All Staff Edition, Week 9, Term 1, 2025
CRSSFIT
A Spiritual Boot Camp | LENT 2025
“Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.”
— Pope Francis, 2021
Week 4 – Homecoming
The Prodigal Son (1882)
Nikolay Dmitrievich (c.1855-1901)
Outline
This week, the parable from Scripture of the Prodigal Son connects our physical efforts with the Common Good. The father of the prodigal son reaches out and embraces his wayward son; however, his brother’s reaction is the opposite. His arms seem to have stayed by his side. He is focussed on himself, his anger, his sense of unjust treatment. We are people called to use ‘us’ and ‘we’ more than ‘I’ and ‘me’. Are we people who rejoice in the joys of others and show compassion for those who are suffering?
- Catholic Social Teaching Focus: The Common Good
- Body Part Awareness Exercise – ARMS
The instructions for this week’s session can be found in the booklet here.
Courage to Be Overnight Retreat
The Courage to Be Overnight Retreat is a spiritual formation opportunity for CEDoW staff. It seeks to provide an opportunity to slow down and explore some of the wisdom from our tradition which can support us in taking those next courageous steps in life.
It endeavours to create a space for participants to reflect on their lives and will include input, gentle discussion, personal reflection and Christian Meditation.
“The Courage to Be” is an overnight retreat and will be held in the beautiful grounds of The Hermitage in Mittagong on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May 2025 (Term 2 Week 5). Day One will be funded by the CEO (C15) and Day Two is to be funded by schools. Please register through LMS no later than Friday 9 May 2025. Approval by your principal | Assistant Director | Team Leader is required before registering on LMS. Please see the flyer here.
Due to the nature of this retreat numbers are limited so please register as soon as possible.
For those staff members who have already attended the Courage to Be, the Courage to Continue retreat will be offered in Term 3, 2025. Further information regarding The Courage to Continue will be forwarded at a later date.
Staff Spiritual Formation Programs
We encourage you to explore additional personal formation opportunities through our Staff Spiritual Formation Programs, available on the Catholic Life and Mission page on Gateway.
Primary
Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour
Middle Leader 2 (Permanent)
St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Thirroul
Classroom Teacher (2 Positions)
St Pius X Catholic Parish Primary School, Unanderra
Classroom Teacher (F.T.E. 0.2)
Secondary
Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats
School Support Officer – Maintenance/Outdoor (45 hours per fortnight)
K-12
St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park
TAS Teacher – Industrial Technology Timber (Year 11) & Technology (Years 7-10)
TAS Teacher – Hospitality, Design & Technology (Year 12) and Technology (Years 7-10)
Catholic Education Office
Finance Officer
Stage 3 primary students from across the diocese have once again gathered for a day exploring ecological issues and challenges, sharing ideas for environmental action and being commissioned as Eco Ambassadors for their schools.
Accompanied by each school's WEN Teacher Contact, students experienced ecological prayer and reflection, an informative keynote address from Robert Servine from Green Connect and an opportunity to learn and be inspired by some of the wonderful ecological actions that take place at our host school for the day, St Brigid’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Gwynneville.
The Year 6 students from the school took us all on an eco journey sharing information about their Solar Panels, the Native Bee and Worm Farm, Djeera Bush Tucker and Native Garden, the Veggie Garden, Wicker Watering System and the School Bin System.
Students gained a deeper understanding of environmental challenges, such as “fast fashion” and had the opportunity to "re-purpose" an old t-shirt creating a carry bag to raise awareness. They also co-constructed a "Creation Prayer" to use for specific environmental days, such as Laudato Si' Week, World Environment Day, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and the Season of Creation. The students also shared their waste free lunches and eco friendly name badges.
The culmination of the day was each school's sharing of their piece of the jigsaw puzzle for environmental action and the commissioning of the students as Eco Ambassadors for their school. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the day provided much hope for our world as these new Eco Ambassadors were reminded that “you are never too small to make a difference” and show love and care for our common home.
Click here for more information about CEDoW’s Ecological Conversion activities and the Wollongong Environment Network.
Stem Cell Donors Australia – Online Appeal
As you may be aware, Fr David Catterall will soon be undertaking a stem cell transplant. While not without its risks, this transplant offers him a better outcome to his Acute Myeloid Leukaemia diagnosis.
Each year, over 1,100 Australians, like Fr David, search for a stem cell donor to cure their blood cancer or disorder. A transplant from a genetically matched donor is often a last-resort treatment that could save their life. However, Australia’s existing donor pool only helps around 80 patients annually, leaving many struggling to find a match. By registering as a donor, you could give hope to patients worldwide.
Stem Cell Donors Australia runs the national donor registry, and signing up is as simple as completing an online form and a free cheek swab kit sent to your home. If you are ever a genetic match, you’ll be contacted to donate your blood stem cells.
