School Leaders Edition, Week 8, Term 1, 2025
Foundational and Disability Support for Children and Young People in New South Wales
For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Monday 31 March 2025
Contact: Danielle Grados (gradosd01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First Notice
A NSW Parliament select committee has been established to inquire into and report on child development, early childhood intervention services, and other foundational and disability supports available for children and young people with developmental concerns, delays, differences, or disabilities in New South Wales.
Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee's website here.
As part of the inquiry, the committee is seeking online submissions from NSW residents through the following questions. Responses are due by Monday 31 March 2025.
Responses may be used in the committee's report. Names and contact details of respondents will not be published. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Individual contributors can complete an online questionnaire.
Action: To be distributed to parents via Compass/Newsletter.
Draft Library Resource Management Procedure – Invitation for Expressions of Interest (EoI)
For: Principals
Due: Now
Contact: Jim Gallagher, Library Services Manager – gallagherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au, or Rebecca Wakeling, Senior Policy Advisor – policy@dow.catholic.edu.au
First Notice
We’re seeking feedback from principals on the draft Library Resource Management Procedure and supporting Information Sheet: Library Resource Management. Additional consultation with the Library Network will occur in tandem with this notification. Feedback from other interested staff is also welcomed.
These documents are intended to replace the Learning Resource Management Policy and its five supporting procedures. This review was driven by a need to align our documents with current practice and to reduce the compliance burden for staff. There is no anticipated change to current practice.
Optional Action: We value your input and want to listen to your thoughts, concerns and ideas about the draft documents. You can indicate your interest in this consultation process by completing this form.
Upon submitting an expression of interest, you will be provided with a copy of the draft documents, for review and feedback by 8 April 2025.
If you have any questions about the Library Resource Management Procedure, please contact Jim Gallagher, Library Services Manager – gallagherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au, or Rebecca Wakeling, Senior Policy Advisor – policy@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Staff Influenza Vaccination Reimbursement Program 2025
For: Principals
Due: Now
Contact: Workplace Safety and Wellbeing (whs@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First Notice
As part of CEDoW’s ongoing commitment to health and safety, the Flu vaccination reimbursement program will run again in 2025.
All staff will need to source their own vaccinations and submit the receipt to whs@dow.catholic.edu.au for reimbursement.
Please note that due to safety concerns regarding onsite vaccination providers, we will not be approving bulk-administered vaccinations for school reimbursement or payment.
How do you receive reimbursement from CEDoW for your flu shot?
CEDoW will reimburse up to $30.00 for your vaccination only. CEDoW’s reimbursement does NOT cover medical expenses incurred for the administration of the vaccination or for visiting the doctor.
To receive the reimbursement, follow the below steps:
- Claim the Medicare component (if applicable)
- Scan or take a photo of your vaccination receipt and send a copy to whs@dow.catholic.edu.au
- Provide your name, employee number, and school/office in the email, and make sure the cost of the vaccination is visible.
Action: The Workplace Safety and Wellbeing team encourages leadership to promote awareness of the 2025 flu vaccination reimbursement program by displaying the corresponding poster within the workplace.
If you have any questions regarding the resources, please contact Workplace Safety and Wellbeing at whs@dow.catholic.edu.au.
For CEDoW’s full range of workplace, safety and wellbeing resources please visit the Workplace Safety and Wellbeing Hub on Gateway.
Gateway News: School Leaders Edition Mailing List
For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: As relevant
Contact: Strategy and Communications (communications@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice
Action: If any leaders are not receiving Gateway News: School Leaders Edition and would like to, please email communications@dow.catholic.edu.au with their name and position, and they will be added to the mailing list.
Minor Amendments to the Financial Policy and Financial Procedure
For: School leaders and CEO staff
Due: Now
Contact: Diane Nicolson, Senior Finance Manager – nicolsond01@dow.catholic.edu.au
First notice
Minor amendments have been made to the Financial Policy - Systemic Schools and CEO and the supporting Financial Procedure - Systemic Schools and CEO as part of this policy’s annual review cycle.
Amendments have been made throughout both documents to clarify requirements as needed and to reflect updates to current practice and position titles.
Notable changes in the policy are included in sections:
- Financial Delegations
- Market Testing
- Asset Register Requirements
- Insertion of Fee Concession Applications
- Bad Debt Write Offs
- Corporate Credit Cards
- Use of School Income and Assets
- Fundraising
- Internal Controls
Notable changes in the procedure are included in sections:
- Market Testing
- Asset Registers
- Use of School Income and Assets
The amendments will come into effect on 18 March 2025.
