School Leaders Edition, Week 1, Term 3, 2025

Earlier in this Jubilee Year, I had the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream and walk the Way of St James, the Camino de Santiago. A pilgrimage is a rite of passage: it purifies and regenerates, renews and restores, forgives and reconciles.

This profound experience gave me the time and space to:  

• Reflect on our work as Catholic educators in the Diocese of Wollongong, and on the incredible difference we make in the lives of children and young people
  
• Pray for each of you and all our students, as I placed a stone from Wollongong’s Belmore Basin at the foot of the Cruz de Ferro—the Iron Cross. (If you’d like to know more about this centuries-old ritual, see here.)

Pope Leo XIV recently said, “We are all pilgrims and we are always pilgrims, walking as we seek to follow the Lord, and as we seek the path that is truly ours in life. That’s certainly not easy, but with the help of the Lord, the intercession of the saints, and by encouraging one another, you can be certain that, as long as you remain faithful, trusting always in God’s mercy… it will bear fruit throughout your lives”.

Upon my return, my pilgrimage reflections were reinforced by my visits to schools. Personal highlights from last term include:

• The unnerving wisdom and depth of thinking demonstrated by senior secondary students during our dialogues with Bishop Brian. Two questions they asked in the company of their peers have stayed with me: “How do you balance what you want and what God wants in your life?” and “I don’t want to be a lukewarm Christian. What advice can you give me?” I pondered similar questions as a pilgrim and I continue to be in awe of the young people in our schools.
• The joy found in the noble work of teaching, as students proudly showcased their latest learning and took pride in demonstrating mastery.
  
• The dedication of teachers and support staff I had the pleasure of speaking with in staff rooms across the diocese who are making an impact on improved student learning growth and achievement.

Best NAPLAN results in three years

While the impact of our work extends far beyond standardised tests, they do provide valuable insight as we continually reflect on our effectiveness. I’m pleased to report that the 2025 NAPLAN results indicate a positive trend across the diocese, with four of the five domains showing the highest percentage of students achieving Strong or Exceeding since the new proficiency levels were introduced. The domains with the best results in three years were Reading, Writing, Spelling, and Numeracy. Overall proficiency across all cohorts (Years 3, 5, 7, and 9) improved in four domains compared to 2024, with the fifth domain equal to our 2024 result.

We continue to meet the challenges and complexities of our school communities and the world in which we live. We do this as Pilgrims of Hope, always striving to realise our mission. While self-praise is no recommendation, CEDoW schools are doing this at least as well as anywhere I’ve seen—this is your impact.

CEO Objectives | Term 2 Report Card

Beyond the regular services provided to schools by the Catholic Education Office, we are making meaningful progress against the priorities essential to bringing Lighting The Way to life. A report card on our Term 2 progress is now available on the CEO Objectives site.

As the rhythms and routines of school life resume, go gently and walk humbly.

Peter Hill
Executive Director of Schools

Funeral Arrangements 

Please see the details of the funeral arrangements for Fr David Catterall here.

The passing of Fr David Catterall on 8 July 2025 brought great sadness to the Diocese of Wollongong and beyond. You can read the memorandum from Most Rev Brian G Mascord DD here.

You can also read the article in The Catholic Weekly:
“Wollongong priest Fr David Catterall remembered for his commitment following his death aged 52” (10 July 2025) here.

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

Announcement from the Director – People and Culture

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

Acting Assistant Principal – St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School, Bowral

I am pleased to announce that following a recruitment process, Renee McFayden has been appointed to the position of Acting Assistant Principal at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School, Bowral, for Term 3, 2025. Renee currently holds the substantive position of Religious Education Coordinator at St Thomas Aquinas.

I am grateful to Renee for accepting this role and for her ongoing leadership of the St Thomas Aquinas community.

A recruitment process to appoint a suitable candidate to the position of Acting Religious Education Coordinator will commence shortly. 

Natasha O'Donoghue
Director – People and Culture

Announcements from Most Rev B G Mascord

Announcement | Darren McDowell

It is with great pleasure that I announce to you that Mr Darren McDowell has been accepted for Ordination to the Order of Deacons. The Diaconate Ordination will take place at 10.00 am on Saturday 23 August 2025 at St Francis Xavier Cathedral.

