New Actions
Payroll Updates
For: Principals
Due: As relevant
Contact: Pat Murray (murrayp04@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First Notice
We recognise that service delays across the start of the year have been frustrating for some staff who have raised tickets with People and Culture and in particular Payroll. We want to acknowledge the longer than usual response times for enquiries, and we appreciate your patience as we work through these. Below is some messaging and context which may assist with these enquiries from your staff.
Question: I submitted a payroll query over two weeks ago but have yet to receive a response. Does anyone monitor the payroll tickets?
Response: Payroll queries are logged and tracked through our ticketing system, and each one receives a response. However, the past two pay periods have seen an unprecedented increase in workload, with over 2,000 staff movements processed. We acknowledge the frustration caused by delays and sincerely appreciate your patience. Our team is working through a significant backlog, which we aim to clear by the start of Term 2.
Action: To ensure your query is directed appropriately:
- Please submit all payroll-related queries via Freshservice at payrolladmin@dow.catholic.edu.au.
- If your concern is about an incorrect salary payment, notify your SSSO, who can escalate the matter directly to your payroll officer or Pat Murray, Payroll Manager, to resolve the issue before the next pay cycle.
Important: The cut-off date for the next payroll processing is Friday 28 March 2025.
We are committed to improving service standards across all teams within People and Culture, including Payroll. To better manage peak workloads, we are actively recruiting additional temporary team members for the payroll team.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve response times and service efficiency.
Microsoft’s Minecraft Education: Peter is Here – AI for Cultural Heritage
For: Principals and RECs
Due: As relevant
Contact: Jo Kenny (joanne.kenny@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First Notice
An interactive educational experience within Minecraft Education that allows students to explore and restore St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Developed in collaboration with the Vatican and Microsoft, this program integrates history, art, and technology to engage students aged 8 to 18.
National Catholic Education Commission Executive Director, Jacinta Collins, has welcomed Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage as an innovative way for students to explore the rich spiritual and historical legacy of St Peter’s Basilica.
"By integrating learning with Minecraft, a platform already popular among students, this initiative meets them where they are, making Church history accessible, relevant, and engaging.
Through hands-on experiences as artisans and restorers, students can deepen their understanding of faith, history, and cultural preservation through an immersive digital experience.
This is a unique collaboration between the Catholic Church, Minecraft Education and Microsoft and we are delighted to support this project and encourage schools to explore Peter is Here as a way to connect students with the Catholic faith tradition in a meaningful and interactive way."
Instructional Support Materials
The Peter is Here learning experience includes a range of instructional materials for teachers and students, including:
- Educator guide
- Classroom PowerPoint
- Student Workbook
- Family and community toolkit
- Family and Catholic community organisations guide
- Downloadable certificate of completion
Action: We encourage leaders to explore the site and review the materials. Schools are invited to engage with Peter is Here as a meaningful and interactive way to connect students with the Catholic faith tradition.
Access Peter is Here – AI for Cultural Heritage and all support materials.
See a letter to schools from the Vatican here.