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The Last NESA “Have Your Say" Period for Term 1, 2024 (Ref: 62/24)
The last Have Your Say period for Term 1 2024 has opened, and school leaders and teachers are invited to Have Their Say.
The NSW Curriculum Reform continues to be delivered by NESA in 2024 according to its published timetable. School leaders and teachers of these syllabuses are encouraged to contribute their expertise to the development of these syllabuses via the “Have Your Say” surveys for the 7-10 Aboriginal Studies and Commerce syllabuses.
These surveys can be accessed via the Syllabus Consultations page on the NESA website and will close on Monday 8 April.
Further information can be obtained from Joanne Hack joanne.hack@csnsw.catholic.edu.au
Save the Date - CSNSW AI Symposium (Ref: 53/24)
CSNSW invites all to save the date for the upcoming CSNSW AI Symposium. The theme for the Symposium is: Risks, Rewards and Opportunities.
The Symposium will be held on Friday, 31 May 2024, at the Swissôtel Sydney, 68 Market St, Sydney.
More details to come.
Rural and Remote HSC Marking Program Applications??????? ???????(Ref: 41/24)
Applications for the Rural and Remote HSC Marking Program open this Thursday.
The HSC Rural and Remote Marking Program (RRMP) is a joint program run by the Department of Education (DoE), Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). The program is designed to give rural and remote teachers the opportunity to participate in marking the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Applications are open on Thursday, 7 March 2024 and must be submitted by 5.00 pm, Thursday, 21 March 2024 via this link.
Criteria for Selection
1. Total number of years teaching the course to Year 12 students – As a general guide, three years’ experience teaching the course at HSC level is regarded as a minimum requirement for appointment as an HSC marker.
2. Recent experience teaching the course to Year 12 students – Successful applicants must have recent (within the last 3 years) experience teaching the course and preference will be given to those teaching the course in the current year of marking.
3. Part-time and casual teachers – Applicants must provide details in relation to their teaching load (including the number of days/hours per week, teaching blocks).
4. Availability – RRMP applicants must be available to attend all briefing and marking sessions.
5. Conditions of Employment – The applicant must complete this section of the form for the application to be considered.
6. Approval from the principal – The principal is required to give approval to each applicant prior to the applicant submitting the application form. The applicant must seek approval from their principal to support the application so that they will release them from school to participate in the program.
7. Accessibility Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) – NESA will consider the ARIA ranking when assessing applications; however, applicants must also meet the criteria to be appointed.
Further information available from Dr Joanne Hack, Head, Curriculum & Assessment, P: (02) 9287 1558 Joanne.Hack@csnsw.catholic.edu.au
2024 NAP Opt-in Assessment in Science Literacy??????? (Ref: 54/24)
From 2024, Australian schools can enrol Year 6 and Year 10 students to take part in NAP Opt-in assessments in key curriculum areas at no cost to schools.
These new assessments are part of the National Assessment Program and are completely optional for schools. These new assessments will be phased in over 3 years, starting with Science Literacy in 2024.
Value to schools
Schools choosing to take part in the NAP Opt-in assessment in science literacy 2024 will be able to:
- Measure student performance against national standards in key curriculum areas beyond literacy and numeracy.
- Use the results (available only to the participating school) to review, plan and adapt teaching and learning programs.
- Run the assessments using the online platform at a time that suits them in the testing window. In 2024 this will run from Monday 6 May – Friday 31 May.
The assessments are run directly by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). There is no fee for schools registering to take part. Schools can register via the NAP Opt-in tile on www.assessform.edu.au from 26 March 2024.
Participating schools will be provided with 3 types of reports that can be used to inform teaching and learning.
Registration will be open to all schools across Australia for Year 6 and Year 10 students. Principals can register their school at https://www.assessform.edu.au by clicking on the ‘NAP Opt-in ’ tile on the home page.
Key dates
Tuesday 26 March 2024 – Tuesday 30 April 2024
School registration and enrolment window
Monday 6 May – Friday 31 May 2024
Test window
July 2024 – August 2024
Results window
More information: Download the 2024 Science Literacy opt-in FACTSHEET
Introduction to the Liberal Arts – Intellectual Retreat (Ref: 52/24)
The Introduction to the Liberal Arts Intellectual Retreat is for adults who would like to participate in talks on the liberal arts, focusing on theology and literature. All attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the core principles of the liberal arts through guided readings of timeless literary works, engaging panel discussions led by academics, and intimate small-group workshops. The retreat is crafted as an academic immersion, where participants actively engage with scholarly materials and lively discussions.
