All Staff Edition, Week 8, Term 3, 2025
Companions on the Journey
"R U OK? Day” is reflected in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, which calls us to care for one another, inspired by the example of Jesus, who noticed, listened, and reached out to those in need. By checking in with a simple “Are you OK?”, we affirm the dignity of every person and strengthen the bonds of compassion within our community.
This day also reflects our commitment to building a supportive and open workplace—one where we genuinely value each person’s wellbeing and make it a priority to check in on each other. We are better together!
This week, as we observe R U OK? Day, we are reminded of the profound importance of connection and compassion. This initiative encourages us to reach out and start conversations with those who might be struggling, offering support that could change a life.
This mission resonates deeply with the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). Two disciples were walking away from Jerusalem, their hearts heavy with disappointment after witnessing Jesus' crucifixion. They had hoped he would redeem Israel, and their expectations were shattered, leaving them sad and confused.
How often do we, or those we know, find ourselves in similar situations? Life's challenges and losses can leave us feeling uncertain and disoriented. We might be discussing our troubles without finding a clear path to hope.
It is in this state of uncertainty that Jesus himself draws near and walks with them, though they did not recognise him. He asks them about their discussion, inviting them to share their pain and confusion. This act of asking, of engaging with their story, is crucial. It's the essence of R U OK? Day: to be that compassionate presence, to ask the essential questions that can open a heart to hope and a new perspective. When we ask, “Are you okay?” we offer to walk alongside someone, inviting them to share what weighs on their hearts.
As they walked, Jesus patiently interpreted the scriptures, explaining that the Messiah had to suffer and then enter into his glory. As he spoke, their hearts began to burn within them. This "opening of the scriptures" can be a reminder for us to share wisdom, offer a hopeful perspective, or simply provide a listening ear that helps someone find clarity.
True connection often happens in shared moments of vulnerability and hospitality. When we offer our presence and genuine care, we create a space where others can feel seen and heard, rekindling hope.
Immediately after recognising Jesus, the disciples “got up and returned to Jerusalem” to share what happened. This highlights the transformative power of their encounter. On R U OK? Day, this means that our support doesn't end with a single conversation. We are called to encourage further help if needed and to foster a community where everyone feels valued.
Jesus is always beside us, even in our darkest moments, bringing hope and warming our hearts. On R U OK? Day, let us embrace the spirit of the Emmaus journey. Let us be attentive, ask questions, listen with compassion, and offer the presence of Christ through our care. A simple conversation truly can change a life.
On behalf of the Most Reverend Brian Mascord DD, Bishop of Wollongong, and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW), I am pleased to announce the establishment of a new co-educational K-12 Catholic College: St Carlo Acutis Catholic College, Leppington.
We look forward to welcoming our first Kindergarten and Year 7 students before 2030, with the official opening year to be announced within the next six months, while enrolments for Years 1 to 6 will be considered based on community demand. The college will proudly continue the rich tradition of Catholic education by nurturing students’ academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth within an engaging faith-based environment.
The college will be the first K-12 college in Australia to be named after Saint Carlo Acutis, following his canonisation by Pope Leo XIV just days ago, on 7 September 2025.
Visit the new school's website landing page.
_________
Read the article in The Catholic Weekly here: New Southwest Sydney college named after St Carlo Acutis (10 September 2025).
Principal, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School, Bowral
I am pleased to announce that Mr Michael Reardon has been appointed as the new Principal of St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School, Bowral from the commencement of the 2026 school year. Michael is currently the Principal at St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Camden, a position that he has held since 2018.
Read the full announcement here (11 September 2025).
Peter Hill
Executive Director of Schools
CEDoW Students Celebrated at 2025 VET Awards
The annual CEDoW Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards were held on 28 August 2025, at Wollongong Golf Club. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, commitment, and dedication of VET students and trainers in all Catholic schools across the Diocese.
The awards were strongly supported by school communities, including parents, principals, leadership teams, and local industry and partner organisations.
