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    Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong

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    Email: communications@dow.catholic.edu.au

    Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong

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    Acknowledgement of Country

    Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) acknowledges and pays respect to the Aboriginal people of the Dharawal, Gundungurra and Yuin nations, past and present—the traditional custodians of the lands on which our schools are built.

    Our Strategy

    As part of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong system, each of our Catholic schools is committed to improving faith, learning, and wellbeing outcomes for the students in their care.

    Together, we're guided by our strategic plan, Lighting The Way, which describes what we want to achieve, how we'll do it, and what success will look like.

    LTW

    Strategic Objectives Portal

    Explore the CEO Strategic Objectives Portal, an online space highlighting the CEO's objectives and key results. Stay informed about our progress in supporting students and school communities.

    Employee Assistance Program

    AccessEAP_logo_Trademark (3)

    Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free and confidential counselling service available to all staff.

    If you or your immediate family require support contact AccessEAP on 1800 818 728. 

    Visit the AccessEAP website or download the AccessMyEAP app for a range of resources and support.  

    Username:
    employee@dow.catholic.edu.au

    Password: 
    accesseap
     

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    All Staff Edition, Week 2, Term 3, 2025

    • Spiritual Reflection
    • Announcements
    • Positions Vacant
    • Professional Learning
    • Invitation: Courage to Continue Overnight Retreat
    • Updates
    • CEDoW Primary Curriculum Reform News
    • Submit Feedback

    Spiritual Reflection

    Vocation: A Listening Heart

    National Vocation Awareness Week begins this weekend.

    screenshot_2025_07_29_at_11.53.54_am.png

    Vocation is not first about doing, it is about being—being who we are before God, in the quiet of our hearts. Each of us is called, not just once, but over and over again, to live in deeper communion and with a more faithful love.

    Vocation begins not with answers, but with attention. It begins when we pause long enough to ask not only what should I do?—but who am I being called to become?

    This call — God’s call — is not always loud. More often, it comes in whispers;

    • a stirring in our heart,
    • a sense of unrest or longing,
    • a quiet clarity that emerges only when we stop to listen.

    To listen is to turn our ear toward God — to make space for the still small voice that speaks not just in prayer, but in people, in moments, in the everyday.

    As we listen, we are invited to discern — to sift through all the voices—the demands, expectations, fears — until we begin to recognise the voice of the One who calls us by name.

    This is not always easy. The world is noisy. Our lives are full. But God is patient. God keeps calling. In the classroom, in the corridor, in the conversation after a long day — God is there.

    However your vocation is lived out, and no matter the shape it takes, your life is a sacred response and every day offers a fresh chance to listen again.

    • So pause.
    • Take a breath.
    • Let silence speak.

    Ask again:
    Who is God calling me to be, here and now?
    What is mine to do today?

    The answers may not come all at once,
    but the One who calls you is faithful.

    Announcements

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

    Following a recruitment and discernment process, I am pleased to announce that Lindsay Burns has been appointed to the substantive position of Assistant Principal at Holy Cross Catholic Parish Primary School, Helensburgh. As Lindsay is currently performing the position of Acting Assistant Principal, he will commence in the role immediately. 

    In addition to his time in the role of Acting Assistant Principal at Helensburgh throughout 2025, Lindsay has also held the senior leadership positions of Acting Assistant Principal at Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish Primary School, Eagle Vale from August 2023 to December 2024 and Assistant Principal at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Parish Primary School, Kiama from 2017 - August 2023.

    Lindsay’s qualifications include a Master of Theology from the University of Newcastle and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Wollongong. Lindsay is an active member of the St John’s Catholic Parish in Dapto.   

    Please join me in congratulating Lindsay on his appointment to this position. 

    A recruitment process for the substantive position of Assistant Principal at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish Primary School, Kiama, will commence shortly. 

    __________

    Following a recruitment process, Ashleigh Warton is the successful applicant for the substantive position of School Infrastructure Program Coordinator in the Schools Properties Office within Finance, Facilities and Planning which commenced on 14 July 2025.

