Contents

Priority Items Professional Learning Legal Resources for Learning Employment Opportunities School Newsletter
Priority Items

Save the Date: Education Law Symposium (Ref: 35/23)

Catholic Schools NSW is pleased to announce that the 2023 Education Law Symposium is taking place on Thursday 6 July.  It will take place at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. This in-person event will explore the complex governance issues that challenge our sector and provide valuable insights and opportunities for discussion.

Designed for leaders involved in the management and governance of Catholic schools, systems, and agencies, this symposium will provide a unique opportunity to network with cvolleagues, learn from experts, and engage in though-provoking discussions.

Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest announcements via email and social media. Don’t miss this important event, mark your calendars today!

We’re happy to help with any questions you might have. Please email any queries by clicking here.

Professional Learning

Rural and Remote HSC Simulated Marking Program (Ref: 42/23)

Rural and Remote HSC Simulated Marking Program

The program provides a unique professional learning opportunity for rural and remote Stage 6 teachers to engage in a simulated HSC marking experience online.

 

Program overview

A range of one-day workshops are available. Participants will:

  • improve their understanding of HSC exam marking processes
  • deepen their understanding and application of marking guidelines, improving consistency in teacher judgement
  • use specialised marking software to practice marking student responses from previous years
  • collaborate with markers and other teachers around HSC results analysis package (RAP)
  • apply the skills and knowledge learned during the workshop to Stage 6 classes to enhance student learning outcomes.

 

Workshop details

Each workshop will be facilitated and delivered online by NESA officials or their delegates.

  2023 HSC simulation marking workshops

Subject Date
Business Studies (Core) Extended Response Tuesday 9 May 2023
Business Studies (Core) Extended Response Wednesday 10 May 2023
English Advanced (Paper 2) Module C Tuesday 9 May 2023
English Advanced (Paper 2) Module C Wednesday 10 May 2023
Mathematics Standard and Advanced – Short Answers Tuesday 9 May 2023
Mathematics Standard and Advanced – Short Answers Wednesday 10 May 2023

Applicants need to seek approval from their principal to apply to ensure that the cost of casual relief will be covered by their employer.

Participants for this professional learning will be selected according to their rurality and location. Teacher eligibility to apply for the program will be determined by the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA+)External link.

Teachers in schools with a higher ranking to indicate remoteness will be prioritised for this program.

Apply from 9am Thursday 2 March at 2023 HSC Simulated Marking application External link.

Applications close Thursday 23 March 2023.

Forward

Catholic Schools NSW Secondary Curriculum Reform Conference 2023 (Ref: 43/23)

The NSW Curriculum Reform has been a time of reflection, consultation and change.  This reform aims to ensure that our young people are well-prepared to make a contribution to our society and to the world.  The reformed NSW syllabuses are the roadmap to this future. Now is the time to seize this once in 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. 

Preliminary Conference Details 

When: Thursday 24 and Friday 25 August 2023 

Where: Sydney CBD 

Confirmed speakers 

  • Dr Phil Lambert – Conference Facilitator 
  • Andreas Schleicher – Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills. OECD 
  • Simon Breakspear – Education Leader, researcher and speaker  
  • Representatives from The Professional Teachers’ Council NSW 

 The conference will consider the opportunity for curriculum reform through the lenses of: 

  1. the syllabuses  
  2. the cross-syllabus drive to improve reading, writing and communication 
  3. assessment & data  
  4. ensuring we are meet the learning needs of the most disadvantaged  
  5. leadership and change management  

 Registration details will be released in in the coming weeks.   

Forward

Registrations OPEN: Early Years Symposium (Ref: 31/23)

Event registration is open!
Limited places.

You are invited to the inaugural ‘Early Years Symposium’.

It will be held from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Friday 28 April 2023 in the Sydney Masonic Centre. 

This FREE event is for ALL those who educate and support early learners in our schools, pre-schools and learning centres.

A one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore pedagogy, build skill acquisition, collaborate with each other to enhance the educational outcomes of our students.

On the day there will be keynote speaker Nathan Wallis along with presenters Sue Larkey, Professor Tricia Eadie and Professor Pamela Snow.

To register use the QR code:

or visit here: Overview | Catholic Schools NSW (csnsw.cloud) 

For further information, please contact Sean Maloney (Senior Education Officer) here.

Forward

NEW Mathematics modules K-2 Mathematics ​​​​​​​(Ref: 39/23)

NEW Mathematics modules for K-2 Mathematics are available now!

Find a playlist of all available K-2 Mathematics Syllabus modules here

The modules can also be accessed directly from the CSNSW PL dashboard https://learn.csnsw.cloud/p/#/app/dashboard under the NESA Accredited PD tile.

