School Leaders Edition, Week 10, Term 3, 2025

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. 

_________

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

Governance update

For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Various dates (as listed below)
Contact: Paula Vera, Shinto Sebastian, or John Barrington at governance@dow.catholic.edu.au
First notice

Actions:

Annual Compliance Report and Annual School Report

During the coming weeks, you will receive two individualised emails regarding important governance items for your school.

They are:

• 2025 Annual Compliance Report: instructions and report template. Emailed from the CEO on 26 September 2025 and due by 21 November 2025
• 2025 Annual School Report: Instructions and report template. Emailed from the CEO on 17 October 2025 and due by 28 November 2025 (primary schools) or 20 March 2026 (secondary and K-12 schools).

Responsible Persons Professional Learning Requirement

Principals are also reminded of their Responsible Persons Professional Learning Requirement to complete 12 hours every 3 years of governance specific (NESA approved) training. When complete, please send a copy of the Certificate of Completion to: dowgovernance@dow.catholic.edu.au.

You will receive personalised emails in early November 2025 updating you on your currently completed and required Professional Learning.

In NETiD please use the CSNSW Professional Learning tab. Training certificates for 2025 are due by 10 December 2025.

Reminder: Bishop Brian’s Year 12 (2026) School Captains and Vice Captains’ Formation Retreat

For: Secondary Principals, RECs/LOMs, Pastoral Care and Year 12 Coordinators
Due: Friday 26 September 2025
Contact: Claire Cooney at cooneyc02@dow.catholic.edu.au  
First notice

As previously advised, this year’s two-night retreat will take place from Wednesday 12 November to Friday 14 November 2025 (Week 5, Term 4) at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville.

As in previous years, the Bishop has requested that one staff representative from each school accompany the student leaders for the duration of the retreat. Ideally, this should be the staff member most closely involved in supporting the students’ leadership development — for example, the Year 12 Coordinator, Pastoral Care Coordinator, REC/LOM, or another suitable staff member.

Principals are invited to join the group on the final day, Friday 14 November 2025 (calendar invitations have already been shared with principals).

Further details — including logistics, draft communications for parents, and a Google RSVP Form — will be available in the Week 1, Term 4 Leaders' Gateway News.

Actions:

In the meantime, schools are asked to:

• Ensure the four student leaders have the retreat dates saved in their calendars
• Notify Claire Cooney (0413 338 633) by Friday 26 September 2025, of the staff representative who will attend the full retreat, so that calendar invitations can be shared with the correct personnel.

Please direct any questions to Claire Cooney.

Reminder: ONE LICENSE Reporting 

For: Primary and Secondary RECs/Leaders of Mission
Due: Thursday 25 September 2025
Contact: Helen Moon, Administrative Officer (moonh01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
Second notice

Action: This is a reminder to report your school’s usage of religious music and lyrics via the One License site, linked here.

For further information, visit the Catholic Life, Education and Mission Gateway site under the heading “Liturgical Music.” If you require any assistance with access, please contact Helen Moon.

CEDoW Year 8 Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA)

For: Secondary Religious Education Coordinators/Leaders of Mission  
Due: Before 11 November 2025
Contact: John Coppola (coppolag01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
Second notice

Action: Please ensure that Year 8 RE teachers have the relevant information required for the RLA, which will be held from 11 to 13 November 2025. This assessment will be administered via a Google Form and will take 50 minutes, plus 5 minutes for administration and instructions.

RLA 2025

An administration guide for the RLA can be found here.

Policy initiatives to be implemented in 2026

For: Principals

CEDoW’s policy prioritisation model and annual planning process supports a manageable and measured rollout of school-impacting policy initiatives, enabling schools to maintain focus on teaching and learning while meeting broader system needs.

Earlier this term, we committed to communicating the 2026 program by the end of Term 3 to support each school’s annual planning processes.

The 2026 program was developed across CEO service areas and was reviewed by the Principal Reference Group (PRG). The CEDoW Leadership Team, having regard to the valuable feedback provided by the PRG, has endorsed the following policy initiatives for implementation in 2026:

• Literacy and Numeracy Policy
• School Educational Program, Assessment and Reporting Policy
• Catholicity and Mission Policy
• Child Safe Policy
• Risk Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Management Policy
• Excursions Policy
• Grievance Policy
• Minor Capital Works and Facilities Maintenance Policy
• Suspension, Expulsion and Exclusion of Students Policy

To find out more about the initiatives and how they will be coordinated throughout 2026, please click here.

This information will be published in ClickUp by the end of Term 3.

If you have any questions about the 2026 program, please contact Rebecca Wakeling, Senior Policy Advisor at wakelingr01@dow.catholic.edu.au or 0455 156 396. If you have any questions about a specific initiative, please contact the role identified here.

Mental Health Month runs throughout October.  

Way-ahead leads it, and this year, we are encouraged to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we have a lived experience of mental illness or not. It also provides an opportunity for us to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and encourages help-seeking behaviours when needed.

2025 Theme: Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey

This year’s theme, Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey, highlights the continuous journey of mental wellbeing – reminding us that every small step matters, even side-steps or setbacks. Whether you are reaching out to someone or pausing to reflect, each action contributes to growth, connection, and resilience.

How Schools Can Get Involved

The Workplace Safety and Wellbeing (WSaW) team encourages schools to reflect on this theme and plan their own activities, discussions, and wellbeing initiatives throughout October.

Here are a few suggestions on ways to participate:

• Host a Wellbeing Event – Organise an activity such as a step challenge, mindfulness session, or morning tea that encourages staff to take a positive step for their mental health.
• Embed the theme into meetings/newsletters – Ask staff, “What small step can you take today?”
• Promote the theme – Display Way-ahead’s resources around your school to spark discussion and encourage participation.

Resources Coming Your Way

The WSaW team has arranged for Wayahead’s Mental Health Month resources to be delivered to each school during the last week of Term 3, ready for your return at the start of Term 4. This includes everything you need to promote your own activities – posters, brochures, and flyers. Digital versions are also available via Wayahead’s website if you would like extra copies.

During October

Over 3 weeks in October, the WSaW team will explore the steps of Awareness, Acknowledgement, and Action in the all staff Gateway News to build on the key message of ‘Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey’

We also encourage you to share your school’s initiatives – We would love to see how your school is taking part in Mental Health Month! Please send us your photos, highlights, or stories so we can showcase the amazing work happening across our schools.

Sharing your experiences not only celebrates your school’s efforts but also inspires others to get involved.

For more information on Mental Health Month 2025, visit Wayahead's website here. 

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

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.

New: K–6 CHPS Curriculum Advisor

CEDoW primary schools are strongly encouraged to appoint a teaching staff member as a 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 the 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.

If you have any questions, contact Learning K-12 Support at learningk-12support@dow.catholic.edu.au.