Priority Items

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE: Catholic Schools NSW Education Law Symposium (Ref: 140/22)

In 2022, Catholic Schools NSW continues the tradition of providing quality professional learning to support and guide ‘responsible persons’ in their critical roles of the management and operation of Catholic schools and systems.

The 2022 Education Law Symposium will be held on Thursday 29 September at the Sydney Masonic Centre. The symposium theme: Catholic School Governance: In the Spirit of Service reflects our shared commitment to excellence in governance as we meet our statutory and canonical obligations.  The symposium program will challenge participants to respond to contemporary governance challenges including regulatory reforms, financial compliance, risk management and safeguarding.

New Panel Announcement 

Catholic Schools NSW is pleased to announce another panel has been confirmed. The session is: ‘Religious Freedom in the New Parliament’.

Previously Confirmed Speakers

The following sessions have already been confirmed by Catholic Schools New South Wales:

  • Keynote Speaker, Paul Martin, CEO of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

  • Panel Session: Safeguarding, Keeping Children and Young People in our Schools Safe.

This is a face-to-face event and capacity is limited, with less than 100 places left. Register now to avoid missing out. Catholic Schools New South Wales is a NESA-approved provider of governance training.

Catholic Schools NSW invites principals, heads of governance and compliance, finance officers and others designated as ‘responsible persons’ in Catholic education to attend for a day of governance learning, discussion and action.

Further information, including the full programme will be released  shortly.

To register, click on the following link: https://learn.csnsw.cloud/p/#/app/course-view/36519813/overview?instance=20643536. 

Find out more on the Symposium website here. 


REGISTER NOW: Kathleen Burrow Research Institute Annual Lecture 2022, Delivered by The Honourable Justice Jacqueline Gleeson (Ref: 140/22)

Catholic Schools NSW is pleased to announce the special guest delivering the Lecture for the Kathleen Burrow Research Institute Annual Lecture 2022 is the Honourable Justice Jacqueline Gleeson SC, Justice of the High Court of Australia. Justice Gleeson will speak on. “The High Court’s Contribution to Legal Education”. There is no cost to attend this event.

Catholic Schools NSW invites Catholic Schools New South Wales board members, school principals, relatives of Kathleen Burrow and any stakeholders in Catholic education to attend this free event. The lecture will include a Q & A session and canapes and beverages following the event.

Date: 5 October 2022

Time: Commencing 6 pm

Location: Refectory Hall, Holme Building (A09), The University of Sydney

Register HERE.

The Kathleen Burrow Research Institute is a research unit within Catholic Schools NSW that conducts and publishes research on contemporary issues in school education to promote the advancement of education in all school sectors in Australia.

The work of the Institute seeks to provide an evidence base to support Catholic Schools NSW in advocating for best practice in all schools and particularly in Catholic education, and to inform and engage with sector leaders and policymakers.


Professional Learning

Catholic Schools NSW - Professional Learning Upcoming Events (Ref: 189/22)

There are a number of upcoming professional learning opportunities available through Catholic Schools NSW, including the Catholic Schools New South Wales Education Law Symposium, Catholic Schools New South Wales Virtual Symposium – supporting learning K-12, Catholic Schools New South Wales Mental Health Symposium (limited places), Catholic Schools New South Wales Catholic Secondary Schools Forum: On the Horizon.

Please find event and registration details here.

Registration places are limited, so register now to avoid missing out on any of these professional learning opportunities.

 

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Intensifying Instruction for Struggling and At-Risk Students - Catholic Schools New South Wales Zoom Presentation - Wednesday September 15 2022 (Ref: 189/22)

Attention schools and teachers involved in the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program.

Catholic Schools NSW is holding a Zoom presentation, Intensifying Instruction for Struggling and At-Risk Students, on Wednesday September 15 2022.

Session Overview:  In most schools and classrooms in New South Wales, teachers report that a proportion of their students are struggling to meet grade level expectations. While this phenomenon is not new, it has been magnified because of interruptions to student learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this professional learning, we will consider what it takes to intensify instruction for struggling and at-risk students in the context of a multi-tiered system of support. We will look at the role of explicit instruction, along with a focus on manipulating key instructional variables of time, program emphasis and grouping to accelerate student learning.

Guiding questions for this professional learning include:

  • How can we best support struggling and at-risk students in the context of regular classroom?
  • How can we determine if students are making adequate progress?
  • How can interventions and supports be intensified when students are not making sufficient growth?

Primary school classroom teachers, learning support teachers, and education support workers (teacher aides) will find this professional learning helpful. Register here

Should you need support to access this registration please email [email protected]

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Cyberbullying and Online Drama: CCSP Webinar for parents and carers of young people aged 11-18 years (Ref: 188/22)

In partnership with the eSafety Commissioner, the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT (CCSP) is running a free webinar designed for parents and carers of young people aged 11 to 18 years old. The webinar will include hints on how to start conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships.

