Dear colleagues,

As we move into the middle part of Term three, I hope you are all travelling well. We have been very busy representing Principals as a voice for the profession as you will see below. Those who attended the Conference in Perth also now have access to the presenter notes.

Invitation to converse directly with Minister Jason Clare. As an outcome of the initial meeting with Minister Clare there has now been a set of Operating Procedures for these meetings and a commitment to hold these meetings in schools from each of the sectors on a quarterly basis. There has also been a commitment to further develop research around education and educational leadership issues through AERO and other avenues that are already funded by the Federal Government. Both Michael and I met with the Federal Department of Education in a Briefing last week surrounding the release of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement 2025-2034. A summary of the points discussed is found below.

Agenda

• Better and Fairer Schools Agreement Update
• Will the Capacity to Pay be administered to Public Schools as well?
• Outcomes from the Principal Roundtable
• Disability Royal Commission update 
• Works in Better and Fairer Schools Agreement 
• outcomes across national dataset & SRS / Loadings review

- Finalised negotiations / offer sent out by Minister Clare.

- Minister Clare signed a bilateral agreement committing to all government and non-government schools in the Northern Territory to receive full funding by Federal Government by 2029.  NT Bilateral agreement is online now.

- Coming weeks will sign with WA.

- Continue negotiations with some States.

- 16 billion dollars on offer.

- No capacity to pay changes for Public Schools.

- SRS/Loadings to be re-examined.

- No capital works changes on the card.

- National Principal Reference Group 

            - protocols released - Minister will write to CaSPA formally.

            - provision for Action Items

- AERO Research Agenda could include our topics.  AERO to engage with each sector. Meg will share the best AERO contact details.

As a Board we have already met with Notre Dame University regarding possible faith formation partnerships and since the April meeting both Presidents from CaSPA and ACPPA have had a follow up meeting with Notre Dame. We have also been approached by the Broken Bay Institute with possible options as well.

At the Stakeholders Meeting prior to the Conference in Perth we were delighted to see all States and Territories represented and the reports have been tabled on the CaSPA Website.

NCEC Briefing

We are also being invited to the NCEC Briefings regarding funding and I attended one on 2/7/2024 where we received an update on where Jacinta thinks we were at with the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement as well as discussing how funding works across the country and across sectors. Please see notes below:

• 24 Diocesan systems / RI PJP Schools / Parent Associations / Principal Associations.
• Full schooling resource standard
• NT State aim is 15% not 20 or 25% at most.
• Little prospect of bi-lateral agreements will be made post this year.
• NCEC commissioned work to respond to allegations of public sector against the Catholic Sector in relation to funding and its distribution.
• BFSA (Better Fairer Schools Agreement) expert panel named 7 directions under Equity, Wellbeing, Workforce.
• (AESOC) Australian Education Senior Officials Committee - Jacinta and in her absence Neil McGowan (fortnightly meetings)
• Government doesn’t measure parental income of government school parents yet does for Catholic schools.
• Centre for Independent Studies – attempt to clear up the complexity.
• Independent Schools Victoria & NSW have made attempts as well.
• UBER Brand – working with NCEC at present on strategy
• Data on student learning outcomes, progress & wellbeing will be a focus.
• SRS (School Resourcing Standard) will be reviewed over a longer term (10 years)
• NSRB (National School Resourcing Board) review noted government schools will also be included in data reporting.
• SRS was met in 2023 – Government Schools have not met it yet.
• Our funding is means tested – Government schools are not.

NTWAP (National Teacher Workforce Action Plan)

The agreement itself.

• Dollars and terms have not been agreed at this stage.
• Equity & Excellence:

• Year 12 Certification increased by 7.5% points against 2022.

• First Nation outcomes / graduation

• By 2031 96% graduate Year 12

• NAPLAN 

• reduce needs additional support

• Increase strong & exceeding

• Prioritise ATSI students and regional/remote

• Wellbeing: 

• Return to 2019 levels of attendance is the goal.

• What about the students going overseas?

• By 2035 ATSI Students same as regular cohort

• Wellbeing coordinator (in Victoria)

• Growth a Focus

• Building the Workforce: increase teacher enrolments at Uni – NTWAP

• Review of the enabling initiatives

• SRS base & loadings
• Unique Student Identifier for each student
• Socioeconomic Diversity

• Review of Measurement Framework

• A new measure of student engagement

• Equity in learning gain measures.

