Contents
CSNSW’s International Women’s Day Breakfast (Ref: 47/24)
Catholic Schools NSW is celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March with a breakfast from 7:00 – 9:00 am. Join principals, student leaders and CSNSW staff as they listen to keynote speaker the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP share her insights and experience in public and civic life.
You can register for the breakfast via this link.
NESA “Have Your Say” Periods Term 1, 2024 (Ref: 40/24)
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, which will open at various dates this Term, which are summarised below. The surveys can be accessed via the Syllabus Consultations page on the NESA website. Further information can be obtained from Joanne Hack [email protected]
| Syllabus | Have Your Say Opens | Have Your Say Closes |
| Creative Art K–6
HSIE K–6 PDHPE K–6 Science and Technology K–6 Geography 7–10 History 7–10 PDHPE 7–10 Visual Arts 7–10 |
Monday 26th February | Monday 11th March 2024 |
| Agricultural Technology 7–10
Aquatic Technology 7–10 (previously known as Marine and Aquaculture Technology) Engineering Technology 7–10 |
Monday 26th February | Monday 11th March 2024 |
| Aboriginal Studies 7–10
Commerce 7–10 |
Monday 11th March 2024 | Monday 8th April 2024 |
Waterhouse Mediation Legal Seminars (Ref: 49/24)
Waterhouse Mediation is offering online seminars in March and April for primary and secondary principals focused on managing legal issues in schools. Topics covered include students and the law, defamation, GIPA, AI and information management. The seminars are presented by Michael Waterhouse, previously General Counsel for the NSW Department of Education for nearly 20 years.
View and register for the upcoming seminars here.
The HSC Rural and Remote Marking Program (Ref: 41/24)
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). Applications available from 7 March 2024 to 21 March 2024.
The program is designed to give rural and remote teachers the opportunity to participate in marking the Higher School Certificate (HSC). The RRMP is a valuable professional development activity, and allows teachers to gain knowledge, skills and understanding about the marking process.
Further details are contained in the Rural and Remote Marking Program Information Handbook or via Joanne Hack [email protected]
National Copyright Unit - Free Webinars (Ref: 38/24)
Teachers, librarians, and other interested school staff are encouraged to make use of this free webinar series from the National Copyright Unit.
The webinar series aims to provide practical advice for school staff as they navigate copyright issues while teaching. Participants will learn about using text and artistic works, music and AI.
The following are webinars in Term 1 and 2 for schools.
Term 1
| Topic | Dates | Registration Link |
| Schools: Copyright for School Resource Developers | Tuesday 20 February (12 – 1pm AEDT) | Register Here |
| Schools: Using Text and Artistic Works in Schools | Tuesday 27 February (12 – 1pm AEDT) | Register Here |
| Schools: Music and Copyright in Schools | Tuesday 5 March (12 – 1pm AEDT) | Register Here |
| Schools and TAFE: AI and Copyright | Tuesday 12 March (12 – 1pm AEDT) | Register Here |
| Schools: Using TV and Film in Schools | Tuesday 19 March (12 – 1pm AEDT) | Register Here |
Term 2
| Topic | Dates | Registration Link |
| Schools and TAFE: Creative Commons | Tuesday 7 May (3:30 – 4:30pm AEST) | Register Here |
| Schools and TAFE: AI and Copyright | Tuesday 21 May (3:30 – 4:30pm AEST) | Register Here |
Also available to educators throughout the year is the ‘Copyright for Educators’ long-form webinar series. Interested educators and school staff can sign up below.
| Date | Details | Registration Link |
| Term 1: Tuesday 26 March 2024 | 9 – 3pm AEDT (Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Term 2: Wednesday 5 June 2024 | 9 – 3pm AEST (Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Term 3: Thursday 22 August 2024 (WA time) | 9 – 3pm AWST (Perth)/
11 – 5pm AEST (Syd/Melb/Canberra) |
Register Here |
| Term 4: Tuesday 22 October 2024 | 9 – 3pm AEDT (Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
Join the Conversation: Connected Catholic Communities – Belonging and Flourishing | 2024 Symposium (Ref: 31/24)
Catholic Schools NSW is pleased to once again be bringing together our Catholic community for the Connected Catholic Communities – Belonging and Flourishing | 2024 Symposium to be held in Sydney on Tuesday 12 March.
Participants are also invited to attend a Masterclass with our international keynote speaker Dr Anne Henderson, on the afternoon of Monday 11 March.
As our school communities are asked to do more and be more, we need to rethink the traditional remit of Catholic education in Australia to address the social determinants of education and achieve equity and excellence for our students to achieve the fullness of life.
