All Staff Edition, Week 5, Term 1, 2025
Spiritual Reflection - Love One Another
“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34
This week we hear about the importance of showing compassion, forgiveness and love to others in our everyday lives, so that we are living like Jesus. We are reminded in Luke’s Gospel to love others (even those who hurt us) like Jesus loved which is often hard for us to comprehend. This is an opportunity and an invitation to grow as we need to continually extend ourselves to love like Jesus.
By actively choosing to show mercy to others, our hearts become open and are changed so that we can feel and make known to others God's unconditional love for us.
Forgiving those who hurt us is not always easy and can take time. We need to remember that God knows us and loves each of us unconditionally, even when our words and actions may cause us to stray. God will always forgive us and invite us back. We need to draw on God’s unconditional love to help us forgive others unconditionally.
Not only do we need to forgive others but we also need to forgive ourselves. Holding onto negativity can cause us to judge others and make incorrect assumptions about them. In the words of Ted Lasso, we need to ‘be curious, not judgemental.’ We need to show compassion to others and ourselves so that we can become a light to others by reflecting the goodness of God in the world around us.
How do I show compassion to others and myself?
What assumptions do I make about others?
Why is forgiveness important for my own peace and wellbeing?
Dear Colleagues
At our 2025 Education Mass on Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of launching Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong’s Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework.
A companion to The Core Work of Teaching statement launched at last year’s Education Mass, this major system document has been the result of more than 12 months of planning and collaboration. This framework is the ‘missing piece’ that will ensure our work meaningfully impacts the lives of teachers and—most importantly—the students we are privileged to serve.
The Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework supports communities of educational excellence where every child develops resilience, confidence and self-efficacy. Importantly, it also provides a structure for how to deliver the improvements in students’ faith, learning and wellbeing articulated in our strategic plan, Lighting The Way.
At the heart of the framework are the five ‘Essential Elements’ - Agency, Environment, Equity, Relevance and Rigour - needed to deliver high quality outcomes for all students. A series of shared commitments underpins each Essential Element. The framework also identifies the High Impact Strategies, informed by research and evidence, required to deliver the Essential Elements. Together, they support us in building coherence and connectivity across our system in areas such as goal-setting, professional learning, teaching practice, assessment and reporting.
During 2025, professional learning modules will be developed to support leadership teams, as well as school and office staff, to effectively use the framework to support students. You can also access the Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework at any time via Staff Gateway.
Finally, it was wonderful to see so many of you at the Education Mass. It was a great honour to welcome our two new principals (Matthew Downes at Nazareth Catholic Parish Primary Schools, Shellharbour City; and Lisa Tyson at St Pius X Catholic Parish Primary School, Unanderra) and as always, the gathering was a reminder of what a privilege it is to be a part of such an amazing community of educators.
In this year of Jubilee—as we are invited to come back into right relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation—I am reminded yet again of what a great gift Catholic education is to us. It is in that spirit that we continue to strengthen our model of Continuous Catholic School Improvement to support the faith, learning and wellbeing of all students.
Thank you for the vital part you play in delivering our shared mission.
Yours sincerely
Peter Hill
Director of Schools
Resignation of Bede Ritchie - Assistant Director - Information, Communication and Learning Technologies
After a period of reflection and prayerful discernment Bede Ritchie has decided to resign from his role as Assistant Director - Information, Communication and Learning Technologies with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW). Bede’s final operational day in this role will be 10 October 2025.
Throughout the course of his career, Bede has made an extensive contribution to CEDoW. He commenced working in the diocese as a Secondary Teacher at Holy Spirit College, Bellambi in 1991 and since then has held the significant leadership positions of Head of Service - Finance & Administrative Services (2013-2017), Head of Finance, Facilities, Planning, Information, Communication and Learning Technologies (2017 - 2022), and Assistant Director - Information, Communication and Learning Technologies (2022 - present). He has also had extensive experience in teaching and leadership roles across Sydney Catholic Schools. Bede also served as the founding General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of CEnet from 2005 - 2012, leading the creation and growth of an organisation that supports Catholic education across Australia.
