All Staff Edition, Week 10, Term 3, 2025

St Vincent de Paul
Feast Day: 27 September

St Vincent de Paul, a vessel of God's boundless compassion, understood that true devotion isn't found in lofty prayers alone, but in the humble act of kneeling before a person in need. He didn't just teach love; he lived it, creating communities dedicated to a life of radical service. This was his answer to the divine prompt: to embody the very heart of Christ, which beats for the marginalised and the broken.

And then, centuries later, the mantle was passed to Blessed Frédéric Ozanam. Challenged by a catalyst, he was asked to "show us your works." This wasn't a question of intellectual debate; it was a soul-stirring invitation to move from belief to action. Frédéric and his friends didn't simply start a society; they became living proof that the spirit of Christ is not confined to the past. They showed that true faith is a river that must flow outward, nourishing the dry ground of human suffering. Together with a small group of men, Frederic started the St Vincent de Paul Society on 23 April 1833.

From an earthly perspective, we may see this as a story of two men, separated by centuries, yet united by a singular purpose: to lift up the forgotten. Yet, when we shift our gaze toward the spiritual, we recognise something far more profound. This isn't merely a tale of charity, but a reflection of the divine call to serve, a living testament to the truth that our faith must be made manifest through our actions.

Tom Bass was a renowned Australian sculptor (1916–2010). In 1960, he was asked to design a logo for the Society. His approach was deeply symbolic and grounded in the Society’s mission of service, and Bass wanted the logo to symbolise the vision and commitment of Blessed Frederic Ozanam.

Bass wanted the logo to be a visual theology of charity: Christ blessing, love giving, and the poor receiving — all held together in one act of communion.

Three Hands – The logo isn’t just a swirl or an abstract wave; Bass explained that it shows three hands:

1. The hand of Christ – blessing the cup.
2. The hand of love – offering the cup to another.
3. The hand of suffering – receiving the cup.

Mutuality of Giving and Receiving – For Bass, it was essential that the logo expressed not only charity flowing in one direction but a reciprocal relationship. When the Society serves the poor, they are also blessed and enriched by those they serve.

Cup as Symbol – Though the cup itself isn’t drawn literally, the gesture of offering and receiving implies it. It recalls Matthew 25:35 (“I was thirsty and you gave me drink”) and the Eucharistic cup, tying the logo to Christ’s presence in both sacrament and service.

Organic Lines – Bass’s style gave the logo a fluid, living motion. The hands are not rigid; they suggest compassion that flows outward, never stagnant.

Circle Form – The circular form was intended to suggest completeness, eternity, and the all-encompassing love of God that frames the Society’s mission.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul is more than an organisation; it is a spiritual lineage. It is the continuation of a divine whisper, passed from one generation to the next, reminding us that we are all called to be a part of this unfolding story. It is a reminder that in every act of kindness, every gesture of generosity, we are not just helping another—we are encountering the sacred. We are answering the timeless call to see the face of God in the face of the poor.

_________

How are you called to be a visual theology of charity?

How do you continue this unfolding story of seeing and responding to the face of God in the face of the poor?

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

Following an Expression of Interest process, I am pleased to announce that Mark Rix has been appointed as Acting Director - Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing, effective from 20 October 2025 until 9 January 2026.

Currently the Manager - Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing, Mark will step into this role while Tim Gilmour, Deputy Executive Director, takes a period of leave during Term 4. It is important to note that this temporary, acting position incorporates the responsibility related to leading the Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing (ILW) service area, however does not include the elements of the broader role of Deputy Executive Director. 

Mark is a highly capable and relational leader within our organisation, and brings a wealth of experience across the Catholic system more broadly. He has a deep commitment to the core function of the ILW service area, always motivated by what is in the best interests of schools and students. We are confident that Mark’s leadership will ensure a seamless focus for the work of the ILW teams over the final months of 2025.

Please join me in congratulating Mark on this acting appointment.

_________

Following a recruitment and discernment process, I am pleased to announce that Kylie Grose has been appointed to the substantive position of Assistant Principal at St Michael’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Thirroul. Kylie will commence in this role from the beginning of the 2026 school year. 

In addition to undertaking the role of Acting Assistant Principal for various periods between 2022 to current, Kylie is the Instructional Coach and Middle Leader at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Bulli, and is a dedicated and highly regarded practitioner, leading and supporting teaching and learning in the Diocese of Wollongong since 2008.  

