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

Beth Woodstone – Senior Child Protection Advisor has made the decision to resign from her position to take up a senior leadership role at a women’s trauma recovery service. Beth’s last day will be 4 July 2025.

Beth was appointed to the substantive position of Senior Child Protection Advisor in January 2022 within the sub-team of Child Safety and Professional Services (CSaPS) in People and Culture.

During her time with CEDoW, Beth has been exceptionally dedicated, bringing significant experience from front line and senior management roles across the Child Safety spectrum, including statutory multi-agency teams, early intervention, program development and workforce capability building.

Throughout her tenure, Beth demonstrated outstanding leadership and expertise in child safety system initiatives and training. Her academic background, including a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and a Master of International Relations, underpinned her strong professional capabilities. Her dedication and commitment have greatly benefited our organisation and the students and families we serve.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her significant contributions. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors and every success and fulfilment in her next chapter. 

We will begin the process of recruiting for a new Senior Child Protection Advisor in due course.

Natasha O'Donoghue
Director – People and Culture

This week, the following leadership vacancy is available:

Holy Cross Catholic Parish Primary School, Helensburgh
Assistant Principal 

Who We Are Resources

For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Now
Contact: Debbie Gates (debbie.gates@dow.org.au)
First notice

The Diocese of Wollongong has recently updated its Who We Are: Bearers of Christ’s Love statistics and mid-season report. These are now available as an A3 poster and a folded DL brochure. Printed materials will be delivered directly to schools shortly. Digital versions are also available for display on screens.

Action: Please share these resources in a way that best suits your school context.

We value your continuous support in spreading this important information across your school community.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Debbie Gates, Director of Development and Community Engagement, Office of the Bishop.

ONE LICENSE – Term 2, 2025 Reporting

For: Primary and Secondary RECs/Leaders of Mission
Due: Thursday 3 July 2025
Contact: Helen Moon (moonh01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
Reminder

Action: This is a reminder to report your school’s usage of religious music and lyrics via the ONE LICENSE site.

For further information, please visit the CLEM Gateway site under the heading Liturgical Music.

If you require any assistance with access, please contact Helen Moon, Administrative Officer, at moonh01@dow.catholic.edu.au. 

Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope

For: Principals and RECs/Leaders of Mission

The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday marked the first time a pope has died during a Jubilee year since 1700 – a moment of profound historical and spiritual significance for the Church.

As we walk through this Jubilee Year under the theme Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded not only of Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and inclusion but also of the rising witness of faith in our time, exemplified by the soon-to-be canonised Carlo Acutis. His youthful devotion to the Eucharist and digital evangelisation offers a beacon of hope for a new generation, echoing the very message Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy.

Pope Leo XIV has recently announced that Carlo Acutis will be canonised on 7 September 2025. As we prepare for this significant occasion, this is a reminder that previously shared resources developed by the CLEM Team for both primary and secondary schools remain available here.

To assist school communities in their celebration of the Jubilee Year, a CEDoW Guidebook for the Celebration for the Year of Jubilee is available to assist school communities in their celebration of the Jubilee Year. You can view the guidebook digitally as a flip-book or download it as a PDF by clicking the following link: CEDoW Year of Jubilee Guidebook.

More information about the Year of Jubilee can be found on the CLEM Gateway site.

Liturgy Ritual Prayer has also developed a suite of resources for the Jubilee Year, samples of which can be viewed via the following link: Pilgrims of hopeHQ.

Gifted for the Mission: An Introduction to Charisms

For: Principals and RECS/Leaders of Mission

The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has recently released a new resource – Gifted for the Mission: An Introduction to Charisms.

Gifted for the Mission introduces the concept of charisms through reference to the writings of St Paul. It then traces the history of charisms in the life of the Church and provides examples of Christians who have used their charisms to bring God's mercy and salvation into the lives of others.

Accompanying the document is a new video series on Evangelise Plus, titled The Gift of Charism.

The series features interviews with Catholics from around Australia who share their experiences of discerning and using their charisms in parish, personal, and professional settings.

NSW Health Winter Health Campaign

As part of the Winter Health campaign, NSW Health has asked that the following information be shared with schools. Please share with your school community, as appropriate.

Call Healthdirect Campaign

Campaign resources here.

This campaign aims to promote the health direct number as the first step to access health advice, care and treatment for non-life threatening conditions. When you call health direct, you’ll speak to a registered nurse who will help you get the care you need. They can find you a nearby doctor, pharmacist, urgent care service, or even connect you to specialist virtual care. We’re encouraging people to save this number, 1800 022 222, for free, easy access to health advice and care whenever they need it.

Key links:

• For more information about health direct: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/healthdirect.aspx
• Campaign launch Ministerial media release: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250521_01.aspx

Vaccination Education Campaign

Campaign resources here.

This campaign aims to raise awareness, support and encourage proactive information-seeking so individuals can make informed decisions about immunisation. These materials are evergreen and can be used throughout winter and beyond.

