A message from ACU - Important survey for our profession

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.

A message from ACU - Important survey for our profession

Dear Colleagues,

Tasmanian Principal’s Association have partnered with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) to undertake a key piece of national research in an area that will impact many of us across our careers – ‘Understanding the psycho-social impact on principals leading school communities through critical incidents’.

We are seeking your support in helping educational systems and stakeholders build an understanding of contemporary school leaders experiences of critical incidents in completing this simple survey during June - Click Here  

ACU are the perfect research partner with their extensive longitudinal research into Australian Principal Occupational Health & Wellbeing, which has been running since 2011.

The research will seek to understand the types of critical incidents that can occur in schools and examine the internal and external factors, such as personal resilience and employer provided supports to buffer the effects of critical incidents. Understanding the nature and potential impact of these incidents and protective resources is essential, as they are linked to student safety, community trust, emotional and psychological well-being, educational continuity, risk management, and resource allocation etc.

This research is significant in filling a significant knowledge gap surrounding what is known about critical incidents in educational environments and contexts; this was acknowledged by our successful funding submission to Principals Australia Research Fund (PARF). By addressing the impact of critical incidents on school leaders in our context and qualifying the potential protective factors that exist, this study offers an opportunity to gain insights that can be applied not only within Australia, but potentially serve as a valuable resource for educators and policymakers worldwide.

We understand that the impact of critical incidents may be distressing well beyond the initial event, as can the revisiting of sensitive content.

Please remember that access to our department’s EAP Services from Newport and Wildman is available 24/7 on 1800 650 204.

All responses will remain anonymous, and the survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

The study has ethics approval from ACU HREC (2024- 3502E)

A reminder that VACPSP President Michael Gray will be on leave for the next few weeks and will return on 22 July 2024. Should you require assistance over this time, please contact josephine@vacpsp.org.au.

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.

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