Contents
Research Report – Public Savings from Non-Public Schools (Ref: 63/24)
The Kathleen Burrow Research Institute, the research unit within CSNSW, has released a report detailing the savings generated by non-government schools.
On the basis of the most recent publicly available datasets, it is estimated that non-government schools save taxpayers at least $4.59 billion each year in recurrent funding.
When all schools receive their full funding entitlement under the Australian Education Act 2013, this figure will be $6.31 billion. These savings include $2.04 billion for primary students and $4.27 billion for secondary students. Catholic schools make up $2.96 billion of these savings, and Independent schools $3.35 billion.
This report is essential in asserting the great and ongoing contribution of Catholic education in Australia. You can access the report here: Public Savings from Non-Public Schools
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.
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
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
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]. For any other questions, contact Mary Taiwo, NSW AEDC State Coordinator on 02 7814 3083 or [email protected]
Premier's Vocational Education in Schools Scholarship (Ref: 35/24)
The NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for educators to collaborate with other professionals in their chosen focus area and inspire positive outcomes for students in NSW schools.
The scholarships are open to current temporary or permanent teachers in all NSW schools, TAFE NSW campuses and early childhood centres.
The Vocational Education in Schools Scholarship is open to teachers in NSW secondary schools, specifically Vocational Education and Training accredited teachers, or teachers undertaking a VET co-ordination role at their schools. The scholarship is for a study to research current issues in vocational education which impact students in schools.
Areas for research may include, but are not restricted to:
- the role of workplace learning in the delivery and assessment of VET courses
- school-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship pathways
- partnerships between vocational education providers and industry
- curriculum structures, delivery patterns and arrangements of vocational education
- articulation of vocational education credentials acquired by students inot post-School vocational education and training.
The successful applicant will undertake a study tour and follow-up activities of up to five weeks internationally or within Australia. Study tour travel is to be completed in one block between 1 January and 30 June 2024, with individual follow-up activities and reporting to be completed within 90 days of study tour completion.
Time may involve formal study (e.g., undertaking a short course at a respected tertiary institution) or may involve a program of visits to sites, schools and institutions to conduct interviews, observe exemplary practices and collect resources for the preparation of teaching materials related to the specific scholarship category.
Successful applicants will be eligible for a grant of $15,000 for a five-week study tour to be completed in Australia or internationally.
A portion of time (up to one week) may be allocated toward follow-up dissemination activites (e.g., experience-sharing, professional learning) within and across NSW, either in-person or virtually.
You can apply for the scholarship through this link.
2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards (Ref: 60/24)
Nominations for the 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards are 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!