School Leaders Edition, Week 8, Term 3, 2025
On behalf of the Most Reverend Brian Mascord DD, Bishop of Wollongong, and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, I am pleased to announce the establishment of a new co-educational K-12 Catholic College: St Carlo Acutis Catholic College, Leppington.
We look forward to welcoming our first Kindergarten and Year 7 students before 2030, with the official opening year to be announced within the next six months, while enrolments for Years 1 to 6 will be considered based on community demand. The college will proudly continue the rich tradition of Catholic education by nurturing students’ academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth within an engaging faith-based environment.
The college will be the first K-12 college in Australia to be named after Saint Carlo Acutis, following his canonisation by Pope Leo XIV just days ago, on 7 September 2025.
This week is National Child Protection Week (7–13 September 2025).
The 2025 theme is: “Every conversation matters: Shifting conversation to action.”
This year’s theme is a reminder that our everyday conversations and interactions with the students in our care do matter. These conversations and meaningful actions can be an important catalyst for a safer world for children and young people.
At this time, in Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, we acknowledge with deep appreciation every person involved in caring about and protecting the students in our care.
Further information about National Child Protection Week, including websites for ideas on activities and initiatives, was provided via Gateway News in Week 10, Term 2, 2025.
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong support in child protection matters is available by directly contacting the child safety advisor allocated to your school, or by contacting the Child Safety and Professional Services (CSaPS) team at childprotection@dow.
Catholic Education Office (2 Positions)
Acting Director – Improvement, Learning and Wellbeing
Leadership Development Specialist – Leadership and Professional Growth
Note: This position will become available on 9 September 2025, at 9:00 am.
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish Primary, Kiama
Acting Religious Education Coordinator (Primary)
Draft Policy Consultation – School Educational Program, Assessment and Reporting Policy and Literacy and Numeracy Policy
For: Principals and school leaders
Due: 26 September 2025
Contact: Russell Newman, Head of Learning K-12, Genevieve Cook, Team Leader – Learning K-12, or Katherine Maish, Team Leader – Learning K-12
First notice
For: Principals and school leaders. Feedback from other staff (school and CEO) is also welcomed.
Action: We’re seeking feedback from principals, school leaders, and other interested school and CEO staff on the draft revised School Educational Program, Assessment and Reporting (SEPAR) Policy and the Literacy and Numeracy (L&N) Policy. The SEPAR Policy consolidates two existing, separate policies (School Educational Program Policy and Assessment and Reporting Policy) and is supported by the proposed Information Sheet: Off-level, partial and non-graded reporting (Kindergarten to Year 10).
These initiatives were driven by the need to:
- update policy to reflect current practice and align to the Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework
- reflect the spirit of connected autonomy within policy and contribute to this strategic objective
- reflect the LTW2023+ focus areas of student learning and wellbeing and system support for the core work of teaching by simplifying policy requirements wherever possible and emphasising quality pedagogy
We value your input and want to listen to your thoughts, concerns and ideas about the draft policies. You can access the consultation drafts here.
Feedback can be provided to CEDoW Policy via policy@dow.catholic.edu.au. This feedback could range from a formal written response to a summary of general observations and suggestions. Alternatively, we can arrange a discussion via phone or Zoom.
The consultation period will close on 26 September 2025.
If you have any questions about the draft School Educational Program, Assessment and Reporting Policy, or the Literacy and Numeracy Policy, please contact Russell Newman, Head of Learning K-12, Genevieve Cook, Team Leader – Learning K-12, or Katherine Maish, Team Leader – Learning K-12.
Free Webinar – Unlocking Your Child’s Potential
For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Now
Contact: Mark Rix (pandf@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice
The Council of Catholic School Parents, in partnership with Beyond, is offering a free webinar for parents and carers of students in Years 3–6.
Prepared for parents of Years 3–6 primary school, the webinar empowers parents to recognise and nurture their child’s unique strengths and talents, guiding them toward greater confidence, motivation, and resilience.
Nurturing Strengths – Primary Parent Webinar
Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Time: 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm
Action: Schools are asked to share this opportunity with parents through their communication channels.
A Conference for Parents and Carers of Children in Catholic Schools in the Jubilee Year of Hope
For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Now, as relevant
Contact: Mark Rix (pandf@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice
Action: Schools are asked to please share the information below via your communication channels with your parents and carers, as well as with your P&F groups.
On 25 October 2025, the Council for Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting a special anniversary celebration conference for all NSW/ACT parents and carers with children in Catholic schools! It’s going to be a value-packed day of connection and collaboration where their expert presenters will provide specialist advice on parenting in a modern world.
Dr Justin Coulson: co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au
Michelle Mitchell: sought-after author and speaker on parenting tweens and teens
Daniel Principe: a passionate youth advocate and educator, and nominee for Australian of the Year.
