March 2025 Newsletter

Greetings to all our Principals,

Halfway through term one, a federal election about to drop and our own media full of the second coming of Trump and how and if we will jump on the ‘policy’ bandwagon. If you have missed it so far here is the state of play in education in the US. ABC in the US reports President Trump has indicated he wants to disband the cabinet-level Department of Education.  The Washington Post reports that the Trump administration on Wednesday 19 Feb cancelled $226 million in federal grants earmarked for meetings and reports on diversity needs in K-12 schools. According to the Guardian: “During Trump’s first term in office, his proposed cuts to the Department of Education were rejected by Congress. Sources in the current Trump administration claim the president plans to issue an executive order abolishing the department… Trump has cited a desire to return education to the states.”

Department of Education Quarterly Principal Meeting

On the 13^th of February I attended the Department of Education Quarterly Principal Meeting which had three main topics on the agenda; the First Nations Teacher Strategy, an update on Better and Fairer Schools and thirdly what the Quarterly Principal Meeting would look like going forward.

First Nations Teacher Strategy.

The Australian Government will allocate $2.4 million to develop and implement the First Nations Teacher Strategy. The Strategy will help attract and retain more First Nations teachers, which is a key recommendation of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan.

The Strategy will outline barriers and enabling elements for First Nations teachers, as well as areas for targeted national efforts to accelerate First Nations teaching outcomes, complementing state and territory initiatives.

• Initial work on development of the Strategy will focus on:
• Improving First Nations completion rates for initial teacher education
• Successfully transitioning First Nations peoples into teaching roles
• Supporting First Nations peoples in teaching roles
• Building cultural responsiveness across education settings.

A First Nations Teacher Strategy is a key action under the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan. Increasing the number of First Nations teachers is intended to promote improved cultural understanding and respect for First Nations perspectives in education and support positive educational outcomes for First Nations students.

Better and Fairer Schools

The briefing focussed on Jurisdictions signed (WA, NT, SA, ACT, TAS, VIC) rather than those not (NSW, QLD), The deal on offer is essentially that the 20% is now a floor rather than a limit and the Australian Government will increase its share of funding from 20 per cent to 22.5 per cent of the SRS by 2026, contingent on the signed governments increasing their funding share to at least 77.5 per cent of the SRS by 2026.

This additional funding is intended to drive reforms that benefit all students, with a particular focus on those most in need of additional support.

From a CaSPA perspective the feeling is that ACT Catholic schools are still relatively poorly funded and NT Catholic schools are critically impacted by losing teachers to better paying state schools.

CaSPA and ACPPA have approached Jacinta Collins (NCEC) to give us a publishable analysis comparing the funding positions of major parties well ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.

Dept Ed Quarterly Principal Meeting 

The various peak principal groups are seeking a firming of the meeting schedule. A federal position paper on Parental Behaviour Expectations has been asked for. The meeting was notified that AITSL are now consulting with professional associations (including principal groups) on:

• Indigenous awareness
• HALTS
• Professional Standards for Middle Leaders

 Professional Associations Forum (PAF) facilitated by AITSL

On 20 February I attended the first of these Forums. The primary objectives of the Forum are to:

• advise AITSL Management on work AITSL is progressing to promote excellence in teaching and school leadership to maximise impact on student learning in all Australian schools
• optimise the relevance and usefulness of AITSL’s work to schools supporting them to be fit for purpose.

The Forum will undertake the following functions:

• drawing on knowledge of identified enablers and barriers relevant to AITSL’s responsibilities in promoting excellence in teaching and school leadership, provide feedback and advice on AITSL policies, resources, and initiatives relating to school leadership, quality teaching, schooling and workforce issues, and professional learning
• provide updates and raise any issues on behalf of professional associations and the members they represent that for consideration by Forum Members and AITSL Management.

Our first in-person CaSPA Board meeting will be in Hobart in March with a focus on strategic planning.

Best wishes

Dr Stephen Kennaugh GAICD

CaSPA President

The CaSPA Board met via Zoom on February 18, agenda included:

• a report on the Department of Education  Quarterly Principals Meeting ,
• Strategic Plan 2023-25 Review for Dr Neil Carrington,
• a review of the Joint CaSPA ACPPA Position Paper on School Leaders Health,
• updates on partnerships and 2026 conference.

CaSPA - New Director (Victoria)

Name: Luci Quinn

Current School: Clonard College – Geelong since 2019

Previous Position: St Augustine’s College Kyabram 2015-2018

First Year as a Principal: 2015 (although I was a Primary Principal  1996-1997)

My big picture for my current school is: creating a ‘lantern school’ where the improvement and change we undertake is hope filled and has a positive impact on those both within and beyond our College community

The Joy of becoming a Principal is: the extraordinary diversity of the role, the relationships that are formed through that diversity and the learning that needs to take place to lead well in those spaces.

