President's Message

Dear Colleagues, 

The last two months have seen significant conferences and an AI Seminar held in four of our jurisdictions. 

Beginning in Queensland with a gathering in Brisbane on their long-standing theme of “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, CASPAQ managed a wonderful coming together of Principals and other leaders. From the opening, which provided a wonderful opportunity to farewell outgoing Archbishop Mark Coleridge, to keynotes from Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO, Dr Tom Brunzell, Madonna King and Allan Blagaich, the conference provided much food for though. Congratulations to EO Ann Rebgetz, President Dan McMahon, Wayne Chapman and all at CASPAQ for this wonderful event. 

To NSW for the ACSP Conference themed “Living Waters: Leading with Hope, Inspiring Faith Communities.” Hosted by Maitland Newcastle Diocese in the Hunter Valley, it featured keynotes from Simon Breakspear, Daniela Falecki, Dr Yong Zhao, Prof Lea Waters, Austin Ivereigh and Derek Wenmoth, a conference with a truly international flavour. Despite challenging weather conditions the welcome from Bishop Michael Kennedy was very warm. Congratulations to EO Julie King, President Iris Nastasi and the ACSP team in Maitland Newcastle for putting together a memorable conference. 

To Victoria and the PAVCSS conference on “Synodality: The Pilgrim’s Compass” was held at Creswick in early June and featured keynotes from Dr Elissa Roper and Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO. Multiple presentations from the two keynote speakers enabled a deep unpacking of the theme. Another highlight were the From the Heart presentations of experienced principals and opportunities for the newest principals to speak, diverse and inspiring. Congratulations to PAVCSS president Darren Egberts and EO Mel Palmer for putting this event together. 

CaSPA Director Michael Lee OAM, graciously hosted a seminar on AI for CaSPA. Held at St Mary MacKillop College and live streamed to five other states (and Bali), the seminar was a first for CaSPA and a model for professional learning that would appear well worth using going forward. The program included: 

• Opening session A school approach: Embedding AI into Education – Trent Wilson, Digital Learning Coordinator, St Mary MacKillop College 
• Workshop 1: Exploring AI platforms The Writer’s Toolbox – Dr Ian Hunter  
• Workshop 2: Educational tools for teachers and students Canva – Jo Muirhead 
• Workshop 3: Extensions to support students and teachers Brisk Teaching (virtual presentation) - Naomi Shah  
• Workshop 4: Tools for Thought: Leading AI Transformation in Schools Microsoft – Travis Smith  
• Workshop 5: Exploring AI platforms Education Perfect – Ryan Besgrove 
• Workshop 6: Exploring AI platforms CEnet - Dr Alan Ibbett 

All presentations were recorded and can be obtained by contacting the College.  Congratulations to Michael Lee and key organisers AP Erin White and Trent Wilson for a fascinating deep dive into the world of AI. 

Since the publishing of the last Newsletter the CaSPA Board has met in person in Perth and continued work on the new Strategic Plan with Dr Neil Carrington. This will be launched at the September meeting. The Board was also able to meet with incoming CEWA Executive Director Annette Morey, a former CaSPA Director. 

We have also been active in representing Catholic Principal and school voices through the AERO Disability and Inclusion Project, the National Principal Reference Group Meeting with Minister Clare July 4 and the ACARA National Peak Principals Group Meeting where Stephen Neil and the ACARA senior executive team discussed future strategic directions.

I hope that all Principals have a restful Term break and have some time to recharge for Term 3.