Read the memorandum here: 11 July 2025.

Priestly Appointment Changes

Please refer to the memorandum below from Bishop Brian Mascord regarding the announcement of Priestly Appointment Changes.

Read the memorandum here: 18 July 2025.

Most Rev Brian G Mascord DD
Bishop of Wollongong

This week, the following leadership vacancies are available:

St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Moss Vale
Acting Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Primary School, Warrawong
Acting Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)

Magdalene Catholic College, Narellan
Religious Education Coordinator (Secondary)

Day Two: 2025 System-Wide Strategic Professional Learning

For: Principals
Due: Now
Contact: Anna Jones (annalouise.jones@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice

Link: System-Wide Strategic Professional Learning site.

Action: Leaders are to ensure they have tested the validity of their Stage 2 causal hypotheses. This will ensure accuracy of progression when moving through stages 3-5 of Collaborative Complex Problem Solving, rather than working from an inferential perspective.

The second day of collaborative professional learning will be held on Monday 11 August 2025 at St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Albion Park.

The day will continue our focus on instructional leadership and complex collaborative problem solving, and will be led again by guest facilitator Dr Jacqui Patuawa. As Day 2 activities will build on skills developed during our first session with Dr Jacqui, we strongly encourage schools to bring the same team of staff as Day 1.

Day 2 Pre-reading:

• Chapters 9, 11, and 12 of Viviane Robinson's Virtuous Educational Leadership.
• Student Centred Leadership pre-reading for Stage 3

For more information, please visit the System-Wide Strategic Professional Learning site linked above.

For any inquiries, contact Anna Jones, Team Leader – Leadership and Professional Growth.

Invitation to the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop Mass 

For: Principals and RECs 
Due: Friday 1 August 2025
Contact: Helen Moon (moonh01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice

On behalf of Bishop Brian, I invite representatives from your school to attend the Mass celebrating Saint Mary MacKillop, to be held at St Francis Xavier Cathedral on Friday 8 August 2025, at 12:10 p.m.

Action: Please RSVP via this Google Form by Friday 1 August 2025.

Sr Monica Barlow RSJ
Liturgy Coordinator
Office of the Bishop

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Student Mass and Lunch

For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Friday 22 August 2025
Contact: Karan Taylor (taylork01@dow.catholic.edu.au) or Lyndal Murphy (murphyl11@dow.catholic.edu.au) 
First notice

Principals and Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs) from secondary schools are invited to attend the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 Student Mass on Tuesday 2 September 2025, commencing at 10.30 am at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Wollongong.

Action: Please see the official invitation here, which includes the RSVP link. Principals are asked to include the names of any attending AEAs in their response.

Invitations to students will be distributed by AEAs and your School Contact.

For further information, please contact Karan Taylor or Lyndal Murphy directly.

Dangers of Dry Ice: Lessons Learned, Knowledge Shared

For: Principals 
Due: Now
Contact: Workplace Safety and Wellbeing (whs@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice

A recent safety incident at one of our schools has highlighted significant risks associated with the use of dry ice. In this case, dry ice was transported in staff members’ vehicles for a school event. As a result, several staff members experienced adverse health effects due to carbon dioxide exposure.

Action: Dry ice presents serious health and safety risks and must not be used for school events under any circumstances.

Key Dangers of Dry Ice:

• Suffocation: Dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, posing a risk of unconsciousness or respiratory distress.
  
  
• Frostbite and Burns: Direct contact with dry ice can cause severe cold burns. It must only be handled using proper personal protective equipment, such as insulated gloves or tongs.
  
  
• Explosion Risk: Storing dry ice in sealed containers can lead to a dangerous pressure buildup, resulting in container rupture and a risk of injury from flying debris.
  
  
• Eye Irritation: The gas and fog produced during sublimation can cause discomfort or damage to the eyes with prolonged exposure.

Dry ice may be used in controlled, curriculum-based science activities; however, its use must be supported by:

• A comprehensive Risk Assessment
• Strict Safety Protocols
• Relevant awareness of Emergency Response Procedures
• Supervision by appropriately trained and competent staff

If you have any questions regarding the resources, please contact Workplace Safety and Wellbeing on 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.

