Updates

Announcement – Priestly Appointment Change

Fr George Condookala has been appointed Assistant Priest of Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, Kiama. His appointment commenced on Tuesday 19 August 2025. View Bishop Brian’s memorandum here (3 September 2025).

Sad News – Mrs Rebecca Mansbridge 

With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Rebecca Mansbridge (Bec). Rebecca passed away peacefully on Saturday night, surrounded by her loving family, after facing an extended period of illness with remarkable strength and grace.

Mrs Mansbridge has been a devoted part of the St Francis of Assisi school community since 2003. As a teacher, Rebecca was a beloved and dedicated part of the school community. She touched the lives of so many through her passion for education, unwavering kindness, and genuine care for every student, colleague and family member. Her presence, care, and dedication have left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff, and families. 

As a Catholic community, we find comfort in our faith, trusting that Rebecca is now at peace in God’s loving embrace. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Minor amendments to the Modern Slavery Policy

Minor amendments have been made to CEDoW’s Modern Slavery Policy and supporting Modern Slavery Reporting Procedure. The amendments involved:

• simplifying the structure of the documentation;
• aligning the policy to the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network’s model policy, where appropriate;
• clarifying responsibilities and expectations, including updates to position titles.

The amendments will come into effect on 15 September 2025.

For further information, please contact Michael Knight, Director - Governance, Assurance and Risk at knightm06@dow.catholic.edu.au.

Wellbeing Compass: Supporting our Communities

The Wellbeing and Student Support team have created a resource which serves as a comprehensive but non-exhaustive resource for supporting the wellbeing of students in the Illawarra and Macarthur regions, specifically informed by NSW Health and local organisations of support. These directories will be updated as services and programs are made available in our diocese. These directories will remain live rather than continuously updating Gateway with individual services.

The first resource is for school staff and it contains a curated directory of professional development resources for staff, including links to webinars, courses, and networks focused on mental health and wellbeing.

Additionally, a separate directory is provided for community support services that schools can use to assist families. This directory is a tool for professional discernment, helping you find targeted support for students and their families in times of need, such as during school holidays, or for specific issues such as school refusal.

ACER Progressive Achievement Tests 

ACER Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) are valuable instruments used in schools to inform teachers, school and system leaders about student achievement and learning growth.

PAT tests are to be administered annually in Term 4 from Week 3 to Week 6, aligning with the norm sample (October/November). Principals need to ensure that assessments are administered under suitable conditions and that all staff are familiar with test administration instructions.

Schools must implement the following protocols around the use of PAT tests:

Primary Protocol

• All CEDoW primary schools are required to administer the following assessments to Years 1-6:
  • PAT Reading Adaptive, and
  • PAT Maths Adaptive

Secondary Protocol

• All CEDoW secondary schools are required to administer the following assessments to Years 7-10:
  • PAT Reading 5th Edition, and
  • PAT Maths 4th Edition

K-12 Protocol

• CEDoW K-12 school (St Francis Catholic College, Edmondson Park), will administer PAT tests in Reading and Maths for Years 1-10 with an appropriate level of flexibility between instrument types based on their specific age and stage appropriate context.

Schools retain the right to administer other PAT assessment products at their discretion and expense.

Useful links:

• 2025 ACER Webinars
• PAT Adaptive Test Administration Reading link
• PAT Adaptive Test Administration Maths link
• PAT Linear Reading 5th Ed link
• PAT Linear Test Administration Maths 4th Ed link

Please contact Learning K-12 Team Leaders, Katherine Maish at maishk01@dow.catholic.edu.au (secondary) and Genevieve Cook at cookg02@dow.catholic.edu.au (primary) for further information or enquiries.

Council of Catholic Schools Parents Family Partnerships Excellence Awards for 2025 are now open

Schools can apply now for the opportunity to receive a $5000 grant.

Council of Catholic Schools Parents' (CCSP) Family Partnerships Excellence Awards annual grants are offered to a NSW/ACT Catholic school that can show exemplary practice in family, school and community partnerships.

• Has your school community implemented an initiative that focuses on family, school and community collaboration?
  
  
• Does your initiative focus on faith formation, the school curriculum, student wellbeing, or any combination of the three?
  
  
• Has your initiative made a real difference for the students, staff and families in your community?

How to apply

1. Use the QR code below or go to the CCSP website to check your eligibility and download the 2025 Submission Form.

2. Complete the Submission Form by responding to six criteria about your school’s initiative.

3. Complete the online web form and declarations, and upload your Submission Form and supporting files.

Entries close at 5.00 pm on 17 October 2025.

If you need additional information, please contact Mark Rix at rixm02@dow.catholic.edu.au.