Welcome to Scholaris

Day One (Monday 4 May) of the Symposium will focus on School Safety, covering topics such as the NSW Anti-bullying Framework, antisemitism and social cohesion, and school security. This day is aimed at Diocesan Directors, system leaders, wellbeing leaders, heads of counselling, safeguarding leads, and principals, and will feature a keynote address from Professor Donna Cross. In addition, the program will include diocesan and RI/MPJP Catholic school case studies, panel discussions, and table discussions with ample time for Q&A. 

Day Two (Tuesday 5 May) will address a range of topics including wellbeing and pastoral care, anti-bullying, student behaviour, diverse learning, and school safety. The program will feature distinguished keynote speakers and four workshop streams: Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE), Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), Diverse Learning, and Mental Health/Pastoral Care. This day is designed for a broad audience, including school and diocesan leaders, diverse learning specialists, wellbeing staff, counsellors, pastoral support staff, and principals. 

Date and time: 8:30am Monday 4 May 2026 - 4:00pm Tuesday 5 May.
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, 199 George Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000.

For more information about this event and to register, simply click here. 

As of Monday 9 March, NESA Identity is live. To introduce the improved security features, eTAMS has been unavailable between 5pm Friday 6 March February and 8am Monday 9 March.

From Monday 9 March, teachers will sign in to eTAMS and NESA Learning using their email address as their username. This change will improve account security. 

NESA contacted teachers with incorrect details in 2025. The majority of those contacted have updated their credentials which allows NESA to create a NESA Identity on their behalf. The next time they sign in after launch, they will need to create a new password and set up 2-step verification to keep their account secure into the future. 

Teachers who have not updated their email address or mobile number in eTAMS will need to complete their NESA Identity setup before accessing eTAMS. This involves providing their current email address and/or mobile number. 

NESA News Update – 9 March 2026 (Ref: 52/26)

By subscribing to NESA News, you will receive the latest updates and information as soon as it becomes available.

Subscribe to NESA News here

NESA Official Notices

NESA Official Notices can be accessed here

NESA Timetable of action for secondary schools

Timetable of action for secondary schools can be accessed here

** Important** NAPLAN Starts Tomorrow

NAPLAN begins on Wednesday 11 March. 

Contact NESA immediately if any issues arise: 

• Call: 1300 119 556 or (02) 9367 8382
• Email: naplan.nsw@nesa.nsw.edu.au

To view the NAPLAN key dates, click here. 

Aboriginal Education Support for K–6 syllabuses

New Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching resources are now available to support the teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Priorities content across the following syllabuses: 

• Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024)
• HSIE K–6 Syllabus (2024)
• PDHPE K–6 Syllabus (2024)
• Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024). 

These resources build teachers’ understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Knowledges and include suggested teaching and learning activities for each stage of learning.  

Tour and workshop at the Fashion Design Studio – TAFE NSW

NESA’s SHAPE showcase partners, the Fashion Design Studio (FDS) at TAFE NSW, is offering a free tour and workshop exclusively for students attending SHAPE. 

Students will tour FDS’s purpose‑built design and textile studios and see the latest industry technology in use. The one‑hour workshops provide students a hands‑on introduction to generating original design concepts and selecting suitable textiles to enhance their work. 

Limited tickets are still available for: 

• Thursday, 19 March 9:30–11am
• Friday, 20 March 9:30–11am
• Friday, 20 March 12–1:30pm  

Click to register and book tickets.

Applications are open for the NESA Quality Teaching Scholarship

Applications are open for the 2026 Premier’s NESA Quality Teaching Scholarship, which supports NSW teachers to build their expertise around quality teaching and bring new ideas back to their school or services and broader education community. 

The scholarship funds a five‑week study tour in Australia or overseas. Teachers can explore a variety of topics including effective teaching practices, visit leading education organisations and use their learning to benefit their school or early childhood community. 

All teachers are encouraged to apply. Strong applications will show a clear area of interest and how the learning will make a difference for children and students. 

Applications close Monday, 14 April 2025. 

Click to apply.

Key Dates

From now - HSC marker and judge marker applications open

11 March - NAPLAN begins

16 March - SHAPE showcase opens at UTS

17 March - Main student entry for 2026 Years 10, 11 and 12 closes

19 March - HSC marker and judge marker applications close

23 March - WriteOn competition opens

25 March - Principal Certification of Year 10, 11 and 12 student entry data closes

27 March - Due date for Principals to finalise HSC marking applications

2 April - Last date to apply for exam provisions for the 2026 HSC exams

20 April - 2026 HSC languages oral exam timetable released & 2026 HSC written exam elective surveys open

Professional Learning

Registrations are closing soon! 2026 CSSA Symposium – Differentiating the K-12 Curriculum: Personalising Learning for Student Achievement (Ref: 58/26)

Tickets are selling fast for the 2026 CSSA Symposium on Monday, 23 March 2026. This year's symposium will showcase differentiation of the current curriculum, future syllabuses and innovative examples in Catholic schools. The personalisation of curriculum is at heart of student success in our schools. 

