Professional Learning
Early Years Symposium
The Catholic Schools NSW Early Years Symposium is a key professional learning event for early childhood educators, teachers, and leaders supporting children aged 0–8. Catholic Schools NSW welcomes Commissioner Anne Hollonds, Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, who will share vital insights on reforms in early childhood care, safety, and policy.
Date and time: Thursday 4 September 2025 · 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Featured speakers include:
-
Br David Hall fms
Dean of La Salle Academy, Australian Catholic University
Br David Hall will offer an insightful Catholic perspective on the day’s theme, thoughtfully aligning it with the spiritual significance of the Jubilee Year of Hope. -
Dr Amie Fabry
Director of Early Childhood, The Learning Future
Dr Fabry will explore the critical role of early childhood leadership in shaping school cultures that support children’s transitions and lifelong learning. Drawing on her groundbreaking PhD research and pioneering framework Lead with Intention, she will challenge us to rethink how we position the early years within the broader school ecosystem.
Topic: Leading Early Years for the Future: The Case for Early Childhood Leadership in Schools -
2024 AEDC NSW results
This session will outline high-level data on the 2024 AEDC NSW results and provide practical guidance on steps schools can take to respond to the data.
Purpose and objectives:
- To explore the intersection of Catholic identity, pedagogy, and child development
- To deepen understanding of children’s rights and their implications for early years education
- To provide a platform for renowned speakers and advocates in early childhood education
- To foster statewide collaboration and networking among Catholic educators and leaders
K–12 NCCD 2026 Resourcing Workshop via Zoom
Audience: Principals and Leaders of Diverse Learning and Pastoral Care K–12
Two sessions will be offered in Week 7, Term 3, to unpack the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) Resourcing Model for 2026.
Leaders are encouraged to prioritise attendance at one of these workshops to ensure a deep understanding of the model and how it can be used to effectively support students with diverse and wellbeing needs.
A calendar invitation will be sent for both sessions to provide flexibility for schools about schedules and needs.
Session Dates and Times
Option 1 – Thursday 4 September 2025 (9:30 am – 11:00 am)
Or
Option 2 – Friday 5 September 2025 (9:30 am – 11:00 am)
Any questions can be directed to Kerryn Barnett at BarnettK01@dow.catholic.edu.au or Katie Carroll at CarrollK02@dow.catholic.edu.au.
Who Am I? Scriptural Foundations for Our Search for Meaning and Purpose
For: Secondary RECs/Leaders of Mission
Date: 19 September 2025
Venue: The Emmaus Centre, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown
Secondary Religious Education Coordinators and Leaders of Mission, please share this information with your relevant staff.
Are you a Secondary RE teacher, Pastoral Care, or Wellbeing leader seeking to deepen your understanding of meaning and purpose within a scriptural framework?
This professional learning day, Who Am I? Scriptural Foundations for Our Search for Meaning and Purpose is designed specifically for you.
We'll explore how foundational scriptures can empower you to:
- Enrich your Religious Education curriculum: Discover new ways to connect biblical narratives with students' personal journeys of self-discovery.
- Enhance pastoral care and wellbeing initiatives: Equip yourself with scripturally-grounded insights to guide students through life's big questions.
- Foster a deeper sense of identity and belonging in your students: Learn how to help students explore their unique purpose through the lens of faith.
Join us for a day of insightful discussion, practical strategies, and renewed inspiration as we collectively explore the profound question, "Who am I?" and its scriptural answers.
Connect and Collaborate: Primary Programming Workshops for Teachers
Are you a primary teacher looking for an excellent opportunity to network and collaborate with colleagues from other CEDoW schools?
The Learning K–12 team is excited to offer a series of voluntary programming workshops designed specifically for you! Imagine working alongside fellow educators to plan and refine your English and Mathematics units, sharing your best ideas, practices, pedagogy, and quality resources from across the Diocese.
Workshop Options
We've designed flexible scheduling to suit your availability, with workshops held across various dates and venues during the second half of Term 3 and throughout the September pupil vacation period.
You can choose from:
- Afternoon Workshops: Four 1.5-hour, one-off sessions available in:
- Macarthur
- Southern Highlands
- Wollongong
- Far South Coast
- Full-Day Workshop Session: Two sessions, delivered over two separate weeks (one day per week) during the September pupil vacation period.
Don't miss this chance to connect, create, and experience the power of shared expertise!
Complete the Google Form here to register your interest.
Blended Online Learning – Semester 2
Audience: All staff
How can Blended Online Learning be used as a response to PB4L data?
If you are interested in a bespoke course, delivered on-site at a time that suits you, please email wssadmin@dow.catholic.edu.au. You might also consider partnering with neighbouring schools that have similar interests or needs.
All courses can be offered as bespoke courses with a minimum participant cohort of eight.
Upcoming courses in Term 3 – Flyer link here.
- Supporting Student Wellbeing and Mental Health [F2F]
Parent courses
Parent courses are also available and can be offered to all staff and families seeking information or support around understanding ADHD and Autism via the OLT website.
Short courses are self-paced (approximately 2 hours) and include:
- The Needs of Students with EAL/D
- Culturally Inclusive Teaching and Learning
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Learning Theory
- Working in Partnership with Parents
Enrolment in only one course at a time.
See the flyer above for registration links.