The webinar will cover:

  • starting conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships
  • understanding the rights, laws and community expectations that govern social media use

The webinar is being held on Tuesday 20 September from 7.30pm-8.30pm

Register here.

Access the webinar poster here:  Cyberbullying landscape Webinar

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Catholic Schools New South Wales CSSA Catholic Secondary Schools Forum-'On the Horizon' Symposium (Ref: 186/22)

The Catholic Schools NSW – CSSA Catholic Secondary Schools Forum will be held on Thursday 3 November 2022 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, Sydney.

The Symposium theme ‘On the Horizon’ reflects our shared commitment to engaging in current and emerging issues in secondary education in Catholic schools. The symposium program will engage participants to reflect upon change within their school and beyond.

This event will bring together education and industry leaders to discuss current and emerging issues to extend the learning opportunities and outcomes available to students.

Catholic Schools New South Wales is pleased to announce the Catholic Schools New South Wales CSSA Catholic Secondary Schools Forum ‘On the Horizon Symposium Agenda including guest speakers:

  • Dr Paul Cahill, A/Executive Director, Curriculum Reform, NESA
  • Eric Land & Chris Cividino, Education Lead, NSW Department of Education
  • Zid Mancenido, Senior Manager, Research and Engagement, Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO)
  • Reid Smith, Co-CEO, OCHRE Education
  • Dr Vicki Cameron, Rebecca McGlashan, & Moira McGarva, PeopleBench
  • Danielle Cronin, Director Education Policy, Catholic Schools New South Wales

The Agenda is available here: 2022 Catholic Schools New South Wales CSSA Catholic Secondary Schools Forum Agenda-03112022

Catholic Schools NSW invites Principals, School Leadership, Key Learning Area Coordinators, VET Coordinators, Career Practitioners and Stage 4–6 Year Coordinators in Catholic education to join us at the Catholic Schools New South Wales CSSA Catholic Secondary Schools Forum ‘On the Horizon’ Symposium.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 3 November 2022

Time: Registration opens at 8am for commencement at 8.30am-4:00pm

Location: Sydney Masonic Centre – 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney.

The location is close to Museum Train Station, the Light Rail, Buses or Secure Parking Stations.

Cost: There is NO COST to attend the Symposium.

NESA Elective PD

This professional learning can be recorded as 5hours and 30minutes of NESA Elective PD addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:

  • 6.3.2 Contribute to collegial discussions and apply constructive feedback from colleagues to improve professional knowledge and practice.
  • 7.4.2 Participate in professional and community networks and forums to broaden knowledge and improve practice

Registration

Registering is available from Tuesday 23 August until 5pm, Friday 14 October 2022 or until maximum registrations occur.

There are limited registration spots available. Register now to avoid missing out.

Register here  and by clicking BOOK NOW (blue button) on the right.

After registering via the Catholic Schools New South Wales Professional Learning portal you will receive a confirmation email within 48-72 hours.

If you are visiting the Catholic Schools New South Wales Professional Learning portal for the first time you may need to visit the dashboard first by clicking here.

For further information contact [email protected]

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REGISTER NOW - Catholic Schools New South Wales Virtual Symposium - Supporting Learning K-12 (Ref: 155/22)

Catholic Schools New South Wales is providing an exciting professional learning opportunity for all school staff from K – 12 in a virtual format on Monday 10 October 2022 from 9.00am to 3.30pm.

Schools will be able to engage as a full staff or as individual staff members.

Introducing our Keynote Speaker 

Professor Jim Tognolini

Jim Tognolini is currently Professor and Director of the Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment (CEMA) at the University of Sydney. He is also Professorial Fellow at Wollongong University (Australia) and Adjunct Professor of Education at the University of Western Australia.

In his current position at the University of Sydney he has developed modules on Assessment Literacy and Data Literacy which are designed to maximise the quality of the information and use of evidence by teachers and leaders across education systems. He is also advising the Assessment Committee of the University of Sydney on measuring graduate qualities for the purpose of monitoring and reporting on graduate performance at the time of exit.

From 2006 to 2016 he was Senior Vice President (Research and Assessment) at Pearson and for the last 2 years of that appointment he was the Distinguished Research Scientist for the Pearson Assessment Centre (PAC).

From 2009 to 2013 Jim was in residence as a Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment during part of each year and has been an active participant in the workshop program of the Centre.

He has extensive experience in liaising with representatives at all levels of government and educational organisations within Australia and overseas on assessment, standards and particularly the use of measurement information in informing system level planning; monitoring of standards; and, utilising data for improving school level teaching and learning.

 

There is no cost to participants joining the day.

A more comprehensive program will be available in later editions of Scholaris.