Bringing together stakeholders from a range of education settings including early childhood services, schools and universities, along with other ministries of the Church such as parishes, social services and health, will allow us to continue to explore our collective impact.
Evidence clearly shows that addressing the health, wellbeing, and relational needs of students, families and the community fosters optimal learning and development and a sense of BELONGING AND CONNECTION.
So how can we draw on the school community’s ecosystem of partnerships – both inside and beyond the school gate – to build and enhance wider community of services and interactions that better meet the needs of families wanting to participate in Catholic education.
The Masterclass and Symposium will be an opportunity to continue the conversation exploring evidence-based practice to create flourishing Catholic communities that meet family needs wholistically.
WHAT’S THE IMPERATIVE FOR THIS WORK?
The CSNSW Connected Catholic Communities initiative responds to Plenary Council Decree 3 which calls on those responsible for Catholic education to: “identify and respond to the needs of the diverse and distinct circumstances of Catholic schools in Australia” by building partnerships which enhance the vision of Catholic education as an instrument of evangelisation and an essential dimension of the contemporary mission of the Church.
The recommendations of the Expert Panel of the recent Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System also provides further impetus for this work, calling for “steps to embed and strengthen linkages between schools and other services, such as community, family, health (including speech and occupational therapists), and disability support services”.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
The keynote speaker and Masterclass facilitator will be international researcher and practitioner Dr Anne T Henderson, who will be focussing on the theme of Belonging. We will also be launching the CSNSW Discussion Paper: “Reimagining Services and Work in Schools: Transformational opportunities for the community, students, and workforce”.
REGISTER TODAY HERE.
Executive Officer, Catholic School Parents Australia (Ref: 50/24)
Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) is seeking a highly motivated Executive Officer for a part-time role (25 hours per week). CSPA is the peak national parent body for Catholic School Parents in Australia. CSPA is committed to representing and advocating on behalf of families with children in Catholic schools across the nation.
The Executive Officer will work collaboratively with the CSPA Chair to provide leadership by working strategically with:
• The Catholic School Parents Australia Council and its Executive Committee
• Senior Staff of the National Catholic Education Commission
• Commonwealth Department of Education
• Catholic Education school authorities
• Catholic School Parent bodies in each State & Territory
• Bishops Commission for Catholic Education
• Other National Parent Bodies
• Tertiary Education Providers
To effectively undertake this role, the Executive Officer will have a knowledge and understanding of:
• The Catholic Church
• Catholic Education
• The broad education environment at national level
• Commonwealth government structure and responsibilities
Scope of the Position
• Work with the CSPA Executive and Chair to provide a broad range of advice and responses on behalf of CSPA to:
− Government
− Political Parties
− Education systems and organisations
− State & Territory Catholic Parent organisations
• Deputise for the Chair or Executive Committee members as directed by the Chair and represent CSPA when required.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT COB FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Click here for the full job description and to apply.
Teacher English Language Proficiency Research Project (Ref: 51/24)
The Language Testing Research Centre at the University of Melbourne is looking to recruit teacher participants for a research study into teacher language proficiency. The study is designed to investigate whether the minimum standards on the English language tests that are currently used for the registration of overseas-trained teachers or locally-trained teachers who need to take an English language test are set appropriately. The findings of this study will help in making research-informed policy-decisions about teacher registration.
What will I be asked to do?
You will be asked to:
- Answer a short background questionnaire (5 minutes)
- Sign a confidentiality agreement (and email it to the researchers)
- Watch a short training video (13 minutes)
- Evaluate 5 writing and 5 speaking performances online (30-60 minutes)
- Complete a final questionnaire (5 minutes)
What will I receive for taking part?
After you have completed the tasks above, you will receive a certificate for two hours of professional learning.
Can anyone take part?
Any person currently teaching in Australia in early childhood, primary or secondary school can take part. We are looking for both Australian-born teachers and teachers who were born overseas to take part in the study.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete the following questionnaire:
https://tinyurl.com/teacherstandardsEOI
AISTL Teacher Survey (Ref: 46/24)
Teachers, educators, principals and school leaders are encouraged to assist the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) as they explore the impact of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (standards) on teacher practice and on improving student outcomes. Participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback on how they use the standards in every day practice.
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed here.
Are Standards Standard? Research Survey for NSW Teachers (Ref: 42/24)
Tim Bartlett-Taylor is a former teacher and previous manager of the Office for Professional Learning (practicum office) in the School of Education at the University of New England (UNE). Tim is currently undertaking a Master of Education (Research) to determine the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in assessing initial teaching education students (pre-service teachers) on their final placement as being ‘classroom ready’.