I trust that Bede will reflect on his career with great pride and satisfaction. The significant impact he has had upon CEDoW has been characterised by a drive to innovate and to lead high quality professional services to Catholic schools, staff and the young people we are all privileged to serve.
There will be many opportunities in the coming months to appropriately acknowledge and celebrate Bede’s contribution to Catholic education, recognising and thanking him for his many professional achievements.
On behalf of Bishop Brian Mascord and CEDoW staff, I wish Bede and his family every best wish and blessing and pray that Bede continues to find joy and fulfilment in all his future endeavours.
Sincerely
Peter Hill
Director of Schools
Diocese of Wollongong
Assistant Director - Strategy and Communications
Following recommendations from review processes and consultation, the role of Strategy and Communications will report to the Director of Schools and be represented on the CEDoW leadership team, effective 24 February 2025. Matt Baxter will continue his leadership of this important function as Assistant Director - Strategy and Communications.
This appointment reflects the recommendations of an independent organisational and structural review, conducted in 2022. This structural change emphasises the importance of the Strategy and Communications function to the organisation, recognising its impact and influence in aligning messaging and strategy to foster coherence and organisational alignment.
Matt joined CEDoW in 2020 and in his current role of Head of Strategy and Communications has worked closely with the Leadership Team to guide the development and implementation of strategy across our 38 Catholic schools and the Catholic Education Office. He is an active member of the St Joseph’s, Bulli Catholic parish and is committed to supporting the mission of the Catholic Church in education by leveraging his expertise to enhance outcomes for all students. With experience in the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, and a background spanning education, communications, and management consulting, Matt brings a demonstrated ability to the Leadership Team to align stakeholders, build strategic capability, and deliver tangible results.
Please join me in congratulating Matt on his appointment.
Sincerely
Peter Hill
Director of Schools
Diocese of Wollongong
On behalf of the Director of Schools, I wish to announce the following:
Following a recruitment process, Anita Pierro is the successful applicant for the substantive position of Assistant Accountant within the Finance Facilities and Planning service area commencing 24th March 2025. This role is predominantly responsible for working with the school finance teams to provide guidance and support with the budget, forecast and general finance reporting.
Anita has substantial experience as an Assistant Accountant working with a variety of software applications within diverse industries including manufacturing, not for profits and business advisory services. Anita is a graduate of St Mary’s and has completed a Bachelor of Commerce at UOW.
Following a recruitment process, Peta Idstein is the successful applicant for the substantive position of Education Officer - Curriculum Implementation Support, Learning K-12 in the Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing service area. Peta will commence once a suitable replacement at the school has been finalised.
Peta has worked in the Diocese since 2004 commencing her teaching at St John the Evangelist Catholic Parish Primary School, Campbelltown before moving to St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Albion Park and St John's Catholic Parish Primary School, Dapto. In 2022, Peta joined the School Improvement - Primary Team as an Education Officer before returning to Dapto, and more recently Nazareth Catholic Parish Primary School, Shellharbour City.
Peta holds a Bachelor of Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield. She has extensive experience in middle leadership and has led the implementation of English and Mathematics in response to curriculum reform over the past three years.
I take this opportunity to congratulate Anita and Peta and wish them every success and fulfilment in these appointments.
Natasha O’Donoghue
Assistant Director - People and Culture
Primary
St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Moss Vale
School Support Officer – Classroom (30 hours per fortnight)
St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School, Ruse
Classroom Teacher
Secondary
St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park
School Support Officer – Maintenance/Outdoor
Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan
PD/H/PE Teacher
English Teacher (Stages 4-6)
TAS Teacher
Catholic Education Office
Education Officer - Mathematics/ Numeracy (Secondary)
Pope Francis names new Bishop of Armidale
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has welcomed the appointment by Pope Francis of a new Bishop of Armidale.