CCSP eSafety Term 1 Webinar: Supporting Healthy Tech Use as Your Child Transition into Secondary School (Ref

Please join the eSafety Commissioner’s expert team for this free live webinar.

As your child moves into high school the influence of peers intensifies and online social connections become increasingly complex, but there is plenty you can do to support them.

This 45-minute webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into secondary school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences. 

Webinar details:

Date: Wednesday 18 March 2026 

Time: 7:00pm - 7:45pm AEDT

Delivery: Online

Audience: Suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7.

To register, click here.

CCSP guides for schools for Parents (Ref: 56/26)

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW (CCSP) has an excellent series of free guides for parents that schools can print out for or email to their families, include in enrolment packs and upload to their websites. These three great handbooks are easy-to-read guides to help parents engage effectively with their child’s school. You can find the downloadable PDFs on our website using the links below, or email CCSP on office@ccsp.catholic.edu.au. With forewords by Bishop Danny Meagher, principals will love these guides that assist parents’ understanding, and champion school and family partnerships.

Families and Schools Together: How parents can work with schools to support children’s learning and wellbeing 

• Supports parents to build strong, respectful partnerships with Catholic schools
• Explains what parent engagement is and what parents can do to help their child thrive
• Provides advice on building positive relationships with other parents, staff and students
• Includes great tips on helping children with learning at school and at home
• Encourages parents to be involved in parent groups and school life
• Invites parents to help create caring Catholic communities

Download the guide here 

Supporting Diverse Learners with Disability in Catholic Schools: A guide by parents for parents

• Designed to help parents confidently navigate the school journey
• Guidance on working effectively with teachers and school staff
• Practical, easy-to-use advice for both primary and secondary school
• Helps you prepare your child with disability for school and each stage of learning
• Tips to support positive learning and wellbeing outcomes

Download the guide here 

Our Catholic Faith: A handbook for parents of students with children in NSW Catholic schools

• An introduction to Catholicism and what makes a school Catholic
• Explains Catholic beliefs and traditions in a simple way
• Encourages ALL parents to attend liturgies they are invited to attend during the school year
• Includes easy-to-understand information about Religious Education, liturgy and Mass, faith formation, the Catholic school calendar and prayers
• A perfect beginners guide for families and staff who aren’t Catholic

Download the guide here

Improving School Readiness for Hostile Threat Incidents - A Webinar with Peter Moroney (Ref: 55/26)

School System and School staff are invited to attend an upcoming professional learning webinar on Improving School Readiness for Hostile Threat Incidents by Peter Moroney, Director, Nemesis Consultancy Group. Designed for System leaders, WHS managers, Child Protection and Safeguarding staff, School Principals, Assistant Principals and school staff involved in Emergency Management, this online session will be held on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, from 11:00am to 12:00pm.

Increasing global geopolitical tensions are changing the threat environment for Australia. To help NSW Catholic schools get ahead of the risk curve, CSNSW has been working with Nemesis Consultancy Group to conduct a pilot project on school readiness for an incident. The key results of this project will be provided in this upcoming professional learning webinar on Improving School Readiness for Hostile Threat Incidents that will be delivered by Peter Moroney, Director, Nemesis Consultancy Group.

Peter will also provide schools with guidance on how they can improve their capability to initiate and conduct lockdowns from recess or lunch and work with law enforcement authorities to maximise the safety of their students and staff. He will also provide an overview of a range of training opportunities to help embed best practice for school readiness across school systems and schools.

Webinar details:

• Date: Wednesday 25 March 2026
• Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
• Delivery: Online
• Audience: System leaders, WHS managers, Child Protection and Safeguarding staff, School Principals, Assistant Principals and school staff involved in Emergency Management.
• Participants can register for this webinar by clicking here

This professional learning opportunity is open to the NSW Catholic education sector only.

Last chance to register for Meet the Markers 2026 - HSC science exam analysis sessions (Ref: 54/26)

Developed in collaboration with NESA, Meet the Markers is the Science Teachers Association of NSW (STANSW) flagship professional learning event sharing insights from experienced HSC markers to enhance your teaching strategy and student outcomes.

