President's Message
Dear Colleagues
I trust that Term 3 has been a great term for you and your community. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy a short break prior to the last term of the year.
Earlier this month, along with ACPPA President Peter Cutrona, I attended the Catholic Education Forum in Canberra. It was a key opportunity for the Directors from around Australia to hear our Principal voice and for them to gain an insight into the work of our Associations.
In particular, we were asked to present to the National Catholic Education Commissioners on the topic of Principal Wellbeing – we thank them for this opportunity. The ACU Australian Principal Occupational Health and Wellbeing Survey Findings were presented. As Professor Herb Marsh said of the feedback – “not only were principals dealing with the stresses of the job, but also carried the burden of significant concerns about the health and wellbeing of staff and students”. By the survey, Catholic Senior Leaders worked the longest hours of leaders in any sector. The top five sources of stress are sheer quantity of work, lack of time to focus on teaching and learning, teacher shortages, mental health issues of students, and mental health issues of staff. We also put forward recommendations for employers, professional associations, and the importance of building protective factors for those in the role – it is essential for all involved to explore models of best practice, and look at ways to implement effectively.
Hopefully, you are able to complete this year’s survey as we are in joint project with ACU to gain the Catholic data as well as the whole sector data.
In addition, Minister Clare addressed the whole Forum of Diocesan Directors, RI/PJP Leaders, Commissions et al, as did ED Jacinta Collins, Fr Frank Brennan, Tony Cook (Secretary of Australian Department of Education) and Deputy Meg Brighton. The NCEC Strategy Director Anna Howarth, NCEC Director Mission & Operations- Robert Tonkli also addressed the Forum over the three days.
Minister Clare raised the following points as key educational issues: the influence of Artificial Intelligence; the upcoming Education Ministers meeting in October; students Vaping; NAPLAN and the challenges with 10% Australian students registering below minimum standards; the importance of education and finishing school; the importance of pre-school and before school training (if a child goes to preschool, more likely to finish school); catch up strategies; shortage of teachers; retention of teachers in training and in the workforce; and raising the status of teachers.
In supporting Catholic Education, NCEC leadership outlined the aim of access, excellence, faith formation and advocacy to government for the 20% of students across the country in Catholic Schools.
On behalf of the CaSPA Board, I would like to congratulate the Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) on its 10 year anniversary and hearty congratulations to the Principals’ Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS) on their 50th Anniversary – please see the two videos in this newsletter which were developed as a part of the celebrations.
Blessings to All
Ann Rebgetz
CaSPA President
