President's Message

Dear Colleagues

As we come to the end of the year we all look forward to a Christmas break and “a recharging of the batteries”!!

After 8 years as the CaSPAQ representative on the CaSPA Board as a Director, my tenure on the Board expires at the end of 2023. Over the last 3 years I have been President of CaSPA and now it is handover time.

From our recent AGM, I am very pleased to announce that the new President elected for 2024 onwards is Dr Stephen Kennaugh from St Andrew’s College, Parramatta, Sydney.

I wish to thank CaSPAQ and CaSPA for this privilege, the ongoing support for my Presidency term, and the Collegiality of other Directors. It has been a great time of trying to achieve our strategic goals and mission of CaSPA - hopefully we are many steps forward in the recognition of our very important voice, and priority of Principal wellbeing. The legacy and meaning of Miriam- Rose’s painting, I hope will stay forever. Again, I would thank Phil Lewis, EO, for his excellent work, leadership and support in this process. Phil has given us notice of his intention, after over 5 significant years in the role, to step down from the position mid-year 2024, after the National Conference in Perth in July. The position of Executive Officer is currently being advertised.

I would also thank Craig Deayton for his lengthy service and significant contribution to the Board as a Director. After 5 plus years of service Craig will be moving to a new Tasmanian Catholic Education Office Leader position. We congratulate Craig on his many years of exemplary leadership as a Secondary Principal. We will welcome 2 new Directors to the Board next year.

The importance of communication across our Catholic sector, and in fact, across all sectors, has been highlighted by the power of combined voice. CaSPA has worked hard to ensure we have a place at the table in many contexts. Education is liberation for our students, and our role as Principals provides that significant leadership, having extensive impact. The benefits of that impact can be further increased, when we work together to raise awareness of the possibilities of outcomes.

Over the last month, we have been fortunate to meet in Perth, and connect with the Western Australian Principals, and the Conference Planning Committee. The Conference will be a fabulous opportunity to come together, explore new horizons, showcase our sponsor partners, and have a taste of the beautiful landscape of WA.

Additionally, last Tuesday in Sydney saw our small representative Catholic Education Stakeholders Forum group gather in person, meeting at the NCEC office. It provided an opportunity to discuss a range of issues with Parents CSPA, ACPPA, and ourselves meeting with NCEC Jacinta Collins (ED) and Robert Tonkli. Discussion around funding models, parent engagement, Principal wellbeing, teacher shortages followed on with further ways of working together being explored.

Late last week, I hosted a meeting of leading Catholic Principals in the Technical and VET sector from Southern States at St James College in Brisbane. They lead the Australian Catholic Technical and Vocational Colleges Association. This is a voice which links with our excellence and equity in this field inclusive of a non-binary approach. The group enjoyed eye-opening industry visits to the lead operational centre of Rio Tinto in Brisbane, followed by a tour of the Broncos Clive Berghofer Centre and Training Institute. The meeting was particularly special and exciting, as it had just been announced that St James College and CathWest Innovation College (Principal Paul Stenning attending in Brisbane) placed first and second in School Pathways to VET category at the Australian Training Awards – another win for Catholic Education!

In closing, thank you for your support and friendship, and for all the work you do and share. Best wishes to all those Principals who are pursuing new phases of their life next year, as they complete their Principalships. I hope that you all may experience the light of laughter, the warmth of love, and the joy of gratitude of Christmas, along with a very wonderful New Year.

Blessings to All

Ann Rebgetz
CaSPA President