Updates
Stem Cell Donors Australia – Online Appeal
As you may be aware, Fr David Catterall will soon be undertaking a stem cell transplant. While not without its risks, this transplant offers him a better outcome to his Acute Myeloid Leukaemia diagnosis.
Each year, over 1,100 Australians, like Fr David, search for a stem cell donor to cure their blood cancer or disorder. A transplant from a genetically matched donor is often a last-resort treatment that could save their life. However, Australia’s existing donor pool only helps around 80 patients annually, leaving many struggling to find a match. By registering as a donor, you could give hope to patients worldwide.
Stem Cell Donors Australia runs the national donor registry, and signing up is as simple as completing an online form and a free cheek swab kit sent to your home. If you are ever a genetic match, you’ll be contacted to donate your blood stem cells.
Becoming a donor is free, easy, and could change someone’s life. If you’re 18 to 35 and generally healthy, you can join Fr David’s appeal here or scanning the QR code below.
Payroll Updates
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.
Portability requests are being addressed for the end of Term 1, in line with other Dioceses. If you have an urgent need to submit leave please speak to your SSSO who can escalate this with us.
We are actively working on solutions, including improving processes, a temporary increase in staffing and changes in work practices. Our priority is pay related issues. If you have an issue relating to the current pay which you do not believe has been addressed please let your SSSO know and they will escalate it on your behalf.
Salary Packaging Update
Please note the following Smart Salary update:
Salary Packaging Benefits: We understand that the cost of living is affecting everyone, so we want to ensure that all our staff are aware of the benefits and savings available through salary packaging.
Novated Car Leasing Updates: There have been some changes to novated car leasing, specifically related to the Electric Car Discount Policy.
As of 1 April 2025, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are no longer eligible for the additional discounts available through the electric car discount policy. We have attached an updated flyer that reflects these changes and provides savings examples for PHEVs aligned with standard novated leasing tax benefits.
If you would like to find out more about salary packaging and how it can benefit you, please fill out the following Expression of Interest form to attend an information session: Salary Packaging Information Session Expression of Interest Form.
Access EAP 2025 Updates
The hottest days of the year are behind us, and as we move into autumn, take the time to recharge for your mental health and wellbeing.
Resilience lets us adapt to life's challenges and bounce back from setbacks. It can help us to maintain mental health and wellbeing even when facing adversity, and allows us to keep moving forward despite obstacles in life.
Building resilience doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily habits can help:
- Take Mental Breaks – Step away from screens and allow your mind to recharge
- Practice Self-Compassion – Be as kind to yourself as you would to a friend
- Reach Out for Support – You don’t have to do it alone; professional help is available.
View the March edition of Access EAP’s Newsletter or dive into Access EAP's wealth of easily accessible information to help support you.
If you have any questions regarding the resources, please contact Workplace Safety and Wellbeing 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.
Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope website launched
Please see the media release here regarding the launch of the Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope website, which includes national resources for the Jubilee year. The site contains resources for each of the jubilees, enabling schools to celebrate the events. Please see the website here. The site is now live and will be updated throughout the year as additional material becomes available.
Like Minecraft? Love the Vatican?
Transform your classrooms with Minecraft's latest arrival, Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage.
Step through time and bring the majesty of Vatican City into your classroom!
Microsoft and the Vatican have created an extraordinary new Minecraft Education experience that lets students actively explore St Peter's Basilica across four historic periods.
Imagine your students restoring historic rooms using period-accurate details, uncovering hidden artifacts, and learning how communities across time came together to build one of Christianity's most sacred spaces. This innovative world seamlessly blends Catholic heritage with STEM learning, offering engaging activities that connect faith, architecture, and digital literacy.
Ready to transform how your students experience their Catholic heritage? The link below includes teacher resources, student guides, lesson plans, and more.
All teachers and students have access to Minecraft. Sign in here.
For further information or if you have any questions, please contact:
- Mark Woolley at mark.woolley@dow.catholic.edu.au
- Ben Woods at benjamin.woods@dow.catholic.edu.au
- Russ Flannery at russell.flannery@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Have an Ethical Easter in 2025
“Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.” – Pope Francis
A significant portion of chocolate available in Australia is produced using cocoa beans harvested by child labourers, many of whom endure enslavement and exploitative working conditions.
Indulge responsibly, select ethically sourced chocolate, and support companies working towards eliminating slavery from their supply chain this Easter and beyond.
Click on the links for tips and further information.
Slavery Free Easter Chocolate - Catholic Earthcare
Indulge Responsibly Easter Poster
Also, consider not buying something that is overly packaged. Lots of Easter eggs come encased in several layers of foil, cardboard and plastic - each of which come with an environmental and often human cost of their own. Remember to recycle your foil…
“The knowledge about what we buy is the first act in not being complicit. Look at where those products come from.” – Pope Francis
Appin and Sorry Day Events (Winga Myamly)
For: Principals and SSSO’s
Action: For inclusion in your school’s newsletter and/or parent communications.
This year marks the 209th Anniversary of the Appin Massacre. The memorial service will be held on Sunday 13 April 2025 at Cataract Dam from 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, with a free sausage sizzle.
We encourage staff, students, and their parents, to attend the Appin Memorial as a sign of respect for the Dharawal people who were killed in the Massacre at Appin on 17 April 1816.
CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead
Is your CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead up to date?
Accreditation to WTL Level/s and any additional requirements are outlined on your contract.
If you still require more information or have any questions, please email: wtlaccreditation@dow.catholic.edu.au.
For general information on CEDoW Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead please visit the following website: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/accreditation-cedow/.
CEDoW Scholarship Support
For some areas of Accreditation to Work Teach and Lead, CEDoW offers Scholarship Support.
Please visit the following website for more information and to apply: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/cedow-scholarships/.
CEDoW Library
ACEN eBook of the Week
This week’s Sora eBook theme is Which is your Sport?
See the link here to explore the eBook titles for primary, secondary, and staff through the Australian Catholic Education Network (ACEN). Click on each image or use the QR code to access further information. To sign in to Sora, select "ACEN" as your school.
ClickView Highlight
This week’s ClickView highlight is Design Thinking Stages & Teaching with TED-Ed. You can view it here.
If you have any questions, please contact Jim Gallagher, Library Services Manager at gallagherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au.