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REGISTER NOW: Preparing for the 2023 HSC PL Workshops (Ref: 40/23)

Simon Crook and Crooked Science present their flagship program Preparing for the 2023 HSC PL workshops, all of which are NESA Accredited. Access the flyer here.

View the full list of upcoming workshops below: 

All workshops NESA accredited 5 hours each at Proficient.

*Face-to-face (all other workshops via Zoom)

EARLY BIRD rates of 15% OFF are available on all workshops if purchased by the end of Week 4 (24 Feb).

Contact Crooked Science Directly at [email protected] for further information.

Forward

Legal

Responding to copyright infringement notices (Ref: 36/23)

Its been drawn to our attention by the National Copyright Unit that schools may be receiving emails from certain companies (some company names may include Copytrack, Pixsy) demanding they pay a fine for using a copyrighted image, alleging it has been used in an infringing way.

Certain correspondence may even be threatening court proceedings if the stated fine is not paid. Such emails are sent in relation to images or photos schools are using in their materials (such as in a school newsletter or on the school website).

Often schools actually have a licence to use the image (for example under the Statutory Text and Artistic Works Licence, a Creative Commons licence or other licence or permission) and the company sending the infringement notice may not be aware of this (and may not have taken steps to establish that).

What you should do if you receive a letter or email alleging infringement?

  1.  Don’t respond to the email. Schools should not panic if they receive an email or letter alleging copyright infringement.
  2. Take down the material, while the issue is being resolved. The school should take the material down immediately after receipt of the email/letter.  The school should also consider where else the material has been used by the school and take steps to immediately cease those uses.
  3. Contact the National Copyright Unit and provide the following.
    • copy of the email making the allegation;
    • the date and time at which the material was taken down  and
    • details about the image/photo that is the subject of the infringement claim;
    • the basis on which the school used the material (i.e. it was or wasn’t used with permission from the copyright owner, under a licence like Creative Commons, or under an education exception or the Statutory Text and Artistic Works Licence).
  1. The NCU will assess all the relevant facts and information and advise on the next steps.

If you have any further questions regarding this, please contact Mark De Carvalho ([email protected]), Senior Legal Counsel at Catholic Schools NSW.

Forward

Resources for Learning

2023 NAPLAN Tests (Ref: 34/23)

Several changes have been made to the administration of the online NAPLAN tests. You can find detailed information regarding these changes and resources to support the implementation of these changes here on the CSNSW eLearning Platform.

Changes to the NAPLAN tests include:

  • NAPLAN moved to Term 1 in March: Wednesday 15 – Monday 27 March
  • Revised test session schedule allows all year groups to start writing on the same day. (Wednesday 15 March)
  • Test security period reduced to 4 days. (28 to 31 March)
  • New protocol for students who leave a test due to illness
  • Practice tests are no longer required, however there are several familiarisation options available to schools and students, including the NAPLAN training environment which is recommended for staff who are unfamiliar with NAPLAN online processes and functions
  • An infographic of available options can be found here: Infographic

Forward

Registrations NOW OPEN: Virtual Story Time (Ref: 30/23)

‘What Do You Call Your Grandma?’

By Ashleigh Barton

Registrations are open!

Be one of the first 100 teachers to register to receive a free copy of this delightful book for your class.

Live streamed into the classroom at 10am Wednesday 22 March 2023

Register with the QR code:

or visit here: https://forms.office.com/r/wX3z5d3ZQ3

Once registered you will receive a link for the live stream of the virtual story time via your email address.

Early childhood and K-2 teachers are encouraged to register.

For further information, please contact Sean Maloney (Senior Education Officer) here.

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Employment Opportunities

APPLY NOW: Catholic Schools NSW Executive Assistant (EA) Office of the CEO (Ref: 44/23)

We are Hiring!

Catholic Schools NSW is recruiting the position of Executive Assistant (EA).

The role of the Executive Assistant (EA) is to provide a variety of high level, confidential and complex executive support to the Office of the CEO.

The Executive Assistant will act as a liaison between the CEO and external parties including Government and community groups as well as to internal stakeholders.

The Executive Assistant will provide preemptive support through performing high level clerical functions, handling information requests, preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, scheduling meetings, extensive diary and email management at an executive level.

This is a permanent full time position located in Sydney’s CBD.

Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 7 March 2023.

Find the full position description and information on how to apply here.

Forward

APPLY NOW: Catholic Schools NSW Receptionist (Ref: 45/23)

We are Hiring!

Catholic Schools NSW is recruiting the position of Receptionist. This is a permanent, full time position.

This role is responsible for providing office reception and general administrative support to various Catholic Schools NSW departments.