Kylie’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Wollongong and a Certificate of Religious Education, Diocese of Wollongong. Kylie will undertake further study in 2026, commencing a Master of Educational Leadership at Australian Catholic University. 

Kylie is an active member of St Joseph's Bulli Parish.   

Please join me in congratulating Kylie on her appointment to this position. 

_________

Following a recruitment process, Sepy Nadalin is the successful applicant for the substantive position of Religious Education Coordinator at St Columbkille’s Catholic Primary School, Corrimal, commencing 27 January 2026.

Sepy has been teaching and leading in the Archdiocese of Sydney since 1990 and brings a wealth of experience with her. She currently holds the position of Religious Education Coordinator at St Declan’s Catholic Primary School, Penshurst and previously held the Religious Education Coordinator role at St Therese Catholic Primary School, Padstow. 

Sepy holds a Diploma of Teaching (University of Western Sydney), a Diploma of Catechist (Aquinas Academy Sydney), a Bachelor of Teaching (ACU) a Graduate Certificate in Education – Special Education (ACU) and is currently completing a Master of Religious Education through Notre Dame. 

Sepy is a member of St John Bosco Catholic Parish, Engadine.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Sepy and welcome her to the Diocese of Wollongong.

_________

After a truly remarkable career spanning more than four decades, Dr Kerrie Hayes-Williams has announced her resignation to take effect in late 2025.

Kerrie’s journey in Catholic education began in 1979 at Holy Cross College, and she was a founding staff member of Holy Spirit College. Her passion for student wellbeing was evident early on, as she served in pastoral care roles that shaped her enduring commitment to supporting young people.

In 1997, Kerrie transitioned to the Catholic Education Office, where she initially conducted psychometric assessments. This work provided her with a deep understanding of student needs, which she later leveraged to become a driving force behind system-wide pastoral care initiatives. She was instrumental in forming the Pastoral Care and Personal Growth team, championing various initiatives like the National Safe Schools Framework and the Rethinking Supportive School Environments (ReSSE) program.

Kerrie’s work has had a profound and lasting impact. She has supported schools through countless referrals, providing guidance on behaviour plans, mental health needs, and whole-school wellbeing initiatives. Her leadership in the Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) framework has left an indelible mark on all K–12 diocesan schools, and her expertise has helped countless educators create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.

Kerrie is a highly respected educator who has the great ability to connect with students and staff at all levels. Her innovative approach, her leadership, and ability to implement initiatives through positive relationships will long be remembered.

We are so incredibly grateful for Kerrie’s lifelong dedication and the profound impact she has had on the lives of so many young people as a Catholic educator. Her steadfast commitment to creating a nurturing environment for students has shaped generations. We congratulate and thank Dr Hayes-Williams for her service and the profound legacy she leaves right across our system of Catholic schools.  

Natasha O’Donoghue
Director – People and Culture

Announcement – Fr Bernard Gordon

Fr Bernard Gordon has been appointed Dean of the Cathedral and Parish Priest of Lumen Christi Parish, Wollongong. This appointment takes effect from Tuesday 16 September 2025 for a period of six (6) years. Read the full announcement from Bishop Brian Mascord here (19 September 2025).

Most Rev Brian G Mascord DD
Bishop of Wollongong

Temporary and permanent primary teaching positions are currently advertised across a number of CEDoW schools.

Primary

St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Camden
Diverse Learning Support Teacher (F.T.E 0.4)
Classroom Teacher – PPT (0.6 F.T.E)

Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, Fairy Meadow
Middle Leader (2pt)

St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School, Ruse
School Support Officer - Classroom

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Primary School, Warrawong
Classroom Teacher
School Support Officer – Student Wellbeing Officer

Secondary

Magdalene Catholic College, Narrellan
PD/H/PE Teacher
TAS Teacher
Mathematics Teacher (Assistant Coordinator Opportunity)
Diverse Learning Teacher

John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow
Support Class Teacher – Autism

Mount Carmel Catholic College, Varroville
School Support Officer – Science Laboratory Assistant (70 hours per fortnight)

K-12

St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park
Music and Dance Teacher (Years 5 – 12)

School Art Competition 2025 – Celebrating Creativity and Care for Creation

Primary and secondary students across Australia are invited to take part in Caritas Australia's Catholic Earthcare Competition, exploring the 2025 theme: Peace with Creation. The competition encourages students to reflect on how we can live in harmony with the environment and express their ideas through art.

