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Child Protection Week: 'Check Your Checks' (Ref: 221/25) 

To mark National Child Protection Week, the NSW Government has launched its “Check Your Checks” campaign, reminding all organisations that work with children of their critical responsibility to ensure the Working with Children Check (WWCC) process is followed thoroughly and consistently.

Catholic Schools and systems in NSW share a deep commitment to child safety, a cornerstone of this responsibility is the verification of Working with Children Checks for all staff, contractors, and volunteers engaged in child-related work.

Recently, the Office of the Children’s Guardian has highlighted that the most common breach identified in 2023–24 was a failure to verify WWCC’s before individuals commenced work with children. This is not simply a matter of compliance – it is about safeguarding the trust placed in us by parents, families, and communities.

• All school leaders and system managers must ensure that:
• Every worker and volunteer engaged in child-related work is registered in the WWCC system.
• All WWCC clearances are verified through the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
• Records of verification are maintained and kept up to date.
• Immediate action is taken to remove any unauthorised individuals from child-related work.

Verification links each clearance with the employer, ensuring the Office of the Children’s Guardian can contact us if a person becomes barred. It is, quite simply, one of the most effective tools we have to keep children safe.

This is an opportunity to review your local practices and confirm that all necessary checks and verifications are current. Doing so is an important step in living out our shared mission: to place the safety and wellbeing of every child at the heart of Catholic education.

To access the NSW Government's Media Release for this campaign, click here. 

For resources and further information, please visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian website https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/.

Registrations Closing Soon! Will you be joining your colleagues from across NSW for this premier event on our Catholic calendar? (218/25) 

For me the takeaway is having the opportunity to network amongst a variety of dioceses.
2024 Principal Attendee 

What do you look for when choosing quality professional learning?

Speakers?
The 2025 Curriculum Reform Conference programme features more than 40 leading voices in education. 

This includes:
Dallas McInerney, Paul Cahill and a team from NESA, Professor Renee Kohler Ryan, Brett Salakas, Professor Jim Tognolini, Alex Dore, Professor Miriam Tanti, Dr Simon Crook, Dan Bowen and many more. Breakout sessions will showcase the excellent work being done across our dioceses and schools.

Time to reflect?
Participants will be beautifully guided over the 2 days by Libby Denny who will create a space for us to share and reflect as we continue to "journey together" in curriculum reform. 

Networking?
Your conference experience includes a professional networking hour (overlooking the pristine NRL Grand Final-ready Accor stadium), as well as other opportunities throughout the two-days to connect with your Catholic colleagues from across NSW.

Venue?
We have chosen a venue that is conveniently located close to a range of transport options plus ample parking. If staying in the Olympic Park precinct, once there, everything is within walking distance - restaurants, parks, bars, Sydney Aquatic Centre and much more. 

“It’s inspirational, its aspirational, and it really gives teachers hope for what is possible!”
2024 Presenter

Registrations closing soon!
Whatever the reason, book your seat today! Last year’s conference was sold-out. 

Register Here 

“Thank you for an incredible conference! 
So much valuable learning to take away.”
2024 Participant

2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations (Ref: 217/25) 

In support of school organisation for the 2026 school year, the 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Timetable dates have been released.

The CSSA, a division of Catholic Schools NSW, creates premium CSSA Trial HSC Examinations by education experts. Our writers and assessors have syllabus expertise and extensive teaching experience to create the CSSA Trial HSC Examinations. 

In support of school organisation for the 2026 school year, the 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Timetable dates have been released.

Key Dates to assist schools:

• The 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Timetable is scheduled from Monday 3 August to Monday 17 August with a security period up to and including 8am, Thursday 20 August 2026.

NESA News (Ref: 214/25) 

Subscribe to the NESA News here

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

K-2 Implementation Survey: English and Mathematics

NESA values feedback on how the K–2 English and Mathematics syllabuses are being implemented in classrooms.  

This survey aims to capture teachers’ experiences, approaches, and insights to help NESA understand what’s working well and where you may need further support.  

This valuable input helps NESA shape the development of support materials and advice. The surveys are open now and close on 19 December 2025:

• English Syllabus (2022): K-2 Implementation survey
• Mathematics Syllabus (2022): K-2 Implementation survey

New 7–12 curriculum support materials

More than 30 new resources are now available to support teachers delivering reformed syllabuses.

 7–10

• Agriculture
• Aquatic Technology
• Child Studies
• Geography
• Technology and Engineering Technology
• Visual Arts

11–12

• Ancient History
• Dance and Dance Life Skills
• English Advanced
• English EAL/D
• English Extension
• English Standard
• English Studies

Resources include sample assessment schedules, sample units, parent and carer guides, outcomes worksheets, sample scope and sequences, teaching advice, Aboriginal Education support, and teaching and learning support.

Explore new K-12 resource here

Official Notice: New approved calculator for 2026 HSC

The Casio fx-8200 AU II calculator has been approved for use from the 2026 HSC onwards.

New educational campaign launched warning students about the dangers of knife crimes(Ref: 212/25)  

With the support of the NSW Government and the NSW Police, the Jack Beasley Foundation will deliver presentations to schools throughout NSW to raise awareness among students about the dangers of knife crime.

In 2019, parents Belinda and Brett Beasley tragically lost their 17-year-old son Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed in Queensland. Since then, Belinda and Brett have campaigned to educate Australians against knife crime. 

With the assistance of the NSW Police Youth Command Officers, the Beasleys will deliver the education program called 'One Moment'. The presentation tells Jack's story and the 'One moment' of violence that had a life-long impact on Jack's family, friends and the wider community. 