Strengthening Safety: The Critical Role of Risk Assessments in School Activities

For: Principals 
Due: Now
Contact: Workplace Safety and Wellbeing (whs@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice

As part of our ongoing commitment to safe and compliant practices across school operations, the WSaW team is reinforcing the importance of undertaking structured and well-governed risk assessments before any school-based activities involving potential hazards.

Risk assessments are not just procedural; they are essential for identifying, managing, and mitigating harm to staff, students, and visitors.

Why Do Risk Assessments Matter?

Risk assessments help to:

• Identify foreseeable hazards in planned tasks or environments.
• Assess the likelihood and consequences of potential harm.
• Implement effective control measures to eliminate or minimise risks.
• Comply with legal duties under WHS legislation and Duty of Care principles.

CEDoW Governance, Assurance and Risk (GAR) oversees the Risk Management Framework to support schools with developing robust risk assessments.

It is important to note that any adjustments, additions, or alterations to the original risk assessment must be:

1. Discussed with and approved by the person responsible, typically the principal or their nominated delegate.
2. Documented on the original risk assessment, with an updated version shared.

Unauthorised changes can compromise the integrity of the assessment and place individuals at risk.

Action: We urge all school leaders to promote a culture where risk assessments are approached as proactive safety tools, where staff feel confident in raising concerns, seeking clarification, and reviewing risks collaboratively.

If you have any questions regarding the resources, please contact Workplace Safety and Wellbeing on 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.

Diocesan Year 4 Religious Literacy Assessment

For: Primary RECs
Due: 24 July 2025
Contact: Kate Jennett at jennettk01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Reminder

Action: RECs are reminded to ensure Year 4 teachers have all relevant information required for both the Practice Assessment 22 July – 24 July 2025, as well as the Religious Literacy Assessment on 4 August 2025.

This assessment will be administered via a Google Form.

The table below is a reminder regarding the key dates for RLA in 2025.

Key RLA dates for 2025

All relevant links to the Administration Guides for both the Practice Assessment (Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 July) and the RLA (Monday 4 August, with a backup date of Tuesday 5 August 2025) are available on the Catholic Life, Education and Mission site on Gateway.

Action: It is an expectation that all Year 4 students have the opportunity to do the Practice Assessment from Tuesday July 22 – Thursday 24 July 2025.

This year, new RECs will engage in a Data Analysis Day. This professional learning experience will assist RECs to effectively analyse data through the Yellowfin platform, to enable them to drive teaching and learning in Religious Education to improve student learning outcomes. It is expected that new primary RECs will be in attendance on this day. If there is an issue with the date, please contact your Education Officer.

For any further information on the Religious Literacy Assessment, please contact Kate Jennett on jennettk01@dow.catholic.edu.au or 0418 611 266.

Reminder: Invitation to School Leadership Retreats

CEO and School Leadership Retreats will be held this term at The Hermitage, Mittagong (843 Old South Road, Mittagong).

This year’s retreats are entitled “Pilgrims of Hope” and will be facilitated by the Spiritual Formation Team.

During the retreat, there will be opportunities to explore your understanding and experience of hope within our Catholic context, reflect on your life as a pilgrim through prayer and shared conversations, and consider how hope is given expression in your life.

CEO Leaders, Principals, Assistant Principals, Religious Education Coordinators, and Assistant Religious Education Coordinators, please read the flyer here and register through LMS as soon as possible.

If you require further information, please contact Gary Quinn.

2026 policy initiatives – new prioritisation model 

The CEDoW Leadership Team recently endorsed a prioritisation model and an annual planning process for school-impacting policy initiatives. This model supports a manageable and measured rollout of new and revised policies, enabling schools to maintain focus on teaching and learning while meeting broader system needs.

During Term 3, review and implementation programs will be developed for 2026. Endorsed programs will be published in ClickUp, typically at the end of Term 3, to support forward planning in schools. 

You can read more about the model and planning process here. 

If you have any questions about the model and planning process, please contact Rebecca Wakeling at wakelingr01@dow.catholic.edu.au. 