We are delighted to share the success of students from Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, Fairy Meadow, and Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, who were recognised as prize winners in this year’s competition. Their artworks shared inspiring messages of hope, action, and care for our common home.

2025 Winners
Primary Category – Bishop's Award
2nd Place: Timothy T – Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, Fairy Meadow

People's Choice Award
This award is decided by the number of online votes via the competition website.
Winner: Indira L – Holy Spirit College, Bellambi

Congratulations to our talented students for their thoughtful contributions and for reminding us of the importance of working together for a more sustainable future. We look forward to seeing more beautiful and creative entries next year as our students share their ideas for creation.

2025 Australian School Leader Health and Wellbeing Survey

The Australian Principal Health and Wellbeing Survey is confidential and independent of all employer groups, professional associations, and unions. This research informs state departments, evaluates existing policies, and drives new initiatives.

• Participants receive an individualised report on their job-related health and wellbeing upon completion.
• Global results provide a system-level view of principal health and wellbeing, with recommendations for action.

Register here. 

IPPE Health and Wellbeing Team
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University

New Guides to Support First Nations Children and Families Staying Safe Online

eSafety has launched Safer Together! and Leaving Deadly Digital Footprints!- two online safety guides for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their carers.

Co-designed with First Nations kids, parents, and carers, the guides use storytelling, case studies and interactive activities to help kids learn safe and positive online behaviours.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the guides recognise the creativity and innovation of First Nations young people online, while addressing unique risks like racism and digital exclusion.

“First Nations children and teenagers are embracing the internet and technology in wonderful and creative ways; however, they are more likely to be exposed to a range of online harms*, including hate speech, discrimination, and bullying.

“These guides were built by and for First Nations people. They’re about learning together, building trust, and giving children the tools to enjoy the digital world safely and confidently,” Ms Inman Grant said.

eSafety’s new resources will help parents and carers to have conversations with First Nations children and young people about how to be safe, have fun and learn about online safety together.

These new resources complement the range of tailored online safety resources eSafety has developed with First Nations organisations, including advice to empower mob of all ages with tools and knowledge to protect themselves on the internet.

For more information, please contact: 0439 519 684 or media@esafety.gov.au

*eSafety’s Cool, beautiful, strange and scary report found that First Nations children and teenagers face a higher rate of exposure to harmful content.

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 inviting Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in their 2nd to 5th year of teaching to take part 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 personalised support from an expert coach while contributing to research that will shape the future of teacher retention in Australia.

We are seeking to recruit 15–20 ECTs in their 2nd to 5th year of teaching and currently employed with CEDoW, with priority given to teachers in regional schools.

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 ECTs in regional schools, and ideally those in their 2nd–5th year of teaching.
  

How to Apply

Expressions of interest should be submitted as soon as possible and will close on Friday 26 September (Term 3, Week 10). Submit here: Expression of Interest Form.

For more information, please see the flyer or contact Vanessa Taylor, Professional Officer – Early Career Teacher Support at vanessa.taylor@dow.catholic.edu.au.  

Numeracy Toolbox Updates

Mathematics Term 4 Sample Units of Work

In an effort to support the core work of teachers, CEDoW sample Mathematics units of work have been developed to align with the sample scope and sequences of learning developed by Dr Christine Mae, currently in use in a number of schools.

The sample units of work serve as a scaffold to support teachers in programming clear sequences of learning aligned to the syllabus. Teachers are encouraged to use these sample units alongside the teaching advice and examples provided in the NSW K-10 Mathematics Syllabus to contextualise the learning for their students. These units of work can also be directly accessed here.

Adjustments to Term Four Sample Units

Following reflection and feedback from schools, and building upon the revisions made to the Term Three Mathematics units, further refinements have been implemented for the Term Four sample units of work. These adjustments include:

• Clear Learning Intentions and Success Criteria: The learning intention and differentiated success criteria for each learning sequence drive the teaching and learning within the sequence. The success criteria can be contextualised for different cohorts to ensure that students are both challenged and able to demonstrate success regardless of their starting point.
  
