1979: The First Meeting
A meeting of Catholic Primary Principals from all states was held
in Simonds Hall, Toorak, Melbourne from 2.00 p.m. to 9.40 p.m.
on 26 September. A welcome was extended by Allan Dooley, President
of the Victorian Parish Principals Representative Council. (Allan
is currently Director of Catholic Education in South Australia.)
The meeting was organised by Mr Michael Riley.
Mr Vin Faulkner and Mr Jim McKenna, consultants from the Victorian
Catholic Education Office gave an overview of the functions and
role of principals for the eighties. Representatives from all states,
were asked to speak on the topic, "Security of Tenure".
This topic highlighted the many different employment contracts
and conditions which existed across Australia, as well as often
within one single Diocese.
Other topics discussed were:
-
Development of Schools in the Northern Territory.
- Leadership Development Programs led by Sr Eileen Creagh
- The
Teacher in the Catholic School presented by Br Anthony Shears.
- This
meeting was considered very valuable as a first gathering of
Catholic Primary Principals on a national level, but
it was also thought to be far too short.
It was unanimously felt that the first Conference of the Catholic
Principals was successful but had been too short and that a Conference
of one whole day, if not two days input, prior to the APPA conference
should be held. It was also felt that there should be far more
liaison and communication between the Catholic Systems throughout
Australia.
(Report of Meeting of Catholic Primary Principals, 26 September,
1979.)
1982. The First Conference.
Victorian Parish Principals Representatives organised a formal
conference in July prior to the APPA Conference in Launceston,
Tasmania. There were representatives from Western Australia, Australian
Capital Territory, New South Wales, (Sydney diocese) South Australia,
Northern Territory, Queensland (Yeppoon and Brisbane Archdiocese)
and Victoria (all Diocese).
Following the Conference Sr Marlene Monahan wrote to all States
and Territory organisations:
During last year's APPA stop-over Catholic Conference in
Melbourne, a proposal to establish a National Catholic Primary
Principals' Association was discussed. As a result of the
discussion, it was agreed that the Victorian group would provide
a discussion paper, circulate it to all Catholic associations during
early 1983 and take up the discussion again at the 1983 conference.
(Sr Marlene Monahan. 4 March 1983)
The discussion paper dealt with issues impinging upon a National
Association:
Geography - the Diocesan model within states. How could a national
body represent the many existing groups.
- Distance - the difficulties of communication and travel.
- Finance - questions and options for funding
a national body.
- Meetings - recommending they be held before the
APPA conference each year.
NCEC - its role and relationship with a national body.
- Diversity - should a national body work towards a uniform set
of conditions of
employment for principals.
- Executive - how could such a body work.
- Role of the CEO - the possible attitude of Directors
to such a body, the likely support they would give to state
associations, and the possibility of funding and release time
for principals to attend conferences.
Catholic Education and Political Issues - It would seem apparent
that issues involving Catholic Education will arise in the future.
At present, despite the existence of a National Catholic Education
Commission, few definitive statements are made by Catholic educators
on moral and social issues. Occasionally bishops or priest make
headlines as individuals but little press of a collective nature
is ever obtained.
Some concluding thoughts - Catholic Primary Education has evolved
quite dramatically over the past ten years. Increased government
funding, emphasis on the training of Catholic teachers, increased
accountability, fluctuating enrolments, diverse employment criteria
together with many complex social, moral, religious and economic
issues have led to the establishment of an Australian network of
Catholic Schools.
It would seem apparent that the viability and strength of this
network is partly dependent on an exchange of ideas and information
at the grass roots level. There is little doubt that some form
of national Catholic Primary Principals' Association is desirable.
(Jeff Somers: Establishment of a National Catholic Primary Principals' Association
- A Discussion Paper. 23 November, 1982.)
THE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE
The first official conference was held at Marist College, Ashgrove,
Brisbane, from 27 to 29 June, 1984. 109 principals attended representing
every State and Territory in Australia. All Directors of Catholic
Education supported the formation of State or Diocesan Associations.
At the Inaugural Meeting held on 28 June, the name Australian Catholic
Primary Principals' Association was formally adopted along
with the ACPPA Logo and the ACPPA Constitution.
The Conference was facilitated by Kevin Treston, who presented
three sessions: A New Time - A New Vision; The Leader and Pastoral
Care; Teacher Models of Ministry and Industry.
ACPPA LOGO
The ACPPA Logo was unveiled at the Brisbane Conference in 1984.
The map of Australia surrounds the initials of the proposed association.
This was incorporated into the cross signifying clearly the Catholicity
of the Association. As Principals ought to be a leading force in
the schools, the Association should be a leading light in the field
of Education in Australia. This is signified by the Christmas star.
(Inaugural Conference Book. 1984.)
TOPICS
The first edition to topics was printed in June 1984, edited by
Dennis Sleigh, and contained articles written by Principals from
the Australian Capital Territory. It was 83 pages long.
Articles
included:
- Have a Real Vision. John Doherty.
- Staff Development in a Catholic School. Joy Bresser.
- Remedial Reading and Parent Support. Sr M Magdalen.
- Environmental Learning Networks. Evelyn Rollings.
- Education and Change. Elizabeth Ricketts.
- Save Yourself - Involve Others, Dennis Sleigh.
OPENING ADDRESS TO THE INAUGURAL CONFERENCE
The Opening Address to the First National Conference of ACPPA
was delivered by Mr Alan Druery, Director, Queensland Catholic
Education Office. The following are excerpts from that address.
The organisers of this conference are certainly to be commended
on their positive and timely initiative. The difficulties involved
in organising conferences of this kind are enormous. The logistical
aspects of the exercise would not differ greatly from those involved
in convening a conference of principals from eight or nine European
countries. The geographical problems are, if anything, greater,
the language problems are - as you may discover over the next few
days - less severe but in some ways just as real - and the cultural
differences are, or will be, readily obvious.
.....this is the moment in history for a clear identity for the
Catholic school sector.
....the attitudes of militant Union leaders in some parts of Australia;
the tension generated for schools by the pressure of family break-downs;
the complexity and rapidity of curriculum change; and the difficulty
of constantly having to fit more and more into an ever-shrinking
school day and you must agree with my view that your conference
is timely. At the moment, perhaps more than ever before, you will
need the support you will draw from each other at the formal and
informal sessions of the next few days.
It is true that in today's world, too much is expected
of schools. For every new social ill that emerges, the world
not unnaturally,
looks for an education solution. During your conference, and into
the future, you may have to consider the extent to which the school
is responsible, or can be held responsible for the solutions to
societal problems. It is appropriate for an association like yours
to have views - and public views -on these issues.
.....the National Catholic Education Commission has invited
State Catholic Education Commissions to indicate their attitude
towards
your association's use of the work "Catholic" in
your title......Queensland has endorsed the proposed use without
reservation. If you are encouraged by our confidence, you will
also be conscious of the awesome responsibility it imposes on you.
...you have already accepted the challenge to become principals,
and beyond that, the principal of a Catholic school. Catholic Education
Office Directors will come and go but their administrative decisions
will have little immediate impact on the individual child in a particular
school. They have their place in the scheme of things and we can
only hope they will remember it. Your own impact is quite different.
It is immediate, significant, real and absolutely critical to the
well-being of the children in your care. To them, and to their parents,
you are Catholic education personified..
A E Druery. 28.6.84.
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