The symposium is pending NESA Accreditation and for this purpose, we require individual teacher registration.

REGISTER HERE.

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National Copyright Unit's Q&A Fortnightly Sessions (Ref: 185/22)

The National Copyright Unit (NCU) is hosting one-hour copyright Q&A sessions for curriculum and education resource developers. These sessions are run fortnightly on Thursdays at lunchtime (12pm AEST/AEDT). Curriculum developers, and other staff in the departments of education or non-government school bodies involved in creating and providing educational resources to students, teachers, schools and parents, are welcome to attend these sessions. This is an opportunity to ask questions about any copyright issues, including curly ones you may be grappling with in your day-to-day work.

Please feel welcome to dial in if you have any copyright questions for our team.

Details are below regarding how to register for our copyright Q&A sessions (Please note: registration is required for each Q&A session):

Dates: Fortnightly from Thursday 1 September 12.00pm-1.00pm AEST

Where: Zoom. Please register by clicking on the link here.

Please note: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing information about joining the meeting.

Who is welcome: Departmental/ non-government school bodies’ staff involved in creating education resources and providing them to teachers, schools and parents.

If you have any particular questions or topics you would like discussed in the Q&A session, you are welcome to send these to [email protected] before each lunchtime session.

Feel free to also pass this email onto to anyone you think may find these Q&A sessions helpful.

Please note these Q&A sessions are not for teachers and schools

The NCU run separate copyright webinars for school and TAFE teachers and staff. Information can be found on our website here, including information on how to register for the webinars.

Teachers and schools can also contact the NCU for copyright advice by phone on (02) 7814 3855 and via email at [email protected].  Practical copyright information and guides are available at http://www.smartcopying.edu.au.

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Meet the Marker HSC Analysis 2022 Series (Ref: 187/22)

Catholic Schools New South Wales is in partnership with the Science Teachers Association NSW for the “ Meet the Marker HSC Analysis 2022 Series”.

One of the most helpful and sought after types of professional learning for senior secondary teachers is participation in marking Higher School Certificate Examinations in their subject area. Unfortunately, that opportunity is not accessible to all teachers so the Science Teachers Association of NSW has designed a professional learning activity for those who cannot be involved in marking.

The “ Meet the Marker HSC Analysis 2022 Series” includes the Stage 6 Science course workshops for Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Physics, Investigating and Extension Science. Each video is 2 hours in length and consists of HSC markers unpacking the results of the previous year’s HSC science exam questions and can be recorded as NESA Elective PD.

This has been a highly popular form of professional learning and places are limited.

Meet the Markers is also highly recommended for both early career teachers taking senior classes for the first time and experienced practitioners.

Links to each video can be found below.

Meet the markers HSC exam analysis: SCIENCE EXTENSION

Meet the markers HSC exam analysis 2022: PHYSICS

Meet the markers HSC exam analysis 2022: INVESTIGATING SCIENCE

Meet the markers HSC exam analysis 2022: EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Meet the markers HSC exam analysis 2022: CHEMISTRY

Meet the markers HSC exam analysis 2022: BIOLOGY

 

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Catholic Schools New South Wales Online PL Module: 'Introduction to Inclusive Education' (Ref: 188/22)

Catholic Schools New South Wales Online PL module

Introduction to Inclusive Education

Catholic Schools New South Wales is providing an exciting professional learning opportunity for all school staff. Amanda Corby of Illume Learning, an experienced educator in teaching children with disability and passionate about inclusive education, presents the first of nine online on-demand professional learning PL modules.

The nine professional learning presentations will be released every two weeks. The first of which is ‘Introduction to Inclusive Education’.

The nine online on demand profession learning PL modules are as follows:

  1. Introduction to Inclusive Education
  2. The Importance of Developing Early Reading Skills for Students with Disabilities
  3. Adapting Early Reading Instruction for Students with Disabilities
  4. Adapting Writing Instruction for Students with Disabilities
  5. Adapting Mathematics Instruction for Students with Disabilities
  6. Rethinking the Role of Teaching Assistants in Inclusive Classrooms
  7. Universal Design for Learning
  8. Starting School- Supporting a Successful Transition to School
  9. Understanding Behaviour as Communication

Each PL module is one hour.

Apart from the first PL module, each fortnight two more of Illume Learning’s PL modules will be released.

The presentation is available HERE.

Completing this session of ‘Introduction to Inclusive Education will contribute 1 hour of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of students/children with Disability addressing standard descriptor, ‘Develop teaching activities that incorporate differentiated strategies to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities’ (1.5.2)  from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

If you have not visited Catholic Schools New South Wales PL before you may need to visit the dashboard first by clicking here.

For further information contact [email protected].

