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NESA News (Ref: 188/25) 

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

Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize 2025: nominations now open 

You can now submit an expression of interest form if you know of an HSC student who is achieving academic excellence despite hardship.

New nomination process

The new expression of interest form means you can start the nomination process before the end of the year – and complete your nomination in the new year.

Extended deadline

We have also extended the submission deadline to the following year, to give schools more time to complete their nomination, following HSC results. Nominations will close on 28 February 2026.

About the Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize

The Prize recognises an HSC student or students who have overcome significant hardship to achieve academic excellence in their HSC.

Find out more about the Prize, guidelines, past recipients and donors.

Nominate a student here

2026 HSC Committee member applications close this Friday 

Applications for 2026 HSC Committee members close this Friday, 15 August.

This is an opportunity for applicants to develop their understanding of assessment techniques, enhance their skills in setting exams and contribute towards their professional development.

Further information can be found here

Last chance to register: 2025 Connected Catholic Communities Symposium (Ref: 181/25)

Final Tickets Available to hear about the Social Return on Investment of an Extended service school model: “We've been able to estimate the benefit of running a program where you are providing those additional support services in the school setting. And for every dollar that's invested in those programs, we've estimated there’s a $5 return.” Hear more from Social Impact expert Les Hems at the Connected Catholic Communities Symposium on Thursday, 14 August.

‘In many communities, out-of-school factors disproportionately influence our students’ life aspirations, opportunities and achievements’ - This inequity will continue whilst our interventions predominantly remain focused on in-school factors’

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS), Family Connect in Schools service (FCiS) is an ‘extended services’ school model that provides wraparound support for children, young people and their families. This is provided through a strategic partnership with Social Futures, a regional community service provider to deliver an in-school service to help families build capability, resilience, and access to support beyond the school gate to positively influence the life trajectory for those students and their families.

Paul Milgate, who has been leading the Family Connect in Schools service in the Diocese of Lismore, will be the keynote speaker at the Symposium. He will share his extensive experience in leading and developing a systemic approach to extended services operating in schools that deliver positive social impact and return on investment.

He will be joined by Social Impact expert Les Hems from Right Lane Consulting who will share the framework for understanding and measuring the social return on investment. He will also unpack the value that flows back to schools through better student attendance and behaviour, greater teacher and school leader productivity, stronger school reputation and increased enrolments. 

Date: Thursday, 14 August 2025, 9 am – 4 pm

Venue: Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney 

Cost: $100 for the full-day program and resources 

Register: https://www.csnsw.catholic.edu.au/events/symposium/connected-catholic-communities-symposium

‘Enabling our students to experience the fullness of life’- John (10:10)

NESA development of K-10 English and Mathematics assessment support materials (Ref: 175/25)

NESA invites K–10 English and Mathematics teachers to participate in a project developing assessment support materials aligned to the new syllabuses. 

NESA is working with the University of Sydney’s Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment (CEMA) on this project. This is an accredited professional learning opportunity for teachers to develop deep knowledge and understanding of the new syllabuses and to contribute to the building of common assessment resources for schools and teachers. 

As part of this project, NESA and CEMA will engage with participants through a variety of activities, beginning in Term 3 of 2025 and continuing through Term 2 of 2026. Activities will differ in terms of duration and type of engagement required, ranging from a half-day to six (non-consecutive) days. Your expression of interest does not commit you to all the activities taking place during the project. 

To register your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form HERE by COB on Friday, 8 August. You will be notified of the outcome of your EOI and given more details about your participation by Wednesday, 20 August. 

At a glance: 

• Who: K–10 English and Mathematics teachers with an interest in assessment 

• What: Collaborate with NESA and CEMA on the development of assessment support materials 

• When: Different activities from Term 3 2025 to Term 2 2026, ranging from half a day to six days (commitment to entire timeline not necessary) 

Thank you for your time and interest in this important work. 

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Project Lead Ellen O’Connor at: 

k-10 assessmentproject@nesa.nsw.edu.au

Professional Learning 

Australian Early Development Census report and upcoming webinars (Ref: 193/25)

Reports at a school, community, state and national level, show the number and percentage of children considered to be developmentally vulnerable, at risk or on track across the 5 developmental domains.

The AEDC 2024 NSW data report provides a summary of NSW AEDC data and explains data outcomes for children from various equity backgrounds. This report can be used by families, stakeholders and communities to plan, develop initiatives and measure the impact of these initiatives on developmental outcomes.