This conference will cover areas such as managing technology with young people, consent and respectful relationships, cybersafety, building your child’s resilience, sleep, managing anxiety, screens and brain development, supporting your child’s learning at home and at school and more!
Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
Time: 8.30 am – 3.30 pm (doors open at 8.00 am)
Location: Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Parking is available at the venue, Novotel Parramatta, for a day rate. Please contact the hotel for more information: (02) 9630 4999. Other options include Eat Street Parking. Novotel Parramatta is offering special rates for conference guests. Please call the reservations team on 02 9890 0850 or email novotel@nmsp.com.au to book and advise them that you are attending the conference. Valid until 9 October 2025, subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
Find out more information here.
Buy a ticket here: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World Registration.
Over-18 Outdoor Movie Night: The Muppet Christmas Carol
For: Principals
Due: Now, as relevant
Contact: Fr Duane Fernandez (duane.fernandez@dow.org.au)
First notice
Action: Schools are asked to share this event with staff who may fall within the age bracket, as well as any graduating Year 12 students who will turn 18 before the event in November.
As Year 12 draws to a close, we invite our graduating students to join us at the Young Adult Outdoor Movie Night in November.
Details:
When: Saturday 22 November 2025 (6.00 pm to 10.00 pm)
Where: The outdoor grounds of St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park (follow signage for parking directions)
Address: 415 Douglas Park Drive, Douglas Park
Dinner: BBQ burgers on the house, a free ice cream bar with homemade flavours and fun toppings, followed by a cinema-style popcorn stand
Who: Young adults aged 18 and over
Please see the flyer for all details here.
Notes of Hope – Class of 2025
For: Principals
Due: Now
Contact: David Gearin (gearind01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20
Action: Principals, please share the information below with your school community.
As our Year 12 students come to the end of their Catholic education in our schools, Matthew’s gospel reminds us that the Holy Spirit is in our midst when we gather in community and between the lines when we communicate in writing.
Our senior students will be facing the challenge of final exams early next term, having navigated a range of disruptions and pressures throughout their high school years. As a school community and broader diocesan community, we stand with them in solidarity as they approach this important milestone in their learning journey. They remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The HSC starts on 16 October 2025 (Week 1, Term 4).
As a Catholic community THE7 Miles to Emmaus Outreach Challenge is to create a Note of Hope for a Year 12 student.
This challenge is being offered to school students and staff and the broader CEDoW community.
This Note of Hope is designed to remind our senior students that we are a broad and diverse community, even if at times our connections have been shaped by distance, changing circumstances, and new ways of learning. It is also intended to motivate and encourage them as they begin their HSC and prepare to graduate in Term 4.
“To Christians, the future does have a name, and its name is Hope. Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naïve and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow.”
Pope Francis, 2017
Our beloved Pope Francis’ message in 2017 is still relevant today for our current Year 12 students. If he were with us today, the same message would include a slight addition –
“The future does have a name, and its name is Hope”… and its name is the Class of 2025.
Instructions regarding involvement in the outreach to the class of 2025 are provided in the links below:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
AWE HUNTERS 2025: A Faith Encounter in Nature
For: Secondary Principals, RECs/Leaders of Mission, Year 10 Coordinators
Due: Now
Contact: David Gearin (gearind01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
Final notice
Year 10 Immersion | AWE HUNTERS: A Faith Encounter in Nature | 14–15 October 2025 – The Tops, Stanwell Park.
Action: Principals and RECs/Leaders of Mission – please ensure this information is shared and discussed with your Year 10 Coordinators.
Secondary schools are invited to nominate up to four male Year 10 students to participate in this year’s Awe Hunters Immersion.
For further details, please refer to the letter here from Jo Kenny, which outlines how to identify and register suitable students. The letter also includes draft communications and permission notes for parents and guardians.
To gain an insight into the experience, we encourage you to watch the promotional video created from last year’s immersion.
A direct link for parents/guardians to register students can be found here.
A direct link to draft comms/permission notes for parents/guardians is here.
Action: Please email Helen Moon at moonh01@dow.catholic.edu.au providing the name and email address of the teacher who will be responsible for selecting students from your school.
For any questions or further information, please contact David Gearin on 0402 018 162.
Announcement – Priestly Appointment Change
Fr George Condookala has been appointed Assistant Priest of Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, Kiama. His appointment commenced on Tuesday 19 August 2025. View Bishop Brian’s memorandum here (3 September 2025).
Sad News – Mrs Rebecca Mansbridge
With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Rebecca Mansbridge (Bec). Rebecca passed away peacefully on Saturday night, surrounded by her loving family, after facing an extended period of illness with remarkable strength and grace.
Mrs Mansbridge has been a devoted part of the St Francis of Assisi school community since 2003. As a teacher, Rebecca was a beloved and dedicated part of the school community. She touched the lives of so many through her passion for education, unwavering kindness, and genuine care for every student, colleague and family member. Her presence, care, and dedication have left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff, and families.