Direct connection to the Commonwealth is preferred by NCEC.

Choice & Affordability Funding: will most likely be reviewed after the new agreement is settled.

CTC (Capacity to Contribute)

• Danielle Cronin (Catholic Schools NSW) – Can we continue to use SRS funds and Outside Services Funds (as recurrent expenditure)
• NCEC Happy to prosecute this.
• NSW trying to engage with the State Government on this.  Aim is to get this written into a bilateral agreement.
• Government has already committed to not removing DGR Grant and Building Funds.
• Mid year reception of students is a sticking point.

Rural & Regional Funding – Dr Neil McGoran

1. Choice
2. The Schooling Resourcing Standard (SRS) in 2024 is:

1. Primary $13,557
2. Secondary $17,036
3. 6 SRS readings Student Based – Disability, ATSI, SED, level of English, School Size, Location
4. Shared responsibility 80% Federal, 20% State / Territorial – Non-Government.
5. Capacity to contribute – reduce base loading because of income (DMI) is developed.

• There is no capacity to contribute for state schools where the funding in non – government schools can lose between 10-80% of funding due to CTC.
• Government schools don’t get 100% of funding but we don’t as well due to CTC (to about 25% on average) this is made up by parent fees.
• We are saying the taxpayer due to CTC (DMI)
• We must communicate this model differently to amend the current false dialogue.
• The average CTC in Australia is about 25% so in effect the Federal Government is funding about 60% and the State Government about 15% and the 25% is expected to be made up by communities.
• Canberra is using the un-means tested SRS.  State Schools are at 109% at present and Catholic Schools in the vicinity of 76% as a means tested group.  Catholic Schools are disadvantaged by 30% +.
• Our families have been contributing to the common good for many years when government schools are not means tested like us.
• Need a human narrative as well.
• Minister Clare has promised to review what is being made available to Principals across the nation by way of wellbeing initiatives and see what the Commonwealth can assist with.
• In my absence Michael Egan attended the ACARA NAPLAN Briefing Zoom on Wednesday August 7.

International Confederation of Principals Meeting and Conference in Mombasa Kenya

The ICP was established in 1990 by Principal Associations from 10 countries – Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, USSR, United Kingdom and United States of America. 

It is a global association of school leadership organisations that reaches out across four regions of the globe: Africa, The Americas, Asia & Oceania, and Europe. As such, the ICP commands a unique global position as an influential voice for school leadership.

Each member is a major organisation that supports the professional development and work of school leaders. The ICP is non-political and non-sectoral with members coming from government and non-government sectors and all educational levels. It is dedicated to the development, support, and promotion of school leadership globally.

The International Confederation of Principals Meeting and Conference in Mombasa Kenya was held in August as well as the Council Meeting. The international flavour provides a great deal of insight, and we also have much in common. Future Council Meeting in 2025 will be in New Delhi and the Council and Conference in 2026 will be Auckland New Zealand.

Being a member of ICP allows for an international voice and to share with colleagues around the world all things educational. We have opportunities to contribute to Council Meetings as presenters as well as contributing to the Journal.

Best wishes

Dr Stephen Kennaugh GAICD
CaSPA President

• CaSPA President, Dr Stephen Kennaugh attended the National Round Table hosted by Minister Jason Clare.
• Faith Formation Partnerships with Notre Dame University: NDU to conduct a survey of Faith Formation programs around Australia with the possibility of NDU providing Faith Formation programs for Leaders, Teachers and Diocesan Offices.
• 2024 CaSPA Conference held in Perth and was well patronised.
• CaSPA has distributed the ACU Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey Report to the States and Territories. CaSPA will be meeting with the ACU Researchers in June to discuss the findings further.
• CaSPA Board was represented by Dr Stephen Kennaugh and Michael Lee OAM at the 2024 International Confederation of Principals (ICP) Annual Council & AGM and ICP World Convention in Mombasa, Kenya
• Mick Egan attended the ACARA briefing on the NAPLAN 2024 National Results on 7 August.
• CaSPA Board met with Dr Toby Ford – Ford Health, NCEC Jacinta Collins via Zoom and – David Boyd & Kristian Walker (AERO) in person last week.

CaSPA Board members with David Boyd & Kristian Walker (AERO) at the August meeting.