    Ashleigh previously held the position of Administrative Officer – Reception within the Wollongong Administrative Services team. Ashleigh holds a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Wollongong, a Diploma of Business Administration and a Certificate IV in Property Services.

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

    __________

    Joanne Herring, Religious Education Coordinator at St Columbkille’s Catholic Primary School, Corrimal, will be taking leave from 6 August to 26 September 2025. Following a recruitment process, Libbie Tyrrell is the successful applicant for the position of Acting Religious Education Coordinator at St Columbkille’s during Joanne’s leave.

    Libbie has been teaching in Catholic education since 2012 and has nine years of experience as Middle Leader 2, which has incorporated the role of Instructional Coach. Libbie holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Wollongong.

    Libbie is a member of St Columbkille’s Catholic Parish, Corrimal. 

    __________

    Following a recruitment process, Joanne Flanagan is the successful applicant for the temporary full time position of Acting VET/RTO Manager which commenced on 3 July until 5 September 2025.

    Joanne previously held the position of Education Officer – VET/TaPS in the Learning K-12 Team with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, until September 2023.

    Joanne holds a Masters in Education from the Australian Catholic University, a Bachelor of Vocational Education and Training from Charles Sturt University, and has completed her Certificate IV in Workplace Assessor and Training in 2018. 

    I take this opportunity to congratulate Joanne and wish her every success and fulfilment in this temporary appointment. 

    __________

    Following a recruitment process, Marie Russo is the successful applicant for the temporary position of Junior In-House Legal Counsel in the Governance Assurance and Risk team commencing 4 August 2025 for a period of 12 months.

    Most recently, Marie has been working as a solicitor with Access Law Group, Wollongong and she volunteers extensively with community-based organisations. Marie has completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws with UOW and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law.

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

    Natasha O’Donoghue
    Director – People and Culture

    Message of Condolence

    With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Michelle Crinnion.

    Michelle passed away peacefully on Thursday 24 July 2025, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief and unexpected illness.

    Michelle was a cherished member of the Nazareth Catholic Parish Primary School community since its foundation in 2000. In her role as school support officer and librarian, she served with exceptional dedication, warmth, and quiet strength. Her care and commitment have left an enduring legacy in the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues.

    We give thanks for Michelle’s life and the many ways she contributed to the life of the school with grace, generosity, and kindness. Her presence will be deeply missed across the community.

    Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
    May she rest in peace. Amen.

    Positions Vacant

    Primary

    Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish Primary School, Kiama
    Assistant Principal (Primary)
    St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Nowra
    Classroom Teacher

    Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Parish Primary School, Rosemeadow
    Classroom Teacher – PPT (F.T.E. 0.6)

    Secondary

    St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park
    Science Teacher
    HSIE/Religious Education Teacher
    Indentured Casual Teacher
    PDHPE Teacher
    Secondary Teachers – Various Subjects
    HSIE Teacher (F.T.E. 0.5)

    Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan
    Religious Education Coordinator (Secondary)
    School Support Officer – Diverse Learning (65 hours per fortnight)
    HSIE/Religious Education Teacher

    K–12

    St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park
    TAS Teacher – Industrial Technology Timber (Years 7-12) (Re-Advertised)
    Science Teacher (Years 5-12) (Re-Advertised)

    Click to view all vacancies on CEDoW's Employment Portal
    Click to view vacancies in other dioceses

    Professional Learning

    ACER PAT Webinars

    unnamed_1_.pngCEDoW PAT Assessment window is Term 4, Weeks 3–6. As has been the practice in previous years, primary schools will administer the PAT Adaptive assessments and secondary schools will administer PAT Linear assessments.

    This assessment window is aligned to the collection of samples used to calculate Australian norms which are an important part of the PAT Maths and PAT Reading reporting as they help to contextualise students’ levels of achievement.