Registrations for the following sessions can be taken this week only, all registrations close Thursday 12 March 2026:

• 16 March, 4:30pm: Science Extension - Register here
• 17 March, 4:30pm: Physics Exam Analysis - Register here
• 18 March, 4:30pm: Biology Exam Analysis - Register here
• 19 March, 4:30pm: Earth & Environment Exam Analysis - Register here
• 20 March (all day): Meet the Markers Extended - Face-to-face Day - Register via phone and credit card, call (02) 9763 2751

Exploring the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework Webinar with Professor Donna Cross (Ref: 46/26)

Schools are invited to promote an upcoming professional learning webinar, Exploring the NSW Anti‑Bullying Framework, which will be delivered by Professor Donna Cross OAM for Diocesan leaders, Heads of Counselling, wellbeing leads, school leaders, pastoral care leads, and teachers.

The development of the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework was led by Professor Donna Cross. Professor Cross worked in collaboration with each school sector in NSW and conducted a sweeping review of global, national and NSW evidence and targeted consultation with NSW schools and families. 

The Framework sets out a consistent, evidence-based approach to reducing harm from bullying that NESA will require all NSW schools to reflect in their policies and procedures by the beginning of 2027.

Webinar details:

Date: Thursday 12 March 2026

Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Delivery: Online

Audience: Diocesan leaders, Heads of Counselling, Diocesan Wellbeing leads, school leaders, pastoral care leads and teachers.

Participants can register for this webinar by clicking here

This professional learning opportunity is open to the NSW Catholic education sector only.

Save the Date: 2027 Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference – 19 & 20 October 2027 (Ref: 30/26)

Save the date! Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) with the Diocese of Broken Bay, will be co-hosting the CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference on 19 and 20 October 2027. The conference is set to be held at the beautiful Manly Pacific on the shores of the Pacific Ocean on the traditional homeland of the Gayemagal people of the greater Eora Nation. 

Keep yourself in the loop and receive further updates by filling in the expression of interest form: Expression of Interest 2027 CSNSW Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Conference

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Student Resources 

NSW School Vaccination Program (Ref: 44/26) 

NSW Health works with schools to offer free vaccines to students. Local Public Health Units (PHUs) will contact schools to arrange dates for school vaccination clinics. They will also distribute printed student flyers and parent flyers for all students enrolled in Year 7 and Year 10. Printed consent forms will be distributed by the PHUs following discussions with individual schools.

Click here for more information about the School Vaccination Program. Information for parent and carers can be found here. 

Please note: to avoid confusion, ensure parents understand that consent must be provided via the NSW Health School Vaccination Program online consent portal.

 

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School Updates & Newsletters 

CSSA HSC Trial Exam Ordering (Ref: 27/26) 

Ordering for the CSSA HSC Trial Exams has opened! Principals should have received information about the CSSA HSC Trial Exams via Australia Post and the Principal Information Package was emailed on Friday 6 February.

Timeline for ordering CSSA HSC Exams

19 January – Principal Information Package sent via Australia Post

6 February – Principal Information Package emailed

9 February – CSSA website opens for online orders

27 March – Applications for Disability Provisions due

2 April – CSSA website closes for online orders

 

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Scholarships and Awards

Applications open for the NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships (Ref: 47/26)

Successful applicants will receive $15,000 to complete a 5-week study tour within Australia or abroad. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the most acclaimed schools and centres for teaching and training and collaborate with professionals in a key focus area to inspire positive outcomes for students in NSW schools.

If you are a current temporary or permanent teacher or in an early childhood centre in a Catholic school in NSW, you may be eligible to apply.

The NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships include: 

• Premier's Anika Foundation Youth Depression Awareness Scholarship
• Premier's Creativity across the Curriculum Scholarship
• Premier's Early Childhood Australia Education Scholarship
• Premier's Economics and Business Educators NSW Commerce Scholarship
• Premier's Hicksons Lawyers Rural and Remote Education Scholarship
• Premier's History Teachers' Association History Scholarship
• Premier's NESA Quality Teaching Scholarship
• Premier's Reserve Bank of Australia Economics Scholarship
• Premier's Teachers Mutual Bank Aboriginal Education Scholarship
• Premier’s University of New England STEM and Technology Scholarship
• Premier's University of Sydney Mathematics Scholarship
• Premier's Vocational Education in Schools Scholarship
• Premier's Western Sydney University Inclusive Education Scholarship

 

Apply for the NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships here

Applications close Friday 15 May 2026, 11:59 pm (AEST).

 

For further information, please visit the NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships webpage

View the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact the program team via premierscholarships@det.nsw.edu.au or (02) 7814 3820.