The Reverend Dr Peter Murphy is currently the parish administrator of St Michael's Cathedral, Wagga Wagga, and Vicar General of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President , Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, welcomed the appointment.
“It is with great joy that we welcome the appointment of Fr Peter as Bishop of Armidale,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Click here for full announcement.
David de Carvalho appointed as new Executive Director of Catholic Education within Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
The Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn would like to announce the appointment of Mr David de Carvalho as the Executive Director of Catholic Education within Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited.
David has made significant contributions to the leadership in education in Australia and through a variety of ministries to the Church over his substantial career. Crucially, David is a man of faith, humanity and family. These will be the pillars of his service to Catholic Education in the coming years.
Click here for the full announcement.
Expressions of Interest: Soul of Ireland and Italy Jubilee Year Pilgrimage
26 September - 19 October 2025
Attention: All CEDoW staff
Due: Thursday 13 March 2025
Contact: Claire Cooney at cooneyc02@dow.catholic.edu.au
In the 2025 Jubilee Year, the Church celebrates the theme Pilgrims of Hope, encouraging us all to live with hope in God and to share that hope with others.
To celebrate and mark this significant event for our international Catholic community, CEDoW invites staff to participate in a special Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Ireland and Italy, led by Bishop Brian Mascord.
For more information regarding the pilgrimage, including how to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), please refer to the link here.
EOIs close on Thursday 13 March 2025.
Primary Student WEN Day 2025
For: WEN Contacts
Due: Thursday 13 March 2025
Contact: Beth Riolo at riolob01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Four Stage 3 students, accompanied by the WEN Teacher Contact from each primary school, are invited to attend a day of eco formation, inspiration and action, Caring for Our Common Home - A Call to Action! Primary Student WEN Day.
Thursday 20 March 2025 at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Gwynneville
Please click on the link for further information and to register for the Primary Student WEN Day 2025.
CEDoW Return to Work Program
CEDoW’s Return To Work Program (CEDoW RTW Program) will come into effect on 27 Feburary, 2025. Access by clicking here.
The CEDoW RTW Program outlines CEDoW’s injury management and return to work process and is relevant for all CEDoW staff who have sustained an injury or illness at work allowing them an entitlement to worker’s compensation benefits.
The purpose of the CEDoW RTW Program is to set out the operational processes and actions that give effect to CEDoW’s commitment to achieving a prompt and durable return to and recovery at work for staff who experience a work-related injury or illness. The overall aim of the CEDoW RTW Program is to ensure the prompt and durable recovery and return to work of staff following an injury or illness.
In line with evidence-based practice, CEDoW believes that returning to work early or staying at work is the most effective way to recover from an injury/illness. CEDoW is committed to promoting a positive attitude toward staff recovering at work and the health benefits of meaningful work.
Action: Please engage with the ongoing opportunities for training and familiarisation with the key elements of the program.
If you have any questions about the CEDoW RTW Program please contact Susan Phillipson, Team Leader - Workplace Safety and Wellbeing, People & Culture - 0438 528 360.
For CEDoW’s full range of workplace, safety, and wellbeing resources please visit the Workplace Safety and Wellbeing Hub on Gateway.
DLST Network Meeting #1/2025
Following our DLST Network Meeting on Friday 21/02/2025, please find links below to the slide presentation and zoom recording. The topics covered at this meeting included:
- Introductions - WSS Education Officers
- 2025 Contact List Update
- Attendance
- NAPLAN Provisions
- Case Collaboration
- Global Developmental Delay
- Update 2025 CEDoW Service Delivery (Pods)
- Supported Enrolment: Complex Disability
- NCCD Resource Tracking Sheet 2
- 025 NCCD Term 1 Key Activities
- Role Descriptions
- Phase 2 PPSD Training
This week from the CEDoW Resource Centre
Please click here to access a variety of resources supporting the Primary RE Lenten units from Kindergarten to Year 6.