As a Catholic community, we find comfort in our faith, trusting that Rebecca is now at peace in God’s loving embrace. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Minor amendments to the Modern Slavery Policy
Minor amendments have been made to CEDoW’s Modern Slavery Policy and supporting Modern Slavery Reporting Procedure. The amendments involved:
- simplifying the structure of the documentation;
- aligning the policy to the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network’s model policy, where appropriate;
- clarifying responsibilities and expectations, including updates to position titles.
The amendments will come into effect on 15 September 2025.
For further information, please contact Michael Knight, Director - Governance, Assurance and Risk at knightm06@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Wellbeing Compass: Supporting our Communities
The Wellbeing and Student Support team have created a resource which serves as a comprehensive but non-exhaustive resource for supporting the wellbeing of students in the Illawarra and Macarthur regions, specifically informed by NSW Health and local organisations of support. These directories will be updated as services and programs are made available in our diocese. These directories will remain live rather than continuously updating Gateway with individual services.
The first resource is for school staff and it contains a curated directory of professional development resources for staff, including links to webinars, courses, and networks focused on mental health and wellbeing.
Additionally, a separate directory is provided for community support services that schools can use to assist families. This directory is a tool for professional discernment, helping you find targeted support for students and their families in times of need, such as during school holidays, or for specific issues such as school refusal.
ACER Progressive Achievement Tests
ACER Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) are valuable instruments used in schools to inform teachers, school and system leaders about student achievement and learning growth.
PAT tests are to be administered annually in Term 4 from Week 3 to Week 6, aligning with the norm sample (October/November). Principals need to ensure that assessments are administered under suitable conditions and that all staff are familiar with test administration instructions.
Schools must implement the following protocols around the use of PAT tests:
Primary Protocol
- All CEDoW primary schools are required to administer the following assessments to Years 1-6:
- PAT Reading Adaptive, and
- PAT Maths Adaptive
Secondary Protocol
- All CEDoW secondary schools are required to administer the following assessments to Years 7-10:
- PAT Reading 5th Edition, and
- PAT Maths 4th Edition
K-12 Protocol
- CEDoW K-12 school (St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park), will administer PAT tests in Reading and Maths for Years 1-10 with an appropriate level of flexibility between instrument types based on their specific age and stage appropriate context.
Schools retain the right to administer other PAT assessment products at their discretion and expense.
Useful links:
- 2025 ACER Webinars
- PAT Adaptive Test Administration Reading link
- PAT Adaptive Test Administration Maths link
- PAT Linear Reading 5th Ed link
- PAT Linear Test Administration Maths 4th Ed link
Please contact Learning K-12 Team Leaders, Katherine Maish at maishk01@dow.catholic.edu.au (secondary) and Genevieve Cook at cookg02@dow.catholic.edu.au (primary) for further information or enquiries.
Council of Catholic Schools Parents Family Partnerships Excellence Awards for 2025 are now open
Schools can apply now for the opportunity to receive a $5000 grant.
Council of Catholic Schools Parents' (CCSP) Family Partnerships Excellence Awards annual grants are offered to a NSW/ACT Catholic school that can show exemplary practice in family, school and community partnerships.
- Has your school community implemented an initiative that focuses on family, school and community collaboration?
- Does your initiative focus on faith formation, the school curriculum, student wellbeing, or any combination of the three?
- Has your initiative made a real difference for the students, staff and families in your community?
How to apply
1. Use the QR code below or go to the CCSP website to check your eligibility and download the 2025 Submission Form.
2. Complete the Submission Form by responding to six criteria about your school’s initiative.
3. Complete the online web form and declarations, and upload your Submission Form and supporting files.
Entries close at 5.00 pm on 17 October 2025.
If you need additional information, please contact Mark Rix at rixm02@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Reminder: Invitation to School Leadership Retreats
School Leadership Retreats will be held this term at The Hermitage, Mittagong (843 Old South Road, Mittagong).
This year’s retreats are titled "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.
Principals, please read the flyer here and register through LMS as soon as possible.
If you require further information, contact Gary Quinn at quinng01@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.
Introduction to K-6 PDHPE and Science and Technology
Last week, we had an overwhelming response to the Introduction to the K–6 PDHPE 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 ILW Learning K–12 team learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au for further assistance at any time.
Introduction to K-6 Science and Technology via Zoom
School instructional leaders and teachers are invited to engage in the following professional learning opportunity: Introduction to the Science and Technology syllabus and support materials (via Zoom), which will provide an introduction to the syllabus, NESA support material, and CEDoW support material.
Registration for this professional learning opportunity can be accessed here.
Science and Technology
Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Time: 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Location: Zoom
Registered participants will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link prior to the day.