    Webinars relevant to leaders and teachers:

    Analysing and interpreting ACER’s reports for linear assessments

    Wednesday 3 September 4 pm AEST

    This session will highlight the PAT Bands, Group, Individual and Longitudinal reports used to report results from our linear assessments. This will include how to identify strengths, weaknesses and/or gaps across a class, cohort, or whole school level and how trends can appear within these diverse groups.

    Register

    Analysing and interpreting ACER’s reports for adaptive assessments

    Thursday 4 September 4 pm AEST

    This session will highlight the ACER Data Explorer, including the Achievement, Student, Item Performance and Progress reports. This will include how to identify strengths, weaknesses and/or gaps across a class, cohort, or whole school level and how trends can appear within these diverse groups.

    Register

    Within these webinars, the ACER team will demonstrate how to generate and navigate the reports and make the task of understanding the PAT results data more accessible, meaningful and practical. The registration link will also provide immediate access to the recording of the webinar if participants are not able to join on the day. Within a few weeks of the scheduled webinars, the ACER team will also publish the recording on the School Support Centre website here.

    Micro-credentials for Classroom Confidence

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    Enrolments are now open for all three micro-credentials in the Australian Government’s Micro-credentials for Classroom Confidence series, delivered by The University of Adelaide. Topics include Classroom Management, Explicit Teaching, and Teaching Phonics.

    These free, fully online courses support teachers in meeting their professional development requirements.

    Register your interest online to receive the enrolment links.
    Learn more here.

    Expression of Interest: Reconnect SPOT

    Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing (ILW) Learning K–12 is pleased to share details about an upcoming professional learning opportunity for Kindergarten teachers who completed the KinderSPOT training in 2023–2024 and are currently teaching Kindergarten.

    Reconnect SPOT is a one-day, optional professional learning session designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of key executive functioning and self-regulation skills—such as working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. These foundational skills are critical for the early development of both cognitive and social capacities in young children, as supported by current research.

    This session will be co-facilitated by an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist. Drawing on evidence-based research, they will support teachers to recognise common student behaviours that reflect executive functioning development within the Kindergarten classroom. Educators will also be provided with practical strategies and classroom-ready resources to support and enhance student growth in these essential areas.

    If you are interested in attending, please first seek approval from your principal, then complete the Google Form linked below to register your expression of interest: Expression of Interest Form. Please submit your response by 8 August 2025. 

    If there is sufficient interest, the course will proceed, and the ILW – Learning team will coordinate registrations for participants through LMS.

    Date: Thursday 28 August 2025, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Venue: Emmaus Centre, Building B, Level 3, Hyde Parade, Campbelltown
    Funding Code: F02

    For further information, please contact Joanne Treffone at treffonej01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

    Blended Online Learning – Semester 2

    Audience: ALL Staff

    Can Blended Online Learning Support Your Annual Improvement Plan (AIP)?

    If you are interested in a BESPOKE course in Term 3 or 4 (delivered on-site at a time that works for you), please email wssadmin@dow.catholic.edu.au. You may also like to consider partnering with neighbouring schools that have similar interests or needs.

    All courses can be offered as BESPOKE courses with a minimum participant cohort of eight.

    Upcoming courses in Term 3 – Flyer link here

    • Supporting Student Wellbeing and Mental Health [F2F during PVP]
    • Parent Courses

    Parent courses are also available and can be offered to all staff and families seeking information/support around Understanding ADHD and Autism through the OLT website.

    Short courses are self-paced (approximately 2 hours) 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

    Enrolment in only one course at a time.
    See flyer for registration links.

    Invitation: Courage to Continue Overnight Retreat

    The Courage to Continue Retreat is a spiritual formation opportunity for staff who have previously completed the Courage to Be Retreat. Held in the beautiful grounds of The Hermitage in Mittagong, this overnight retreat will take place on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 September 2025 (Term 3, Week 9).

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    This retreat invites participants to revisit and deepen their understanding of what it means to live courageously. Together, we will explore themes such as the courage to connect, to feel wholeheartedly, to listen to the stirrings of the Spirit, and to find and use our voice. These reflections aim to support and inspire us in turning up to life with renewed hope and courage.