More than 1,600 students are currently undertaking VET courses through CEDoW, helping them prepare for further study, training, or employment after school.
CEDoW Student Formation Day for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival
The first formation day for students from CEDoW secondary schools attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) took place on 3 September 2025, at the Xavier Centre with Bishop Brian Mascord.
Bishop Brian gave a wonderful message to the students about their call to be Bearers of Christ’s Love and the important role they play as young people who lead with hope. Bishop Brian also spoke about the Canonisation of our first Millennial Saint, Carlo Acutis, and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
The engagement from the students and the pride they demonstrated is a great credit to their schools. The students will gather again for their second formation day on 5 November 2025 before attending the festival, which will be held in Melbourne from 30 November to 2 December 2025.
The ACYF is the largest national gathering of the Catholic Church in Australia. We wish these students and the staff accompanying them every encouragement as they continue to prepare for this wonderful event.
STRIVE Program Showcases Wellbeing Excellence at St Benedict’s, Oran Park
The STRIVE wellbeing program at St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park, has received national recognition from the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA), Australia’s peak body for wellbeing education. PESA has highlighted STRIVE as an example of best practice for schools developing their own wellbeing initiatives.
STRIVE Model
St Benedict’s dictum is: “A School of the Lord’s Service… should be a place where there is something to strive for and nothing to run from.”
The STRIVE program is a student-focused initiative closely aligned with Seligman’s PERMA+ model. It promotes academic, personal, and wellbeing growth through individual care. Daily STRIVE classes include regular coaching to discuss strengths and set goals. Goals may be academic, social, emotional, or community-based.
Students track progress in their Learning and Wellbeing Planner and on Compass. Achievements are recognised through ‘strength spotting,’ certificates, and badges. The program builds personal responsibility and celebrates personal bests. Read more about the initiative here: Case study: St Benedict’s Catholic College’s Wellbeing Journey.
At St Benedict’s, positive education fosters a strength-based learning culture, where staff work alongside students to coach and develop their character strengths, supporting both personal growth and academic success. Grounded in positive psychology and the research of Professors Martin Seligman and Lea Waters, STRIVE equips students to cultivate optimism, self-belief, and their talents as they pursue personal and academic goals.
This week is National Child Protection Week (7–13 September 2025).
The 2025 theme is: “Every conversation matters: Shifting conversation to action.”
This year’s theme is a reminder that our everyday conversations and interactions with the students in our care do matter. These conversations and meaningful actions can be an important catalyst for a safer world for children and young people.
At this time, in CEDoW, we acknowledge with deep appreciation every person involved in caring about and protecting the students in our care.
Further information about National Child Protection Week, including websites for ideas on activities and initiatives, was provided via Gateway News in Week 10, Term 2, 2025.
CEDoW support in child protection matters is available by directly contacting the child safety advisor allocated to your school, or by contacting the Child Safety and Professional Services (CSaPS) team at childprotection@dow.
Temporary and permanent primary teaching positions are currently advertised across a number of CEDoW schools.
Catholic Education Office
Leadership Development Specialist – Leadership and Professional Growth
Primary
St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Bulli
Physical Education Teacher (0.6 F.T.E)
St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School, Camden
Principal
Holy Family Catholic Parish Primary School, Ingleburn
Classroom Teacher
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish Primary, Kiama
Acting Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Parish Primary School, Rosemeadow
Classroom Teacher (0.6 F.T.E)
Secondary
Holy Spirit College, Bellambi
PD/H/PE Teacher (Permanent)
PD/H/PE Teacher
Religious Education/HSIE Teacher (2 positions)
Support Class Teacher (Autism)
Positions Vacant in Other Dioceses
Holy Spirit Primary, Lavington
Assistant Principal
St Joseph's Primary, Jerilderie
Principal
St Joseph's Primary, Leeton
Principal
Sad News, Mrs Rebecca Mansbridge
With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Rebecca (Bec) Mansbridge. Rebecca passed away peacefully on Saturday night, surrounded by her loving family, after facing an extended period of illness with remarkable strength and grace.