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Legal

Foot and Mouth Disease - Animals in schools (Ref:183/22)

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious animal disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, deer, pigs and camels.  FMD can survive in frozen, chilled and freeze-dried foods including meat and dairy products.

It is not present in Australia. An outbreak would cause sickness in animals, and greatly impact Australian meat (beef, lamb and pork) and dairy farmers. There is no threat to human health from this disease.

Catholic Schools NSW is working with the other school sectors and the NSW Department of Primary Industry (DPI) to raise awareness and assist DPI if there is an incursion of FMD into NSW.

All schools that have animals should ensure they:

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s system for the identification and traceability of cattle, sheep and goats. Similarly, PigPass is the national tracking system which provides real time information on the movements of all pigs in Australia. These systems enable authorities to quickly determine the source of a disease outbreak and notify people in the affected area to stop the spread of disease

Actions for schools include:

  • ensure all sheep, cattle, goats are NLIS tagged
  • ensure all transfers of these animals are up to date on the NLIS database
  • ensure all pigs are registered with PigPass and their movements reported
  • be vigilant and know what the signs of disease are.

Catholic Schools NSW will contain Diocesan Offices and RI/MPJP schools if additional information is required by the DPI.

Further information on FMD is available using the following links:

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School Newsletter

Fruit and Veg Month 2022: Building Fruit and Veg Communities - 29 August to 23 September (Ref: 133/22) 

Fruit & Veg Month 2022 is a free health promotion event for NSW primary schools (including those schools that teach a primary curriculum) only.

This year, the Fruit & Veg Month is focusing on ways to think, act and shop local as well as how to build local food communities. The theme for Fruit & Veg Month 2022 is: Building Fruit & Veg Communities 

Fruit & Veg Month 2022 is currently happening, and will continue until Friday 23 September. Schools can still register during Fruit & Veg Month – hardcopy resource packs will arrive 1-2 weeks after receiving their registration details

Register here and receive FREE resources for your school.


DEADLINE EXTENDED: 2023 NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships (Ref: 141/22) 

Applications for the 2023 NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships have been extended, and will now close on Sunday 18 September 2022. 

The Scholarship program offers recipients up to $15,000 for 5-week study tours between January and June 2023.

There are various scholarships available for primary, secondary, TAFE and early childhood teachers.

2023 Premier’s Teacher Scholarships timeline:

Applications open: 27 June – 18 September 2022

Selection panels held: 10 – 14 October 2022

Recipients announced by Premier: 30 November 2022

Study tours conducted: 5 weeks between January and June 2023

Access the NSW Government website for more information and how to apply here. 

Read more about the scholarships available and who can apply for each scholarship here: 2023 NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships Brochure.


CONFIRMED SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference, 'Transforming with the Spirit' (Ref: 184/22)

We are excited to announce that the following speakers have been confirmed for the upcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Education NSW State Conference 11 – 13 October.

Will you be there for this unique opportunity to hear from and engage with these outstanding leaders in our community?

Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann – Renowned Aboriginal Artist and Educator

Aunty Miriam Rose was the 2021 Senior Australian of the year, who has dedicated her life to creating bright and fulfilling futures for Aboriginal children and youth.  As the first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher in the Northern Territory, she later gained her Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education Degree, with high distinction. An honorary doctorate was later awarded from the Northern Territory University in recognition of her outstanding service and contribution in the fields of arts and education. We are honoured to be welcoming Aunty Miriam Rose to the conference.

Hon Linda Burney MP – Minister for Indigenous Australians

As a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation, Linda was the first Aboriginal person to be elected to the NSW Parliament and the first Aboriginal woman to serve in the House of Representatives.  Prior to her career in politics though, Linda began her career as a teacher in western Sydney, before being appointed Director General of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in 2000.  Charles Sturt University awarded her- its first Aboriginal graduate- an Honorary Doctorate in Education in 2002. Now as Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda is at the forefront of the discussion for a referendum and we are excited to have this opportunity to listen, connect and engage with a fellow educator and now politician that is making her voice heard in Parliament.

Isaiah Dawe – Creator & CEO ID. Know Yourself

First-hand experience as a ‘foster kid’ was the genesis for Isaiah to create ID. Know Yourself, an Aboriginal led Not for Profit mentoring organisation focused on improving the outcomes for their kids in Culture, Education, Life Skills and Employment doing by delivering group sessions, 1:1 mentoring and support coordination to Aboriginal children and young people in contact with the Out of Home Care and Juvenile Justice system. Isaiah believes that “it doesn’t matter what you know, what matters is what you do.”

The Conference brings together education and community practitioners to share unique perspectives on building systems and practices that allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to thrive.

The conference’s theme ‘Transforming with the Spirit’, is directed towards more impactful action in ‘Closing the Gap’ and making a real difference in the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Learn more and Register for the event HERE.