    Throughout our time together, we will draw on a variety of processes including input, gentle discussion, personal reflection, prayer and Christian Meditation. There will also be time to reconnect with others who began this journey with you and to feel God’s loving presence and support.

    You are warmly invited to take part in this meaningful experience. Day One will be funded by the CEO (C15), and Day Two is to be funded by schools. Please register through LMS by Friday 29 August 2025. Prior approval from your principal, assistant director or team leader is required before registering. Due to the nature of this retreat numbers are limited so please register as soon as possible.

    View the flyer here.

    Updates

    Announcing the Enrolment Advisory Committee

    We’re pleased to let you know that CEDoW has set up a new Enrolment Advisory Committee.

    The committee will bring together colleagues from key areas to offer practical advice and recommendations, making our enrolment processes clearer and more consistent, and ensuring they reflect our mission and values.

    What will the committee do?

    • Identify and address complex enrolment issues affecting multiple schools
    • Suggest improvements to our system-wide processes to improve the experience for families, schools, and staff

    The committee will meet each term, consulting with staff—including principals, SSSOs, and enrolment officers—to bring more clarity, consistency, and support for everyone involved. For more details, including membership of the committee, please see the Terms of Reference. If you have any questions, email enrolments@dow.catholic.edu.au.

    Reminder: Non-Government Schools Census 2025 – Privacy Collection Notice 

    Audience: All staff

    Each year, the Department of Education and Training conducts the Non-Government Schools Census to determine a school’s entitlement to recurrent funding and to fulfil national student reporting requirements. Recurrent funding is calculated on a per-student basis, so it is essential that schools submit accurate and complete Census data to remain eligible for funding for the current calendar year.

    The upcoming Census will be held on Friday 1 August 2025. This Census is a critical requirement for the release of Government Per Capita Recurrent funding, which is distributed via Catholic Schools NSW. 

    The Census process includes the collection and use of certain information about your school, its staff and the student body for reporting to the Australian Government.

    Any personal information collected in the Census and NCCD is protected by law under the Privacy Act 1988 (CTH) (Privacy Act), and any use or disclosure of that personal information must be in accordance with the Privacy Act, the Act and Regulations, and any other applicable laws.

    Please refer to the linked Privacy Collection Notice for your reference.

    ILLUMINATE 2025

    Shining a light on creative excellence in CEDoW.

    unnamed_3_.pngAudience: Creative and Performing Arts Coordinators

    Important: Schools are to complete their student nominations for the following:

    • Artworks
    • Dance solo or ensemble
    • Drama monologue or ensemble
    • MC/Student hosts
    • Music solo or ensemble

    Submission of Deadlines:

    • Dance, Drama, and Music video recordings due by Friday, Week 5 – 22 August 2025
    • Photographs/videos of Visual Arts works due by Friday, Week 7 – 5 September 2025

    Submit nominations via this form: Illuminate 2025 Submission Form.

    Please note: Due to tight timelines, no extensions can be granted.

    Step into Teaching Scholarship Program

    Audience: Year 12 students considering a career in teaching

    “Teaching is a noble profession that shapes the character, calibre and future of an individual.”
    — Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

    Applications open Week 3.

    Students may apply for one of the following:

    • CEDoW Step into Teaching Scholarship Program
    • CEDoW Step into Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program

    For more information, students are encouraged to speak with their TAPs Coordinator. Further details are also available on the Catholic Education Office website.

    Applications close on Friday Week 9 — 19 September 2025.

    Catholic Business Connections September 2025 Luncheon 

    Tuesday 23 September 2025 | 11:45am – 2:00pm | Rydges Campbelltown

    Catholic Business Connections September 2025 Luncheon

    Join us for a special CBC luncheon as we explore “The Power of Intergenerational Learning” with two inspiring speakers: Jane Hollier and David Gearin.

    Jane and David bring extensive experience in Catholic education, community engagement, and social justice. United by a passion for connecting generations, they lead the award-winning Cross+Gen digital literacy initiative—an uplifting program that brings students and seniors together to foster mutual respect, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection.