Applications close 5pm, Monday 13 March 2023.

Find the full position description and information on how to apply here.

Forward

School Newsletter

REGISTER NOW: Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT Anxiety and Resilience Webinar (Ref: 46/23)

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT has arranged for Dr Justin Coulson PhD to present a FREE webinar on the important topic of Anxiety and Resilience.

The webinar for parents, carers, and staff in NSW and ACT Catholic schools will be held on Wednesday 29 March at 7.00pm.

You can register using the QR code below or ccsp.catholic.edu.au/upcoming-webinars.

Find resources to promote this FREE webinar to your school community and network here.

Register NOW: MAE Careers Pathfinders Showcase Day (Ref: 33/23)

The Utilities and Electrotechnology ITAB & Agrifood Industry Training Advisory Board is partnering with TAFE NSW Albury to highlight exciting career opportunities in the fields of Energy-Utilities and Electrotechnology for young women.

This event will provide attendees with opportunities to network and to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the role they can play in these industries.

The event will take place at TAFE Albury Campus – Electrotechnology – Building L, 636 Poole St, Albury on Thursday 23 March.

Since numbers for the event are limited, those interested can register here.

Click here for the flyer and map.

Register NOW: Robotics MAE Showcase Day (Ref: 32/23)

All women career aspirants, students, and school career advisors are invited to attend the Robotics MAE Showcase Day.

This event is being held in partnership with Process Automation and Controls by the Utilities and Electrotechnology ITAB & Agrifood Industry Training Advisory Board after it was awarded a National Careers Institute project to promote and showcase opportunities for women in non-traditional careers.

The event is free and is hosted for interested females, careers advisors and influencers.

The event will take place from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm on Thursday 16 March. It will be held at Process and Automation Controls, 81 Fletcher St, Adamstown, NSW, 2289.

Places for the Showcase are limited, and those interested can register here.

Click here for the event flyer.

School Vaccinations (Ref: 28/23)

From February 2023, children in year 7 (aged 12-13) will be offered a single dose course of HPV vaccine at school vaccination clinics.

Previously, students were offered two doses of the HPV vaccine in the NSW school vaccination program. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has reviewed recent international evidence and has advised that a single dose of the HPV vaccine gives the same protection as two dose courses.

For more information visit: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/change-to-single-dose-hpv-vaccine?language=en

Please see a message for parents regarding the School Vaccination Program here: School newsletter messaging to parents of year 7 students in 2023.

Schools can also access an online consent parent communication toolkit here:

General information on school vaccine program:

If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Smith, ([email protected]) Senior Policy Officer,
Wellbeing.

Olympics Unleashed - Bring an Olympian to your school (Ref: 41/23)

Kick of 2023 with an Olympian visit to your classroom! Olympics Unleashed is bringing Olympians to year 9 classes across NSW and your school can be next.

Free for schools, your students will learn directly from athletes how to set goals, overcome challenges, and follow their passion to reach their own personal best.

Find out more and register here.

Premier's ANZAC Memorial Scholarship 2023 (Ref: 21/23)

The NSW Government invites Year 10 and Year 11 History students to apply for the 2023 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship. Applications are now open via the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs website here.

The ANZAC Memorial Scholarship gives History students the opportunity to travel on a two-week study tour to Singapore and Darwin where they will explore the history of Australian men and women at war. A military historian will accompany students and the tour will include significant historical sites.

The Scholarship covers:

  • all learning and leisure activities on the tour
  • all travel while on the tour (flights, coaches, etc)
  • all meals and accommodation
  • uniforms to wear on the tour.

Applications close 13 March 2023. Further information is available on the Veterans Affairs website here.

Vegetable Week and The Big Vegie Crunch (Ref: 38/23)

Only 5% of NSW children eat enough vegetables. We’re on a mission to change that stat, by increasing children’s knowledge, exposure, and positive attitudes towards vegetables.

Vegetable Week starts at the end of Term 1 – from Monday 27 to Friday 31 March 2023 – with The Big Vegie Crunch on at 10am on Thursday 30 March. If you can’t crunch at that time, choose an alternative time over Vegetable Week.

Schools that register receive ready-to-go resources to help you:

  • plan and prepare for the event
  • teach your students about vegetables
  • encourage students and their families to eat more vegetables
  • promote your Big Vegie Crunch activities to parents, carers and the wider school community.

Plus, registered schools will receive hardcopy ‘I CRUNCHED’ stickers and can apply for $75 grants to help purchase vegetables for the Big Vegie Crunch. Schools are also eligible to enter this year’s competition and win big prizes.

For more details and to register, visit the Vegetable Week & The Big Vegie Crunch webpage.