The event will be held at Campion College at Toongabbie in Western Sydney on April 12-14. For more details on costs and registration go to: https://www.campion.edu.au/event/intellectual-retreat/
Communication and Events Officer for Catholic Schools NSW (Ref: 61/24)
Catholic Schools NSW is looking for a mature and responsive individual for the role of Communication and Events Officer.
The role entails supporting the Public Affairs team in providing communication and events support to build and maintain CSNSW key stakeholder relationships with schools, diocesan offices, school owners, government, media outlets, and other stakeholders. The Communication and Events Officer will utilise traditional media, social media, online activities, events, and stakeholder outreach in the course of their role.
Applicants must demonstrate, among other things, the following attributes:
- Demonstrated experience in communications, public relations and digital media.
- Relevant qualification or academic qualifications in media, communications, marketing or a related field, or working towards.
- Demonstrated competency or familiarity with WordPress.
- Deep familiarity with social media channels and experience in creating compelling social media content.
- Ability to identify potential opportunities and ability to drive online lead generation.
- Experience in developing and distributing communications and marketing material.
- A basic understanding of the metropolitan media environment.
- Commitment to maintaining privacy, confidentiality and dealing respectfully with sensitive information.
- Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
Applicants are invited to address their cover letter to the Human Resources Manager and include their CV. Applications close 5 pm Friday 22 March 2024.
Those interested can learn more and apply here: Communication and Events Officer
NSW Education Showcase Vietnam 2024 (Ref: 59/24)
Study NSW invites education providers to participate in the NSW Education Showcase Vietnam 2024. The Education Showcase will take place from 9 to 14 September 2024 in Hanoi (9–11 September) and Ho Chi Minh City (12–14 September), and includes an education roundtable, an alumni event, and an education expo in both these cities.
Details of the NSW Government Education Showcase, including a tentative program, information on the participation fee and an expressions of interest form, are available here: https://www.study.nsw.gov.au/industry/international-network/nsw-education-showcase-vietnam-2024/
Australian Early Development Census Data Collection 2024 (Ref: 58/24)
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) national data collection is scheduled for Term 2 2024 (1 May – 5 July 2024).
The AEDC collects data relating to five key areas of early childhood development that predict later health, wellbeing and academic success (including literacy and numeracy outcomes as measured by NAPLAN in Years 3, 5, and 7).
What schools need to do
AEDC data collection requires kindergarten teachers to complete a survey for all the children in their classroom. It takes approximately 20 minutes for teachers to complete the survey per child. The Australian Government pays for teacher relief during the collection period to enable Kindergarten
teachers to complete the data collection.
School leader pack and key dates
In Term 1, Week 7, each school will receive via mail the School Leader Pack. This pack contains all the information your school needs to help plan for the upcoming AEDC data collection.
For more information about key dates, refer to the AEDC 2024 calendar NSW.
Professional learning
Ahead of the AEDC data collection, schools are encouraged to undertake professional learning, such as unconscious bias training, to help them complete the survey.
Information drop-in sessions
AEDC NSW will run optional drop-in support sessions for you to ask our experts any questions about the AEDC. You can come at any time during the session, Sessions will run on the dates listed below. Meeting invitations/links will be distributed shortly.
Support
For technical or system support, contact AEDC National Helpdesk on 1800 092 548 or helpdesk@aedc.gov.au. For any other questions, contact Mary Taiwo, NSW AEDC State Coordinator on 02 7814 3083 or mary.taiwo@det.nsw.edu.au
Boosted Rebates for Schools to Visit Canberra??????? (Ref: 56/24)
The Federal Government has announced additional rebates are being extended for 2024 for schools and their students to visit Canberra as part of the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program.
The Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program provides financial assistance for students to visit Canberra and experience our national democratic, historical and cultural institutions first-hand.
Schools from outer regional, remote, or very remote areas and disadvantaged schools are eligible for additional rebates in 2024. Following a successful pilot in 2023, the additional rebates are being extended an extra year.
