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2024 CSNSW Curriculum Reform Conference (Ref: 130/24)
The 2024 Curriculum Conference, “Animating the Curriculum for Human Flourishing,” will be held at the Hilton Hotel Sydney from 30 September to 1 October. The conference aims to go beyond the mandated curriculum to develop the whole person intellectually, spiritually, ethically, physically, and creatively through a distinctly Catholic approach. The conference will discuss the following topics:
- The reformed syllabuses and their implementation in classrooms
- The role of Catholic intellectual thought in shaping holistic education
- How education contributes to human flourishing of individuals and communities
- Enhancing senior secondary curriculum to support post-school pathways
- Academic care and wellbeing
- Addressing the needs of high-potential and gifted students
- Exploring Vocational Education Pathways
Click here to learn more and register.
2024 VALID Science Assessment Registrations (Ref: 132/24)
The NSW Department of Education Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) program provides online, end-of-stage assessments for the science key learning area in Years 6, 8 and 10.
These assessments can be used as a diagnostic tool to assist in improving student outcomes in science and as a tool for program evaluation. The tests are aligned to the science syllabuses and assess what students know and can do in science at the end of Stages 3, 4 and 5. It also provides useful information about student attitudes towards science.
The cost is $10 per student which includes access to all resources and professional learning at no extra cost.
Schools that register for VALID Science and Technology 6 and VALID Science 10 are required to mark their students’ extended responses.
There are two tasks for Year 6 and three tasks for Year 10. All other questions are automatically scored.
Professional learning is provided for teachers to undertake the extended response marking. Completing ‘Differentiating student responses using SOLO for VALID 6, 8′ or 10 will contribute 5 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of delivery and assessment of NSW Curriculum addressing Standard Descriptor(s) 2.1.2, 5.1.2, 5.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher in NSW.
Assessment windows
- VALID Science and Technology 6 assessment – 2 September to 13 September 2024
- VALID Science 10 assessment – 2 September to 13 September 2024
- In-school marking window Years 6 and 10 – 18 September to 18 October 2024
- VALID Science 8 assessment – 28 October to 8 November 2024
Register here.
Find further information here.
Closing: 5 July 2024
Email: valid.program@det.nsw.edu.au
My First Speech Competition 2024 (Ref: 131/24)
The Department of the House of Representatives has launched the 2024 “My First Speech” competition for high school students across Australia. Students in years 10, 11, and 12 must write and record a 90-second speech presenting it as their first speech in the House of Representatives on a topic they are passionate about. A panel of judges including MPs and the Speaker of the House, Milton Dick MP, will select one winner from each grade level. The winners will be flown to Canberra with a parent/guardian to deliver their speech at Parliament House.
While in Canberra, they will meet MPs, tour Parliament House, and learn about the democratic process. The competition aims to promote public speaking, critical thinking, and engagement of young Australians in the democratic system. Entries close on 27 July 2024, click here to enter.
2025 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations - Expressions of Interest for Convenors and Committee Members (Ref: 128/24)
The Head of CSSA Exams is seeking expressions of interest for the following positions.
A Convenor for the 2025 CSSA Trial HSC Examination:
- Geography
- Mathematics Extension 2
Committee Members for the 2025 CSSA Trial HSC Examination:
- Enterprise Computing
The letter regarding the Expression of Interest requirements for the Convenor role with the CSSA and the application process is found here.
The letter regarding the Expression of Interest requirements for the Committee Members role with the CSSA and the application process is found here.
Interested applicants are asked to send a Cover Letter and current Curriculum Vitae to Monica O’Brien, Head CSSA Exams at monica.obrien@csnsw.catholic.edu.au by 9am Tuesday 25 June 2024.
2024 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations - Information for Schools to Assist with Preparation (Ref: 129/24)
2024 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations FINAL Timetable
The 2024 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations FINAL Timetable was made available to schools in early Term 2 and is available on the CSSA website via the link https://www.cssa.com.au/
The dates for the 2024 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Timetable are
- Monday 5 August and concludes Monday 19 August
The 2024 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Security Period is
- up to, and inclusive of, Wednesday 21 August 2024
- Examinations, including examination related materials and student scripts, can be returned to students from 8.00 am, Thursday 22 August 2024
Delivery Rounds
First Round Deliveries
- For schools that have ordered examinations per cohort (one per student) and using the 2024 CSSA Trial HSC Examination Timetable
- Delivered to schools from Tuesday 23 July to Friday 26 July 2024 (Week 1, Term 3)
- Delivery includes four information documents in support of school preparation for the CSSA Trial HSC Examinations
- Electronic signature is required from the school representative receiving the CSSA delivery
- Date, time and location of delivery will be electronically collected
- Ensure secure storage of boxes immediately upon delivery
Second Round Deliveries
- Schools that have purchased a minimum order of examinations (5 copies per subject)
- Orders will be delivered to schools from Monday 9 September 2024 (Week 8, Term 3)
- Electronic signature is required from the school representative receiving the delivery
- Date, time and location of delivery will be electronically collected
CSSA Terms and Conditions
Principals are reminded to ensure the CSSA Terms and Conditions are adhered to by school executive, teachers and other staff members.