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statements

Attention: Responsible Persons, Principals and SSSOs

Responsible Persons / Principals are reminded that even though they have completed an Annual Disclosure Statement at the start of the year, if circumstances change throughout the year, then an additional declaration must be made at that time.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement forms are available in Gateway using the Governance and Risk link and should be returned via email to governance@dow.catholic.edu.au

Please contact John Barrington or Paula Vera for further assistance.

Important: Wellbeing and Student Support Contacts - Term 3 Update

Attention: Principals, Assistant Principals, Leaders of Diverse Learning and Pastoral Care, School Case Collaboration Coordinators/Managers

There have been so many goings on for our Wellbeing and Student Support team over recent weeks, including team members returning from periods of leave, changes to work days, and new Education Officers joining the team. This has meant that some adjustments have been made to the Wellbeing and Student Support school contacts.

Please refer to this document for the most current allocations.

Term 3 will also see several team members take extended periods of leave. During this time, we are committed to continuing our service to schools with as minimal disruption as possible; however, in some instances, there may be a need to reassign cases. Notifications regarding this will occur through COMPASS.

Important Upcoming Changes to the Corporate Card Process

As part of recent updates within the Financial Services team, we’ve reviewed and refined the current Corporate Card procedures. The changes below are designed to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with reporting timelines.

Card Suspension for Late Submissions

Delays in submitting end-of-month (EOM) transactions create a significant administrative burden and impact CEDoW’s reporting.

To help manage this, from August 2025 (statement transactions 3 July – 4 August 2025), the following process will apply:

• All Corporate Cardholders must finalise and submit their monthly transactions by the due date listed in the ExpenseMe Pro Broadcast Message.
  
  
• You are provided a minimum of two weeks to complete your transactions.
  
  
• If your transactions are not submitted and approved by the due date, your card limit will be reduced to $0 starting 19 August 2025, and will remain suspended until all outstanding transactions are finalised.
  
  
• Once resolved, you must contact Corporate Cards to reinstate your card. Reinstatement may take up to 48 hours.
  
  
• If you are unable to meet the deadline, you must notify Corporate Cards before the due date to request an extension.

End-of-Month System Lockout

To meet monthly reporting requirements, ExpenseMe will be temporarily locked to all users during EOM reporting.

You will receive advance notice each month with the specific dates and times of system unavailability.

Please plan accordingly to avoid disruption.

ACER PAT Updates

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

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

The following updates have recently been made to the Online Assessment and Reporting System (OARS) platform and/or PAT assessments.

New-look staff management page

1. The updated staff management page in OARS now mirrors the student management page.
2. This change improves consistency across the two pages and enhances access to features and functions.
3. All staff/user permissions remain unchanged.
4. Only staff/users with the ‘Client Admin’ role can access the staff management page.

PAT Adaptive – Bulk Edit Starting Level Functionality

1. Staff can now update the starting level of unstarted PAT Adaptive tests in bulk, rather than individually.
2. On the STUDENTS page, select the students who require the same starting level.
3. Click the TESTS button, select ‘Edit starting level’, and follow the prompts.
4. Click ‘APPLY’.

PAT Adaptive – Practice Test Forms Available

1. Schools with a PAT Adaptive licence now have access to practice test forms.
   1. PAT Adaptive Practice Test 'Lower' is suitable for students in Years 1–4.
   2. PAT Adaptive Practice Test 'Upper' is suitable for students in Years 5–10.
2. When assigning tests, select the relevant practice test from the TESTS drop-down menu.

PAT Early Literacy – New Test Development

1. ACER is developing a new assessment for use in the early years (this will not replace the existing PAT Early Years Reading).
2. The new test assesses phonics, listening comprehension, and reading comprehension.
3. It is currently in the trial phase: 2 June – 8 August 2025.
4. Anticipated release is in early 2026.
5. Schools interested in joining the trial can contact the ACER PAT School Support Team: school.support@acer.org.
6. For more details on this and other trials, visit the ACER School Support Centre: Standalone trials of new PAT content.

Reminder: Term 3 August 2025 Census

Attention: Principals and SSSOs

The date for the upcoming 2025 Census for the collection of student and staff data is Friday 1 August 2025.

Essential information for principals and SSSOs can be found at the following link: Census August 2025.

