LAST TICKETS AVAILABLE: Catholic Schools NSW Education Law Symposium (Ref: 35/23)
Tickets are selling fast, so make sure you grab yours today for the Catholic Schools NSW Education Law Symposium.
Catholic Schools NSW invites principals, heads of governance and compliance, finance officers and others designated as ‘responsible persons’ in Catholic education to attend the 2023 Catholic Schools NSW Education Law Symposium. The theme of this year’s Symposium is Striving for Excellence: Catholic School Governance and Accountability.
The Symposium will be held on Thursday, 6 July.
This professional development forum will cover topics related to Catholic schools’ unique governance challenges. The day will feature presentations by guest speakers and panels, including high-profile industry experts and experienced administrators, providing insight and guidance for the future of our sector.
Guest speakers include Paul Martin, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), Emeritus Professor Donna Cross OAM, Chief Behaviour Advisor NSW, Stan Browne, Senior Inspector at NESA, and Father Frank Brennan SJ AO.
Join us for an enjoyable day of learning, questioning and connecting.
To avoid missing out, click here to secure your place today.
Digital Wellbeing Webinar with Dr Kristy Goodwin (Ref: 111/23)
This Digital Wellbeing webinar (Brain-based strategies to optimise students’ digital wellbeing) will provide educators and school leaders with research-based, scientific strategies and solutions that can be implemented to optimise students’ wellbeing in the digital landscape, without reverting to ‘digital amputation’.
When: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Via Teams Platform
In this webinar, participants will explore:
- The impact of students’ digitalised childhoods and adolescence on their physical health, mental wellbeing, and learning preferences;
- How students’ insidious digital habits and behaviours are contributing to mental health issues (dispelling common myths about the screen-mental health nexus); and
- Research-based, yet realistic strategies that educators and school leaders can easily implement to bolster students’ digital wellbeing (with an emphasis on empowering students to form healthy and helpful digital behaviours that are congruent with their neurobiological needs).
Click here to register via the CSNSW Professional Learning Institute.
National Catholic School Improvement Colloquium (NSIC), 15 - 17 October 2023, Fremantle, WA (Ref: 105/23
Catholic Education WA will host this significant event in Fremantle from Sunday, 15 October, to Tuesday, 17 October.
Click here for the event’s flyer.
This Colloquium, building on the success of those previously held, provides an excellent opportunity to share research and best practice from across our Catholic Education systems, promoting connection, innovation and excellence. The Colloquium is themed around “Pathways of Hope” – May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace so that you may abound in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). With this in mind, we are asked to consider “How do we serve, engage and empower our schools to lead school improvement that prepares students for a hope-filled future?”
Further details regarding the program and registration can be accessed from the event website.
The call for abstracts closes on 30 June 2023.
REGISTER NOW: CSNSW Curriculum Reform Conference (Ref: 98/23)
Catholic Schools NSW invites Catholic teachers and leaders from across the state to the two-day Secondary Curriculum Reform Conference – Embracing Change: Optimising Learning and Engagement from Thursday, 24 August to Friday, 25 August 2023.
The last two years for teachers in NSW have been a time of reflection and consultation on the future directions of the curriculum.
The reformed NSW syllabuses are the roadmap to this future. Now is the time to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to optimise learning and engagement, enhancing our practice across the secondary curriculum.
Please join Catholic teachers and leaders from across the state to consider this exciting opportunity and responsibility to make lasting change through the lenses of:
- the syllabuses
- the cross-syllabus drive to improve reading, writing and communication
- assessment
- ensuring we meet the learning needs of the most disadvantaged
- leadership and change management
NESA accreditation pending.
Funded by the Commonwealth NGRSF 2023.
REGISTER NOW: https://learn.csnsw.cloud/p/#/app/course-view/37096999/overview
Please keep up to date with the latest announcements via email and social media. Full program to be released shortly.
Venue: The Intercontinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Artificial Intelligence – Information Sheets for Schools and TAFEs (Ref: 110/23)
Many schools and TAFEs are becoming increasingly aware of the potential copright issues surrounding the use of AI to generate text and images. The answers to the questions these concerns raise depend on the way in which the AI platforms are used.
Schools can take practical steps to mitigate the risk of impinging upon potentially copyrighted material. These steps include the following:
- Be aware of the terms and conditions of the different generative AI platforms.
- Make sure users of these platforms are employees of the department or administering body.
- Label content generated or modified using generative AI platforms.
- When modifying existing works using generative AI platforms, comply with the statutory licences or education exceptions.
You can find additional resources and information specific for schools and AI at this webpage here.
National Copyright Unit's Monthly QnA Online Sessions (Ref: 109/23)
From July 2023, the National Copyright Unit (NCU) will be hosting their one hour lunchtime copyright question and answer (Q&A) sessions monthly. These Q&A sessions are for curriculum and education resource developers, in the Departments of Education or non-government bodies, involved in creating and providing educational resources to students, teachers, schools, and parents. These people are welcome to come to these sessions to discuss any copyright issues or questions they may be grappling with in their day-to-day work.