You are invited to engage with the 2024 AEDC data at upcoming webinars:

1.      26 August - ‘New findings from the AEDC: Implications for policy and practice in NSW’ presented by Mary Taiwo, Toni Kember and Lauren Anderson). You can register now.

2.      3 September - ‘Responding to the 2024 Australian Early Development Census - Planning your next steps’ presented by Nathan Wallis (neuroscience educator). Nathan will discuss research-based, effective, low-cost techniques that can be implemented immediately in response to the AEDC 2024 data outcomes. You can register now.

Session overview: 2025 CSSA Symposium – “Excellence in P-12 Religious Education in Catholic Schools” (Ref: 192/25)

Catholic Schools NSW invites School and System Leaders, Religious Education Coordinators, Classroom Teachers, Key Learning Area Coordinators, and Stage P-6 Year Coordinators in Catholic education to join us at the 2025 CSSA Symposium – “Excellence in P-12 Religious Education in Catholic Schools” on Friday, 5 September 2025, in Sydney.

The programme for the symposium has been finalised and can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to secure your tickets today!

Sessions at this year’s Symposium include: 

• Key Insights from Former Vatican Theologian
• Teacher’s Ecclesial Ministry
• Antiqua et Nova – The Relationship Between AI and Human Intelligence
• Staff Formation
• Best Practice in Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy (P–12)
• Evangelisation and Youth Ministry
• Lifelong Benefits of Catholic Schooling

Date:                                     Friday, 5 September 2025

Time:                                     8:30am - 4:00pm (registration desk opens at 8:00am)

Location:                             The Amora Hotel, Jamison Sydney

Cost:                                      $350.00

Tickets:                                 https://csnsw.link/2025-CSSA-Symposium-Register-Now

The location is close to Martin Place Metro, Circular Quay and Wynyard Train Stations, Light Rail, Buses or Secure Parking Stations.

As you would be aware, due to changes by the Commonwealth Government for the Non-Government Reform Support Fund that was available to cover the costs of prior CSSA Symposiums, the CSSA has reintroduced a fee for registration to each CSSA Symposium. The fee charged covers costs incurred to host the event.

Explicit teaching - resources from the NSW Department of Education (Ref: 191/25)

The New South Wales Department of Education has released several resources on explicit teaching. Explicit teaching is one of the eight themes that What Works Best 2025 regards as the most valuable and powerful practices that make an impact. 

Designed to help teachers sequence the learning process for children, explicit teaching puts learning into a clear sequence: getting students to understand why they are learning something, what their goals are, how it connects to what they already know, the expectations, how to do it, and what success looks like. 

Explicit teaching matters because it is heavily backed by research in cognitive science as well as practical classroom experiences of students who have been taught using explicit teaching, compared to those who haven't experienced it. It sets high expectations yet manages to engage students across a number of year levels and ability levels, improving their understanding and overall success.

Download the What Works Best explicit teaching resources:

What Works Best 2025 – Evidence guide for excellent schools (pages 20-28) (PDF 7853 KB).

What Works Best 2025 practical guide – Explicit teaching (PDF 1370 KB).

What Works Best 2025 illustration of practice – Explicit teaching at Doonside Technology High School (PDF 1650 KB).

To find out more, visit the NSW Department of Education's website.

Centre for Independent Studies Event: Beyond Phonics: Building Knowledge-Rich Literacy (Ref: 190/25) 

The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) invites you to a breakfast coupled with an engaging talk and discussion with Natalie Wexler and Associate Professor Lorraine Hammond on the science of Learning. 

In a time where Literacy rates are decreasing, and students continue to struggle to understand what they read, we are forced to reassess our steps taken to deal with this problem. American education journalist and senior contributor at Forbes, Natalie Wexler, challenges the current approaches to literacy, and how these may be insufficient. Wexler argues that it is necessary for us to move beyond teaching reading and writing as "just another skill", to teaching it as a powerful tool that deepens understanding and strengthens memory across all learning areas.

Joining the conversation, Professor Lorraine Hammond, an expert in evidence-based instruction and literacy coaching, brings her extensive experience in how teachers and school principals can apply evidence-based research to classroom teaching methods.

Date/Time: Thu, 30 Oct, 7:30am - 9am AEDT

Location: Centre for Independent Studies, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

To find out more about the science of learning and to register, click here.

Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World - A Conference for Parents and Carers of Children in Catholic Schools in the Jubilee Year of Hope (Ref: 185/25) 

On Saturday the 25 of October Council for Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting a special anniversary celebrations 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 support you to parent bravely 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 give you the information you need to parent in this complex age of technology, with presentations on 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!

Don't miss out on this special occasion to connect with other parents, gain valuable knowledge, eat and relax! Secure your spot now and be a part of this memorable event.

Carparking 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 St 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 09/10/2025, subject to availability at the time of confirmation.

Find out more information on our website here: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/2025-conference

Don’t miss this conference especially for parents and carers! 

Buy a ticket: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World Registration, Sat 25/10/2025 at 8:30 am | Eventbrite

Date/Time: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM AEDT. Doors at 8am

Location: Novotel Sydney, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150

Contribution: $30

Contact CCSP at the office on office@ccsp.catholic.edu.au or 02 9287 1514.

National Catholic Education Commission Sacred Scripture Resources (Ref: 180/25) 

The National Catholic Education Commission provides Sacred Scripture resources for the teaching of the bible in Catholic schools. 

These resources provide an overview of the basics of Scriptural Theology, containing foundational information on the Catholic interpretation of the Bible, commentaries on the Synoptic Gospels, and definitions of key concepts and words spoken. 

Designed for teachers, this is a resource that aims to assist teachers in their understanding and interpretation of Sacred Scripture by providing context and questions. Using this resource can help teachers to better plan out lessons and how they convey the essential teachings of Sacred Scripture to students. 

The Scripture Resource has four sections: 

• Foundations, which present the Catholic understanding of Scripture
• Commentaries and materials on a small number of scripture passages
• Glossary of terms used in Foundations and Commentaries
• Resource Links to further assist you

To find out more and to access the free resources, visit Scripture Resources - NCEC.

2025 Shakespeare Symposium (Ref: 178/25)

Campion College Australia's Centre for the Study of Western Civilisation (CSWT) invites us all to the 2025 Shakespeare Symposium. A two-day conference on the 5 & 6 of September that brings together scholars from all over Australia to engage in a series of panel discussions and papers on the topic of Shakespeare and Philosophy. 

Whether you are new to Shakespeare or an avid fan, this Symposium will be an intellectual journey that explores Shakespeare's multilayered works. Scholars will present on their own unique interpretations, and offer stimulating discussion on the philosophical, historical, political and often theological commentary contained in Shakespeare's works. 

Date: 5 & 6 September 

Venue: Campion College, 8-14 Austin Woodbury Place, Toongabbie NSW 2146

Registration: Two-day ticket: $90 | One-day ticket: $55 | Student concessions available. 

Lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea are included in the ticket price. 

To find out more and register, visit the 2025 Shakespeare Symposium event page. 

Register now! Early Years Symposium - Thursday 4 September 2025 (Ref: 183/25) 

Catholic Schools NSW is thrilled to invite you to the 2025 Early Years Symposium. You don’t want to miss this year’s lineup!

In light of recent national events highlighting critical gaps in child safety and wellbeing, Catholic Schools NSW is honoured to welcome Commissioner Anne Hollonds to the Early Years Symposium.
Commissioner Hollonds, Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, has been a leading voice calling for urgent reforms in early childhood care and education. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with her on live issues shaping the future of child safety, leadership, and policy in the early years space.

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
  We are pleased to welcome Dr Amie Fabry, a passionate educator, researcher, and thought leader in early childhood education. In this session, 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 her 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
• Experts from the Australian Institute of Family Studies
  Presenting key findings from their rapid evidence review on Understanding Preschool Delivery and other significant early years research.

This event is designed for NSW Catholic early childhood educators, teachers, and leaders committed to empowering children (0–8) to thrive in the early years and beyond.

Date: Thursday, 4 September 2025 

Time: 9am - 3:30pm 

Venue: Tenison Woods House, 8-20 Napier Street, North Sydney 

Click here to register. Tickets are limited! 

Student Resources

Prime Minister's Spelling Bee 2025 (Ref: 182/25)

The 2025 Prime Minister's Spelling Bee School Round is underway, and young minds from all over Australia are invited to compete! 

Students have the opportunity to learn how to spell in a fun way, aiming for accuracy, beating the time limit, and competing against other students across Australia. For teachers, this is a free resource that engages students, fostering a love for learning in them.

The National champions win a trip to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister, as well as an iPad and a $250 HarperCollins book pack. Each national winner's school also gets a $1000 voucher to put towards books, technology or other equipment and supplies. The runners up will each win a book pack as well as a certificate for every participant. 