Favourite Book: ‘Delicious’ or ‘Gourmet Traveller’ magazines

Favourite Food: Baked raspberry swirl cheesecake

Interests / Hobbies: Travelling

My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Yin Yoga

Advice for an Aspiring Leader: Find a wisdom person who will take an interest in your aspirations

Favourite Leadership Quote: ‘If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, them, you are an excellent leader.’ Dolly Parton

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: The Joy of Leading

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

• 6 February CaSPA Strategic Planning Meeting
• 12 February CaSPA Data Project Meeting
• 13 February Quarterly Principals Meeting Dept of Ed
• 18 February CaSPA Board Zoom
• 18 February: CaSPA ACSP 2026 Conference Planning Meeting
• 20 February Professional Associations Forum (PAF) facilitated by AITSL

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At the 2024 July Conference 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 next profile is of recently retired Paul Belton.

https://vimeo.com/1055076035/a362e98bd3?share=copy

Emmanuel College Warrnambool Community Meal – Program Update

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Emmanuel College Community Meal program, our 2025 offering has just commenced. This past year, 2024, we have served 1,190 meals, providing a warm and nutritious experience for those in need.

Over the past three years, this initiative has become a well-established and valued service within the Warrnambool community, offering not just meals but also a welcoming space where meaningful connections are formed. We have seen significant growth in the number of meals we are serving and the diversity of our patrons attending. We also have our regulars now who we see and check in on and we know value the welcoming and safe environment offered by our program.

Program Overview

The Emmanuel Community Meal operates one night per week during term time, excluding public holidays, and runs from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with additional time allocated for preparation and clean-up.

The program complements other local community and church meal services by operating on a different night, ensuring that those in need have access to support throughout the week.

Key details of the program include:

• Nutritious, home-cooked meals prepared by staff and McMahon’s Family Catering, who also manage our school canteen.
• Dine-in and takeaway options for attendees, allowing flexibility for those who may not be comfortable staying.
• Dessert, tea, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages offered to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Student engagement, with three senior student volunteers per week who volunteer via a sign-up process and roster who assist in structured roles such as managing coffee orders and supporting kitchen operations. These students participate under supervision, following an induction process covering security and operational procedures.
• Security measures in place include a dedicated security officer to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all attendees and volunteers.

Community Impact & Growth

Since its establishment, the Emmanuel Community Meal has become a key support service for those experiencing food insecurity, social isolation, or hardship. Over the past year, we have served 1190 meals, with an average of 25-40 people attending each week.

Beyond providing nourishment, the program fosters a sense of belonging and trust between volunteers and attendees. Many regular guests share personal milestones with us, such as welcoming newborn children, improving their health and well-being, and gaining confidence in social interactions. These relationships highlight the deeper impact of the program beyond just meal provision.

Recognising the broader needs of our patrons we have partnered with Food Share to provide essential grocery packs containing staple pantry items and fresh produce. This initiative helps diners access additional food resources without relying solely on leftover meals.

Student Involvement & Learning

One of the most valuable aspects of this program is the involvement of Emmanuel College students, particularly senior students (Years 10-12). Their participation is carefully structured to ensure a safe and supportive learning experience, allowing them to:

• Observe and understand real-world social justice issues in their local community.
• Develop empathy, leadership, and teamwork skills through direct engagement.
• Assist in practical ways while adhering to safety protocols, ensuring both students and patrons feel comfortable and secure.

Junior students from the Social Justice Group are also exploring additional ways to contribute, such as organising food drives, fundraising efforts, or awareness campaigns.

Living Our Values

The Emmanuel Community Meal is a direct reflection of our Mercy Education values, which guide our school’s commitment to service and social justice:

• Service – Giving selflessly to support others without expecting anything in return.
• Hospitality – Creating a welcoming environment where all feel valued and respected.
• Respect – Accepting and meeting people where they are, with dignity and care.
• Compassion – Understanding and responding to the needs of others with kindness.
• Justice – Sharing resources fairly and advocating for those experiencing hardship.
• Courage – Standing in solidarity with the vulnerable and deepening our awareness of social inequities.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to refine and expand this initiative, we remain committed to adapting to the evolving needs of our community. With ongoing support from volunteers, staff, students, and community partners, we look forward to further strengthening the impact of the Emmanuel College Community Meal.

Thank you CaSPA for your contribution to this program as part of the Social Action Funding Project. Together we make a real and lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Contact: Natasha Cummings

Name: Dr Napoleon Rodezno

Current School: Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, Braybrook, Vic

Previous Position: Aquinas College, Ringwood, Vic

First Year as a Principal: 2025

My big picture for my current school is: Continue to offer our students the opportunities they deserve

The Joy of becoming a Principal is: In living Jesus' Ministry, having impact and promoting Gospel Values

Favourite Book: 100 Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Favourite Food: Anything Vietnamese

Interests / Hobbies: Playing AFL Masters, reading, stand up paddle boarding

My Favourite Well-Being Strategy: Dinner with my wife; walking and playing with my dogs

Advice for an Aspiring Leader: Be yourself and be a long-life learner

Favourite Leadership Quote: Leadership is about transforming limitations into possibilities, Robin Sharma.