  
• Embedded Formative Assessment opportunities: ‘Check for understanding’ guides teachers to engage in ongoing formative assessment, reflecting on how well students are able to demonstrate success in relation to the success criteria.
  
  
• Suggested Activities: These are examples of ‘what’ teachers can plan in order for students to demonstrate their understanding. The teacher will utilise High Impact Strategies to ensure consideration of the essential elements Agency, Environment, Equity, Relevance and Rigour when contextualising the learning sequences for the needs of their class.
  
  
• Additional Rich Task: At the end of each of the first units K-6 a rich, open-ended task has been added. This is an example of a task that could be used as a summative assessment to support the ongoing formative assessment opportunities embedded within the daily teaching and learning. During the pupil vacation period, ALL units of work will be updated so that each unit has an example of a rich task.

A number of teachers from our diocese engaged in the process of ‘quality assurance’ prior to these units being released onto the toolbox. This is an important process to ensure that the sample units of work reflect the intent of the syllabus and align to the scope and sequence of learning.

The CEDoW K-12 Learning team would like to thank the following teachers for their role in this important process: Belinda Evans, Shirley Jancetic, Melissa Allen, Chantelle Zuza, Grace Sullivan, and Dominique Hogarth.

Progression of Mathematical Vocabulary

The toolbox has been updated to include a ‘Progression of Vocabulary’ from ES1 to Stage 3 for each focus area in the NSW K–10 Mathematics Syllabus. These documents sequence the progression of vocabulary from Early Stage 1 to Stage 3. The intent is that teachers may use these documents as a tool to support the development of carefully sequenced and differentiated teaching and learning programs.

Students should be provided with opportunities to develop confidence in using some or all of the vocabulary identified in the Teaching Advice in the Mathematics Syllabus and in these documents to communicate their mathematical thinking.

NESA News

New Science 11–12 Syllabuses

The new Science 11–12 syllabuses and support materials are now available on the NSW Curriculum website.

Schools can begin planning and preparing to teach the new syllabuses.

Biology, Biology Life Skills, Physics, and Physical World Science Life Skills 11–12 will be implemented in NSW schools in 2027.

Chemistry, Chemical World Science Life Skills, Earth and Environmental Science, and Earth and Environmental Science Life Skills 11–12 will be implemented in NSW schools in 2028.

Access the new Science 11–12 syllabuses here.

New Design and Technology 7–10 & Work Education 7–10 Syllabuses

The new Design and Technology 7–10 and Work Education 7–10 syllabuses and support materials are now available on the NSW Curriculum website.

Schools can now plan and prepare to teach these syllabuses ahead of their implementation in 2028.

Access the syllabuses here.

ENCORE and SHAPE Nominations This Week

HSC Music and Technological and Applied Studies students across NSW will find out if they’re nominated for ENCORE and SHAPE this week.

A nomination recognises outstanding work that meets syllabus outcomes and HSC exam requirements.

The HSC Showcase Hub has all the information on the upcoming HSC Showcase Season, including key dates, performance and exhibition details, and social media assets to celebrate students’ achievements.

Visit the HSC Showcase Hub here.

Apply Now: 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations – Committee Member (Investigating Science)

The Head of Curriculum and Assessment is seeking expressions of interest for the role of:

• Committee Member – 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examination for Investigating Science

The letter outlining the Expression of Interest requirements and application process can be found here.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and current curriculum vitae to Monica O’Brien, Head of Curriculum and Assessment, at cssa.exams@csnsw.catholic.edu.au by 9am, Friday 26 September 2025.

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:

• Primary – The Class of 2025: Notes of Hope
• Secondary – The Class of 2025: Notes of Hope

“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: Contact David Gearin, Education Officer, Mission Formation and Integration at gearind01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

Conference for Parents and Carers of Children in Catholic Schools – Jubilee Year of Hope

Schools are asked to share this information 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! The day will offer expert advice, practical strategies, and opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Dr Justin Coulson: Co-host, parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance, 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.

Topics include: managing technology, consent and respectful relationships, cybersafety, resilience, sleep, anxiety, brain development, and supporting learning at home and school.

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

Available at Novotel Parramatta (day rate). For hotel parking and special conference rates, call 02 9890 0850 or email novotel@nmsp.com.au. Other options include Eat Street Parking. Rates valid until 9 October 2025, subject to availability.

