4 March 2026

Last night, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) launched its Vision for Leadership, uniting more than 18,000 teachers and staff across Australia’s largest Catholic school system with a shared understanding of impactful leadership.

Welcoming education leaders, Ministers, MACS board members and guests to the launch, MACS Executive Director, Dr Edward Simons said that now more than ever, we need leaders who are present, calm and grounded in faith.

‘I am truly excited by the significant opportunities the Vision for Leadership will enable to strengthen MACS schools, and in turn, enhance the educational landscape across Melbourne and beyond.'

Vision for Leadership is a key document underpinning the MACS 2030 strategic plan, and is shaped through consultation with MACS leaders, expert research and contemporary leadership practice, and grounded in the mission of the Catholic Church.

This leadership roadmap sits alongside our Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement in setting the direction, language and bold intent for who we are, how we teach and how we drive a sense of belonging across our system of schools and offices.

School leaders John Visentin, principal of John Paul College, Rosalba Squarci, principal St Raphaels Primary School, and Sarah Spiteri, an education and faither leader at St Mary’s Primary School noted that leadership is not a solo pursuit.

‘Rather, it is something we do together as servant leaders. And we do this in solidarity.

‘Leadership is not about knowing all the answers, it’s about walking along side others – and that’s what this Vision for Leadership is telling us. It’s a shared language and culture in our schools.'

Former Undersecretary to the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education, Fr Friedich Bechina said the Catholic church is a global player in the world of education and that comes with immense responsibility towards our faith, the students intrusted in us, families and the society at large.

Vision for Leadership position statement