Mrs Mansbridge has been a devoted part of the St Francis of Assisi, Warrawong school community since 2003. As a teacher, Rebecca was a beloved and dedicated part of the school community. She touched the lives of so many through her passion for education, unwavering kindness, and genuine care for every student, colleague and family member. Her presence, care, and dedication have left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff, and families.
As a Catholic community, we find comfort in our faith, trusting that Rebecca is now at peace in God’s loving embrace. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Announcement – Priestly Appointment Change
Fr George Condookala has been appointed Assistant Priest of Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, Kiama. His appointment commenced on Tuesday 19 August 2025. View Bishop Brian’s memorandum here (3 September 2025).
Bishop’s Annual Appeal
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal will be promoted in our diocese during the month of September.
To find out more or make a tax deductible donation please visit www.dow.org.au/giving, scan the QR code, or call (02) 4222 2400 to make a donation over the phone.
“Our faith calls us to help one another through prayer and action. Offering dignified support and care for our retired clergy, who have always cared for us; and the sound and holistic formation of our Seminarians, our future priests, are my responsibilities as your Bishop. I seek your prayers and practical support to help me ensure that I can do this. Your donation to this appeal is very much appreciated.” + Bishop Brian Mascord
Minor amendments to the Modern Slavery Policy
Minor amendments have been made to CEDoW’s Modern Slavery Policy and supporting Modern Slavery Reporting Procedure. The amendments involved:
- simplifying the structure of the documentation;
- aligning the policy to the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network’s model policy, where appropriate;
- clarifying responsibilities and expectations, including updates to position titles.
The amendments will come into effect on 15 September 2025.
For further information, please contact Michael Knight, Director - Governance, Assurance and Risk at knightm06@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Staff Reminder – Sign-In Procedure When Visiting Schools
All staff are reminded that when visiting a school in your capacity as an employee of CEDoW, you are required to sign in as a CEDoW staff member, not as a visitor.
This applies to all staff, including those visiting from other schools or office-based roles within our system. Whether you are attending a meeting, supporting an event, or providing on-site assistance, it is essential that you sign in upon arrival.
Signing in as a staff member is a compliance requirement and forms part of our commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and accountable environment for students, staff, and our wider school communities.
To sign in correctly, you will need to select the staff option and fill in all mandatory fields. This includes your CEDoW employee number, which is available on both Employee Self Service (ESS) and your payslip. Please ensure you have this ready before your visit.
There are two options for signing in via the iPad at a school’s front office:
- QR Code via App:
It is recommended that you install the Quick Sign-In app on your phone if you haven’t already done so. This app enables a quicker and more efficient sign-in process. Please ensure you fill in your name, phone number, and “CEDoW Employee Number”. Most schools will display a QR code, which you can use to download the app if you don’t have it.
- Manual Sign-In: Enter your details directly on the screen.
Thank you for your cooperation and for playing your part in keeping our schools safe.
Opportunity for Early Career Teachers: Mentoring and Coaching Development Program
As part of CEDoW’s partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), we are seeking early career teachers to participate in a unique research program: The Impact of Online Mentoring and Coaching Training on Retention of Early Career Teachers in Australian Schools.
This is a free, online program designed to provide you with direct coaching support from an expert coach while contributing to research that will shape the future of teacher retention in Australia.
We anticipate recruiting 15–20 early career teachers currently employed in CEDoW schools. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive targeted coaching while contributing to vital research.
Why get involved?
- Personalised Support: Receive coaching from a trained mentor to strengthen your professional practice.
- Flexible and Accessible: Online and manageable alongside your teaching role.
- Part of Something Bigger: Your participation will help address Australia’s teacher retention challenge.
- Regional Focus: Priority will be given to early career teachers in regional schools, and ideally those in their 3rd - 5th year of teaching (though all are welcome to apply).