Find out more information here.

CEDoW Library 

ACEN eBook

This week’s Sora eBook edition is From Page to Screen. 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 has a Literature theme. 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. 

La Trobe University – Online Mathematics Masterclass

For: Mathematics coordinators and teachers
Contact: Sherryn Moore – sherryn.moore@dow.catholic.edu.au

La Trobe University is offering teachers the opportunity to take part in an online masterclass focused on practical, research-backed strategies to strengthen students’ fluency with core mathematics concepts.

This live session brings together international and local experts to share evidence-based approaches for more effective mathematics teaching.

Find out more and register here.

Anti-Bullying Professional Learning Webinars

You are invited to a professional development webinar to discuss the recent updates to our anti-bullying procedures. For more information, please see the flyer below.

Webinar Details
Date: Wednesday 22 October 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Audience: All primary and secondary staff

Add this session to your calendar: You can add this event to your calendar directly from the link in the flyer.

You can view the flyer, including a direct link to add the professional learning session to your calendar, here.

Primary Curriculum Implementation Support – English K–6 Professional Learning, Day 4

For: Instructional leaders supporting teachers in planning and programming (including principals, assistant principals, middle leaders, and/or instructional coaches).

Date: Week 2, Term 4 – Tuesday 21 October 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm TBC

Course Venue: St Pius X Catholic Parish Primary School, Unanderra
Parking is available in the vacant block opposite the entrance to the school. Off-street parking is available on Cummins Street or Tresnan Street.

Learning Intention: Make authentic connections across focus areas to foster deep conceptual understandings of subject-specific content. More information to follow.

*Additional participants to be funded by the school

Click here to register your attendance. Registrations close on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

Facilitators: Alexandra (Lexie) Hingston at hingstona01@dow.catholic.edu.au and Sharyn Stafford at staffords01@dow.catholic.edu.au. 

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.

NESA K–2 Implementation Survey: English and Mathematics

NESA is seeking feedback from teachers and leaders on how the K–2 English and Mathematics syllabuses are being implemented in classrooms.

This survey aims to capture teachers’ experiences, approaches, and insights to help NESA understand what’s working well and where you may need further support. Your input will help shape the development of future support materials and advice.

The surveys are open now and close on 19 December 2025:

• English Syllabus (2022): K-2 Implementation Survey
• Mathematics Syllabus (2022): K-2 Implementation Survey

New: K–6 CHPS Curriculum Advisor

CEDoW primary schools are strongly encouraged to appoint a teaching staff member as Curriculum Advisor for each CHPS KLA to support the implementation of new syllabuses in 2026–2027.

The role of a KLA Curriculum Advisor is to support their school as an in situ knowledgeable other and to maximise the contextual understanding of changes to curriculum brought about by NSW curriculum reform.

• 2026 – Science and Technology Curriculum Advisor and a PDHPE Curriculum Advisor
  2027 – HSIE Curriculum Advisor and a Creative Arts Curriculum Advisor

Please see the CHPS Curriculum Advisor Role Description for more information.

Principals are asked to complete this Curriculum Advisor Nomination Form by Monday, 17 November 2025 (Term 4, Week 6) to enable contact to be made with Curriculum Advisors before the end of Term 4.

to enable contact to be made with Curriculum Advisors before the end of Term 4.

If you have any questions, please contact learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au.

CHPS Syllabus Working Parties

The K-6 Science and Technology and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education working parties are continuing their work in engaging with the new syllabuses and designing units of work to support teachers in implementation in 2026.

Thank you to the working party for your time and commitment in creating these valuable resources for our teachers. These resources are currently being finalised and will be released early Term 4 via Gateway News.

CHPS Syllabus ZOOM session

Last week, we had an overwhelming attendance at the Introduction to the K–6 Science and Technology Syllabus Zoom session. This session provided leaders and teachers with an overview of the key messages of curriculum reform and the new 2024 PDHPE syllabus.

Participants explored the implications of implementation, began developing an implementation plan, and gained an understanding of the resources and supports available to schools. Throughout this semester, schools are continuing to familiarise themselves with the syllabus and support materials in preparation for implementation in 2026.

Schools can reach out to the Learning K–6 team learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au for further assistance at any time.

K-6 Creative Arts and HSIE Working Parties

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 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.

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.