    Whether you're involved in parish life, education, or the business sector, this event will inspire you through the shared mission of CatholicCare and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong—to be Bearers of Christ’s Love in every part of our community.

    RSVP by Monday 15 September 2025. Book now.

    Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) Family Partnerships Excellence Awards 2025 

    Catholic schools across NSW/ACT are invited to apply for the 2025 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards. The winning school will receive a $5,000 grant to support their ongoing initiative.

    • Does your school have a program that strengthens collaboration between families, schools and the wider community?
    • Does it support faith formation, curriculum, student wellbeing—or a combination of these?
    • Has it made a meaningful impact on students, staff and families?

    If so, apply now and share how your school has helped bridge the gap between home and school to improve student outcomes.

    How to apply:

    • Visit the CCSP website to check eligibility and download the submission form
    • Respond to the six criteria outlined in the form
    • Upload completed form and supporting materials via the online submission portal

    Entries close at 5:00 pm on Friday 17 October 2025.

    Expression of Interest: Development of K–10 English and Mathematics Assessment Support Materials

    NESA invites K–10 English and Mathematics teachers to participate in a project developing assessment support materials aligned to the new syllabuses.

    NESA is working with the University of Sydney’s Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment (CEMA) on this project. This is an accredited professional learning opportunity for teachers to develop deep knowledge and understanding of the new syllabuses and to contribute to the building of common assessment resources for schools and teachers.

    As part of this project, NESA and CEMA will engage with participants through a variety of activities, beginning in Term 3 of 2025 and continuing through Term 2 of 2026. Activities will differ in terms of duration and type of engagement required, ranging from a half-day to six (non-consecutive) days. Your expression of interest does not commit you to all the activities taking place during the project.

    To register your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form here by COB on Friday 8 August 2025. You will be notified of the outcome of your EOI and given more details about your participation by Wednesday 20 August 2025.

    At a glance:

    • Who: K–10 English and Mathematics teachers with an interest in assessment
    • What: Collaborate with NESA and CEMA on the development of assessment support materials
    • When: Different activities from Term 3 2025 to Term 2 2026, ranging from half a day to six days (commitment to entire timeline not necessary)

    All teachers, including those from regional and remote schools, are warmly encouraged to submit their EOI for the development of K–10 English and Mathematics assessment support materials project.

    We are planning a blended delivery of the workshops to facilitate the involvement of regional/remote teachers online. Some teachers will also be involved in a couple of hours of more ad hoc collaboration with CEMA across Terms 4 and 1, which will also be done online. We look forward to providing more details once participants have been selected.

    Thank you for your time and interest in this important work. If you have any questions about this project, please contact Project Lead Ellen O’Connor at:k-10assessmentproject@nesa.nsw.edu.au.

    NESA: K–6 Sample Whole-School Plan

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    On Friday 25 July 2025, NESA released K–6 sample whole school curriculum plans for Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, and Science and Technology.

    This release includes three key resources:

    1. Video explainer – providing an overview of the curriculum planning approach
    2. Sample whole school plan – illustrating how curriculum content can be mapped across terms and stages
    3. Sample multistage focus whole school plan – demonstrating how schools can align learning across stages

    These resources are designed to support schools in planning for curriculum implementation and can be accessed here: Teaching resources | Syllabus support | NSW Curriculum | NSW Education Standards Authority.

    Reminder: Action Required: Changes to NESA’s eTAMS

    Audience: All teachers

    NESA is enhancing the security of eTAMS over the coming months.

    From Term 4, signing in will require multi-factor authentication, which is being introduced to keep your account secure.

    To prepare for the change:

    • Sign in to eTAMS using your current credentials
    • Check your personal details, use an up-to-date personal email address* and mobile number
    • Confirm any changes.

    Note: Many teachers have used their dow.catholic.edu.au address on eTAMS. This needs to be changed, if you have not already done so.

    From Term 4, you will need to:

    • Sign in to eTAMS with your email address, not your NESA number
    • Reset your password in line with NESA’s updated password policy
    • Set up multi-factor authentication for added security.

