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

Rachel Holdsworth has served as Principal of Holy Spirit School for ten years, leading a vibrant learning community through collaborative leadership and shared vision. She approaches Catholic education with dedication, faith, and warmth, fostering an environment where students thrive, and families are genuine partners in learning. Beyond her role as an educational leader, Rachel cherishes time with her family, enjoying camping adventures and early morning beach walks.

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.