2020 Non-Government Schools Census (Ref: 129/20)
Catholic Schools NSW issued updated advice to Diocesan Offices and RI PJP schools this week after the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) issued its 2020 Non-government Schools Census Update on Friday 19 June 2020. This advice confirms Friday 7 August 2020 as the census reference date. It also outlines a range of changes to the census specifications. See Catholic Schools New South Wales Census 2020 Updates for more information or visit the DESE website. Further information for systemic schools is available from their Diocesan Office, whilst RI PJP Schools are invited to contact Catholic Schools NSW via a dedicated Census Support Centre using the details below:
Schools Plus School Funding Applications Opening Soon (Ref: 131/20)
Schools Plus is a national charity that connects schools in disadvantaged communities with donors who are passionate about education.
This is an exciting opportunity for eligible schools to receive $20,000 – $250,000 in funding for a project that will bring a profound change to disadvantaged students.
Applications open July 20
From Monday 20 July, schools will be invited to lodge a simple Expression of Interest for a chance to be matched with a donor who will provide funding for a project designed to improve student outcomes.
Eligible schools must have a value below 1000 on the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA).
For more information please click here.
Tell us about your famous Catholic school alumni! (Ref: 126/20)
Catholic Schools NSW are reaching out to our stakeholders for a list of any famous or notable alumni that have previously graduated from a Catholic school.
Think sports stars, actors, musicians, politicians, doctors, lawyers – anyone recognisable, we want to know!
Send your list to Milly Waldren, Manager Media & Communication at Catholic Schools NSW via email [email protected]
Send Us Your Good News Stories! (Ref: 092/20)
Whether it is teachers going above and beyond to support families and students, or the community rallying behind schools at this time, Catholic Schools New South Wales would like to hear about it. Please direct any good news stories to [email protected].
My Grammar Rules For Teachers Of German (Ref: 122/20)
The 90-minute online grammar workshops are now also available especially for teachers of German. Every Thursday evening, we’ll offer effective methods for teaching grammar and new ideas for the classroom.
For more information click here.
Online Professional Learning for Teachers: Professional Associations (Ref: 089/20)
Many professional associations have moved their professional learning programs online in response to COVID-19.
The Professional Teachers Council website provides direct links to member associations and their professional learning programs.
Professional Associations currently provide a range of online courses across a variety of subjects.
To view the full list of courses please visit their website.
Participation in teacher professional learning aligns with Standard 6 of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), in particular 6.2.2. In addition, individual events address other specific standard descriptors of the APST.
Capturing Learnings from COVID-19 (Ref: 127/20)
Catholic Schools New South Wales and the NSW Department of Education know the last few months have been challenging. Schools and teachers had to think creatively and quickly to overcome those challenges. Now we would like to acknowledge your efforts and celebrate your innovative work throughout COVID-19.
The Department is conducting a rapid review into learnings from the last few months and is inviting teachers from schools across the NSW education sector to share their stories of innovative practices.
In particular the Department is looking for stories where teachers:
- have significantly improved learning outcomes by applying new teaching practices
- have supported student led initiatives which had great learning outcomes
- provided equitable access to high quality education throughout COVID-19
- supported students to thrive in different learning environments and how that has been maintained with the return to face-to-face learning
- developed partnerships between families and schools that supported improved outcomes for students.
Submit your case study to help showcase how schools across the state rose to the COVID-19 challenge.
Submissions are open until Wednesday 15 July 2020.
Details on how nominations can be made are available on the Department’s website.
If you require further information about this case study please contact Gerard Delany, State Manager – Policy and Programs on (02) 9287 1549 or email.
NESA School Inspections Update (Ref: 125/20)
Please find below information from NESA Regarding school inspections for the remainder of 2020:
Non-government school inspections
NESA inspectors are contacting schools where 2020 inspections were postponed.
Adjustments to the inspection process and timing are being considered based on a risk assessment in consultation with individual schools.
Schools due for inspection in 2020 should continue to communicate with their designated inspector if they have any questions.
NESA will provide information about the 2021 inspection program later in 2020.
Government and non-government schooling systems
The Department of Education and non-government schooling system authorities are responsible for any adjustments to their school monitoring processes.
Government schools should contact the Department’s Leadership and High Performance Directorate (02 9244 5713) for advice about the Department’s monitoring in 2020.
Systemic non-government schools should contact their system for advice about their monitoring in 2020.
Random school inspections
NESA has cancelled the remaining 2020 program of schools selected randomly for inspection.
NESA will provide details of the 2021 program before the start of the 2021 school year.
Non-government school annual reports
Non-government schools have until 9 October 2020 to publish and submit to NESA an annual report for 2019.
Stay Healthy During the HSC - NESA Campaign (Ref: 113/20)
In any ‘normal’ year the HSC requires dedication and focus as well as the support of friends and family.
This year hasn’t exactly panned out to be a ‘normal’ year, with announcements about changes to the HSC due to COVID-19.
This year NESA is partnering with mental health organisation ReachOut to deliver news, information, guidance and advice to support all HSC students.