What Title would you give to your TED Talk or Book: Displacement: insights of a life as a young refugee and the impact on a lifetime.

Experts Appointed To Lead Anti-Bullying Rapid Review - From the Australian Government

Media Release

Date:16 February 2025

The Hon Jason Clare MP - Minister for Education

The Albanese Labor Government is working together with states and territories on a national standard to address bullying in Australian schools.

This includes a new Anti-Bullying Rapid Review to examine current school procedures and best practice methods to address bullying behaviours.

Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson have been appointed as co-chairs of the Review.

The Review will inform the development of a national standard to addressing bullying in schools.

Bullying has no place in our schools. Students, teachers and staff should always feel safe in the classroom.

That’s why we will listen to the experts and develop a national strategy that is grounded in evidence and informed by lived experiences.

Dr Keating and Dr Robinson will consult broadly with key stakeholders across Australia, including parents, teachers, students, parent groups, state education departments and the non-government sector. 

It will draw on work already underway across the country to address bullying in schools.

Today’s announcement builds on the success of the national mobile phone ban in all public schools, vaping reforms and introducing a minimum age of 16 years for Australian children to access social media.

The Review will be conducted over the next six months with recommendations then provided to Education Ministers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Bullying is not just something that happens in schools, but schools are places where we can intervene and provide support for students.

“All students and staff should be safe at school, and free from bullying and violence.

“That’s why we’re taking action to develop a national standard to address bullying in schools. 

“Last year we worked together to ban mobile phones in schools. This is another opportunity for us to support students, teachers and parents across the country. 

“I have asked Dr Keating and Dr Robinson to work with parents, teachers, students and the states and territories to get this right.”

Rationale

CaSPA will provide the opportunity for a member or an affiliated State / Territory Catholic Principals’ Association to be involved in Social Action. It is hoped that through involvement in this program the member or association will have the opportunity to engage in prosocial Action that may otherwise not take place. The Social Action gives witness to the tenant of the Catholic Church by supporting those who are in need or marginalised. 

Pope Francis has asked many times during his Papacy to support and work with those at the margins: “Go forth and reach out to all people at the margins of society! Go there and be the Church, with the strength of the Holy Spirit.”

The rationale for the Social Action is that CaSPA and its Corporate Partners are aware of the difficulties individuals or groups face due to ethnicity, remoteness, financial hardship or gender. The project will enhance the Church’s social teaching and provide an opportunity for members who are in need.

Examples of possible projects are: support of Aboriginal education opportunities in remote Australia, support of schools or educational institutions in the South Pacific, support and development of teacher education in Papua New Guinea. The preference is for Australian needs or our near neighbours. 

Criteria

The application for the Social Action Funding needs to address the following guiding principles:

Linked to educational and / or leadership professional learning.

Established Financial Need.

Established Social Need.

Timeframe needed (up to 3 years).

Needs to show benefit to school / community / students.

Cost details ($5K limit).

Preference for local region in or around Australia.

At the conclusion of the Social Action Project, the recipient will provide a detailed written summary to the CaSPA Board. In addition, the recipient will be required to present learnings at the following CaSPA Conference.

Applications need to be made to the local State or Territory Catholic Principal association, which will decide on one proposal to be submitted to the CaSPA Board. A decision will then be made to award one recipient with the CaSPA Social Action Funding. 

The closing date for applications: 16 May 2025

Funding for the Social Action will be funded through the funds provided by the generous CaSPA Partners.

Rationale

CaSPA will provide the opportunity for a member of an affiliated State or Territory Association with an opportunity to be involved in Professional Learning. It is hoped that through involvement in this program the Association member will have the opportunity to engage in professional learning that may otherwise not take place. This Scholarship gives witness to the social teachings of the Catholic Church by supporting those who are in need.

The rationale for the Professional Learning Scholarship is that CaSPA and its Corporate Partners are aware of the difficulties individual Principals can face particularly in rural, remote and low socio-economic contexts. 

Application Form is on the CaSPA website under “Awards”.

Criteria

The application for the Professional Learning Scholarship needs to address the following guiding principles:

Linked to educational and / or leadership professional learning.

Established Financial need.

Timeframe needed 

Needs to show benefit to school / community / students.

Cost details.

At the conclusion of the Professional Learning, the recipient will be required to provide a detailed written summary to the CaSPA Board. In addition, the recipient may possibly be required to present learnings at the following CaSPA Conference.

Applications need to be made to the local association, which will decide on the applications to be submitted to the CaSPA Executive Officer and Board. A decision will then be made to award one recipient with the CaSPA Professional Learning Scholarship. 

The closing date for applications: 16 May 2025

Funding for the Professional Learning Scholarship will be funded through the funds provided by the generous CaSPA Partners.

https://keepfundingfair.org.au/