For further details, please contact Anne Russell, CEDoW Resource Centre Manager.
ACEN eBook of the Week
This week’s theme is Lent, books that reflect the person, example, and life Jesus lived.
See the link here to explore the eBook titles for primary, secondary, and staff through the Australian Catholic Education Network (ACEN). Click on each image or use the QR code to access further information. To sign in to Sora, select "ACEN" as your school.
If you have any questions, contact Jim Gallagher at gallagherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Catholicity STUFF (Spending Time Unpacking Faith Foundations)
K-6 Professional Learning opportunity
For: Primary Principals and RECs
Contact: Helen Moon (moonh01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
Targeting K-6 early career and beginning teachers, this course aims to build foundational knowledge and skills in the area of Catholicity for application in the K-6 Classroom and across the Primary School.
- Tuesday 11 March 2025 (9 am - 3 pm)
Funding available as follows (1 stream school = 1 place, 2 stream school = 2 places, 3 stream school = 3 places, 4 stream school = 4 places).
Casual Release code: C01.
Please consider who on your staff may benefit from this one day professional learning experience. For more information and registration details please click here.
Registrations close Friday 28 February 2025.
EAL/D Professional Learning 2025
We are pleased to share that an EAL/D professional learning opportunity will once again be available in 2025. Enrolments are now open via LMS.
The EAL/D Induction Day – Building an Understanding of the EAL/D Learner will take place in Term 1 on Wednesday 26 March 2025, at the Marian Centre, Wollongong. This event is designed for teachers from Early Stage 1 to Stage 3. It offers a valuable opportunity to network with colleagues and deepen their understanding of CEDoW’s strategic priorities and practices for supporting EAL/D students.
Participants will engage in peer-to-peer discussions and explore practical, hands-on resources designed to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes for students with diverse linguistic and cultural needs.
Each school is invited to nominate one participant to attend, with funding provided by CEDoW (F04). If additional participants wish to attend, the school will need to cover the associated casual relief costs.
This is a valuable opportunity to enrich your understanding and enhance your skills to support EAL/D learners effectively.
Building An Understanding
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Wednesday 26 March 20259:00 am - 3:00 pmThe Marian Centre, Wollongong5 hours NESA Accredited PD
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Please contact Crystal Ash (0437 173 976) or Kylie Phillips (0417 826 081) for any questions.
Year One SPOT
Year 1 SPOT is an optional professional learning course aimed at supporting Year 1 teachers to gain a deeper understanding of how to support students to reach their developmental milestones in communication, sensory and motor development.
Throughout the course, participants will collaborate to understand the importance of executive functioning skills and their implications on student learning. With this understanding, participants will consider and implement practical evidence-based strategies to support developing these skills within a tier-one classroom.
This 2-day face-to-face professional learning course is facilitated by a speech pathologist and occupational therapist. Over both days the course will address evidence-based research and its application to classroom practice.
Name:
Year One SPOT
Audience:
New Year One teachers
Dates and Venues:
Day 1 - 13 March 2025 @ Emmaus Suite 3.01 Building B, Lvl 3 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown
Day 2 - 21 March 2025 @ Emmaus Suite 3.01 Building B, Lvl 3 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown
RSVP:
Day 1 Year One SPOT
Funding Code:
One Year 1 teacher per class (F02).
A Course for Aspiring Leaders
Expressions of Interest are sought from suitable applicants to enrol in A Course for Aspiring Leaders, a CEDoW professional development opportunity focused on developing and supporting future leaders within the CEDoW system of schools.
The course is for those teachers who do not currently hold a formal leadership role within their school but would like to aspire to a leadership role in the future.
A Course for Aspiring Leaders will be conducted over 12 months in 2025 during Terms 1-3 with an opt-in session in Term 4.
