Professional Learning

Understanding and Supporting EAL/D Learners –Professional Learning Opportunity for School Support Officers

School Support Officers (SSOs) currently working with, or interested in learning more about students new to Australia and students learning English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) are invited to join a professional learning session in Term 3 on Wednesday 6 August 2025 at the Parish Centre, St Therese West Wollongong.

This is a valuable opportunity for SSOs from across the diocese to come together, build connections, and share insights as we work towards establishing a professional learning community focused on supporting our EAL/D students.

Through peer-to-peer discussions and hands-on activities, participants will learn from and with one another, deepen their understanding of CEDoW’s processes and practices, and explore practical strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes for our diverse learners.

If you are interested in attending, please discuss with your principal and enrol via LMS to assist with resource planning and catering arrangements.

We hope you can join us in building strong networks and sharing expertise to support our EAL/D students.

Understanding and Supporting EAL/D Learners 2025

Wednesday 6 August 2025 9.30 am - 1.30 pm The Parish Centre St Therese, West Wollongong

For any questions, please contact Kylie Phillips at phillipsk06@dow.catholic.edu.au or Jane Stackhouse at stackhousej01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

ACER PAT Workshops

The ACER Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) School Engagement Team hosts several free webinars throughout the year, focusing on various topics which are relevant to schools at that point in time.

Some examples include PAT Administration account tips, PAT Reports, etc. If teachers or schools miss out on attending a webinar, all webinar recordings are available to watch on-demand via our School Support Centre.

Catch up on some of our most popular sessions, including:

• From research to assessment: diving into PAT Reading 
• From research to assessment: diving into PAT Maths 
• PAT interviews: exploring the context of PAT in a school setting
• PAT administration: account setup tips and tricks

Transform Your Leadership Impact: Mentoring & Coaching Development Program

CEDoW Partnership Opportunity with University of Technology Sydney

Limited positions available - UTS is offering a select group of mid-career teachers and middle leaders (Assistant Principals encouraged to apply) the optional chance to join a groundbreaking research initiative that will elevate your professional capabilities and directly impact teacher retention across Australia.

Why This Opportunity is Game-Changing

This isn't just another professional learning session. You'll be joining a select cohort (10-20 max) working alongside leading UTS researchers Dr Keith Heggart, Amy Cotton, and Dr Andrea Stringer on "The Impact of Online Mentoring and Coaching Training on Retention of Early Career Teachers in Australian Schools" - research that will shape the future of education in Australia.

What Makes This Program Exceptional

• Evidence-Based Training: Receive contemporary coaching methodologies directly from university researchers - training typically reserved for executive leadership programs
  
  
• Real Impact: Your coaching will directly contribute to solving Australia's teacher retention crisis while transforming an early career teacher's professional journey
  
  
• Career Acceleration: Position yourself as a recognised coaching leader and university partnership recognition
  
  
• Networking: Connect with forward-thinking educators across multiple school systems - expanding your professional influence beyond your current environment
  
  
• Structured Commitment: Six-month coaching relationship with comprehensive support - a manageable timeframe with maximum impact

Selection Criteria – Are You Ready?

Click HERE for more information and how to express your interest.

Next Steps

If you're ready to elevate your leadership impact and contribute to groundbreaking educational research, we want to hear from you. Principals are encouraged to share this opportunity with relevant middle leaders. 

Contact Vanessa Taylor at vanessa.taylor@dow.catholic.edu.au for details on how to express interest or for more information. Expressions of interest close Term 2, Week 10 - Friday 4 July 2025.

Pathways to Flourishing – Diverse Learning K-12 Professional Learning

Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners K–12

Flyer HERE.

Audience: K-12 Diverse Learning, Support Class Teachers, Pastoral Care/Wellbeing Leaders (Optional), and Curriculum Leaders (Optional)
Mode: Face to Face
Date: 24 July 2025
Time: 8.45 am arrival for a 9.00 am start - 3.30 pm
Venue: Wests Illawarra - Hargreaves St, Unanderra NSW 2526
Guests: Marina Bailey and Dr Matt Capp

RSVP Link HERE.

Verbal Intervention Training

Attention: School Support Officers

School Support Officers (SSOs) are offered a one-day professional learning opportunity during one of the following two pupil vacation periods (PVP) to provide strategies for supporting students exhibiting escalated levels of behaviour in order to ensure student learning is minimally disrupted by crisis behaviours.

Teachers and SSOs will be trained to respond to crisis situations with a focus on prevention using verbal de-escalation skills and strategies where restraint is inappropriate.

Participants will unpack the Crisis Development Cycle and develop skills in crisis management, emphasising:

• Early intervention
• De-escalation
• Non-physical methods for preventing or managing disruptive behaviour

The course will support staff to ensure students’ wellbeing and safety within the school by implementing school and system safety requirements.

Student learning outcomes will be supported by the safe and professional handling of a crisis situation.

Term 2 (PVP): Monday 14 July 2025
Venue: Emmaus Centre, Campbelltown
Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Term 3 (PVP): Monday 29 September 2025
Venue: Xavier Centre, Wollongong
Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Note: While this course is targeted at SSOs, casual teachers who are interested in this course are welcome to attend.

Please register your interest on LMS.

Blended Online Learning – Semester 2

Upcoming courses in Term 3 – Flyer link HERE

• Understanding and Supporting Behaviour [Zoom]
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs [Zoom]
• Understanding Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [Zoom]
• Supporting Student Wellbeing and Mental Health [F2F]
• Attachment and Trauma Theory [F2F]

Enrolment in only one course at a time. See the flyer above for registration links.

Attention: Semester 1 Course Participants

Reminder to participants who undertook Semester 1 courses: Understanding Autism, Understanding Behaviour, and Dyslexia & Significant Difficulties in Reading — the completion date is 3 July 2025.