Further communications will be issued via the School Support Team Circular to Schools and SSSO Network meetings.
Action: Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the updated documents and communicate the changes within your team(s) as relevant.
Questions? Contact Diane Nicolson, Senior Finance Manager – nicolsond01@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Reminder: Catholic Business Connections – March Luncheon
For: Principals
Due: Today, 18 March 2025
Contact: Debbie Gates (debbie.gates@dow.org.au)
Last notice
A gentle reminder about the upcoming Catholic Business Connections luncheon. Please see information about the event here.
Date: Wednesday 26 March 2025
Optional Action: Please consider sharing this information in your school newsletters and communications, and invite parents and carers to consider joining the Catholic Business Connections. Please note that the RSVP date is today, 18 March 2025.
Catholic Business Connections offers an opportunity for professional and business women and men in our diocese (both active and retired) who share common values, to network and engage with each other and leaders representing the diocese. CBC gathers three times a year for lunch and to listen to guest speakers chosen to inspire with their unique stories and share how they relate their work and spiritual life experience to the context of living in a modern world.
Case Collaboration Procedure Update
Last year, the commencement date of the revised Case Collaboration Procedure was paused to allow time to respond to feedback and continue working with schools to plan for implementation.
We’ve made some amendments to the Procedure in response to your feedback. You can view the updated and approved final Procedure here.
Much has already been achieved to align schools’ current structures and processes with the requirements of the new Procedure. The Wellbeing and Student Support team will continue to provide ongoing differentiated support as schools continue their transition to the new requirements.
It’s expected that schools will be ready to fully implement the new Procedure by 21 July 2025.
The Case Collaboration Procedure FAQ remains available and will be updated as new questions arise.
Request for Payment Without an Invoice – Paper Form No Longer Required
Requests for payment without an invoice which were previously submitted via a completed PDF form, can now be done through TechnologyOne.
You can do this by going to Forms > Request for Payment Form from within TechOne.
Please see the document below for further details and instructions on how to complete the request for payment form.
Submit a Request for Payment instructions.
Bishop’s Zoom with Year 12 Captains & Vice-Captains – Thursday 20 March, 3:15–4:00 pm
For: Secondary Principals, Year 12 Coordinators, Pastoral Care Coordinators, RECS
This Thursday 20 March 2025, Bishop Brian will host his first Zoom discussion with the Year 12 Captains and Vice Captains for 2025. This forum will provide the Bishop and Peter Hill a chance to reconnect with these student leaders following their retreat at the end of 2024, which took place as they embarked on their journey as school captains and vice captains.
During Thursday's meeting, students will have the opportunity to share their experiences as student leaders so far and discuss the intended focus of their leadership throughout this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope.
The Zoom link for Thursday’s session is included in the calendar invitations that have been sent to all secondary principals and the staff member from each school who has been identified as most responsible for supporting the students' leadership development.
A summary of all 2025 Year 12 events involving Bishop Brian can be found here.
Stage 6 Studies in Catholic Thought Endorsement for 2026-2027
For: Secondary RECs/Leaders of Mission
Due: Friday 28 March
Contact: John Coppola – coppolag01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Please read more here regarding the action required to ensure schools can continue to offer the Stage 6 Studies in Catholic Thought course beyond 2025.
Laudato Si’ Lenten Prayer and Reflection Resources
For: Primary and Secondary RECs/Leaders of Mission
Please share with your schools.
During Lent, we are invited to embark upon a journey of ecological conversion through reflection, repentance, and renewal.
By committing to concrete changes through fasting and lifestyle changes, we can live more in solidarity with our Earth and each other, reduce our ecological footprint and inspire our sisters and brothers to join this conversion process.
Click here for resources that may assist you in exploring a Laudato Si' Lent with your school community.
Australian Catholics: Online Media Internship Program for Students
For: Secondary Principals and RECs/Leaders of Mission
Please share with relevant teaching staff.
Jesuit Communications, the publisher of Australian Catholics, offers an annual online media internship program for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 across Australia.This program provides an exciting introduction to careers in media.
Internship program 2025 guide.
This week-long internship, which will take place via Zoom from 6 to 9 May 2025 (9:00 am—3:30 pm AEST), is a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the media industry while contributing to an edition of Australia's largest-circulating Catholic print publication. Additionally, a two-hour introductory session will be held on Monday, 30 April 2025 (4:00 – 6:00 pm).
Applications for the 2025 program close at 5:00 pm on Friday 21 March 2025.
Case Collaboration Procedure – New compass template released
For: School Leaders, CEO and school staff
On 12 March 2025 a new template was deployed into all schools' compass platforms.
