All Staff Edition, Week 5, Term 2, 2025

National Sorry Day – Monday 26 May 2025

National Sorry Day, officially known as the National Day of Healing, is held annually in Australia on 26 May to commemorate the Stolen Generations. It is an important time for the broader Australian community to pause, reflect, and recognise the profound impact of past injustices.

We join with our Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Minto, along with Elders, community, and members of our school communities, to acknowledge and show respect to this significant date. We also acknowledge that within our Catholic Education community, we have colleagues who are part of the Stolen Generations and that their lives have been impacted over the generations. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

“This day provides a chance for everyone in our community to come together in the healing process for the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their family and communities.”

Sorry Day is more than just saying Sorry. It is a time to reflect on the deep sadness caused to so many. It is an important opportunity to acknowledge the past with sincerity and empathy, paving the path towards healing and reconciliation.

National Sorry Day is also a day to acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and Nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

The 26th of May every year since 1998 has been recognised as National Sorry Day. It was on this date in 1997 that the Bringing Them Home Report was tabled in our Federal Parliament, commemorating the Stolen Generations survivors. A report of truth telling, a report of heartache, a report of humanity and the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The report was a landmark truth telling process, sadly, almost 30 years on, a number of the report’s 54 recommendations remain unmet. The Stolen Generations survivors are ageing, and many do not have access to a full and fair redress scheme, or to the records that hold keys to their stories. We must ensure that the Stolen Generations survivors are supported to age with dignity and respect.

As Pope Francis stated: "We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace. We, will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God. We all have the duty to do good. Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason."
— Pope Francis (December 2020)

The message delivered in Alice Springs in 1986 continues to challenge us to positive, decisive action today.

“What has been done cannot be undone, but ‘what can now be done to remedy the deeds of yesterday must not be put off till tomorrow.’ It would seem that the remedies are well within our economic reach.”
— Pope John Paul II

However, amidst these challenges, the strength, perseverance, and dignity demonstrated by the First Australians offer a glimmer of hope for a future where these injustices are overcome, and their voices are heard and valued, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

When the Old Testament speaks of justice or righteousness, it means right relationship – and you can’t have right relationship with God unless you have right relationship with other people... and vice versa.

Links to more information about National Sorry Day.

On behalf of the Director of Schools, I wish to announce:

Following a recruitment process, Alexandra Mediati is the successful applicant for the position of Education Officer - Primary (CLEM).

Alexandra brings a wealth of school leadership experience to the role, having most recently held the positions of Assistant Principal - Religious Education, Identity and Mission at St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park (2022 - current), Acting Head of Department - Religious Education at Santa Sabina College, Strathfield (2021), and Acting Religious Education Coordinator at Christian Brothers High School, Lewisham (2018-2020).

Alexandra is committed to her ongoing professional development and has acquired qualifications including a Master of Education (ACU), Graduate Certificate in Catholic Thought (UND), Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Education (ACU), Graduate Certificate in TESOL (ACU), Bachelor of Primary Education (UTS), and a Certificate in Religious Education (CEO, Sydney Catholic Schools).

I take this opportunity to congratulate Alexandra and wish her every success and fulfilment in this position.

_______

Following a recruitment process, Abbie Walsh is the successful applicant for the substantive position of WHS and Return to Work Officer, commencing 24 June 2025.

Abbie has been working with the People and Culture Service Area at the Catholic Education Office in the position of Recruitment Officer since the beginning of 2024.

Abbie is due to complete a double degree of a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Commerce with the University of Wollongong in July 2025, specialising in Human Resources and Workplace Health and Safety.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Abbie and wish her every success in this new appointment.

Natasha O’Donoghue
Assistant Director - People and Culture

All vacant positions are available on Employee Self Service (ESS) each Wednesday morning before being uploaded to the public website, giving CEDoW staff first priority to view them.

This week, you will find advertised positions for the following schools:

Primary

St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Camden
Middle Leader (2pt)

St Anthony’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Picton
Classroom Teacher (F.T.E. 0.4) (Stage 3)

Secondary

St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park
Acting Religious Education Coordinator (Secondary)

K-12

St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park
TAS Teacher – Industrial Technology: Timber (Year 11) & Technology (Years 7-10) (New Employee Recruitment Bonus Available)

Catholic Education Office

Acting Team Leader – Wellbeing and Student Support

Combined Pastoral Care & Wellbeing / Learning Support Secondary Leading Learning Network (SLLN) Meeting

Secondary Pastoral Care and Wellbeing and Learning Support (Diverse Learning) Coordinators are invited to attend a full-day combined network event on Tuesday 3 June 2025 at St Francis Xavier Cathedral Meeting Rooms, 36 Harbour Street, Wollongong. *Please note the change of date.