Request for change of details in School Account in CSSA website
Each school is responsible for updating their school account details in the CSSA website. This information was provided to schools in the 2024 CSSA Principal Information Package.
Webinar: The Dr Hilary Cass Report on Gender Dysphoria in the UK – is it relevant for Australia? (Ref: 127/24)
The National Association of Practicing Psychiatrists is hosting a webinar with Dr Hilary Cass who will present the findings of her UK NHS report into the treatment of young people who are questioning their gender identity. Following her input, a faculty of senior medical and legal experts will debate the relevance of the Cass recommendations for the Australian setting.
The webinar will take place on 2 July, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm AEST.
Follow this link for registration details, including the cost of the webinar, and information about presenters.
NSW Training Awards 2024 (Ref: 133/24)
Finalists
Hunter & Central Coast 31 May
VETSS Student of the Year
Mia Boyle Certificate III in Business Services, St Francis Xavier’s College Hamilton; RTO: Diocese of Maitland Newcastle Catholic Schools
SBAT Student of the Year
Mia Dial Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
St Joseph’s Catholic College Aberdeen; Employer: Hunter New England Health; RTO: TAFENSW
Western NSW 6 June
VETSS Student of the Year
Annalise Hansen Certificate II in Cookery, MacKillop College, Bathurst; RTO: Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst WINNER
SBAT Student of the Year
Indigo Thornet Certificate III in School–Based Education Support, St Raphael’s Cowra; Employer: Mulyan Public School; RTO: TAFE NSW
Annika Taylor Certificate III in School-Based Education Support,
La Salle Academy, Lithgow; Employer: St Joseph’s Portland; RTO: Karben Training Solutions
Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
David Simms Certificate III in School-Based Education Support, St Raphael’s Cowra; Employer: St Raphael’s Cowra; RTO: TAFE NSW
Riverina 13 June
VETSS Student of the Year
Matilda Harrison Certificate II in Hospitality (Food & Beverage), Hennessy Catholic College; RTO: Catholic Education Office Canberra & Goulburn
Abbey Hartley Certificate II in Hospitality (Food & Beverage), Kildare Catholic College; RTO: Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga WINNER
Poppy Gray Certificate III in Business Kildare Catholic College; RTO: Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga
Trainer of the Year
Simon Gaynor St Anne’s College, Primary Industries, Construction, Metals & Engineering; RTO: Catholic Education Office Canberra & Goulburn WINNER
Lucia Dickie Marian Catholic College, Griffith; Business & Information Digital Technology; RTO: Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga
Central & Northern Sydney 13 June
VETSS Student of the Year
Jemma O’Donnell Certificate II in Cookery St Clare’s College, Waverley; RTO: Sydney Catholic Schools
Chloe Dunn Certificate II in Cookery Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington; RTO: Sydney Catholic Schools
SBAT Student of the Year
Ivy Hain Southern Cross Catholic College, Burwood; Employer:
Hairdressing Picturesque Hair; RTO: Sydney Catholic Schools WINNER
Siena Fearn Early Childhood Education & Care Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington; Employer: Bambini’s Childcare Centre; RTO: Sydney Catholic Schools
Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
SM Robert Rahman Certificate III in Health Services Assistant, Corpus Christi College, Maroubra; Employer: Sydney Hospital & Sydney Eye Hospital; RTO: TAFE NSW
New England 14 June
Jedd Mansfield Certificate III in Health Services Assistance St Mary’s College Gunnedah; Employer: Hunter New England Local Health District; RTO: TAFE NSW
Greater Western Sydney 21 June
VETSS Student of the Year
Sharnie Clinch Certificate III in Health Services Assistant, St John Paul II, Schofields; RTO: NSW Health
Jewel Osborne Certificate III in Business, St Agnes High School, Rooty Hill; RTO: Catholic Education Parramatta Diocese
SBAT Student of the Year
Sarah Iacono Certificate III in Electrotechnology, CathWest Innovation College, Mount Druitt; Employer: Stowe Australia; RTO: TAFE NSW
Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Tataya Curry-Jones Certificate III in Business, St John Paul II, Schofields; RTO: Catholic Education Parramatta Diocese
South and South Western Sydney 21 June
SBAT Student of the Year
Caitlin Schneider, Certificate III in Health Services Assistant (Acute Care) St Aloysius College; Employer: Kareena Hospital; RTO: TAFE NSW
Cath Chittick Certificate II in Cookery, St John the Evangelist Nowra; RTO: Diocese of Wollongong
Trainer of the Year
Georgious Frangioudakis Southern Cross Catholic College, Burwood; Automotive, Construction; RTO: Sydney Catholic Schools
Illawarra & South East NSW 28 June
SBAT Student of the Year
Kane Widders Certificate III in Agriculture, Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn; Employer: Australian Training Company; RTO: TAFE NSW
Caitlin Crawford Certificate III in Fitness, Lumen Christi College, Pambula Beach; Employer: Epic Fitness Studio RTO: UOW College
Trainer of the Year
Cath Chittick Certificate II in Cookery, St John the Evangelist Nowra; RTO: Diocese of Wollongong
To learn more about the NSW Training Awards click here.