President's Message

President’s Message (February)

Dear Colleagues

I trust that you had a wonderful break over the Christmas / New Year season. I also hope you have all had a smooth start to the 2021 academic year after all the challenges of 2020.

As the new President of CaSPA I am looking forward, along with the Board, to continue the advocacy and support of our Catholic Secondary Principals. A key focus for CaSPA this year will be to enhance the newly formed Coalition of Australian Principals (CAP) and to achieve the next set of targets of the CaSPA Strategic Plan.

On behalf of the CaSPA Board, I warmly welcome our two new Directors commencing in 2021: Michael Lee (ACT) and Andrew Baker (SA). My sincere thanks and best wishes to Paddy McEvoy (2020) and Loretta Wholley (2016 – 20 / President – 2019 / 20) for their great service as Directors.

So far, I have been privileged to have had communications from a range of government entities representatives, and other organisations such as the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards. In particular, the Reviews (AITSL)“Building a High Quality, Sustainable VET in Schools Workplace” (2020) and “One Teacher Profession : Teacher Registration in Australia Report”(2019) contain very pertinent recommendations and I have been asked for input on our behalf.

For example, a recommendation as follows would connect both of the above reviews - “Greater support for dual qualified teachers/ trainers and assessors would improve the quality and consistency of VET delivered in schools and therefore actions to support those who wish to gain and maintain dual qualifications would support greater consistency in quality.

Furthermore, VET in schools provided by dual qualified teachers/ trainers and assessors could also support improved information and/or encouragement about the VET post-school pathway which would improve perception about VET and integration with senior secondary studies.” (p.5 VET Review)

The fact that our Catholic Secondary Schools Principals Board and Association  is highly valued and consulted means so much – our voice is strong. In addition, I would thank Executive Officer, Phil Lewis, for his initiative and deep understanding, having previously been a CaSPA Past President, in facilitating our imprint.

My very best wishes to you and your communities for 2021.

With blessings to you all

Ann Rebgetz

(CaSPA President)