Reminder: Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope

Attention: 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.

Webinar: Understanding the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) Results – Where to Next?

In June, the Australian Government released the results from the sixth national Australian Early Development Census. This webinar will explore the 2024 AEDC findings and emerging trends in child development across Australia. Panellists will consider the implications and the action necessary to optimise children’s development.

Register now

Date: Tuesday 5 August 2025
Time: 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm AEST
Cost: Free

Early childhood is a time of rapid development and lays the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. Understanding how children are faring ensures the right services, supports and resources are available for children and families to thrive.

The AEDC is a national measure of children’s development as they enter their first year of full-time school. The webinar will be hosted by Prof Sharon Goldfeld AM, Director of the Centre for Community Child Health.

Panellists include:

• The Hon Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills SA
• A/Prof Yasmin Harman-Smith, Head of Early Years Systems Evidence, The Kids Research Institute Australia
• Dr Michelle Lucas, Executive Director, Logan Together
• Janet Williams-Smith, Inclusion and Early Intervention General Manager, Early Childhood Australia

This free webinar is for researchers, policymakers, service providers, practitioners, advocates, and anyone working to improve the lives of children.

Note: If principals have not received their AEDC School Report 2025, please check your spam email inbox.

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

FLYER link here

Audience: K–12 Diverse Learning and Support Class Teachers, Pastoral Care/Wellbeing Leaders (optional), and Curriculum Leaders (optional)
Mode: Face-to-face
Date: Thursday 24 July 2025
Time: 8.45 am – 3.30 pm
Venue: Wests Illawarra, Hargreaves Street, Unanderra NSW 2526
Special Guests: Marina Bailey and Dr Matt Capp

RSVPs close at 5.00 pm TODAY (Tuesday 22 July 2025) – Link here.

Blended Online Learning – Semester 2

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

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

Upcoming Courses in Term 3 – Flyer link here.

• Speech, Language and Communication Needs [ZOOM]
  
  
• Understanding Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ZOOM]
  
  
• Supporting Student Wellbeing and Mental Health [Face-to-Face (F2F)]
  
  
• Attachment and Trauma Theory [F2F]

*Enrolment into only one course at a time

*See flyer for registration links

Primary Curriculum Implementation Support: English K-6 English Professional Learning Day 3

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

Date: Week 5, Term 3 – Friday 22 August 2025
Time: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Venue: Emmaus Centre, Level 3, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560

This professional learning day will deepen curriculum and pedagogical knowledge through moderation and the analysis of essential knowledge, skills and understanding required for skilled writing.

During this professional learning, participants will engage in a cross-school moderation task. As such, we ask that all participants bring a Tier 1 student writing sample to share that meets the following criteria:

• Writing sample completed independently at any stage during Weeks 1-4, Term 3, photocopied onto A3 paper.
• Sample must be a draft, not a published piece of work. 
• Basic details to provide context for the piece of writing, including the learning intention, success criteria, time allocated for writing, and/or student instructions.

Feel free to bring more than one sample for you to refer to during discussions!

Click here for an example.

Note: If you are a leader who is not on class, please bring a writing sample that meets the criteria, from a grade you are working with. 

*Additional participants to be funded by the school

Click here to register your attendance.

Registrations close on Thursday 15 August 2025.

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

Final Reminder: CEDoW Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Registration

The CEDoW Year 1 Phonics Check assesses essential phonic knowledge and word recognition skills that form the foundation of reading proficiency and long-term literacy success. This is a curriculum-aligned, Tier 1 screening assessment that purposefully gathers data to inform future teaching and learning, while also providing insight into the observable strategies and behaviours students use when decoding both real and pseudo-words.

The assessment takes 5-7 minutes and is carried out by classroom teachers with each student individually. All resources will be provided digitally to participating schools at the beginning of Term 3.

The assessment window for 2025 is from Week 4, Monday 11 August to Week 6, Friday 29 August 2025, Term 3.

Participating schools will be able to access 0.5 day release per class to complete the check using Code F03.

Schools can register via the linked Google Form. Registration closes: Friday 4 July 2025.

Please contact Jo Treffone at treffonej01@dow.catholic.edu.au or Lexie Hingston at hingstona01@dow.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.