President's Message

Dear Principals,

I am sure you are all back in the normal routine of school and community life by now with your diary filling up and various adjustments made to the operational aspects of school.

The CaSPA Board met for the first time this year via Zoom to scope out the priorities for 2024. An exciting year as CaSPA celebrates 30 years of advocating and supporting Catholic Principals around Australia. In more recent times the Commonwealth Government and its agencies have engaged with CaSPA to assist with policy development, research and funding priorities. This broader involvement in the education landscape has also provided opportunities for CaSPA to collaborate with the Peak Principal Associations from all sectors of education in Australia.

It is also exciting that last month the registrations opened for the 2024 CaSPA Conference. My sincere thanks to the Western Australian Conference Committee which is doing a wonderful job in organising the numerous aspects required for a successful conference. I hope you and your Leadership Team will join us in Perth in July.

Last month the CaSPA Board was invited to contribute to the Senate Inquiry concerning the Cost Of Living. The session was held in Brisbane and it was very generous of Ann Rebgetz (Past CaSPA President) to represent Catholic Principals along with Jacinta Collins (NCEC Executive Director). The key points are included in this newsletter along with an article written by Jacinta.

During March the CaSPA Board will be meeting in person in Canberra. The Board has written to Minister Clare to invite him to join us if he is available. The Board will also be meeting with Tony Cook (Executive Secretary) and Meg Brighton (Deputy Secretary) from the Department of Education. In the year when the National School Reform Agreement will be drafted this will be a strategic opportunity to ensure the voice of Catholic School Principals is considered.

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
CaSPA President