Michael Gray’s Catholic education career has encompassed many teaching and leadership roles across 40 years, including principalship at St Mary’s Primary School Geelong with 150 students and dual principalship at St. Joseph’s Primary School Warrnambool and St. Marcellus Purnim with 620 and 25 students respectively. Michael’s formal lifelong learning began at the Institute of Catholic Education (ICE) and Australian Catholic University (ACU) with a Graduate Diploma in Mathematics and a Master of Education. Substantial professional development has included short course studies domestically and overseas.

Today, Michael is the inaugural full-time elected President of the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals (VACPSP). Under Michael’s leadership, the Association has prospered, achieving the growth benchmark goal of 80% membership of Victorian primary Principals, National Association registration and three successful primary Principal leadership conferences. Michael also serves as the Deputy President of ACPPA and member of ACPPA Wellbeing Working Party.

The VACPSP is the peak professional body for Victorian Catholic primary Principals, an industry leader amongst like organisations, and acknowledged by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) as one of its primary partners. The VACPSP mantra is ‘Better Together’ for impact, advocacy, micro-professional development and partner engagement; importantly, Michael’s commitment as President is to human potential, here and now!

Over the last 15 years, Damian has initiated and led a 21st-century approach to learning and teaching at St Raphael’s, which has resulted in a personalised and engaging learning experience for students. This pedagogical paradigm shift has earned the school great respect in the educational community.

Damian has been recognised for his exceptional leadership skills and has been invited to participate in numerous conferences and events. In 2018, he attended the Global Foundation’s Co-operative Globalisation Rome Roundtable at the Vatican, where he discussed transformative pathways to rebuild confidence and coherence in societies worldwide. In 2019, Damian presented at the International Confederation of Principals in Shanghai, China, where he shared his expertise on educational excellence.

In 2022, Damian was recognised as one of Australia’s Top 50 most influential educational leaders by The Educator, which is an acknowledgement by his colleagues of his contribution to the St Raphael’s school community during the uncertainty of the Covid pandemic. He is the current Chairperson of MACS North Central Zone Principal Network, promoting educational excellence for Catholic schools and support for principal colleagues.

Damian’s commitment to excellence in education is reflected in his active involvement in the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals (VACPSP). He was elected to represent the North Central Zone on the VACPSP in 2018 and has strongly advocated for principals in promoting educational excellence and career development.

Julie has been in Catholic Primary School education for over 30 years and taught and held Leadership positions in eight schools during this time. She joined the Principal Council to share the voice of our East Central Principals and gain an insight into Catholic Primary education over the dioceses in Victoria

Carmel is the Principal of St Louis, returning to the school for the third time after attending as a student when the school opened in 1965, and then as a teacher for 15 years. Carmel has been a member of the VACPSP for the last 12 years and on the Principal Council for the last four years. She currently serves as the Association Treasurer. Carmel believes Principals need a voice and the VACPSP is the vehicle for Principals to be heard in many different forums. She has learnt so much and enjoys the opportunity to work with a wide variety of professionals

Julie Freeman has been principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Sunbury for six years. Having been involved in Catholic Education for 33 years, Julie is involved with the VACPSP as away of giving something back to the profession and to Catholic schools Victoria wide. Being part of the Association is an opportunity to meet with Principals from across the state and various dioceses to gain an insight into how we can improve the support for Principals and to recognise what is done in schools throughout Victoria. Julie says it is her privilege to represent the North Western Principals in Melbourne and to be an advocate for her colleagues. 

As a wife, mother of 3 and a passionate educator Rachel feels privileged to work within a school community cocreating a thriving learning environment. Enriching through faith, persistence, purpose, awareness, gratitude, inclusion, risk-taking, high expectations, and a growth mindset makes up our ‘Way of Being’. Rachel considers these elements to be pivotal to maximise the learning process for all, continually shaping a successful educational community.

Rachel joined the VACPSP to represent and support principals as she believes that ‘It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it matters’ Epictetus. Principals have an important role in the health of the school climate, impacting student achievement and the success of the whole child. The more we can do to support the significantly complex role of the principal the better it is for thousands of people, hundreds of communities, and ultimately society.

Anthony is the Principal of St Mary’s Primary School in Mooroopna (Goulburn Valley Deanery, Sandhurst Diocese). Anthony has been a member of VACPSP for most of the 17 years he has served as Principal. During this time, Anthony has personally witnessed the significant advantages that the VACPSP has brought to Principals. The opportunity to share best practice and identify pathways for personal and professional growth, has ensured Catholic Principals are well supported on a variety of levels. 

With a commitment to fostering educational excellence, Bambi has dedicated 32 years to
the field of education throughout Australia. From Queensland to the Northern Territory,
Bambi has most recently engaged in teaching and learning in Victoria within the Ballarat
Diocese.

Traversing the educational landscape, contributing her expertise to Catholic Education, Department of Education schools and the Lutheran system, Bambi’s pedagogical influence and impact has been significant and far reaching.

With 15 years of experience in educational leadership and a current tenure as principal for
the past 7 years, Bambi’s leadership style is marked by inclusivity, collaboration and a
profound commitment to fostering an environment where both educators and students thrive.

A seasoned leader and devoted advocate for early years literacy education, particularly within the realm of literacy, Bambi has recognized the transformative power of
early literacy skills and acquisition. Throughout her career, Bambi has championed the
implementation of innovative, effective, evidence-based strategies to equip young learners with the strong foundation paramount for all future learning.

Bambi’s dedication to early literacy education has extended beyond the classroom. She has
been instrumental in implementing initiatives such as playgroups, story times and strong community partnerships, reinforcing the importance of literacy from a holistic perspective.

Bambi has been a valued member of the VACPSP since 2022, and as a passionate, innovative and exemplary educator is keen to continue to network with Principals across Victoria to make a difference in schools, for students and colleagues alike.