Dear Members,

The work of ACPPA since our last Topics has centered around our relationships with the Federal Minister, the Catholic Stakeholder Forum (NCEC, Catholic Parents, Catholic Secondary Principals and ACPPA), and our business partners.

The meeting last week between representatives from ACPPA and CaSPA and the Federal Minister, Jason Clare, was specifically about building a shared relationship and discussing the key government agendas of Early Learning, the new National School Reform Agreement, and the work in the tertiary education sector that will all play out through 2024. It was heartening to hear the Minister speak about and ask the group how to continue to place principal wellbeing clearly within the reform agenda. We look forward to this ongoing discussion from a national perspective as we move into 2024.

As we close out another school year, I wish to congratulate each and every one of the approximately 1500 Catholic Primary school principals and Heads of Primary that make up ACPPA.

The complexity of the role continues to bring with it many challenges, often exacerbated by numerous forces beyond your control. Yet, you lead with compassion, dignity, and fairness in the day-to-day running of your school environments. As Catholic leaders in your communities, you show the face of Jesus in daily interactions with students, staff, and parents. You often navigate difficulties with relationships and expectations of numerous individuals with a sense of calm and graciousness. This is often difficult and can have a collateral impact on your own health and wellbeing. So, during the upcoming period between school years, please find time for yourselves. Time to refresh and recharge. Time for you and your families. Time away from work.

To those of you finishing your time in principalship, thank you for everything you have done. I hope the next stage of your life journey brings you great joy and fulfillment.

To everyone in our ACPPA community, I wish you a most joyous and, hopefully, relaxing Christmas.

Peter Cutrona

PRESIDENT