Please also see the Creative Learning and Teaching Resources: A Guide for Departments of Education and Non-Government Administering Bodies
You will need to register in order to attend a Q&A session. Details on how to register are below:
Dates: Monthly from Thursday July 20th 2023
Where: Zoom
Registration link: https://nsweducation.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5Utde2tqTwrGdTXyuAJI-24B8sESGxAqrbc
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing information about joining the meeting.
Please note: If you registered for our fortnightly Q&A sessions, you will need to re-register for the monthly sessions.
2023 Privacy Manual Update (Ref: 108/23)
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) and Independent Schools Australia (ISA) have published an updated Privacy Compliance Manual. It supersedes the Privacy Compliance Manual, first published in 2001 and updated at various times. Therefore, you should discard previous versions of the Manual.
The Manual’s purpose is to assist and guide non-government schools with the requirements they must observe concerning preserving an individual’s privacy. If your school needs further help with a privacy related issue, you can also contact the Catholic Schools New South Wales Legal Hotline on 1800 427 679.
You can access a digital copy of the Manual here: Privacy Compliance Manual 2023
Register Now: Busking For Change! (Ref: 117/23)
Busking For Change is a joyful fundraiser for K-6, incorporating music, song, movement and a First Nations language to raise money for theIndigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). Primary schools across Australia can be Busking For Change changemakers and help raise money to support remote Communities to access and create books in languages they speak at home.
The idea is simple –
1. Students commit to learning to play, sing, or dance to a song (in English and Kriol). The ILF provides all resources.
2. Students gather support/donations from their friends and family.
3. Students ‘busk’ their final rendition to their school community, family and friends on Indigenous Literacy Day, on Wednesday, 6 September or a date that suits them.
Register your school or a student now and get ready to start rehearsals in Term 3.
Download the Busking For Change factsheet here.
Register Now for Fruit & Veg Month 2023! (Ref: 116/23)
Fruit & Veg Month is a free health promotion event for NSW primary schools. The event puts a positive focus on fruit and vegetables. This year’s theme is Fruit & Veggie STEMs: learn all about the science behind fruit and veggies. Fruit & Veg Month 2023 will be held from Monday, 28 August, to Friday, 22 September.
Is your school ready to explore fruit and veggies? Register now to receive FREE resources.Schools that register receive:
- Hardcopy class posters and student stickers
- Hardcopy and a digital copy of the Teacher’s Booklet. It has tips on involving families, the school canteen and the whole school
- Curriculum materials for each stage
- Student competition details
- Family resources to send the ‘eat more fruit and vegetables’ message home
The Potential Suspension of Croatian and Dutch Continuers Stage 6 (Ref: 115/23)
The Collaborative Curriculum and Assessment Framework for Languages (CCAFL) National Reference Group has identified that Croatian and Dutch Continuers Stage 6 are at risk of suspension due to a very small candidature in 2022.
The CCAFL policy for discontinuing courses provides that curriculum and assessment authorities across Australia will suspend courses should candidature fall below 15 in 3 consecutive years.
Should the candidature in Croatian and Dutch Continuers Stage 6 fall again below 15 students over the next two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, the courses will be suspended following the 2026 HSC exams.
The potential suspension of Croatian and Dutch Continuers Stage 6 will still allow students undertaking the Year 11 course in 2025 to continue and complete their HSC studies in 2026. NESA may reactivate the course if documented evidence is provided on the sustainability and
viability of the course. If students wish to study a course after the HSC course suspension, students could undertake a School Developed Board Endorsed course.
Click here to see the letter from NESA.
Catholic Schools NSW Early Years Symposium Presentations Now Available (Ref: 107/23)
Presentations from the Catholic Schools Early Years Symposium (28 April 2023) are now available to download. Please feel free to share with your colleagues; however, the presentations will expire on Friday, 2nd August 2023.
Click HERE to access the presentations. (You will be directed to the CSNSW Professional Learning platform; however, if you have not logged into the platform before, you must go through the brief sign-in process.)
2023 Online Phonics Screening Check for Year 1 students 7 to 25 August (Term 3) (Ref: 106/23)
The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check (PSC) is an optional online reading assessment available at no cost to Catholic Schools NSW schools with a Year 1 student cohort.
The assessment takes 5 – 7 minutes and is carried out by classroom teachers with each student individually. Student responses are auto-mapped to indicators from the National Literacy Learning Progressions.
The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check provides teachers with an overview of a student’s progress in phonics. This information helps teachers make decisions during the teaching and learning cycle.
The Check assesses the phonic knowledge and skills a student has learnt to blend sounds together to read a word.
The Student Assessment Analysis provided after the check assists teachers in making decisions that will help inform the next steps to meet a student’s individual learning needs.
