josephine@vacpsp at any time with your stories and come together to share joy and hope and the Catholic mission in action. 

Craig Foster AM

The above story fits in perfectly with this weeks reflection on conference speaker Craig Foster, known for his stellar soccer career. Craig, however, is so much more than a soccer star. He is a brilliant sportsman in every sense of the word, both on and off the field. In his presentation Craig spoke about the responsibility we have to each other as fellow human beings and shared how he embodies this commitment in his life's work. Craig is not afraid to use his profile to bring his voice to extreme places, including having difficult but important conversations with authority, government, and institutions, and connecting with complex individuals. Craig does "hard things", he puts in the work and challenges the status quo. In one story, he spoke about the definition of "people smuggler". He captured my imagination when he offered an alternative view of "smuggling" with a story of helping to evacuate around one hundred predominantly female Afghans from Kabul (including the Afghan National Women's Football Team, Taekwondo athletes, several Paralympians and a group of fifteen girls who hid from the Taliban). Is this 'people smuggling'? Or is this breaking of rules important for justice? Do we accept suppressive rules at the cost of human decency and freedom? Or must freedom and dignity always prevail? His work helped innocent and vulnerable people escape a totalitarian regime to support their freedom and put the laws of humanity above all else.

Craig spoke to the beauty of humanity and promoted everyone's right to respect, equality, dignity and freedom. Importantly he said:

"As Australians, we can be better and must do better."

This quote resonated with me because I know the impact schools have in developing young Australians. As primary educators and school leaders you have a golden opportunity to engage young people in compassion, hope, justice, tolerance and respect. You have an opportunity to model the values of Jesus' teaching, have the hard conversations to do what is right and just and use our positions of authority to be the voice for those with no voice. 

Craig reminded me to live my mission, make an impact for change and critically examine how I can use my voice and position of influence to support what is right and just to make a better world. 

What do you think? What did Craig's presentation mean to you?

With this newsletter, I would also like to draw your attention to VCEA's recent media release regarding the State Budget and the cost of living support for families. I note especially the inequality of funding between State and Catholic primary schools. I encourage you to use your voice when liaising with your local labour government members to call for all Victorian primary schools to be treated fairly and consistently.

Regards Michael Gray

President

Also in this newsletter:

• Member Jungle - Invoices for 2024 year avaliable through the portal: Log in through the VACPSP website or click here to renew your membership. You may also pass this onto non members so they may easily sign up! Payment may be made by credit card or direct debit. Fees are due now so please make sure you action this right away.
• Good News from Around the Grounds: In a world that can sometimes feel directly by negative media, we'd like to start a running segment in this newsletter sharing stories of good news, hope and kindness. If you have had something happen in your community, no matter how small, please share it with us at anytime at josephine@vacpsp.org.au and we will anonymously share it in our newsletter for everyone to enjoy. 
  

• VACPSP Strategic Plan Update: The VACPSP Strategic Plan is valid until 2025. Check out the update infographic guiding 2024.

• VACPSP President's Ball 2025: Nominations Open. Nominate your collegaue now! 

• Catholic School Parents Media Release 26 March 2024: "Catholic school parents seek choice – not discrimination."

• VCEA Press Release: Recent State Budget feedback.

• ECSI Catholic Dialogue School Newsletter 1 May 2024: We are so proud to see Deputy President Leon Colla's feature 
  

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.

VACPSP Strategic Plan Update

VACPSP President's Ball 2025: Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Principal Awards for Excellence! After the success of the 2023 event, the 2025 event will again be held at the Melbourne Town Hall for a formal black-tie dinner and celebration.

Bring family, friends and staff along to Celebrate The Principal.

Save the date for this stellar, sell-out event on Friday 21 March 2025.

Catholic School Parents Media Release 26 March 2024: Catholic school parents seek choice – not discrimination

VCEA Press Release: Recent State Budget feedback

ECSI Catholic Dialogue School Newsletter 1 May 2024: Deputy President Leon Colla's feature for Prayer and Spirituality initiative

We were so proud to see Deputy President Leon Colla's school, St Mary of the Cross Point Cook, featured in the recent ECSI newsletter for a wonderful Prayer and Spirituality initiative. Have a look at the beautiful Prayer Wall below.

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