June 2020

Dear Colleagues

Exciting News – After years of informal collaboration and connection with AHISA, ASPA and APPA, I am absolutely delighted to announce the formation of the Coalition of Australian Principals (CAP). The new formal Coalition will include the four original Principal Associations along with Special Education Principals (AESPA) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Principals’ Associations (NATSIPA).

As we head to the end of Term 2 / Semester 1, I hope you will give yourself permission to take time out for yourself to empty the workload demands for at least a week. All principals and school staff should be very proud of what has been achieved during this challenging COVID-19 time.

As a suggestion, if you have not done so already, the beginning of Term 3 could be a wonderful time to acknowledge your staff and celebrate their caring and professional work this year. Perhaps your School Board could write to staff too. Whatever you decide to do, I am sure the gesture will be much appreciated.

We deserve to celebrate!

Loretta Wholley

CaSPA President

CaSPA Key Activities (June)

• AITSL – National Strategy to Address Teacher and School Leader Workforce Data and Future Strategy.
• Formation of Coalition of Australian Principals (CAP) with AHISA, APPA, ASEPA, ASPA & NATSIPA.
• Consultation with Education Department regarding the Review for Students with Disabilities and related legislation.
• Enacting CaSPA Strategic Plan 2020- 22.
• DESE – National Architecture of Education consultation and written submission.
• Planning for CaSPA Conference 2021.
• Meeting with NCEC along with ACPPA and CSPA.
• CaSPA future Office Restructure Final decision.
• Further ACARA Reviews of MySchool, Australian Curriculum & NAPLAN.
• Participation in the ICP Forum for Asia / Pacific Region online meeting regarding COVID-19.

Meet our Newly Appointed Principals

In 2020 there were 39 new Principals appointed to Catholic Secondary Schools around Australia.

CaSPA congratulates all new Principals and wishes them well in their new roles.

Name: Tina Neate

Current School: Kildare College, Holden Hill, S.A.

Previous Position & School: Deputy Principal, Kildare College and Junior High Principal - Riverside International School, Czech Republic.

Year of Birth: 1968

The hope for my current school is: To continue to inspire and develop independent, resilient young women.

The Joy of Principalship is: Being able to create and develop new ways of learning for all.

A Book I would recommend: 'Dare to Lead' by Brene Brown.

Fun Fact about me: Spent 5 incredible years teaching and learning in Europe - Prague, Czech Republic.

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Spending time with family and friends away from the computer.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Finding a mentor that listens and helps discern what is possible.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: If the plan doesn't work, change the plan but not the goal.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Inspire, Engage, Achieve, Believe.

Name: Sister Mariette Kareh

Current School: Antonine College, Pascoe Vale, Victoria

Previous Position & School: Pastoral Care at School and Nominated Supervisor at Antonine Sisters Child Care Centre

Year of Birth: 1969

The hope for my current school is: Continue the journey of our mission and the school’s motto: Faith, Knowledge and Virtue

The Joy of Principalship is: Adventure

A Book I would recommend: “The Leader Who Had No Tittle.” Robin Sharma

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Maintain a healthy wellbeing. Performance, engagement and resilience in all matters.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: To not be afraid. Be confident, have a vision and lead

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela.   “Education means inspiring someone’s mind not just filling their head.” Katie Lusk

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Great Leadership comes down to only two rules (Authenticity & Simplicity) Peter Anderton: It is not about you and it is Only about you.

Name: Stephanie O’Meara

Current School: St John Paul II College, Canberra 

Previous Position & School: Assistant Principal, St John Paul II College, Canberra

Year of Birth: 1963

The hope for my current school is: To have each member of the community, students and staff, flourish and be the best they can be.

The Joy of Principalship is: Spending my day with wonderful, challenging, engaging  adolescents and an amazingly dedicated and hard-working staff.

A Book I would recommend: Brené Brown – Dare to Lead/Website – The Enneagram. https://www.enneagraminstitute.com

Fun Fact about me: I have been scuba-diving with sharks in the Maldives

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Walking and having a good laugh… oh and a good glass of red wine.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and take time to get to know your staff.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” — William Arthur Ward

 What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: “The lasting Impact of the Great Teacher.”

Name: Simon Fleming

Current School: Assumption College, Warwick (Queensland)

Previous Position & School: Acting Principal – St. Joseph's Catholic School Barraba  

Year of Birth: 1963

The hope for my current school is: A place students want to attend and are charging through the doors.

The Joy of Principalship is: Collaborating with teachers and engaging students creating life-long learners.

A Book I would recommend: Kane and Abel – Jeffrey Archer

Fun Fact about me: Love a good sports talking.

My valued Well-Being Strategy: Be open to all possibilities.

Advice for a Beginning Principal: Watch, observe, listen, identify then act.

Inspiring Leadership Quote: A 25 year old will never remember what they learnt in Year 8 History but they will always remember how you made them feel.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Moving from good to great.