You’ll hear from experts, teachers, parents and other students as well as some inspiring spokespeople.
ReachOut’s Study Hub has heaps of info about taking a proactive approach to student’s mental health or where to go if you need more support. ReachOut’s Forums are great for sharing what’s going on for students and get ideas about the best ways to feel happy and well.
Students are being encouraged to follow and use #StayHealthyHSC for regular health and wellbeing updates and information.
View NESA’s range of social media images, posters and flyer to help you get involved and share the Stay Healthy HSC message with your community.
Reopening School Canteens in NSW Factsheet - Healthy Kids Association (Ref: 123/20)
The Healthy Kids Association have developed a Reopening Canteens in NSW Factsheet for schools. the information aims to support school canteens during the transition back to full face-to-face teaching in Term 2.
The factsheet pdf can be downloaded here.
$1500 Scholarship for ATSI Orchestral Musicians (Ref: 130/20)
One Day In January – a summer intensive for young ATSI orchestral musicians. Held in Melbourne from Jan 23 – 25 and led by Yorta Yorta composer Professor Deborah Cheetham AO. ODIJ is Australia’s only Indigenous led orchestral music program. This scholarship is open to ATSI musicians studying an orchestral instrument and will cover:
– Participation in One Day In January project
– All tuition during the intensive
– Travel and accomodation*
Selection Criteria:
1. You must be an active member of your local ASTI community eg. participates regularly in community activities such as, but not limited to, traditional dance group, traditional language studies, art and music group or sporting team
2. Further to point 1 the Scholarship application form must be accompanied by a letter of introduction from a local registered ATSI organisation from the place of residence.
3. Age range 14 – 25
4. Currently studying Cello with at least 2 years experience
5. Available to travel to Melbourne in January 2021.
6. If you are under 18 years of age at the time for the intensive travel will be provided for 1 parent or guardian to attend. No additional siblings.
7. 18+ will be expected to travel unaccompanied and be accommodated at Quest apartments in Southbank with a staff member from SBO or fellow participant
Benefits:
This Scholarship, valued at up to $1500, will provide the recipient with an opportunity to study with some Melbourne’s finest musicians in a culturally empowering environment.
This Scholarship will help to develop a pathway for the recipient into Short Black Opera’s new ASTI Orchestra – Ensemble Dutala.
Ensemble Detailer
Ensemble Dutala emerges from Short Black Opera’s One Day in January project, established in 2019 and is designed to increase the visibility and status of professional ATSI orchestral musicians in Australia. Inspired by the language of Prof. Cheetham’s grandmother, the Yorta Yorta word Dutala, meaning Star Filled Sky, as the inspiration for this new ensemble.
NSW School Vaccination Program 2020 - Update (Ref: 115/20)
NSW Health would like to return to routine vaccination clinics in the coming months, as students are returning to school.
They would like to offer year 7 and 10 vaccinations in schools where PHU’s have the capacity and schools are supportive
PHUs will negotiate directly with school principals (as is commonly the practice) to arrange vaccination times.
* Additional measures will be implemented by PHUs to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission in the school setting consistent with expert clinical advice i.e. social distancing and clinic logistics
Further information can be found on the NSW Health website:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination,
ARTEXPRESS Virtual (2019 HSC Students) (Ref: 124/20)
The NSW Department of Education and NSW Education Standards Authority have officially launched ARTEXPRESS Virtual 2020.
Please click here to explore the interactive website. We welcome you to share the invitation with your colleagues, friends and family.
If you have any questions please contact the ARTEXPRESS team at [email protected].
Want free healthy eating curriculum materials, class posters and student stickers? (Ref: 114/20)
This year’s theme is Planet Fruit & Veg! and it’s all about exploring the world of fruits and vegetables through the lens of sustainability.
Fruit & Veg Month is a primary school health promotion event funded by NSW Health.
The event will be held during the last 4 weeks of Term 3, Monday 31 August to Friday 25 September.
For more details on Fruit & Veg Month, and to fill out the quick and easy online registration form, go to:
www.healthy-kids.com.au/teachers/fruit-veg-month/
weeks of Term 3, Monday 31 August to Friday 25 September.
For more details on Fruit & Veg Month, and to fill out the quick and easy online registration form, go to:
Aunty Elsie Heiss Scholarship for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Students (Ref:100/20)
A new opportunity now exists with the Archdiocese of Sydney funding a scholarship program through the University of Notre Dame Australia, aimed at making tertiary education more accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The scholarship has been named the Aunty Elsie Heiss Scholarship in recognition of her contribution to the church where she has led Aboriginal Catholic Ministry programs for over three decades at the Reconciliation Church, La Perouse.
Please click here for more information.
Schools invited to apply for a school crossing supervisor (Ref: 076/20)
Schools across NSW are encouraged to apply for a school crossing supervisor in a new round of the Government’s crossing supervisor program.
The NSW Government is currently rolling out 300 additional school crossing supervisors at NSW schools by 2021, as part of a three year $18.5 million initiative to improve road safety for school children.
To apply for a school crossing supervisor, please click here.