A brief video called, ‘Compass: When to use the Staff Case Collaboration Consultation Record’ is available on the Wellbeing and Student Support (WSS) team Gateway site.
All staff are encouraged to view this video to support familiarisation of the template’s use.
School leaders are asked to ensure that staff supporting and maintaining Compass platforms do not delete this template.
Supported Enrolment Update
For: Principals and School Leaders
A revised Supported Enrolment workflow is now available. As shared in recent network meetings, a Supported Enrolment spreadsheet will be shared with all principals. This document provides an overview of the triage process and the recommendations based on the information provided by families in the enrolment application.
Principals are encouraged to provide access to any staff who will be supporting enrolment and transition processes. Please note that this access cannot be provided by the Wellbeing and Student Support team as they are not familiar with staff and their specific roles in schools.
Important information:
- Schools will maintain autonomy over the level of support provided from the WSS Team.
- When a family identifies on the enrolment application that their child requires support as a result of a medical diagnosis, diverse learning, behaviour need or they are interested in a CEDoW Support Class placement the application will be triaged by WSS and schools will be notified via their Supported Enrolment spreadsheet at the completion of this triage process.
- Principals or their delegate are encouraged to use the checkbox in column J or email to wssadmin@dow.catholic.edu.au at any point throughout the enrolment or transition process should they require support with an individual student’s enrolment application.
IDO Expo: A Networking Opportunity for NDIS Participants
The Illawarra Disability Options (IDO) Expo provides an opportunity for families of NDIS participants to familiarise themselves with local disability service providers and registered training organisations. This annual event is of particular relevance to students with disability planning post school pathways.
Schools in the Illawarra are encouraged to include a notice of this event in school newsletters.
When: Thursday 3 April 2025 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
2025 CSSA Online Trial HSC Examinations offered for the first time
The CSSA, a division of Catholic Schools NSW, creates premium CSSA Trial HSC Examinations by education experts. Our writers and assessors have syllabus expertise and extensive teaching experience to create the CSSA Trial HSC Examinations.
In 2025, the CSSA is pleased to introduce three online HSC Trial Examinations designed to equip students with essential online examination experience ahead of their HSC assessments. The CSSA Trial online exams will be available in Science Extension, Enterprise Computing, and Software Engineering. These examinations are to be undertaken strictly within the sessions allocated on the CSSA timetable.
Upon ordering the 2025 online examinations via the CSSA website, schools will receive comprehensive guidance and support materials within seven days. This crucial information will be dispatched to the principal and the designated CSSA main contact. The CSSA is committed to supporting and assisting students through this innovative online HSC assessment platform.
Technological assistance for principals/main CSSA contact:
- If a principal/main CSSA contact requires technological assistance with sign-in to their registered school account in the CSSA website, please email service@csnsw.catholic.edu.au
- There is a CSNSW verification process in place to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of each principal and their registered school account with the CSSA.
CSSA website and individual school accounts:
- School data in individual School Accounts with the CSSA must be kept up to date by individual schools via the CSSA website | Account Settings
- Relevant personnel in CSSA registered schools should ensure that school data available and fields of information on the CSSA website is checked, updated and completed as necessary. This will ensure that your school’s address, phone number, email address, and contact details are correct this information is critical for communication with schools and the secure delivery of CSSA Trial HSC Examinations. Finally, remember to click on the “SAVE” button at the end of the process.
For your convenience, the link to the CSSA website is here.
CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead
Is your CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead up to date?
Accreditation to WTL Level/s and any additional requirements are outlined on your contract.
If you still require more information or have any questions, please email: wtlaccreditation@dow.catholic.edu.au.
For general information on CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead please visit the following website: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/accreditation-cedow/.
CEDoW Scholarship Support
For some areas of Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead, CEDoW offers Scholarship Support.
Please visit the following website for more information and to apply: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/cedow-scholarships/.
Studies in Catholic Thought – The Trinitarian God Professional Learning
For: Secondary RECs/Leaders of Mission
Due: Wednesday 26 March 2025
Contact: John Coppola – coppolag01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Please share with your school's relevant teaching staff.
Secondary Religious Education teachers have the opportunity to participate in professional learning designed to deepen their understanding of the Year 11 SICT course content. This session will also explore teaching and learning experiences, assessment strategies, pedagogy, and resources tailored for the Stage 6 classroom.
For more information please see the LMS registration link below.
When: Wednesday 2 April 2025
Where: Emmaus Centre Conference
Registration: LMS by Wednesday 26 March 2025.
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