How to Apply
Contact Vanessa Taylor at vanessa.taylor@dow.catholic.edu.au for details on how to express interest or for more information.
Expressions of interest close Friday 26 September 2025 (Term 2, Week 10).
Wellbeing Compass: Supporting our Communities
The Wellbeing and Student Support team have created a resource which serves as a comprehensive but non-exhaustive resource for supporting the wellbeing of students in the Illawarra and Macarthur regions, specifically informed by NSW Health and local organisations of support. These directories will be updated as services and programs are made available in our diocese. These directories will remain live rather than continuously updating Gateway with individual services.
The first resource is for school staff and it contains a curated directory of professional development resources for staff, including links to webinars, courses, and networks focused on mental health and wellbeing.
Additionally, a separate directory is provided for community support services that schools can use to assist families. This directory is a tool for professional discernment, helping you find targeted support for students and their families in times of need, such as during school holidays, or for specific issues such as school refusal.
CEDoW Public Speaking Competition – Stage 3
For: Primary principals and primary public speaking coordinators
Due: 26 September 2025
Contact: Kate Jennett at jennettk01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Stage 3 students are invited to participate in the 2025 CEDoW Public Speaking Competition, which is generously supported by the Catholic Development Fund.
Actions by 26 September 2025:
- North Western Cluster Schools: Please complete the entry form here.
- South Eastern Cluster Schools: Please complete the entry form here.
Please see below for links to documents containing key information:
CEDoW 2025 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition Reminder
For: Primary REC’s and Stage 3 Teachers
Due: Friday 12 September – Entries via Google Form
Thursday 18 September – Artworks
Contact: Kate Jennett at jennettk01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Information regarding the 2025 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition Handbook is housed within the CLEM intranet site on Gateway. This site contains key information and dates for the exhibition and competition, as well as details and forms required for artwork submission.
Please see below the important dates for the Stage 3 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition:
Friday 12 September 2025 – Term 3, Week 8
Complete the Google Form to enter three Year 5 Artworks and three Year 6 Artworks
- include a photo of the artwork
- Include a photo of each student with their artwork
- proofread and include the written component
Thursday 18 September 2025 – Term 3, Week 9
Deliver artworks to either Campbelltown or Wollongong Catholic Education offices:
- ensure artworks are ready to hang as per the exhibition guidelines, and include the template with name, school, grade, and the written component is attached to each artwork
Please contact Kate Jennett for further information.
Notes of Hope – Class of 2025
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20
As our Year 12 students come to the end of their Catholic education in our schools, Matthew’s gospel reminds us that the Holy Spirit is in our midst when we gather in community and between the lines when we communicate in writing.
Our senior students will be facing the challenge of final exams early next term, having navigated a range of disruptions and pressures throughout their high school years. As a school community and broader diocesan community, we stand with them in solidarity as they approach this important milestone in their learning journey. They remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The HSC starts on 16 October 2025 (Week 1, Term 4).
As a Catholic community THE7 Miles to Emmaus Outreach Challenge is to create a Note of Hope for a Year 12 student.
This challenge is being offered to school students and staff and the broader CEDoW community.
This Note of Hope is designed to remind our senior students that we are a broad and diverse community, even if at times our connections have been shaped by distance, changing circumstances, and new ways of learning. It is also intended to motivate and encourage them as they begin their HSC and prepare to graduate in Term 4.
“To Christians, the future does have a name, and its name is Hope. Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naïve and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow.”
Pope Francis, 2017
Our beloved Pope Francis’ message in 2017 is still relevant today for our current Year 12 students. If he were with us today, the same message would include a slight addition –
“The future does have a name, and its name is hope”… and its name is the class of 2025. Instructions regarding involvement in the outreach to the class of 2025 are provided in the links below:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Questions: Please contact David Gearin at gearind01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Council of Catholic School Parents: Family Partnerships Awards 2025 Now Open
Schools can apply now for the opportunity to receive a $5000 grant.