In the first phase of the research, Tim is asking teachers to complete a survey to rate the level of importance of each Standard and its descriptors, outline why they have made these decisions, and what influences may have informed these decisions. Teachers are also invited to describe what the term ‘classroom readiness’ means to them. The survey should take about 20 minutes to complete.
You can complete the survey by clicking this link.
This survey can be shared freely with other NSW teachers from any teaching system. Information sheets and further information can be found on the first page of the survey link.
Tim passes on his sincere thanks to all teachers who take the time to complete this survey.
New Music Curriculum – Years 7 to 10 (Ref: 39/24)
The new Music syllabus is now available for years 7-10.
The new syllabus is planned to be implemented in NSW schools in 2026 and schools now have an opportunity to plan and prepare in the meantime.
Key features:
- Interrelated focus areas of Performing, Listening and Composing provide students with experience of the creative process as an individual and in collaboration with others
- Repertoire requirements provide students with opportunities to meaningfully engage with a broad range of music including the music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- Content supports inclusion of diverse learners including students who are D/deaf or hard of hearing.
- Life Skills content provides opportunities for students with intellectual disability to make real world connections as well as music for personal enjoyment and expression.
The syllabuses are now available on the NSW Curriculum website.
Schools have access to support materials including teaching advice on NSW Curriculum to assist them with implementation of the new syllabuses at this webpage. More resoruces will be made available to teachers over time including online, accredited professional development on NESA’s online learning hub.
For more information on Curriculum Reform, please visit the NESA curriculum reform webpage.
Vegetable Week and The Big Vegie Crunch (Ref: 37/24)
The Big Vegie Crunch is a healthy, free and fun event that gets kids excited about eating vegetables. The Big Vegie Crunch is the main event of Vegetable Week. The event aims to break the record for the highest number of children eating vegetables simultaneously – and to get kids excited about vegetables.
The Big Vegie Crunch will take place at 10am on Thursday 21 March 2024. Last year, over 46,000 primary school students across NSW joined The Big Vegie Crunch! It also helps kids to learn about vegetables and build healthy eating habits. Vegetable Week runs from Monday 18 March to Friday 22 March 2024.
Teachers can download free resources for The Big Vegie Crunch and Vegetable Week. These resources are suitable for Early Stage 1 to Stage 3.
Want your students to make the crunch even louder in 2024? Register now at the Vegetable Week & The Big Vegie Crunch webpage!
NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship (Ref: 45/24)
Teachers in NSW are encouraged to apply for one or more of NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships. Recipients of the scholarships will be given an opportunity in the form of financial support and travel and learning opportunities to pursue best practice in their chosen focus area.
The scholarships provide $10,000 or $15,000 for a five-week study tour within Australia or abroad. Applications close 11:59 pm, Friday 3 May 2024.
Scholarships include the following and can be applied for through the links provided.
- Premier’s Anika Foundation Youth Depression Awareness Scholarship
- Premier’s Creativity across the Curriculum Scholarship
- Premier’s Early Childhood Education Scholarship
- Premier’s Hicksons Lawyers STEM Scholarship
- Premier’s History Teachers’ Assocation History Scholarship
- Premier’s Inclusive Education Scholarship
- Premier’s NESA Quality Teaching Scholarship
- Premier’s Reserve bank of Australia Economics Scholarship
- Premier’s Teachers Mutual Bank Aboriginal Education Scholarship
- Premier’s University of NSW Rural and Remote Scholarship
- Premier’s University of Sydney Mathematics Scholarship
- Premier’s Vocational Education in Schools Scholarship
Liam and Frankie Davidson Literary Award for Senior Students (Ref: 36/24)
Each year the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) invites senior secondary students residing in Australia or New Zealand to apply for the Liam and Frankie Davison award for outstanding achievement in literary writing on Women’s Health.
Launched in 2014, the RANZCOG Secondary Students Literary Competition was renamed in 2015 in honour of RANZCOG staff member and award-winning author, Liam Davison and his wife Frankie, a secondary school teacher, in recognition of their shared passion for nurturing and encouraging young writers.
Up to two awards are offered each year; the winning entrant(s) will receive $1000 in AUD or NZD as applicable, based on country of residence. Pieces must be betwee 500 – 1000 words and can take the form of a personal, informative, analytical, imaginative, instructive, or argumentative piece.
For information about possible topics, writing tips, terms and conditions and to register, please use the attached flyer here and visit the Award webpage.
If you have any further inquiries, please contact the RANZCOG Scholarships and Grants Coordinator on +61 3 9412 2916 or email [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.
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!