New Actions
Draft Policy Consultation – School Educational Program, Assessment and Reporting Policy and Literacy and Numeracy Policy
For: Principals and school leaders
Due: 26 September 2025
Contact: Russell Newman, Head of Learning K-12, Genevieve Cook, Team Leader – Learning K-12, or Katherine Maish, Team Leader – Learning K-12
First notice
For: Principals and school leaders. Feedback from other staff (school and CEO) is also welcomed.
Action: We’re seeking feedback from principals, school leaders, and other interested school and CEO staff on the draft revised School Educational Program, Assessment and Reporting (SEPAR) Policy and the Literacy and Numeracy (L&N) Policy. The SEPAR Policy consolidates two existing, separate policies (School Educational Program Policy and Assessment and Reporting Policy) and is supported by the proposed Information Sheet: Off-level, partial and non-graded reporting (Kindergarten to Year 10).
These initiatives were driven by the need to:
- update policy to reflect current practice and align to the Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework
- reflect the spirit of connected autonomy within policy and contribute to this strategic objective
- reflect the LTW2023+ focus areas of student learning and wellbeing and system support for the core work of teaching by simplifying policy requirements wherever possible and emphasising quality pedagogy
We value your input and want to listen to your thoughts, concerns and ideas about the draft policies. You can access the consultation drafts here.
Feedback can be provided to CEDoW Policy via policy@dow.catholic.edu.au. This feedback could range from a formal written response to a summary of general observations and suggestions. Alternatively, we can arrange a discussion via phone or Zoom.
The consultation period will close on 26 September 2025.
If you have any questions about the draft School Educational Program, Assessment and Reporting Policy, or the Literacy and Numeracy Policy, please contact Russell Newman, Head of Learning K-12, Genevieve Cook, Team Leader – Learning K-12, or Katherine Maish, Team Leader – Learning K-12.
Free Webinar – Unlocking Your Child’s Potential
For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Now
Contact: Mark Rix (pandf@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice
The Council of Catholic School Parents, in partnership with Beyond, is offering a free webinar for parents and carers of students in Years 3–6.
Prepared for parents of Years 3–6 primary school, the webinar empowers parents to recognise and nurture their child’s unique strengths and talents, guiding them toward greater confidence, motivation, and resilience.
Nurturing Strengths – Primary Parent Webinar
Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Time: 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm
Action: Schools are asked to share this opportunity with parents through their communication channels.
A Conference for Parents and Carers of Children in Catholic Schools in the Jubilee Year of Hope
For: Principals and SSSOs
Due: Now, as relevant
Contact: Mark Rix (pandf@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice
Action: Schools are asked to please share the information below via your communication channels with your parents and carers, as well as with your P&F groups.
On 25 October 2025, the Council for Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting a special anniversary celebration conference for all NSW/ACT parents and carers with children in Catholic schools! It’s going to be a value-packed day of connection and collaboration where their expert presenters will provide specialist advice on parenting in a modern world.
Dr Justin Coulson: co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au
Michelle Mitchell: sought-after author and speaker on parenting tweens and teens
Daniel Principe: a passionate youth advocate and educator, and nominee for Australian of the Year.
This conference will cover areas such as managing technology with young people, consent and respectful relationships, cybersafety, building your child’s resilience, sleep, managing anxiety, screens and brain development, supporting your child’s learning at home and at school and more!
Date: Saturday 25 October 2025
Time: 8.30 am – 3.30 pm (doors open at 8.00 am)
Location: Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Parking is available at the venue, Novotel Parramatta, for a day rate. Please contact the hotel for more information: (02) 9630 4999. Other options include Eat Street Parking. Novotel Parramatta is offering special rates for conference guests. Please call the reservations team on 02 9890 0850 or email novotel@nmsp.com.au to book and advise them that you are attending the conference. Valid until 9 October 2025, subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
Find out more information here.
Buy a ticket here: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World Registration.
Over-18 Outdoor Movie Night: The Muppet Christmas Carol
For: Principals
Due: Now, as relevant
Contact: Fr Duane Fernandez (duane.fernandez@dow.org.au)
First notice
Action: Schools are asked to share this event with staff who may fall within the age bracket, as well as any graduating Year 12 students who will turn 18 before the event in November.
As Year 12 draws to a close, we invite our graduating students to join us at the Young Adult Outdoor Movie Night in November.
Details:
When: Saturday 22 November 2025 (6.00 pm to 10.00 pm)
Where: The outdoor grounds of St Mary's Towers, Douglas Park (follow signage for parking directions)
Address: 415 Douglas Park Drive, Douglas Park
Dinner: BBQ burgers on the house, a free ice cream bar with homemade flavours and fun toppings, followed by a cinema-style popcorn stand
Who: Young adults aged 18 and over
Please see the flyer for all details here.
Notes of Hope – Class of 2025
For: Principals
Due: Now
Contact: David Gearin (gearind01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
First notice
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20
Action: Principals, please share the information below with your school community.
As our Year 12 students come to the end of their Catholic education in our schools, Matthew’s gospel reminds us that the Holy Spirit is in our midst when we gather in community and between the lines when we communicate in writing.
Our senior students will be facing the challenge of final exams early next term, having navigated a range of disruptions and pressures throughout their high school years. As a school community and broader diocesan community, we stand with them in solidarity as they approach this important milestone in their learning journey. They remain in our thoughts and prayers.
The HSC starts on 16 October 2025 (Week 1, Term 4).
As a Catholic community THE7 Miles to Emmaus Outreach Challenge is to create a Note of Hope for a Year 12 student.
This challenge is being offered to school students and staff and the broader CEDoW community.
This Note of Hope is designed to remind our senior students that we are a broad and diverse community, even if at times our connections have been shaped by distance, changing circumstances, and new ways of learning. It is also intended to motivate and encourage them as they begin their HSC and prepare to graduate in Term 4.
“To Christians, the future does have a name, and its name is Hope. Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naïve and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow.”
Pope Francis, 2017
Our beloved Pope Francis’ message in 2017 is still relevant today for our current Year 12 students. If he were with us today, the same message would include a slight addition –
“The future does have a name, and its name is Hope”… and its name is the Class of 2025.
Instructions regarding involvement in the outreach to the class of 2025 are provided in the links below:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11