Our board met for the last time in 2022 in Canberra, with the highlights below.

We conducted our AGM via a virtual platform as we were unable to have a quorum at the recent APPA conference.

It was wonderful to acknowledge our valued partners who have continued to support us during the past 12 months. I encourage you to connect with our partners and give them the opportunity to promote their products and services to you and your schools. Without their strong support, we would not be able to achieve what we do each year.

Dr Andrew Watson, Director of Wagga spent time with the board and spoke about the unique nature of the diocese and the 24 primary schools. Dr Watson spoke about the issues related to the rural nature of the diocese and the workforce plans that are being implemented.

Work continues in updating our organisation's policy suite and our operational plan. Both will allow our board to have a clear purpose and direction, especially as the membership does change on a regular basis. 

A combined meeting of ACPPA and CaSPA was a highlight of the recent national meeting held in Canberra. The opportunity to have the two boards meet allowed discussion around shared areas of development and also responded to the recently released Teacher Workforce Review document.

Farewell and thank you to our current Vice President Gez Mulvahil, and board members Liz Keogh and Megan Evans who have completed their time on the board. Congratulations to both Liz for her appointment as the new Deputy Director of the Port Pirie Diocese and to Gez Mulvahil, who will join us as the new ACPPA Executive Officer at the beginning of 2023. 

We will welcome a new Vice President in 2023. Michael Gray, the current VACPSP president will join us in this role from the beginning of the new year. Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team and we look forward to him supporting the further work of the board in his new role.

Our articles in this TOPICs are heavily about our current workforce situation. There is an opportunity for each of you to respond if you feel it is appropriate and I urge you to add your voice to those of the association, the NCEC and APPA.

Can I take this opportunity at the end of 2022 to thank each of you for your service to your school communities this year. Your role as principal is vital to ensuring the success and well-being of every person in your school, student and staff member. Take some time for yourself at the end of this school year to recharge and find time for yourself. You cant do the work that you do unless you look after yourself too.

To each of you who is concluding your principalship, whether it has been the 12 months or like my colleague Steve in Western Australia who retires after 35 years as a principal, thank you for the service you have provided to your school communities and Catholic Education.

Have a very blessed Christmas and a very relaxing break.