Member Update 22 August 2024 | Term 3, Week 6

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

“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on its own wings.” Anon.

I know that with Springtime comes decision making for next year. You will have lots to contemplate and decide upon and no doubt many voices battling for your attention. Whilst it is important to consider the view of those around you, especially when it comes to staffing, as a leader you must trust your intuition to build a school focused on the big picture vision for the school and informed by your values, objectives and principles. 

Remember successful leadership in a school setting means surrounding oneself with quality, creative and divergent thinkers. People who are respected by their peers and motivated to help the lives of young people are the voices we need to listen too. A trap in leadership can be having the loudest voice given a “seat at the table”. While technical skills and intellectual thought are critical to leadership performance, research also tells us that a diversity of reflective views around the leader positively impacts culture, environments and learning. Capable leaders have confidence in their ability and confident leaders seek other's views to support improvement and development. 

This week I will keep it short; as we see the birds return back to the trees, be reminded to trust your wings.

Also in this newsletter:

• Presidents Ball 2025: Save the date!
  

• Media Release: Australian Catholic Primary Principals’ Association: ACPPA announces National President 2025 – 2027 Phil Schultz (SA). 
• School Partnership Opportunities: Only 3 weeks left to apply for partnership opportunities! Due 9 September 2024.
• NAB Free Online Session: The Big Scam Education Conversation. Hosted by NAB on Thursday 29^th August 2024 (11:00am or 4:00pm AEST).
  ABOUT THE SESSION: Aiming to have a big conversation about scams with our customers and the community to help protect you, your family and Australian businesses from scams. Sign up here.
• WISA Conference and Webinar: School Wellbeing Leaders and Parents.
  ABOUT THE WEBINAR AND CONFERENCE: It's not okay... bullying, vaping, challenges to young people's wellbeing, increased anxiety, online safety challenges, rights violations, lack of student voice... so together let's make positive change in our schools. Buy tickets 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.

VACPSP President's Ball 2025: Save the Date

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.

Media Release: Australian Catholic Primary Principals’ Association

ACPPA announces National President 2025 – 2027 Phil Schultz (SA)

Phil Schultz was elected President by the ACPPA Board in August 2024, and will take over from current President, Peter Cutrona from 2025. Peter has been President for the last three years and will complete his tenure with the ACPPA Board at the end of 2024. There will be future opportunities to thank Peter and acknowledge his work as ACPPA President and Board Director.

Congratulations and wish Phil the best in his new appointed role. 

School Partnership Opportunities: Only 3 weeks left to apply!

Eligible schools have until September 9, 2024, to apply for Schools Plus Partnership Opportunities and embark on a transformational journey. 

Schools Plus firmly believes every child has the right to the same opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential. Our Partnership Opportunities provide funding, coaching, and program management support to help schools make a significant impact on their students' lives. 

See link below for more information: 

NAB Free Online Session: The Big Scam Education Conversation

The Big Scam Education Conversation, hosted by NAB on Thursday 29^th August 2024 (11:00am or 4:00pm AEST).
We're aiming to have a big conversation about scams with our customers and the community to help protect you, your family and Australian businesses from scams.
During Scams Awareness Week, join our security experts for a 45 minute webinar where we'll cover scam types, red flags to look out for and answer common questions.

Register Here for the online sessions and join the conversation.

WISA Conference and Webinar: School Wellbeing Leaders and Parents

It's not okay... bullying, vaping, challenges to young people's wellbeing, increased anxiety, online safety challenges, rights violations, lack of student voice... so together let's make positive change in our schools.
Read more below: 

To purchase tickets click here 
prices vary: $50 Online Webinar Only, $349 Conference Only or $375 for all 3 events. 

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