Key links:

• For more information about vaccinations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo
• Translated information about vaccinations: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinationinfo#translations

2025 Influenza Vaccination Campaign

Campaign resources here.

This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccination during winter, to help increase uptake of the flu vaccine among the population in NSW, particularly at-risk audiences. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and offers the best protection from getting really sick.

Key links:

• Book a flu vaccine: www.healthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine
• For more information about influenza: www.health.nsw.gov.au/flu
• For more information about respiratory illness: www.health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory

As part of CEDoW’s ongoing commitment to health and safety, and in support of NSW Health's Influenza Vaccination Campaign. CEDoW's Flu Reimbursement program 2025 is available for all employees.

2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) campaign

Campaign resources here.

This campaign, which runs until the end of winter, includes budget-friendly and accessible ways for families to:

• Eat healthily – tips to eat healthily and drink water, including free, low-cost winter recipes and lunchbox ideas
• Get active – ideas and tips to help you stay active during winter such as at-home exercises or connecting with nature
• Support – free programs to help you and your family keep up healthy habits. 

Key link:

• NSW Healthy Eating Active Living website. 

CEDoW staff can access personal wellbeing initiatives offered by Access EAP. Their facilitators include industry qualified and experienced trainers that help support healthy eating and active living. 

World Refugee Day 

Attention: Principals, RECs, and Leaders of Mission

Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community

Each year on 20 June 2025, the world celebrates World Refugee Day (WRD). The day is designated by the United Nations to honour refugees who have been forced to flee their homes and to promote solidarity with them for a “world where refugees are welcomed.”

The Catholic Church encourages us to welcome, promote, accompany, and integrate those who knock on our doors.

Information and prayer resources for WRD are available on the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office website.

Pathways to Flourishing: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners K–12

We are pleased to extend an invitation to a wider audience for this valuable professional learning day, recognising its relevance across the interconnected areas of student faith, learning and wellbeing. While this day is a mandatory learning opportunity for Primary Leaders of Diverse Learning and Primary Support Class Staff, it will also offer significant value for colleagues in primary and secondary settings across wellbeing, pastoral care and curriculum leadership.

By bringing together leaders from both primary and secondary settings, this day provides a unique opportunity to deepen collaboration, strengthen shared understandings and bridge the gap between diverse learning, curriculum and wellbeing support. We encourage Leaders of Wellbeing/Pastoral Care and Curriculum to attend alongside their Diverse Learning colleagues, as we collectively work to respond to the complex and evolving needs of the students and staff in our care.

Audience: K–12 Diverse Learning, Support Class Teachers, Pastoral Care/Wellbeing Leaders (Optional), and Curriculum Leaders (Optional)
Mode: Face to Face
Date: 24 July 2025
Time: 9.00 am–3.30 pm
Venue: Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour

Special Guests

Marina Bailey – Click here for an overview of Marina’s experience and areas of expertise.

Dr Matt Capp – Click here for a link to Matt’s website.

Key Topics

• Executive Function
• Universal Design for Learning
• Collaborative Curriculum Planning
• Reporting K-10 and the Implications for Stage 6

Please click here to RSVP.

Reminder

Catholic Social Teaching – Scriptural and Theological Foundations

Please register via the LMS link by Friday 18 July 2025.

Date: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Venue: Xavier Centre, 36 Harbour Street, Wollongong

Targeted Audience: K-12 Religious Education Coordinators, K-12 Classroom Teachers, Team Leaders (e.g., Stage Leaders, Subject Leaders), CEO Staff, School Leadership, Middle Leaders, Student Wellbeing/Pastoral Care.

Facilitator: Professor Gerard Moore, Broken Bay Institute.

Outline

This professional learning day explores the Christian call to cooperate with all people in promoting human flourishing, right relationships, and the common good—key themes that connect deeply with the study of God, religion, and life. Central to the day are the guiding questions: Who ought I be? and How must I respond?

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the scriptural and theological foundations of Catholic Social Teaching. The day will also offer a solid introduction to the Life to the Full Framework, supporting those seeking to integrate it into curriculum design and pastoral care initiatives.

Additionally, this professional learning experience will enrich the teaching of Religious Education Strand E across Stages 4 and 5, while also providing valuable insights and practical support for those involved in social justice initiatives and youth ministry coordination.

Contact: John Coppola, Education Officer – Secondary at coppolag01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

K-6 Curriculum Support

K-6 Curriculum Support

This page includes:

• Important links to external and internal sites
• Professional learning
• Planning and programming support
• Assessment and reporting
• Professional reading

For enquiries, please contact Learning K-12 support at learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au. 

Preparing for 2026 Curriculum Implementation: PDHPE and Science and Technology

The NSW curriculum reform presents a valuable opportunity for school leaders to guide effective implementation of the reformed K–6 syllabuses. In 2025, schools entered the Familiarise and Prepare phases for the new PDHPE and Science and Technology syllabuses, which will be implemented from 2026.