Please arrive at the venue at 8.45 am for a prompt 9.00 am start to the first session. The day will conclude at 3.00 pm.

The agenda will include items relevant to both networks, including Case Collaboration implementation, Attendance Procedures, Life to the Full Review and NCCD Collaborative processes. There will also be a final session for the discrete networks to discuss issues pertinent to their participants.

Please register for this event by completing the RSVP form.

KinderSPOT Course

KinderSPOT is an optional three-day professional learning course designed for Kindergarten teachers who have not attended in previous years. Facilitated by an accredited occupational therapist and speech pathologist, the course aims to build teacher knowledge and capability in oral language and motor development. 

The course will address the following key areas:

• Developmental Foundations: An in-depth overview of how children aged 4–6 typically progress through the stages of oral language (oracy), motor, and sensory development. This includes understanding typical developmental milestones and recognising how these areas interact to support learning and behaviour.
  
  
• Identification of Student Needs: Strategies to identify and monitor the oral language, fine and gross motor, and sensory development needs of Tier 1 students within a classroom setting. Participants will learn to differentiate between typical variation in development and signs that may indicate emerging challenges.
  
  
• Research-Informed Practice: Exploration of current research in oral language and communication and motor development, with a focus on practical, evidence-based strategies and resources that can be applied in the classroom. These tools will support the early identification and intervention for students with oral, motor, and sensory needs.

Name: KinderSPOT

Audience: New Kindergarten teachers who have not attended in previous years

Dates and Venues:

Day 1: 6 June 2025
Day 2: 23 June 2025
Day 3: 29 July 2025
Venue for all days: Emmaus Suite, Room 3.01, Building B, Level 3, Hyde Parade, Campbelltown

Funding Code: F02

Registration and Dietary:
Please complete the RSVP and dietary requirements form.

Catholicity STUFF (Spending Time Unpacking Faith Foundations) 

Attention: Secondary RECs/Leaders of Mission and Secondary Principals

Contact: Beth Riolo at riolob01@dow.catholic.edu.au 

Professional Learning Opportunity for Middle Leaders (KLA Coordinators/Pastoral Care Coordinators and RE Teachers)

Targeting Secondary Middle Leaders and RE Teachers, this course aims to build foundational knowledge and skills in the area of Catholicity, specifically prayer and liturgy, for application across Secondary School celebrations, gatherings and events.

• Thursday 19 June 2025 (9 am – 3 pm)
• Emmaus Centre – 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia, 2560
• Funding is available for 3 participants per school

Please consider who on your staff may benefit from this one-day professional learning experience.

For more information and registration details, click here.

Please register by Tuesday 10 June 2025.

Bishop Greg Homeming’s Mid North Coast Flood Appeal

Over the past week, it has been deeply distressing to witness the devastating impact of the floods on communities along the NSW Mid North Coast.

In response to this crisis, Bishop Greg Homeming of the Diocese of Lismore has launched an appeal to assist those affected – to help rebuild homes, support families returning home, provide feed for farmers’ livestock, and offer people in the diocese the opportunity to recover, endure the hardship of the floods, and look forward to a new day.

Please click here to find out how to donate to Bishop Homeming's Flood Appeal.

Year 8 – Illawarra Catholic Leadership 2025

Year 8 students from Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats; St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra; St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park; and Holy Spirit College, Bellambi gathered at the Xavier Centre for the second day of the Digital Discipleship Project.

The video here highlights the projects students have developed and will continue to work on within their respective schools during this special Jubilee Year of the Church. The life and witness of the soon-to-be-canonised Carlo Acutis has served as a powerful inspiration for our young people as they explore ways to share the Gospel in today’s digital culture.

Attendance update 

Minor amendments to the Attendance Procedure 

Minor amendments have been made to section 8 of the Attendance Procedure. These reflect Principals’ requests to have a uniform process for parents and schools to follow in relation to the exception to compulsory school-age requirements. These amendments are supported by:

• a new ‘Exception to compulsory school-age’ form
• two template letters to parents (documents accepted / not accepted by the Principal) 

The amendments will come into effect on 2 June 2025. 

Actions for secondary schools: Please take the time to familiarise yourself with these changes. 

Additional amendments

Extended absences - Stage 6

Optional letters have been added to the Attendance - Extended Absence templates in Compass, reflecting Principals’ requests. The templates are:

• 04 Communication - Accepted - Stage 6 Acknowledgement of Extended Absence
• 04 Communication - NOT Accepted - Stage 6 Acknowledgement of Extended Absence

Exemption from Attendance form 

Details of ‘exceptional circumstances’ (from the Attendance Policy section 3.1(b)) have been added to the Application for Exemption from Attendance form. 

A Notes/Details box has been added to PART D Head of Wellbeing and Student Support to complete in 02 Principal Consideration - Application for Exemption from Attendance, which will provide information to the school about the approval process.