David spoke to us on the AERO Research agenda

• 3 year strategic plan
  • Annual Agenda
    • Wellbeing
    • First nations
    • Use of Data
    • Effective practice in early childhood
    • Effective practice in schools
    • Literacy and Numeracy
    • Effective classroom management
    • How students learn

CaSPA Board members put forward research priorities including:

• Leadership succession planning and development
• Wellbeing
• Numeracy

Profiles of all the CaSPA Board are available on the CaSPA Website: https://caspa.schoolzineplus.com/current-and-past-board-members

• At the July Conference a number of Principals generously agreed to be filmed to give us a snapshot of profiles across the nation. In the coming newsletters we will share links to these.

The first profile is of Damien Messer. CaSPA Principal spotlight video packages

• 2024 Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey is now live for new participant registrations at https://healthandwellbeing.org. 

The survey is instrumental in shaping and informing government policy and programs.  Indeed, for the first time, occupational principal health, safety and wellbeing was put on the agenda  of the nation's Education Ministers' meeting this year (See Ministers take aim at principals’ workload and wellbeing issues). 

We need your voice to tell the world what is happening to Australian School Leaders!    The Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey is a confidential survey, independent of all employer groups, professional associations and unions. First, you will be able to review your job-related personal health and wellbeing, with an individualised report returned automatically upon completion. Second, global results will build a holistic picture of the state of school leader health and wellbeing. The results provide a system-level report with recommendations for future actions. This research has significant impact in the diagnostic feedback given to school principals, the evaluation of existing policy initiatives, and the consultation with state departments leading to important new policy initiatives. This year, we have updated the design and layout of our survey and personal report access. If you have taken the survey before, check your email or new participants can register at Health & Wellbeing (healthandwellbeing.org).

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Damian Messer (TAS)

As a new initiative in 2024 CaSPA has commissioned a series of Video Spotlights on experienced Principals. There is so much good to celebrate with our Principals that we have decided not to hide their light under a bushel, a series of thoughtful talking points allow these leaders to share decades of accumulated, faith filled wisdom.

It is already apparent to the CaSPA Board that these spotlights can be both a fitting record of contemporary Principal thinking and a handy resource to use in whole or in part with middle leaders. Our thanks to our valued partners, The School Photographer, for the production of these resources for us.

The first profile is of Damien Messer. CaSPA Principal spotlight video packages

Name: Peta Sparkes

Current School: Penola Catholic College, Emu Plains, NSW

Previous Position: Assistant Principal

First Year as a Principal: 2024

My big picture for my current school is: Keep my staff, keep them learning and growing so every child is able to feel safe, respected, successful and proud of their achievements at school.

The Joy of becoming a Principal is: Being able to resource teachers and staff so that our students can achieve their very best whilst at school.

Favourite Book: Elephants on acid and other bizarre experiments

Favourite Food: Thai Param long song

Interests / Hobbies: Gym, gardening and entertaining with family and friends.

My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Making an appointment at the gym on the way home, so I know I have a time to finish work and begin time with my family and friends. Knowing at the gym I have to work hard and can’t talk, allows me to decompress the day and put a pause on any challenging situations. It is amazing how the next day brings solutions that the previous day I didn’t see.

Advice for an Aspiring Leader: Seek feedback and find mentors who see your gifts whilst supporting you to grow.

Favourite Leadership Quote: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept” Lt General Morrison.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: The toughest experiences, the best lessons.

Name: Miss Angela Collins

Current School: St Mary’s School, Goondiwindi

Previous Position: Assistant Principal – Mission and Identity, St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba

First Year as a Principal: 2023

My big picture for my current school is: To create and foster a dynamic and thriving learning environment for students from Prep through to Year 10

The Joy of becoming a Principal is: Working with dedicated staff who want the best for their students and seeing students achieve their potential

Favourite Book: Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Favourite Food: My mum’s Chinese Beef

Interests / Hobbies: Exercise and going to the Movies

My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Separating work and home

Advice for an Aspiring Leader: Be true to yourself

Favourite Leadership Quote: “Be curious not judgemental”

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Perspective is Everything.

Jacinta Collins

Source: Eureka Street

20^th August 2024

The discourse surrounding religious freedom in Australia has become increasingly contentious, especially in the context of schooling. As a former Australian Senator and now as the executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission, I have noted with concern the growing perception that holding religious beliefs and values — and making choices based on them — is somehow discriminatory or at odds with modern society. This misconception must be addressed, particularly as it undermines the very principles of diversity and inclusion that Australia has committed to uphold.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. It is enshrined in international law which Australia has ratified, and is also recognised, albeit in a limited way, in our Constitution. Australia’s commitment extends, not only to the freedom to worship, but also to the right to live and teach according to one's religious beliefs and values. For parents, this includes the right to choose an education for their children that aligns with their faith and moral beliefs. Choosing a faith-based school is not an act of exclusion or discrimination; rather, it is a deeply personal decision for parents driven by their desire to raise children in an environment that nurtures not only their academic and cultural development, but also their spiritual formation, understanding of religious teachings, and eternal relationship with God.