There will be two cohorts for this course. An Illawarra cohort and a Macarthur cohort. Please register interest on LMS.
View the course flyer here.
Blended Online Learning
Short courses are self paced (approx 2hrs) and include;
- The Needs of Students with EAL/D
- Culturally Inclusive Teaching and Learning
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder
- Learning Theory
- Working in Partnership with Parents
Parent courses are also available and can be offered to SSO and families requiring information/support around Understanding ADHD & Autism through the OLT website.
For more information about the available courses, including short courses and parent offerings, please refer to our flyer or visit the OLT website.
Note: Certificates will only be issued when registering with @dow.catholic.edu.au email address. Requests from alternative email addresses will incur a fee.
Please contact Eleah Aidulis for any questions - 4253 0800 (aidulise01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
Register now: 2025 Kathleen Burrow Research Institute Annual Lecture
Catholic Schools NSW is pleased to announce that Greg Sheridan AO, author, commentator and Foreign Editor of The Australian, will deliver the 2025 Kathleen Burrow Research Institute Annual Lecture on 9 April.
Previous guests include the Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP, the Hon. Jacqueline Gleeson, Justice of the High Court of Australia, and the Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW.
The lecture will take place at 6.00 pm at St John's College, 10 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050. Guests are invited to enjoy drinks and canapes canapés.
We welcome Catholic Schools NSW board members, school principals, relatives of Kathleen Burrow and any stakeholders in Catholic education to join us for this fantastic evening.
Dress code: Academic dress/business.
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 institute is named after Kathleen Burrow (1899-1987), an Australian Catholic teacher who had a strong presence in the history of Catholic education and the Church in the 20th century.
Register here
Please contact Diana Novak for any questions (novakd01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
Navigating HSC Disability Provisions: Key Insights and Practical Steps (Ref: 19/25)
These online workshops are designed to deepen your understanding of essential aspects of the Disability Provisions Programme. They provide the opportunity to better understand the HSC Disability Provisions program, engage with real world case studies and examples, and understand the functional evidence and supporting documentation required to submit with applications.
The workshops are available on the following dates:
- Friday 14 February, 9:15-11:30am
- Tuesday 18 February, 12:45 – 3pm
- Thursday 27 February, 9:45-12pm
- Wednesday 5 March, 2.45-5pm
- Monday 10 March, 12.45 – 3pm
- Tuesday 25 March, 10.15 – 12.30 pm
- Monday 5 May, 2:45 – 5pm
- Wednesday 21 May, 12:45 – 3pm
The workshop contributes 2 hours to Professional Development.
Please contact Eleah Aidulis for any questions - 4253 0800 (aidulise01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
K-6 PDHPE Teaching Resources
Illawarra and Shoalhaven Area Health offers FREE professional learning for primary school teachers. Workshops cover a range of engaging topics, including Teaching Numeracy through Games, Physically Active Classrooms, and School Gardens.
ISLHD Healthy Schools website(Illawarra and Shoalhaven Area Health) |
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FMS Workshop - Berkeley This workshop demonstrates how to embed Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) in your school and what resources are available to support teachers. It's free and NESA accredited. Berkeley Public School. Tuesday 25 March 2025 (week 8) 3:30- 5:00pm |
FMS Workshop - Bomaderry This workshop demonstrates how to embed Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) in your school and what resources are available to support teachers. It's free and NESA accredited. Bomaderry Public School Thursday 3 April 2025 (week 9) 3:45-5:30pm |
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Online Safety To coincide with Safer Internet Day, there are also some helpful classroom resources available and useful tips to send out to families. |
Clean up Australia Day Clean up Australia Day (Sunday 2 March) provides a great opportunity to promote low-waste school lunches. Teachers can inspire students to learn about the impact of rubbish on their local environment while playing an active role in their school. Register your school for Clean Up Australia Day activities. |
The DoE Teaching Fundamental Movement Skills page also contains information and resources to support the teaching and learning of Fundamental Movement Skills.