The NSW Police Youth Command Officers will also educate students on the legal consequences of being caught with a knife or any other weapon by the police, as well as 'Jack's Law'. With the recent NSW legislation modelled on 'Jack's Law', the police have used wand scanners at stations, public areas, and sporting venues.

Presentations will be delivered at 12 schools throughout Sydney this week, including Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Campbelltown, Bankstown, Fairfield, Penrith and Wollongong. 

To find out more about The Jack Beasley Foundation, click here.

Consent and Respectful Relationships Education Support Resources (Ref: 211/25)

As part of the updated K–10 PDHPE syllabus, mandated from 2027, consent and respectful relationships education (CRRE) is now a core part of the learning expectations. As such, Catholic Schools NSW is delighted to provide schools and systems with a suite of curriculum support materials that will help classroom teachers deliver this content through a Catholic lens.

To support the delivery of age-appropriate, expert-developed, and evidence-based CRRE, the Commonwealth Government has allocated funds to government and non-government primary and secondary schools through the 2024–2028 CRRE Federation Funding Agreement (FFA). 

In response, CSNSW undertook extensive consultation across NSW Catholic Education, including the Landscape Audit Survey, several memoranda to Diocesan Directors and RI/MPJP principals, and briefings to nominated diocesan and RI/MPJP representatives. CSNSW consolidated feedback into a CRRE Implementation Plan, which was submitted to the Commonwealth Department of Education (DoE) and has now been approved. As a condition of the funding, CSNSW will also submit annual progress reports to the Commonwealth DoE detailing activities and funding allocation/expenditure, including case studies of exemplary activities, and an end-of-programme evaluation and financial acquittal report.

Catholic Schools NSW is pleased to make available a high-quality, evidence-based third-party provider resource that is (i) aligned to the curriculum, (ii) meets the government's requirement that the resources be expert-developed, evidence-based, and age-appropriate, and (iii) promotes the beauty of Catholic social teaching.

The Tier 1 Curriculum Support Resource, Live Life to the Full (Choicez Media), is a digital teaching and learning platform aligned to the new PDHPE syllabus, with strong Catholic theological underpinnings and endorsement from Church leaders.

Importantly, this resource is endorsed by Bishop Danny Meagher, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, of the Diocese of Canberra/Goulburn, and former Archbishops Mark Coleridge of Brisbane and Julian Porteous of Tasmania (available here).

The perpetual resource will be made available to all Catholic schools in NSW, at no charge, in early Term 4, 2025. Its release will be accompanied by professional learning support material for teachers and information resources for parents. It is hoped that the resources will be valuable to schools and systems, and/or complementary to existing approaches.

If you or your staff have any questions, please contact Nathan Smith, Manager of Wellbeing at CSNSW, at: Nathan.Smith@csnsw.catholic.edu.au.

Professional Learning 

CSNSW School Registration System Forum Day (Ref: 220/25) 

The CSNSW Registration System Forum Day will provide high – level input on policy and processes, as well as opportunities to develop and define quality assurance practices. The forum is open to system (diocesan) leaders and specialists in support of their work in implementing the requirements for school registration and accreditation.

Date: 12 November 2025

Time: 9.30 am – 3.30 pm

Venue: The Assembly, Angel Place, 123 Pitt St Sydney

Cost: Free to attend

Tickets are available on Eventbrite, click on the link below to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/csnsw-registration-system-forum-day-tickets-1641458319019

Panel Webinar: From Conversations to Culture: How Catholic Education is Embedding Crucial Conversations Capability (Ref: 216/25) 

School Updates & Newsletters

Australian Catholic Youth Festival Melbourne 2025 (Ref: 219/25) 

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is set to take place from Sunday30 November to Tuesday 2 December at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC). ACYF Welcomes all young Catholics, along with their leaders, bishops, clergy, religious and representatives from ecclesial organisations and groups from all around Australia. This festival is a chance for young Catholics to meet, listen to join together for Mass and prayer, as well as to celebrate being Catholic. 

ACYF also gives young people the opportunity to embark on a pilgrimage and deepen their understanding of the spiritual life. The festival program includes keynotes from key figures in the Church in Australia such as Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR,  Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, and Sr Mary Grace SV. 

Date: 30 November to Tuesday 2 December

Venue: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Registration:Registration - Australian Catholic Youth Festival Melbourne 2025

To view the key updates for ACYF, and to download the program, click here.

For more information about ACYF, please visit: Home - Australian Catholic Youth Festival Melbourne 2025

Employment Opportunities 

Apply Now: 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations – Expressions of Interest for the roles of Committee Members (Ref: 215/25) 

The Head of Curriculum and Assessment is seeking expressions of interest for the following positions.

Committee Member for the following 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examination:

• Legal Studies

The letter regarding the Expression of Interest requirements for the Committee Member role with the CSSA and the application process is found here. 

Interested applicants are asked to send a Cover Letter and current Curriculum Vitae to Monica O’Brien, Head of Curriculum and Assessment at cssa.exams@csnsw.catholic.edu.au by 9am, Friday 26 September 2025. 

Apply Now: 2026 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations – Expressions of Interest for the roles of a Committee Member (Ref: 213/25)

The Head of Curriculum and Assessment is seeking expressions of interest for the following positions.

Committee Member for the following 2026 CSSA End of Year Examinations:

• Studies in Catholic Thought I and II

The letter regarding the Expression of Interest requirements for the Committee Member role with the CSSA and the application process is found here.

Interested applicants are asked to send a Cover Letter and current Curriculum Vitae to Monica O’Brien, Head of Curriculum and Assessment at cssa.exams@csnsw.catholic.edu.au by 9am, Friday 19 September 2025.