Teachers use an online tool to enter student responses. The online tool is available via the Assessing Literacy and Numeracy (ALAN) portal from 7 August 2023. CSNSW teachers access the ALAN portal using their NETid credentials.
The assessment window for 2023 is from 7 to 25 August (Term 3).
The assessment is available to systemic and RI/MPJP schools with a Year 1 cohort. Systemic schools should check with their Diocese regarding opt-in arrangements, as these vary across the state.
RI/MPJP schools and systemic schools not included in whole-of-Diocese opt-in to the 2023 PSC, should register their expression of interest to participate via email to [email protected]. Registrations close on 7 July 2023.
For more information, please contact Karen Ferrante: [email protected]
2023 NAPLAN results available to schools this week (Ref: 104/23)
2023 NAPLAN results are expected to be released to schools on Thursday 22 June via the School and Student Summary report (SSSR). A proficiency standards report will also be available to schools through Schools Online.
NESA will email instructions on how to access the reports, as soon as ACARA advises that they are available.
School and student summary report (SSSR)
The SSSR provides data on how students and year groups performed in NAPLAN tests, including summaries of items administered and student performance by test domain for each year level.
Proficiency standards report
From 2023, NAPLAN results are reported using proficiency standards, which replace the previous reporting of student results that used numerical bands and national minimum standards.
Students’ results are measured against 4 levels of proficiency:
- Exceeding
- Strong
- Developing
- Needs additional support.
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) will publish profiency level descriptions from Thursday 22 June on the NAP website.
In 2023, proficiency standards will not be reported in the SSSR. NESA will provide schools with a Profiency Standards report via Schools Online.
The proficiency standards report is provided in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format and outlines the level of proficiency achieved by each student in each test domain.
Principals and NAPLAN coordinators will receive support materials for communicating the introduction of profiency standards to parents and carers via an email from NESA towards the end of Term 2.
Scout
The Department of Education will send separate advice to schools in the coming weeks outlining the changes to NAPLAN reports in the Scout platform.
A factsheet for principals and teachers can be found here.
Contact NESA Tel: 1300 119 556 or 02 9367 8382
Email: [email protected] for support with accessing results.
2023 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations – School Preparation (Ref: 103/23)
The following information is provided to assist schools with preparation for the 2023 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations.
1. 2023 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations FINAL Timetable
The 2023 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations FINAL Timetable was made available to schools in early Term 2.
The FINAL Timetable is available on the CSSA website via the link.
The dates for the 2023 CSSA Trial HSC Examination Timetable are
- Monday 31 July to Monday 14 August 2023
The CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Security Period is
- up to, and inclusive of, Wednesday, 16 August 2023
- Examinations, including examination-related materials and student scripts, can be returned to students from 8.00 am, Thursday, 17 August 2023
Delivery Rounds
- First Round Deliveries
- Schools that have ordered examinations per cohort (one per student) and using the 2023 CSSA Trial HSC Examination Timetable.
- Delivered to schools from Tuesday, 18 July to Friday, 21 July 2023 (Week 1, Term 3).
- Delivery includes four documents in support of school preparation for the CSSA Trial HSC Examinations.
- An electronic signature is required from the school representative receiving the delivery.
- 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, 4 September 2023 (Week 8, Term 3).
- An electronic signature is required from the school representative receiving the delivery.
2. 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.
Modern Slavery Act Reminder(Ref: 97/23)
The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) commenced in 2019 and requires entities with annual consolidated revenue above $100 million in FY2022 to submit their annual modern slavery statements and set out how they have assessed, addressed, and mitigated the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.
Entities covered by the Act with a reporting period between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 must submit their modern slavery statements for FY2022 by 30 June 2023. The Australian Government is currently considering recommendations to introduce penalties for failure to comply with the Act.
The Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN) provides shared services to support Catholic school systems to comply with the Modern Slavery Act. For more information, contact [email protected]
Nomination guidelines for the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize (Ref: 102/23)
Are you a staff member or school principal who knows a student who has overcome significant disadvantage to achieve academic excellence in their exams? Find out how to nominate them for the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize.
The Trust Deed governing the prize states that the Trust Fund be applied to “provide an annual prize to a student or students who have overcome significant disadvantage to achieve academic excellence in the New South Wales Higher School Certificate.”
Check out the full nomination guidelines here and nominate a student by clicking here.
Nominate now: Teachers’ Guild of NSW 2023 Awards for Teachers (Ref: 101/23)
Nominations are open for the 2023 Awards for Teachers, conducted annually by the Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales. Nominate for the World Teacher’s Recognition Award, the Regional/Remote Teaching and Learning Excellence Award and more.
The winners will receive a cash prize and special engraved plaques of excellence from the Guild. The presentations will be made at the annual Awards Evening and Dinner on Friday, 27 October, along with a suite of other Awards made by the Guild.
Click here to nominate now and find the closing dates for nominations.