Professional Learning

Blended Online Learning – Express Your Interest 

We welcome all teachers and staff back for an exciting 2025.

To assist CEDoW in planning and scheduling for the year ahead, please complete a short Expression of Interest form (see the link below) for the Blended Online Learning courses on offer, as well as your preferred delivery options by COB on Friday 7 March 2025.

Short courses are self paced (approximately 2 hours).

Topics include:

• The Needs of Students with EAL/D
• Culturally Inclusive Teaching and Learning
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder
• Learning Theory
• Working in Partnership with Parents

Parent course topics – available to all staff (certificate upon completion – 4 hours):

• Autism for Parents
• ADHD for Parents

Once the course schedule has been finalised it will be shared with staff through Gateway News and communication flyers.

For more information about available courses, including short courses, please refer to our flyer or visit the OLT website.

Please note: Certificates will only be issued when registering with @dow.catholic.edu.au email address. Requests from alternative email addresses will incur a fee.

Implementing Phonemic Awareness and Phonics in the Early Years Course

For: Primary Principals, Kindergarten and Stage 1 teachers. DLN Coordinators and teachers across Stages 2 and 3 who may have students requiring support in this area.

This three day professional learning opportunity aimed at Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 classroom teachers has been designed to deepen teacher’s knowledge of phonemic awareness and phonic knowledge as outlined in the reformed K-10 English syllabus. Teachers will develop their knowledge, skills and understanding to enhance phonological awareness pedagogy and embed change of practice in line with the new K-10 English syllabus.

Participants will:

• Explore the evidence-based research related to learning to read and develop an understanding of the importance of oral language in developing phonological awareness
• Learn how phonological awareness skills increase in complexity
• Use the teaching and learning cycle, underpinned by the NSW K-10 English syllabus, to support decisions about what students need to learn
• Understand why the explicit and systematic teaching of phonological awareness skills is essential for effective reading instruction
• Consider further teaching strategies and considerations for supporting student development of strong phonological awareness skills

Throughout the course participants will engage in collaborative discussions and interact with practical hands-on strategies and resources to enhance student learning.

Course Name: Teaching Phonemic Awareness and Phonics in the Early Years.

RSVP: Teaching Phonemic Awareness and Phonics in the Early Years.

Venue and Dates: Participants enrolled in the course have the flexibility to choose the venue region that best suits their needs/ geographic location for attending the sessions. If there is a clash with a particular date, participants can join the other cohort.

Casual release funding is provided. Please use code F02.

Please contact Joanne Treffone (0427 368 312) for any questions.

AI in the Classroom Canva Tutorial

Earn a certificate on AI in the classroom  

AI might be the hottest topic in education right now, but what does it really mean for your classroom?

That’s exactly what Canva’s new AI in the Classroom course is here to help with!

This 100% free, self-paced course shows you how AI can help save you time on lesson prep, spark creativity, and engage your students with practical classroom examples.

You’ll get hands-on with AI tools, explore ready-to-use ideas, and earn a professional certificate—all in just 60 minutes. 

STEM 2025 FREE Online Webinar Offerings for Students and Educators

Eddie Woo: Register your class or school now!

Register here.

Celebrate Pi Day with a special webinar featuring Eddie Woo, Australia's most beloved mathematics educator, YouTube sensation, and newly appointed Professor of Practice at the University of Sydney.

This event promises to inspire educators, students, and mathematics enthusiasts alike with Eddie's signature energy and passion for teaching.

If you are unable to attend the live webinar you can register and receive a link to watch at a convenient time for your class.

Catholicity STUFF (Spending Time Unpacking Faith Foundations)

For: Primary Principals and RECs

Targeting K-6 early career and beginning teachers, this course aims to build foundational knowledge and skills in the area of Catholicity for application in the K-6 Classroom and across the Primary School.

• Tuesday 11 March 2025 (9 am - 3 pm)

Funding available as follows (1 stream school = 1 place, 2 stream school = 2 places, 3 stream school = 3 places, 4 stream school = 4 places).

Casual Release code: C01.

Please consider who on your staff may benefit from this one day professional learning experience. For more information and registration details please click here.

Registrations close Friday 28 February 2025.

Contact: Helen Moon (moonh01@dow.catholic.edu.au).

A Course for Aspiring Leaders

Expressions of Interest are sought from suitable applicants to enrol in A Course for Aspiring Leaders, a CEDoW professional development opportunity focused on developing and supporting future leaders within the CEDoW system of schools.

The course is for those teachers who do not currently hold a formal leadership role within their school but would like to aspire to a leadership role in the future.

A Course for Aspiring Leaders will be conducted over 12 months in 2025 during Terms 1-3 with an opt-in session in Term 4.

There will be two cohorts for this course. An Illawarra cohort and a Macarthur cohort. Please register interest on LMS.

View the course flyer here.