Dear Parents and Carers,

Beginning of Term Four

Term four has begun well. Last week was my first week back after my trip to Europe and it was straight into it. SRC Meeting, Maria Ruberto Workshop, EBA Briefing, Principal’s Forum, Master Plan Community Consultation, School Tours, Prep Welcome Pizza Night and Socktober Soccer Frenzy. This week we have had a Prep Transition Morning, swimming lessons and my family celebrated our youngest daughter’s graduation on Tuesday. Talk about a change of pace from what I have had for a while.

Enterprise Bargaining Agreement

After a period of negotiations between Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) and the Independent Education Union - Victoria and Tasmania (IEU-Vic/Tas), communications have broken down, resulting in proceedings coming to a standstill. There exists a dispute between them over the way in which they believe the agreement needs to be negotiated.

To expedite proceedings, the employer (VCEA) has made a direct offer to school staff of a 7% pay rise and other improvements to conditions, with a promise that they will provide parity with the state system, once their agreement is settled, sometime in 2026/7. This has been met with significant resistance from the union, as it feels that it has been sidelined in the proceedings and the offer is a long way short of the 37% payrise they are requesting. The employer argues that the union has closed the door on negotiations.

I am hopeful that both parties will soon return to the negotiating table and bring this impasse to a speedy end, delivering fair pay and conditions to employees and avoid disruptive industrial action. I will continue to keep you updated on the status of these proceedings while a deal is being finalised.

Pilgrimage to Italy – A Journey of Faith and Discovery

In September 2025, our Outer Eastern Zone Primary Principals Network embarked on a pilgrimage through Italy called the Great Saints of Italy. We visited some of the most significant spiritual and historical sites of our faith.

Throughout the pilgrimage, we were supported by Professor Peta Goldberg (RSM) from Australian Catholic University (Brisbane). From the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to the peaceful hills of Assisi, the twelve-day pilgrimage was both profoundly moving and spiritually enriching.

Highlights included attending Mass in ancient basilicas, churches and grottos, witnessing the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, and participating in a Papal Audience in St Peter’s Square.

We also visited the catacombs, the Benedictine Abbey at Monte Cassino, the shrine of Padre Pio, and the sacred cave of Monte Sant’Angelo. Each site offered a unique insight into the history, culture, and enduring legacy of the Catholic Church.

Assisi stood out as a place of profound peace and reflection, where the spirit of St. Francis continues to inspire simplicity, humility, and kinship with creation.

We also explored Siena, Florence, Padua, and Venice, encountering the lives of saints such as St. Clare, St. Catherine of Siena, and the recently canonised St. Carlo Acutis—whose modern witness to faith resonated deeply.

Despite challenges with travel logistics and the physical demands of the journey, the experience fostered resilience, gratitude, and a renewed sense of mission. The presence and leadership of Professor Peta Goldburg (RSM) provided invaluable theological insight and pastoral support throughout.

This pilgrimage reminded us of the richness of our Catholic tradition and the importance of community, prayer, and ongoing formation. We return with hearts full of gratitude, inspired to continue the work of the Gospel in our schools and communities.

We thank Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools for supporting this transformative professional learning and faith development opportunity and for enabling us to walk in the footsteps of saints, deepening our faith and commitment as Leaders in Catholic Education.

Kind regards,

Nick.

Nicholas Boyhan

Principal

News from Four/Five

Phillip Island camp