    NESA will keep you updated and provide more information to help you with the change via email.

    NESA NEWS   

    Screenshot_2025_07_28_at_2.50.26_PM.png1. NAPLAN Student Reports 

    Printed copies of NAPLAN student reports have been sent to schools. Please distribute the reports to parents/carers within one week of receiving them. Digital copies are also available to download from Schools Online. 

    Read more about NAPLAN results and reports here.

    2. Install the new HSC lockdown browser

    A new lockdown browser is now available. Schools must ensure the browser is installed on devices that are student-owned or managed by the school for:

    • HSC minimum standard tests
    • HSC online exams  
    • HSC ExamWriter 

    An updated installation guide and list of supported devices are available on Schools Online > Memos and Documents. School sectors will install the lockdown browser on centrally managed devices. Refer to the email sent to principals from NESA in the last week of Term 2 for more information.

    3. New Science and Engineering 7-10 resources

    New resources are now available for Stage 4 and Stage 5 Science and Engineering courses, including teaching advice for Developing talent in Science, and advice on writing for Engineering 7–10. 

    Visit the NSW Curriculum Website here.

    4. Looking for a syllabus? You can now locate any NSW syllabuses by stage or learning area on the NSW Curriculum website. 

    NESA has a new navigation tool that makes it easy to find either a current syllabus or new syllabus, as well as implementation information. 

    View the NSW Curriculum Reform timeline to see when remaining syllabuses will be released.

    5. HSC exam resources are now easier to access 

    You can now find HSC exam papers and HSC standards materials in one place at nsw.gov.au/NESA

    Bookmark our new Resource Finder to quickly search and access all exam resources. Existing web addresses will automatically redirect to the updated location.

    Life to the Full: Semester 1 Success and Semester 2 Preview

    Life_to_the_full.png

    What a fantastic first semester it's been for relaunching the Life to the Full Framework, a continuing priority that provides a system-wide approach to fostering respectful relationships within schools.

    Semester 1 Highlights:

    We successfully updated our framework and revamped the former Module A presentation, enhancing the relevance of the Child Safety training to all staff.

    We have created essential anti-bullying support materials in line with the amended procedure and launched the impactful, student-led "Fix You" campaign. School leadership teams are now familiar with the framework, and we continue to provide opportunities for all staff members to engage with the framework in meaningful ways, so they can recognise its relevance in their daily practice and interactions with students.

    What's Coming in Semester 2:

    We're excited to announce a Student roundtable event on Friday 28 November 2025 for secondary students, with an invitation to “save the date” coming soon.

    We're also developing a new Google Site packed with content and resources to build staff capacity in supporting respectful relationships through Faith, Learning and Wellbeing. A1 posters can be requested from our team for display within each school.

    Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities:

    • CCSP Parent Conference – 25 October 2025
    • eSafety Parent and Carer Series – AI-assisted image-based abuse: 21 August 2025
    • Bullying No Way; National week of action – Register via the link: 11-15 August 2025
    • Kids Helpline Online Learning – Virtual classrooms

    Please email Jennifer Sharp and Liam Nicholls at respectfulrelationships@dow.catholic.edu.au with any questions or feedback.

    CEDoW Library – Resource of the Week

    ACEN eBook 

    This week’s Sora eBook edition is Languages.

    Use the link here to explore the eBook titles for primary, secondary, and staff through the Australian Catholic Education Network (ACEN). To sign in to Sora, select "ACEN" as your school.

    ClickView Highlight

    This week’s ClickView highlight is Music to Study To. You can view it here.

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

    CEDoW Primary Curriculum Reform News

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    Planning and Preparing for the Implementation of the K-6 Creative Arts, HISE, PDHPE, Science and Technology (CHPS)

    We are well underway in planning and preparing to support schools and teachers with the implementation of the reformed PDHPE and Science and Technology syllabuses from 2026.

    Planning and Preparing for the Implementation of the K-6 Creative Arts, HISE, PDHPE, Science and Technology (CHPS)

    The working parties have been busily refining scope and sequences and developing units of work, including resources, scheduled for release in Term 4, 2025.

