NSW Catholic Schools Position Statement: Safety, Certainty and Learning (Ref: 219/21)
Plans for Terms 3 and 4
The Premier advised on Thursday 5 August that a uniform policy approach towards restrictions is not needed, and
responses should reflect “what is happening in [local] communities”.
In line with the approach of the NSW Government, Catholic Schools New South Wales provides the following NSW Catholic Schools Position Statement (‘Safety, Certainty and Learning’)
NSW Catholic Schools Position Statement – Return to School and HSC
NSW Catholic Schools Position Statement – Return to School and HSC (FAQ)
Government Media Release
Sarah Mitchell Brad Hazzard med rel – Flexible school model for HSC students
HSC Performance and Language Oral Exams (Ref: 220/21)
Following a meeting of the NESA COVID-19 Response Committee on Sunday afternoon, NESA has announced the following:
- To limit the movement of NESA performance and language oral markers between schools within or outside Greater Sydney the NESA COVID-19 Response Committee has provided COVID Special Consideration to the HSC performance and language oral exams across the state.
- Under the program, performance exams in dance, drama and music, and the language oral exams, can be organised by individual schools at a time that suits their local needs, in line with Health advice.
- NESA will provide schools with guidelines and mark packs to support teachers. Schools will have until 22 October to submit the marks to NESA.
- The marks submitted by teachers will be moderated by NESA to ensure equity across the state.
- Strict COVID-safe rules are in place for students rehearsing and completing their performance exams.
- Schools do not need to apply for Special Consideration for the performance and oral language exams. The program continues to be available, by application, for students (at schools under Level 4 restrictions) whose completion of their major project has been significantly disrupted by COVID-19.
Written exams will go ahead from 19 October and NESA is working closely with NSW Health to ensure strict COVID-safe protocols will be in operation.
MEDIA RELEASE: Update HSC performance and language oral exams NSW Education Standards
HAVE YOUR SAY on the new English & Mathematics K–2 syllabuses (Ref: 210/21)
NESA has released the Draft English and Mathematics K–2 syllabuses for consultation. This additional 3-week consultation is to confirm the revisions made after feedback on the draft English and Mathematics K–2 outcomes and content earlier this year.
Given the challenges arising from COVID-19, including remote learning and determinations around HSC exams, NESA has extended the original ‘Have Your Say’ timeline. NESA is inviting feedback from all school sectors on the English and Mathematics K–2 syllabuses until 23 August 2021.
You can access the syllabuses at the Catholic Schools New South Wales Curriculum Reform Hub (login via NETiD) where you can also find other relevant NESA updates and resources.
You can provide feedback via an online survey here. The survey will be open until 5pm on Monday 23 August 2021.
Catholic Schools New South Wales 2021 DISruptABILITY Conference will be delivered with flexibility (Ref: 216/21)
Need flexibility in these ever-changing times? We understand!
In the same way our schools continue to deliver high-quality learning in uncertain and changing times, Catholic Schools New South Wales prioritises high-quality professional learning in a responsive manner during challenging times. Therefore the conference will be hybrid.
What is a hybrid conference?
A hybrid conference is an event that is delivered both in person and via a virtual platform for delegates that are unable or do not wish to attend in person. Hybrid conferences have become extremely popular in the past 18 months as it offers a level of flexibility should the event need to pivot due to government directed restrictions for the delivery of events and gatherings. Our DISruptABILITY 2021 will be delivered as a hybrid conference.
Find answers to all your questions HERE
WHEN: Thursday 18 & Friday 19 November, 2021
WHERE: Live Manly Novotel, Virtual, On Demand
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: $495 (until 31 August)
AUDIENCE: This conference seeks to be inclusive of all those who provide educational support and care for students with disability in our schools, and so schools are encouraged to bring teams.
REGISTRATION: https://eecw.eventsair.com/disruptability-2021
Working with Children Checks extended for three months (Ref: 213/21)
Working with Children Checks due to expire between 19 July 2021 and 26 September 2021 have been extended for three months. People who are granted an extension will be advised by email and the system will be automatically updated.
National Copyright Unit Q&A on remote learning: Thursdays lunchtime (Ref: 201/21)
In response to the return to remote learning in some States, the National Copyright Unit (NCU) is hosting a one-hour lunchtime copyright question and answer session each Thursday (via Zoom) for curriculum developers and other staff, in the Departments of Education or non-government school bodies, involved in creating and providing educational resources to students, teachers, schools and parents.
When: Thursdays 12-1pm
Where: Via this Zoom link
Who is welcome: Departmental/ Non-government school bodies’ staff involved in creating and providing education resources to teachers, schools and parents.
Please note: teachers and schools can contact NCU for copyright advice by phone at (02) 7814 3855 and via email [email protected]. They can also find practical copyright information and guides on http://www.smartcopying.edu.au including our new information sheet COVID-19 School Lockdown – Copyright Guidance.
Census Reminder: Tick the Catholic Box! (Ref: 217/21)
Census night is on Tuesday 10 August 2021.
Census data is used to build a better future for us all. It is used to inform decisions on issues that touch our lives every day, from schools, healthcare, transport, and infrastructure to local services for individuals, families and communities.
Catholic Schools NSW & the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference encourages all baptised Catholics to tick the Catholic box when completing the Census.
Eastern Catholics from the Syro-Malabar, Chaldean, Ukrainian, Melkite and Maronite communities are encouraged to choose the “Other” option and write in the name of their religious group– for example, “Ukrainian Catholic” – so they are counted correctly within their own community.
How to recognise complex trauma in infants and children and promote wellbeing (Ref: 212/21)
Australian Institute of Family Studies in collaboration with Emerging Minds, National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health is offering a webinar on how to recognise complex trauma in infants and children and promote wellbeing.
Complex trauma in early childhood is distinct from other kinds of trauma. It can manifest in ways that affect body and brain development, and lead to poor long-term outcomes if not addressed. Early identification and support, including through trauma-informed practice, is critical to supporting infants and children who have experienced complex trauma.
Effective trauma-informed practice can promote recovery and resilience in infants and children. However, it requires a comprehensive understanding of the signs and effects of complex trauma and the skills to hold protective conversations with parents and caregivers.
This webinar will explore how complex trauma might present in children and impact their development, as well as how practitioners can respond in their work with infants and children, and their parents and caregivers.
This webinar is of interest to professionals working with infants and children, and/or their caregivers across early learning and care services, maternal and child health and other family support services.
Wed, Aug 25, 2021 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM AEST
Supporting young people impacted by COVID-19 (Ref: 204/21)
In response to the current lockdowns, HeadSpace is running additional Parent/Carer mental health education sessions, over the next 6 weeks.
The sessions are titled supporting young people impacted by COVID-19, and provide Parents and Carers with information and strategies to proactively support their young people during these uncertain times.
The following sessions are available via zoom
- 10 August, 2021, 6:30pm – 7:45pm, Georges River
- 11 August, 2021, 6:30pm – 7:45pm, South Eastern Sydney
- 17 August, 2021, 6:30 – 7:45pm, Western Sydney
- 19 August, 2021, 6:30pm – 7:45pm, Randwick
Catholic Schools New South Wales works in partnership with HeadSpace and supports this initiative which provides parents/carers with helpful information during this period of increasing lockdowns and disruptions to daily life.
To register click here