Becoming a donor is free, easy, and could change someone’s life. If you’re 18 to 35 and generally healthy, you can join Fr David’s appeal here or scanning the QR code below.
Payroll Updates
We recognise that service delays across the start of the year have been frustrating for some staff who have raised tickets with People and Culture and in particular Payroll. We want to acknowledge the longer than usual response times for enquiries, and we appreciate your patience.
Portability requests are being addressed for the end of Term 1, in line with other Dioceses. If you have an urgent need to submit leave please speak to your SSSO who can escalate this with us.
We are actively working on solutions, including improving processes, a temporary increase in staffing and changes in work practices. Our priority is pay related issues. If you have an issue relating to the current pay which you do not believe has been addressed please let your SSSO know and they will escalate it on your behalf.
Salary Packaging Update
Please note the following Smart Salary update:
Salary Packaging Benefits: We understand that the cost of living is affecting everyone, so we want to ensure that all our staff are aware of the benefits and savings available through salary packaging.
Novated Car Leasing Updates: There have been some changes to novated car leasing, specifically related to the Electric Car Discount Policy.
As of 1 April 2025, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are no longer eligible for the additional discounts available through the electric car discount policy. We have attached an updated flyer that reflects these changes and provides savings examples for PHEVs aligned with standard novated leasing tax benefits.
If you would like to find out more about salary packaging and how it can benefit you, please fill out the following Expression of Interest form to attend an information session: Salary Packaging Information Session Expression of Interest Form.
Access EAP 2025 Updates
The hottest days of the year are behind us, and as we move into autumn, take the time to recharge for your mental health and wellbeing.
Resilience lets us adapt to life's challenges and bounce back from setbacks. It can help us to maintain mental health and wellbeing even when facing adversity, and allows us to keep moving forward despite obstacles in life.
Building resilience doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily habits can help:
- Take Mental Breaks – Step away from screens and allow your mind to recharge
- Practice Self-Compassion – Be as kind to yourself as you would to a friend
- Reach Out for Support – You don’t have to do it alone; professional help is available.
View the March edition of Access EAP’s Newsletter or dive into Access EAP's wealth of easily accessible information to help support you.
If you have any questions regarding the resources, please contact Workplace Safety and Wellbeing on whs@dow.catholic.edu.au. For CEDoW’s full range of workplace, safety and wellbeing resources, please visit the Workplace Safety and Wellbeing Hub on Gateway.
Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope website launched
Please see the media release here regarding the launch of the Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope website, which includes national resources for the Jubilee year. The site contains resources for each of the jubilees, enabling schools to celebrate the events. Please see the website here. The site is now live and will be updated throughout the year as additional material becomes available.
Like Minecraft? Love the Vatican?
Transform your classrooms with Minecraft's latest arrival, Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage.
Step through time and bring the majesty of Vatican City into your classroom!
Microsoft and the Vatican have created an extraordinary new Minecraft Education experience that lets students actively explore St Peter's Basilica across four historic periods.
Imagine your students restoring historic rooms using period-accurate details, uncovering hidden artifacts, and learning how communities across time came together to build one of Christianity's most sacred spaces. This innovative world seamlessly blends Catholic heritage with STEM learning, offering engaging activities that connect faith, architecture, and digital literacy.
Ready to transform how your students experience their Catholic heritage? The link below includes teacher resources, student guides, lesson plans, and more.
All teachers and students have access to Minecraft. Sign in here.
For further information or if you have any questions, please contact:
- Mark Woolley at mark.woolley@dow.catholic.edu.au
- Ben Woods at benjamin.woods@dow.catholic.edu.au
- Russ Flannery at russell.flannery@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Have an Ethical Easter in 2025
“Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.” – Pope Francis
A significant portion of chocolate available in Australia is produced using cocoa beans harvested by child labourers, many of whom endure enslavement and exploitative working conditions.
Indulge responsibly, select ethically sourced chocolate, and support companies working towards eliminating slavery from their supply chain this Easter and beyond.
Click on the links for tips and further information.
Slavery Free Easter Chocolate - Catholic Earthcare
Indulge Responsibly Easter Poster
Also, consider not buying something that is overly packaged. Lots of Easter eggs come encased in several layers of foil, cardboard and plastic - each of which come with an environmental and often human cost of their own. Remember to recycle your foil…
“The knowledge about what we buy is the first act in not being complicit. Look at where those products come from.” – Pope Francis
Appin and Sorry Day Events (Winga Myamly)
For: Principals and SSSO’s
Action: For inclusion in your school’s newsletter and/or parent communications.
This year marks the 209th Anniversary of the Appin Massacre. The memorial service will be held on Sunday 13 April 2025 at Cataract Dam from 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, with a free sausage sizzle.