The Spelling Bee Resource Hub contains teaching resources and checklists as well as practice tests for students to prepare themselves before competing. 

When: Registration and the School Round began on Monday, 21 July, and will finish on 22 August. All entries must be completed by 5pm AEST on 22 August when the School Round ends. 

Register: Registration is FREE for all students in Years 3-8. Teachers can register eligible students to compete up to and including the final day. 

To find out more and register, visit spelling-bee.com.au

Socktober 2025 (Ref: 179/25)

Socktober is an initiative where students create soccer balls from recycled materials, reflecting the resourcefulness of children in developing nations. Held around the Mission Month of October, the campaign encourages students to participate in soccer-themed activities using their handmade balls, while also engaging with classroom mission packs. Throughout the month, they raise funds to support children in need around the world, combining fun, learning, and global awareness.

Watch the Kick Goals For Good! Socktober 2025 video to learn more. 

Socktober is an exciting and fun opportunity for staff, students and families to make a meaningful impact on people's lives from where they are. It is also a program that empowers students to take Catholic action, where they learn the meaning of Human dignity, Solidarity, common good, Preferential Option for the Poor, and the other core elements of Catholic Social Teaching.

To register or donate, visit: https://www.socktober.org.au/

Catholic Historical Society YouTube Channel (Ref: 177/25)

The history of the Catholic Church and prominent figures within the church in Australia have often been stored away in inaccessible resources. However, thanks to the creation of the Australian Catholic Historical Society YouTube channel, curious minds can delve into the fascinating history of Australian Catholic action and events. 

Want your students to know more about Australian Catholic History?

This YouTube channel has documentaries and historical footage on a wide range of different topics under Australian Catholic history. The channel shows videos on Sacred music, art, history of Catholic Schools, and historical footage ranging from St. Pope John Paul's 1986 visit to Australia to B.A. Santamaria's last recorded interview.

A few interesting videos to note are: 

Pope John Paul II Beatifies St Mary Mackillop: Australia - Pope Beatifies Mary Mackillop

The Goulburn State Aid Strike: Goulburn State Aid Strike 1962

International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney (1928) International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney (1928)

This channel serves as a great resource, as it allows students to catch glimpses of what has built our church in Australia today and how it is still very relevant to us.

 Visit the Australian Catholic Historical Society's YouTube channel to find out more. 

Legal and Policy

Scholarships and Awards

Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) Family Partnerships Excellence Awards (Ref: 184/25) 

Recognising NSW/ACT Catholic schools that show exemplary practice in family, school and community partnerships for learning. 

Apply now and tell CCSP about how your school has bridged the gap between home and school, and enhanced student outcomes in faith development, learning and wellbeing of students.

Your school could be awarded first place and receive $5000 to continue your partnership-focused initiative!

Find out more here: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/awards

How to apply: 

1. 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 5pm 17 October 2025.

Catholic Schools provide quality training and assessment (Ref: 174/25)

Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) is proud of our students and teachers interviewed last week for the NSW Training Awards 2025. They were selected as regional winners from the 7 Events, 9 Regions, 180 outstanding Finalists in June.

Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) is a proud gold sponsor of the NSW Training Awards and commends our students and teachers who demonstrate CSNSW's commitment to ensuring quality VET training in Catholic Schools across NSW.

• Darby Hubber, St Raphael's Catholic School, Cowra
• Beau Mullins, Carroll College, Broulee
• Summer King, Catherine McAuley College, Westmead
• Bridie Irwin, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington
• Amali Rollinson, Mackillop College, Bathurst
• Zipporah McClelland, Xavier Catholic College, Albury
• Taine Wihare, De La Salle College Caringbah
• Penny Mackay, Kildare Catholic College, Wagga Wagga
• Sky Van Den Burge, Marian Catholic College, Kenthurst
• Mark Bokenham, St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill.

The Regional Training Awards were great celebrations, as seen in the Training Award photo galleries:

• Hunter & Central Coast – Thursday 12 June
• Western NSW – Thursday 12 June
• Illawarra & South East NSW – Friday 13 June
• New England – Friday 13 June
• Riverina – Thursday 19 June
• North & Mid North Coast – Friday 20 June
• Sydney Metro – Friday 20 June

We look forward to celebrating on 11th September with the students and teachers selected as state finalists through last week’s interviews. They will be great ambassadors for VET in our schools.

Congratulations.