SPOTLIGHT - Western Australia
DEVELOPING CPPA (WA) ALUMNI
Our CPPA (WA) Project Officer, Shane Baker, was asked to undertake two projects in 2022, one around induction for new principals and the role of a professional association like the CPPA, and the second project was to establish an Alumni for anyone who has served as a principal in Catholic schools here in Western Australia.
After working on both projects for six months or so, it became clear to the CPPA (WA) Executive that both projects are closely linked and aligned in terms of offering support to newly appointed principals, those working in the role already and those who have retired from the role. All three stages are important, and this is the challenge we have set ourselves. This article looks at the progress being made in setting up our Alumni.
MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS BEYOND THE ROLE
In 2022, a small team of past principals have been working hard to construct an Alumni Contact List. The dedicated volunteers have gathered up over one hundred confirmed contacts from our list of 194 serving past principals (since 1976 when the CPPA began). This list includes 18 deceased past principals whom we will remember as honorary Alumni Members.
Alumni membership is free, and the group aim to communicate via email and the development of the CPPA WA website.
BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF CPPA (WA) ALUMNI
These are some of the many benefits that one can derive from being a member of the Alumni:
- The Association exists to do good.
- Friendships, happiness, good times and laughter are all elements of positive wellbeing.
- Networking is important for conversations and stories to be told.
- Belonging to and sharing a common understanding of the job we once performed.
- Our cognitive well-being is encouraged.
- Keeping in touch with the Catholic Education WA network.
- Sharing insights, telling stories, and looking back all help to keep the mind turning over.
- Volunteering and pastoral opportunities.
- Membership is free and simple with no strings.
- Your career and contribution and keeping in touch have a nice synergy – it is meant to be.
- Keeping it together for a purpose makes sense.
- In 2026, CPPA will celebrate 50 years of operation.
OUR PLANS
Proposals for 2022 begin with an inaugural event on August 24 with an Alumni Members Lunch and Catch-up and an invitation to the CPPA (WA) Conference Dinner. Going forward, CPPA (WA) plans to engage the Alumni, which include regular Communication Updates, Alumni meetings in regional and metro areas, an annual Breakfast meeting sponsored by CPPA as well an invitation to the CPPA Conference Dinner each year.
Sue Fox and Fran Italiano - Alumni members Shane Baker - Project Officer
Andrew Colley – Principal
Hammond Park Catholic Primary School
Hammond Park, WA