Council of Catholic Schools Parents' (CCSP) Family Partnerships Excellence Awards annual grants are offered to a NSW/ACT Catholic school that can show exemplary practice in family, school and community partnerships.
- Has your school community implemented an initiative that focuses on family, school and community collaboration?
- Does your initiative focus on faith formation, the school curriculum, student wellbeing, or any combination of the three?
- Has your initiative made a real difference for the students, staff and families in your community?
How to apply
- Use the QR code below or go to the CCSP website to check your eligibility and download the 2025 Submission Form.
- Complete the Submission Form by responding to six criteria about your school’s initiative.
- Complete the online web form and declarations, and upload your Submission Form and supporting files.
Entries close at 5.00 pm on 17 October 2025.
If you need additional information, please contact Mark Rix at rixm02@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Conference for Parents and Carers of Children in Catholic Schools in the Jubilee Year of Hope
Schools are asked to please share the information below via your communication channels with your parents and carers, as well as with your P&F groups.
On 25 October 2025, the Council for Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting a special anniversary celebration conference for all NSW/ACT parents and carers with children in Catholic schools! It’s going to be a value-packed day of connection and collaboration where their expert presenters will provide specialist advice on parenting in a modern world.
Dr Justin Coulson: co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au
Michelle Mitchell: sought-after author and speaker on parenting tweens and teens
Daniel Principe: a passionate youth advocate and educator, and nominee for Australian of the Year.
This conference will cover areas such as managing technology with young people, consent and respectful relationships, cybersafety, building your child’s resilience, sleep, managing anxiety, screens and brain development, supporting your child’s learning at home and at school, and more!
Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
Time: 8.30 am – 3.30 pm (doors open at 8.00 am)
Location: Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Parking is available at the venue, Novotel Parramatta, for a day rate. Please contact the hotel for more information: (02) 9630 4999. Other options include Eat Street Parking. Novotel Parramatta is offering special rates for conference guests. Please call the reservations team on 02 9890 0850 or email novotel@nmsp.com.au to book and advise them that you are attending the conference. Valid until 9 October 2025, subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
Find out more information here.
Buy a ticket here: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World Registration.
Over-18 Outdoor Movie Night: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Schools are asked to share this event with staff who may fall within the age bracket, as well as any graduating Year 12 students who will turn 18 before the event in November.As Year 12 draws to a close, we invite our graduating students to join us at the Young Adult Outdoor Movie Night in November.
When: Saturday 22 November 2025 (6.00 pm to 10.00 pm)
Where: The outdoor grounds of St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park (follow signage for parking directions)
Address: 415 Douglas Park Drive, Douglas Park
Dinner: BBQ burgers on the house, a free ice cream bar with homemade flavours and fun toppings, followed by a cinema-style popcorn stand
Who: Young adults aged 18 and over
Please see the flyer for all details here.
CEDoW Library – Resource of the Week and Book Week
ACEN eBook
This week’s Sora eBook edition is Holy Moly! Books to stand by.
Use the link here to explore 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 a Bible stories series called Holy Moly for primary staff and ‘Religion and Spirituality in a Contemporary Society’ for secondary staff. You can view it here.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Jim Gallagher, Library Services Manager, at gallagherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Positive Behaviour for Learning: Supporting Student Wellbeing with Sora Digital Books
Harness the power of stories to help primary students understand and manage their feelings with our curated collection of digital books from the Sora platform. This resource is designed to support both individual students and whole-class instruction, aligning with key principles of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
The books provide a safe and engaging way to explore the emotion of anger, helping students develop self-awareness, communication skills, and effective coping strategies.
K-6 Curriculum Support
The CEDoW 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 any enquiries, please contact: learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au.
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 K-6 Creative Arts and HSIE syllabuses in 2027.
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 Diocese in implementing the new 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 prior to registering their interest.
For more information, contact Trish Foster at fosterp02@dow.catholic.edu.au or Peta Idstein at wanstallp01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
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