To support this transition, CEDoW Learning K–12 (ILW) will provide differentiated targeted support throughout 2025 and 2026, including:

Introduction to the syllabus and support material (2-hour session) via face-to-face or Zoom.

School instructional leaders will have the opportunity to engage in professional learning which will provide an introduction to the syllabus, NESA support material and CEDoW support material.

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

In situ support 

Schools can arrange in situ support (e.g., staff meetings, SDD, collaborative planning) for the preparation to implement the new PDHPE and Science and Technology syllabuses. 

To register your interest, please complete this form by 25 July 2025 (Week 1, Term 3).

For further information, please contact learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au.

Repeated

Primary Curriculum Focus Days

As part of CEDoW’s commitment to meeting NESA registration and accountability requirements, Curriculum Focus Days will be held in Term 3, 2025.

These collaborative sessions involve school personnel working alongside one another to ensure all CEDoW schools meet the minimum requirements for NESA registration. Members of the Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing (ILW) team will also be available for additional support on each of the days.

Schools must send one representative and have the option for an additional staff member to attend. The Catholic Education Office will provide release (code: C30) for one representative per school.

Participation supports shared responsibility for curriculum compliance across the system and provides the opportunity for schools to engage in professional dialogue on quality planning and programming.

Option 1: Tuesday 5 August 2025 – Our Lady Help of Christians, Rosemeadow
Option 2: Wednesday 20 August 2025 – Nazareth, Shellharbour City
Option 3: Friday 19 September 2025 – Marian Centre, 280 Keira Street, Wollongong

Schools are required to nominate the preferred date and venue for the school representative(s) to participate in the Curriculum Focus Day using this form.

Resources to support program supervision and Curriculum Focus Days can be found here.

K–6 KLA time allocation advice

NESA has recently updated the K–6 KLA time allocation advice. This advice, along with the resource, support for school leaders and teachers is intended to assist schools in making informed curriculum planning decisions and ensure the best use of learning time to meet the needs of students.

As leaders and teachers continue to reflect on and refine curriculum implementation practices, the updated advice offers valuable information to consider how time is allocated across all Key Learning Areas and ensure alignment with both student needs and sector requirements. 

Key changes to the time allocation include dedicating 50% of teaching time to English and Mathematics, with a minimum of 20% specifically allocated to Mathematics. As a result, the time available for ‘other activities’ has been reduced.

Representing advice on the time allocation for all K–6 learning areas, this graph includes 50 per cent of the total time for English and Mathematics (with a minimum of 20 per cent for Mathematics).

In CEDoW schools, Religious Education should make up 10% of teaching time (K-2) and 12% (3-6). Optional Languages syllabuses and/or other activities have a recommendation of 8% (K-2) and 6% (3-6) total of teaching and learning time.

Schools can begin planning their approach to timetabling over the coming months before these changes take effect in 2026.

Reflection questions to guide discussion and planning:

Key Learnings from K–6 English System Professional Learning – Day 2

“Language and text shape our understanding of ourselves and our world. This allows us to relate with others, and contributes to our intellectual, social and emotional development” (NESA, 2022). 

Oral language provides the foundation for literacy and learning. However, in recent years there has been a significant decline in the oral language capabilities and vocabulary knowledge of our students, impacting on their ability to communicate effectively. This has far-reaching implications for our teaching and learning practices, academic achievement, and student wellbeing.

On 22 May 2025, 42 educators from 21 CEDoW primary schools gathered for the second day of professional learning focused on enhancing instruction in English. The theme, Talk, Texts & Tiers: Elevating Vocabulary and Oral Language through Literature, guided a day of deep learning and collaboration.

Participants: 

• Deepened their curriculum knowledge by analysing the essential content and mapping the K-6 learning progression. This enabled them to connect the Oral Language, Communication, and Vocabulary focus areas, pinpointing opportunities for explicit teaching and the application of knowledge and skills across varied contexts and purposes.
• Unpacked the pedagogical practices that strengthen students' oral language and vocabulary. These included dialogic practices and High-Impact Strategies like explicit teaching, multiple exposures, and structured lessons.
• Worked collaboratively to refine a learning sequence, ensuring students had ample opportunities to apply knowledge and skills across various contexts for different purposes. 

Resources:

• Literacy Teaching Toolbox
• Vocabulary Architects: Building strong academic language skills
• Oral Language Strategies: Resource Book

Reading Position Paper

The K-12 Learning Team is pleased to announce the release of the final version of the CEDoW Reading Position Paper.

We sincerely thank all who provided feedback throughout the various stages of development. Your insights and feedback have been invaluable throughout the consultation process.

Additional resources and supporting documentation are available on the Literacy Teaching Toolbox to support schools in bringing this position to life in the classroom.