Actions: Please take the time to familiarise yourself with these changes.

Questions? Please contact CEDoW Attendance Team: Samantha McGarrity - samantha.mcgarrity@dow.catholic.edu.au, Stacey Walsh - stacey.walsh@dow.catholic.edu.au, Sandra Michielin - sandra.michielin@dow.catholic.edu.au or Anthony Kenna - anthony.kenna@dow.catholic.edu.au.

Catholic Education Office Strategic Planning Procedure 

The new Catholic Education Office Strategic Planning Procedure will come into effect on 2 June 2025. It can be accessed here.

The document was developed as a codification of current practice and includes procedural direction related to overarching CEO and service area level annual planning. The Strategy and Communications team will continue to support staff during its implementation.

If you have any questions about the Catholic Education Office Strategic Planning Procedure, please contact Matt Baxter, Assistant Director - Strategy and Communications (baxterm04@dow.catholic.edu.au).

Library Resource Management Procedure 

The Library Resource Management Procedure and supporting Information Sheet: Library Resource Management will come into effect on 21 July 2025.

The documents were developed to replace the Learning Resource Management Policy and its five supporting procedures. The review was driven by a need to align our documents with current practice and to reduce the compliance burden for staff. There is no anticipated change to current practice.  

The Library Services Manager will continue to support the library network to implement the procedure.

If you have any questions about the Library Resource Management Procedure, please contact Jim Gallagher, Library Services Manager, at gallagherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

NESA News: Closure of the Up2Now Website

Due to a low number of users, NESA is closing the Up2Now student portfolio website next month.

NESA is communicating directly with all recent users to advise them to remove their portfolios before 20 June 2025. 

What is Up2Now? 

Up2Now is an online platform where high school students can record their extracurricular and other achievements in a portfolio. Students are registered by their teachers upon request. 

What do registered users need to do? 

High school students and school coordinators will need to log in to Up2Now and export their portfolios and documents by 20 June.

Premier’s Vocational Education in Schools Scholarships – Apply by 30 May 2025

Applications for the NSW Premier’s Vocational Education in Schools Scholarship close on 30 May 2025. The successful applicant will receive $15,000 to undertake a 5-week study tour in Australia or overseas, exploring best practice in one of 13 focus areas.

The scholarship is open to permanent and temporary teachers in NSW non-government schools, TAFE NSW, and early childhood education and care services. 

Scholarships are awarded in the year prior to the study tour. 

The majority of scholarships are for school-based teachers to explore best practice in their chosen focus area. The program delivers significant outcomes for scholarship recipients, students, teacher colleagues and school communities. 

For more information, visit the NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships webpage and read the Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact: premierscholarships@det.nsw.edu.au.

Share Your Top Texts: Recommend Quality Texts for English K–10

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) wants to hear about the quality texts that students read as part of their study of English K−10. You are invited to share with NESA the quality texts that you consider to:

• support the teaching of content and demonstration of outcomes of the Understanding and responding to literature (K−6) or Understanding and responding to texts (7−10) focus areas
• be powerful tools for teaching and learning.

Part A collects general information. Part B asks for your suggested texts. The survey should take approximately three minutes to complete for each text suggestion in Part B. Please note that questions marked with an asterisk (*) require a response.

Access the survey here.

Closing date: 23 June 2025.

For more information or enquiries, contact: curriculum@nesa.nsw.edu.au.

2026 Annual RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition

Entries for the 2026 Annual RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition are now open!

The annual RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration began in 1953 as a collaborative event between the RSL and the Department of Education. It has since expanded to include Catholic Schools NSW and the Association of Independent Schools NSW.

The art competition was introduced in 2023 to mark the 70th anniversary of the ANZAC Commemoration and has been held every year since.

The service is held to educate students about Australia’s military history while paying respect to the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force. The service is delivered entirely by students, including the master of ceremonies, keynote address, readings, and musical accompaniment.

Students have the chance to have their artwork displayed at the ANZAC Memorial in April 2026 and included in the 2026 service program. Past programs have featured poppies, the Cobbers sculpture at the Australian Memorial Park, and ANZACs at Gallipoli.

Entries close on 31 October 2025, and finalists will be announced on 14 November 2025.

• For more information on the art competition and memorial service, click here.
• To submit entries, click here.

If you have feedback on Gateway News, we want to know. 

Follow Us:

Facebook	Instagram	YouTube	LinkedIn

This newsletter (including any attachments) is for the intended recipient's use only. It contains information that may be confidential and/or protected by copyright. Any personal information in this newsletter must be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). If you have received this newsletter by mistake, please notify us as soon as possible and permanently delete the newsletter. Any confidentiality is not waived or lost because this newsletter has been sent to you by mistake.