Member Update 30 May 2024 | Term 2, Week 7

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

This week started in Brisbane with the national meetings of ACPPA and APPA, and ended in Healesville for the PAVCSS', (secondary principal association) Conference! What an interesting week meeting with diverse groups of influential education leaders across Australia.

At the national level, we met with Dr Sally Towns (Executive Director of Brisbane Archdiocese) and discuss principal wellbeing, reduction of principal workload and two specific projects to reinvigorate curriculum and student outcomes. Sally also acknowledged the importance of principal associations and the need to work together in strategic partnerships for success.

Saroo Brierley

At the PAVCSS Conference, we were fortunate to hear from Sister Barbara Reid from Catholic Theological Union. I sat in on her final session where she explored the Gospel's symbolism of birth and rebirth, and the imagery of Jesus as our unconditional caretaker, just as a mother is to her child. This takes me into this week's reflection of Saroo Brierley's story and the strength of the human connection. In Saroo's presentation, he showed us that despite the obstacles and the near impossible task of finding his lost family, after being separated at 5 years old and relocated to the other side of the world, love is always stronger. From this story I heard a person who listened to their inner voice and their instincts and trusted in their intuition. His story embodied faith and hope and the power of love. A visual that will stay with me was the video footage of a hug shared between Saroo and his mother on the doorstep of him home. He searched for 20 years, fuelled by love and hope. 

Regards Michael Gray

President

Also in this newsletter:

• National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June: Now More Than Ever.
  

• Theologies of Priesthood Panel - You’re invited, Tuesday 4 June 2024: ACU Cocktail night and panel discussion.
  

• VACPSP President's Ball 2025: Nominations Open for the 2025 event at the Melbourne Town Hall. Nominate your colleague now!

• ACPPA Board Meeting Report: 27 and 28 May 2024.

• CatholicCare Victoria: Services Brochure. CatholicCare Victoria offers a range of supports for Primary and Secondary Schools across Victoria.
  

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.

National Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June: Now More Than Ever

Reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel.

The National Reconciliation Week is not just a national event but a shared journey of understanding and unity. It all started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation back in 1993, which was the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples — and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. This resonates with us as reconciliation is a concept that unites us all, regardless of our faith traditions and is especially relevant for young children, reading about respect, fairness, forgiveness and hope.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

Theologies of Priesthood Panel - You’re invited: ACU Cocktail night and panel discussion.

Reimagining Priesthood in the Church of the 21^st Century

Tuesday 4 June 2024

5pm: Cocktails and Finger Food

5:30-7:00pm: Panel Discussion

Australian Catholic University, Greg Craven Centre, Level 7, St Teresa of Kolkata Building, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy.

The priesthood is a central element of Roman Catholic faith, in which the one Priesthood of Christ grounds the priesthood of all believers through baptism and the ministerial priesthood of the order of the presbyterate. These are essential elements of the Church’s self-understanding, and yet there has been no major theological study of the Catholic priesthood since the Second Vatican Council. This absence enables weak, polarising, and ideological understandings of priesthood and Church to flourish.

This evening will present and open a dialogue on the ongoing work of a five-year research program that addresses the core questions, challenges, and theological gaps in Catholic theological understandings of priesthood. The intent is a multidimensional study of priesthood that anticipates an authentic transformation of ecclesial culture with lasting effect on the formation of priests, and the shape of Catholic communities and forms of leadership into the future.

Panellists:

• Bishop Shane Mackinlay
• Dr Rosemary Canavan
• Fr Rene Ramirez
• Dr Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer
• Rev Dr David Pascoe

Facilitator: A/Prof. Maeve Louise Heaney

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.

ACPPA Board Meeting Report: 27 and 28 May 2024

CatholicCare Victoria: Services Brochure

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