These additional rebates, for example, take the rebate amount for a student from a remote, disadvantaged school in New South Wales, 500-999 kilometres from Canberra, from $45 to $157.50.
The rebate will increase from $510 to $2,040 for a student from a very remote, disadvantaged school in the Northern Territory, 3,000 kilometres or more from Canberra. The additional funding will apply to all schools that travel to Canberra in 2024, including those that have already completed visits.
For more information, see www.pacer.org.au
Day for Daniel and Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson 2024 (Ref: 55/24)
Day for Daniel 2024: This year, the event, held on Friday, 25 October, endeavours to continue raising awareness of child safety, protection, and harm prevention. Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day, advocating for safer communities for children and empowering them to ‘Recognise, React, and Report’ when they feel unsafe.
Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson (ABCSL: Each year, the Foundation produces two lessons (lower primary ages 4-7 yrs and upper primary ages 8-12 yrs), which are livestreamed across the country in September during Child Protection Week. The engaging, evidence-based educational videos teach age-appropriate personal safety strategies.
In 2024, the overarching theme at the Foundation is consent with the focus on helping children understand enthusiastic consent. Our evidence-based resources are developed using focus groups of children, carers, educators and academics to align with Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum, Health and Physical Education. By aligning with these education standards and providing comprehensive implementation toolkits, educators are confident to utilise our resources in classrooms around the country.
More than 2 million people participated in Day for Daniel in 2023, continuing to grow year on year. In 2023, over 7,200 schools and early learning centres registered their participation across Australia, along with hundreds of businesses and workplaces, including the Australian Federal Police. During the live stream event of ABCSL, over 500,000 students across Australia tuned in to watch our two lessons.
For more information and to register, click here.
2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards presented by Schools Plus (Ref: 60/24)
Nominations for the 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards presented by Schools Plusare now open!
Each year,?national education non-profit Schools Plus with the support of some of Australia’s leading philanthropists chaired by David Gonski AC, and in partnership with Commonwealth Bank celebrates inspirational teachers who are making a transformative impact on children and school communities around Australia.
Twelve outstanding teachers or school leaders will be chosen for a prestigious award valued at $40,000, including funds for a strategic school project and participation in a unique 12-month Teaching Fellowship. Plus, 10 exceptional early career teachers will receive a $10,000 scholarship for professional development and an exclusive leadership program supported by Salesforce.
From new teachers to experienced educators making a real difference in the lives of our children, we want to recognise and celebrate them. Nominate an outstanding teacher or apply yourself from 4 March to 8 April 2024. Visit schoolsplus.org.au/awards.
NSW Training Awards: Applications for 2024 Are Now Open??????? (Ref: 3/24)
Step up and be recognised with a NSW Training Award! The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW to recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
Why get involved with the Awards?
As the premier awards for vocational education and training (VET) in NSW, the Awards are a great way to receive recognition for the effort that individuals, Employers and Registered Training Organisations put into VET.
For organisations, the Awards are the perfect platform to showcase the organisations’ commitment to VET. Entering the Awards raises the profile of the organisation and the awareness of the industry to the organisations’ dedication to skills for the workforce.
For individuals, the Awards provide a unique opportunity to celebrate their achievements and hard work. Nominating an individual for an award can open many doors and potentially become a stepping stone in their careers.
Individual Award Categories relevant for schools:
- VET in Schools Student of the Year
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year
Organisation Awards:
- Industry Collaboration
- Large Employer of the Year
- Small Employer of the Year
- Large Training Provider of the Year
- Small Training Provider of the Year Awards
National Award categories: (previous successful school applications)
- Innovation in VET Award
- School Pathways to VET Award
Preparation
Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application. You can still make edits to your submitted application right up until the closing dates:
- Individual: 17 March 2024
- Organisations: 31 March 2024
Be sure to access the NSW Training Awards site for:
- Eligibility and selection criteria
- Submission tips and videos
- FAQs
- Interview preparation videos
Process
Students will be in the final year of their qualification, so generally, Year 12. Teachers/trainers can be relatively new or very experienced.
Winners progress through:
- Regional Training Awards
- Interviews: April; Awards: June
- NSW State Training Awards
- Interviews: July; Awards: 13 September
- Australian Training Awards
- Interviews: October; Awards: November
For an Organisational Award, check you’ve selected the most appropriate category.
Good luck!