We encourage staff, students, and their parents, to attend the Appin Memorial as a sign of respect for the Dharawal people who were killed in the Massacre at Appin on 17 April 1816.
CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead
Is your CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead up to date?
Accreditation to WTL Level/s and any additional requirements are outlined on your contract.
If you still require more information or have any questions, please email: wtlaccreditation@dow.catholic.edu.au.
For general information on CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead please visit the following website: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/accreditation-cedow/.
CEDoW Scholarship Support
For some areas of Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead, CEDoW offers Scholarship Support.
Please visit the following website for more information and to apply: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/cedow-scholarships/.
CEDoW Library
ACEN eBook of the Week
This week’s Sora eBook theme is Which is your Sport?
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.
ClickView Highlight
This week’s ClickView highlight is Design Thinking Stages & Teaching with TED-Ed. You can view it here.
If you have any questions, please contact Jim Gallagher, Library Services Manager at gallagherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Engage Students, Improve Writing
Do you want to increase your student's love of writing? Is writing a focus of your school’s AIP?
This student opportunity could be the perfect way to engage your students and provide teacher professional learning in a fun interactive way.
Facilitated by Catholic Network Australia the Student Challenge invites students to explore how they can use their stories to create change in our communities with Apple technology. Students will be invited to use the creative tools on iPad to explore the power of storytelling, including Animation, Augmented Reality and movie-making.
Hear from ‘Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year’ winner Tristan Bancks as he shares his insights on the power of storytelling. And work with Professional Learning Specialist, Paul Hamilton as he helps your students unlock the power of animation, movie making and Augmented Reality on iPad.
Running over 5 sessions, this opportunity kicks off with a Teacher Workshop on 2 May 2025, followed by student workshops throughout May and June.
Visit the website to register.
K-6 Curriculum Support
The K-6 Curriculum Support page contains:
- Important links to external and internal sites
- Professional learning
- Planning and programming support
- Assessment and reporting
- Professional reading
For enquiries please contact learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au.
K-6 Curriculum Implementation Frequently Asked Questions
Primary educators are now deeply engaged in embedding the reformed English and Mathematics syllabuses. As K-6 teachers implement these syllabuses, questions naturally arise about the curriculum’s practical application. To support teachers and leaders, a Frequently Asked Questions guide has been developed to facilitate effective implementation.
Some questions that have been answered include:
- What is mandatory to teach in each KLA syllabus?
- What is essential content?
- NESA vs Department of Education. What is the difference?
- Are the units of work mandatory to teach?
- What are the CHPS?
- How is CEDoW supporting schools to prepare and engage with the new CHPS syllabuses?
- Can I start teaching the new K-6 PDHPE syllabus and / or K-6 Science and Technology syllabus?
The K-6 Curriculum Implementation Frequently Asked Questions guide can be found here.
If you have a question you'd like answered, please complete this Google Form.
For additional inquiries, teachers and leaders are encouraged to contact the K-12 Learning Team at learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au.
CSNSW Professional Learning
Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) continues to develop and provide up to date, high quality professional learning developed using in the latest evidence-based research to enhance educators knowledge, skills and professional practice to support the implementation of the reformed NSW curriculum.
The professional learning catalogue includes:
- K-6 English
- Reading series with Pamela Snow and Tanya Serry
- Writing in the middle Years 3-6
- Writing across the curriculum in secondary schools
- K-6 Mathematics
These formal and informal learning opportunities are available on the CSNSW Professional learning platform through the CSNSW portal. Login with your NETiD account.
WriteOn Competition
The annual WriteOn competition provides an exciting opportunity for schools, teachers, and students to engage with writing. Through participation, students develop their ability to express ideas creatively and may even become published authors. Open to students in Years 1 to 6, the competition invites students to craft an imaginative text of up to 500 words based on a provided stimulus.
Students use the stimulus quote below to create an imaginative text of up to 500 words: “Could they be changing?”
Additional teaching and learning resources, aligned to the English K-10 Syllabus are available to support teachers and students.
The competition closes on Friday 20 June 2025.
What’s new on the Numeracy Teaching Toolbox?
K-6 Mathematics Sample Units of Work - TERM 2
These units of work align to the sample scope of sequences of learning developed by Dr Christine Mae. They have been designed as a scaffold to support teachers to program clear sequences of learning aligned to the syllabus. The intent is for teachers to use the sample units alongside the teaching advice and examples in the NSW K-10 Mathematics Syllabus to contextualise the learning for their students.
This page has been updated to support schools in developing school-based scope and sequences of learning for Mathematics. The page includes guidelines for developing a scope and sequence and a number of sample scope and sequences K-6. The Scope & Sequence documents are an optional resource for schools. These can be contextualised and implemented at your school, or they can be used to ensure all outcomes and content are taught across each year of learning.
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