    Watch the video below to learn more.

    As this work progresses, we continue to embed connections with English and Mathematics to ensure an authentic, interrelated approach to teaching and learning.

    School instructional leaders and teachers will have the opportunity to engage in professional learning: Introduction to the syllabus and support material (via face-to-face or Zoom), which will provide an introduction to the syllabus and CEDoW support materials.

    Introduction to the syllabus and support material

    Please complete this form to register your interest in the PDHPE and Science and Technology introductory sessions by 27 August 2025 (Week 6, Term 3).

    Schools can also request in situ support in collaboration with the CEDoW Learning K-12 team to prepare for the implementation of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and Science and Technology in 2025 and 2026.

    To register your interest, please complete this form by 11 August 2025 (Week 4, Term 3). Alternatively, please contact Trish Foster at fosterp02@dow.catholic.edu.au or Peta Idstein at wanstallp01@dow.catholic.edu.au for further details.

    NESA has released online professional learning courses to support teachers and school leaders in familiarising themselves with the new CHPS syllabuses, for their implementation from 2026 and 2027.

    The five learning courses include:

    • Primary Curriculum Overview (1 hour) – Must be completed to unlock the four CHPS modules
    • Creative Arts K-6 (1 hour)
    • HSIE K-6 (1 hour)
    • PDHPE K-6 (1 hour)
    • Science and Technology K-6 (1 hour)

    Each course contributes 1 hour of professional development. These professional learning courses are available now via the NESA learning catalogue and then accessed in NESA Learning.

    Looking ahead, the next phase of our implementation plan will focus on preparing for the reformed Creative Arts and HSIE syllabuses, which will be implemented in schools from 2027.

    Expression of Interest: 2026 K–6 Creative Arts and HSIE Working Parties

    unnamed_6_.png
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    The ILW Learning K-12 team is seeking passionate and experienced leaders/teachers to contribute their knowledge and expertise toward supporting the implementation of the new NSW K-6 Creative Arts and HSIE syllabuses.

    In 2026, dedicated working parties will be established for each learning area. These working parties will play a key role in developing curriculum support materials to assist all primary schools across the Wollongong Diocese in implementing the new NSW CHPS syllabuses.

    Key details:

    • Each working party will meet two - three times per term throughout 2026
    • Release funding will be provided to enable participation during school hours
    • An ongoing commitment is required for the full 2026 school year.

    Participation in each working party provides the opportunity to:

    • Engage in professional learning on the reformed K-6 CHPS syllabuses, including exploring interconnections between KLAs and applying the backward design model for planning and programming
    • Collaboratively develop support materials to benefit leaders and teachers across our system of schools
    • Work alongside knowledgeable others and build professional networks with colleagues from across the Diocese

    If you are interested in joining this initiative, please register your interest by completing this form by 20 October 2025. Nominees must speak with their principal before registering their interest. For more information, contact Trish Foster and Peta Idstein.

    Connect and Collaborate: Primary Programming Workshops for Teachers

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    Are you a primary teacher looking for an excellent opportunity to network and collaborate with colleagues from other CEDoW schools? The Learning K-12 team is excited to offer a series of voluntary programming workshops designed specifically for you.

    Imagine working alongside fellow educators to plan and refine your English and Mathematics units, share your best ideas, practices, pedagogy, and quality resources from across the Wollongong Diocese.

    Workshop Options

    We've designed flexible scheduling to suit your availability, with workshops held across various dates and venues during the second half of Term 3 and throughout the September pupil vacation period.

    You can choose to attend any number of sessions, including:

    • Afternoon Workshops: Four one-off sessions (1.5 hours each) are available in the Macarthur, Southern Highlands, Wollongong, and the far South Coast
    • Full-Day Workshop Session: Two sessions, delivered over two separate weeks (one day per week) during the September pupil vacation period

    Don't miss this chance to connect, create, and experience the power of shared expertise. Complete the Google Form to register your interest now.

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