In a pluralist society like Australia, diversity is celebrated in many facets of society. We claim to value different perspectives, cultures and lifestyles. Yet, when it comes to religious views and expressions, there is an increasing tendency to marginalise them or regard them as outdated or discriminatory. This is particularly evident in the debate over religious schools and their place in the broader educational landscape with our schools being denied critical resources such as Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships.

Yet, religious schools are one of the fastest growing segments of schooling and play a vital role in Australia’s education system, serving families from a variety of religious backgrounds. Catholic schools have educated millions of young people for over 200 years and have a long-standing tradition of providing quality education that is accessible to all who choose it, regardless of their socio-economic background. The Catholic sector has grown alongside the government sector and is the largest provider of schooling outside of government, and the largest provider of faith-based schooling, currently enrolling 20 per cent or some 805,000 students and employing 109,000 staff across 1,756 schools.

Our schools are guided by a distinct ethos, one that emphasises Catholic social teaching and gospel values such as forgiveness, compassion, respect, and social justice - values that are not only integral to the Catholic faith, but also resonate with the broader community. Our graduates go on to make a meaningful contribution to society through their families, and in ministry, business and not-for-profit organisations, politics and leadership, philanthropy, volunteering and community outreach. The notion that it is somehow discriminatory for religious schools to operate and teach according to their beliefs, or to employ staff who support those beliefs, is a misunderstanding of both the nature of faith-based schools and the rights of the families who choose them.

Parents who enrol their children in religious schools do so because they believe in the value of an education that integrates culture and learning with faith. This choice is an expression of their religious freedom, not an attempt to impose their beliefs onto others. To argue otherwise is to overlook the diversity of educational options available in Australia and the importance of respecting parental choice and rights. One of my often-used examples is the growing community-run Nature School in Port Macquarie where parents who desire an education for their children based on ecology and nature enrol their children. Like other ideological schools such as Montessori and Steiner, The Nature School is funded in part by the government, but we don’t see debate about the selection of staff for these schools.

It is quite hypocritical that many of the organisations calling for limitations on faith-based schools are at the same time being ‘discriminating’ about their own membership. For example, would the Australian Greens Party, be willing to accept members from the coal mining sector?

Religious freedom and other protections, such as those against sexual discrimination, are not mutually exclusive. They can and must coexist in a balanced manner. The challenge lies in finding a path forward that upholds the rights of all individuals while fostering a society that is genuinely inclusive. One way to achieve this balance is through clear and consistent legal protections for religious freedom, alongside robust anti-discrimination laws. Such protections should ensure that religious institutions, including schools, can operate according to their beliefs without fear of reprisal or being forced to compromise their values. At the same time, these laws must also safeguard the rights of individuals who may not share the same beliefs, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. Catholic schools manage this balance on the whole very well.

'It is not about privileging one set of beliefs over another, but about creating an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist peacefully. This is the essence of true inclusion — one that does not merely tolerate differences, but embraces them as a strength.'

In the absence of proactive legislation to uphold religious freedom, the clumsier but often-used approach of exemptions in legislation protect institutions from unfair discrimination lawfare. This is the current status for faith-based schools in Australia. While it is not wholly desirable and does not address the increasing prevalence of state legislation impinging on faith-based schools, it does offer some safeguards for our schools to continue to build a community of faith.

While it seems, that for now, the Albanese Government’s commitments to introduce religious discrimination legislation have stalled, any path forward must include a broad community and political consensus that protects religious freedom and respects the rights of Australians to hold religious and other beliefs, and ensures families can raise and educate their children according to these beliefs. In a pluralist society, policy making must be based on respect and fair treatment which requires dialogue, understanding, and a willingness to accommodate differing views. It is not about privileging one set of beliefs over another, but about creating an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist peacefully. This is the essence of true inclusion — one that does not merely tolerate differences, but embraces them as a strength.

Jacinta Collins is the Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission and a former Australian Senator for Victoria.