New CEDoW article to engage parents in celebrating Advent with their children

For: Principals
Due: Now
Contact: Strategy and Communications (communications@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice

CLEM and Strategy and Communications have partnered to prepare an article with some ideas for how school parents can celebrate Advent with their families. 

Action: If you would like to share this with your parents and/or students, we encourage you to do so by posting to your school social media or including in your newsletter. 

Proposed text:
Advent is a time of great joy and expectation. Throughout December, students at [school name] are learning what Christmas truly means and how we can prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. If you’re looking for ways to engage with your son or daughter during this special time, we’ve put together a few ideas. 

Link to the article: 

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/news/celebrating-advent

Save the Date – 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF)

For: Secondary RECs and Leaders of Mission
Due: Now
Contact: Jo Kenny (kennyj02@dow.catholic.edu.au) or Matt Turner (turnerm12@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice

Secondary schools are reminded that the 2025 ACYF will be held in Melbourne from Sunday 30 November to Tuesday 2 December 2025 (inclusive).

Action: Whilst each school has been asked to set aside $10,000 in budgets to help support their school’s participation, detailed system preparation cannot commence until further information is released about the event.

Please see below links to the most recent information shared with CEDoW regarding the event which includes some guidelines regarding the age of eligible participants.

Letter from Teresa Rhynehart, ACYF 2025 Festival Director

Update from Catholic Schools NSW

Finance – End of Year: Payment Run Cut-Off Dates

For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: By Monday 16 December 2024
Contact: invoices@dow.catholic.edu.au
First notice

Action: All invoices to be included for the final payment run on Monday 23 December 2024 need to be sent to invoices@dow.catholic.edu.au by Monday 16 December 2024 with an approved goods receipt available for processing.

The final payment run for the year will pick up invoices due up until Friday 10 January 2025, after which the payment run will return to normal processing. The first supplier payment run in 2025 will occur on 10 January 2025.

Finance Checklist: 

• Goods Receipting is up to date to enable payments prior to the final payment run
• ‘Finalise’ all Purchase Orders that are no longer required and haven’t been ‘Completed’.
• Blanket and Standard Purchase Orders required for 2025 have been approved as detailed here.
• Corporate Cards – Reconcile and submit all transactions in ExpenseMe up to 3 December 2024.

Supporting Your Recovery – Benefits of Working While You Recover

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

Workplace injuries can be challenging, but returning to work while recovering can significantly benefit physical and mental health. Employers are encouraged to support injured workers with early return-to-work programs that help them stay connected. 

Why Returning to Work Can Help With Recovery?

1. Faster Recovery - Returning to work in a modified or lighter capacity can help staff recover more quickly. Studies show that people who stay active, within their physical capabilities, experience less muscle stiffness, faster rehabilitation, and a smoother recovery process compared to those who take long breaks from activity.

2. Support from the Workplace - Recovering at work in a modified way allows staff to continue contributing to the work of CEDoW and helps them stay connected with colleagues and their School/Office.

3. Mental Health Benefits - Staying engaged with work during recovery helps prevent feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression that can sometimes accompany time off work. Maintaining a routine and social interaction can improve mood, boost an individual's sense of purpose and reduce stress.

As a reminder, all injuries must be reported within 48 hours. Reporting injuries within this timeframe is crucial for several reasons:

1. Compliance - Employers must comply with the 48-hour injury notification requirement to ensure legal and insurance compliance, protect workers' rights, mitigate risks, and avoid costly penalties or disputes. Timely reporting not only fulfills legal obligations but also supports a safer and more efficient workplace for all.

2. Timely Support - Notifying injuries as soon as possible, allows access to early intervention services, such as medical treatment and rehabilitation. This helps staff to recover sooner and return to work faster.  

3. Workplace Safety - Reporting injuries promptly helps employers assess the workplace environment and implement changes if needed, preventing similar injuries from occurring in the future. 

Action: Please print and display the ‘Benefits of Working While You Recover’ poster next to the new ‘If You Get Injured at Work Poster’.

If you have any questions or need more information on reporting injuries or the return-to-work process, please contact the Workplace Safety and Wellbeing Team at whs@dow.catholic.edu.au

Please visit the Workplace Safety and Wellbeing Hub on Gateway for CEDoW’s full range of Workplace, Safety, and Wellbeing resources.