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Scholaris newsletter 22/9/2026

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Registrations open for the 2026 Kathleen Burrow Research Institute Lecture (Ref: 216/26)

Catholic Schools NSW is pleased to announce that Stan Grant, prominent Australian journalist, best-selling author, and Yindyamarra Distinguished Professor of Ethics at Charles Sturt University, will deliver the 2026 Kathleen Burrow Research Institute Lecture.

A proud Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharawal and Irish man, Stan has spent decades in media, both in Australia and internationally, with roles at major news networks. With his powerful storytelling and articulate advocacy, Stan has become one of the most influential voices for Indigenous matters and reconciliation.

In 2023, Stan was elected a Fellow of the Academic of the Social Sciences in Australia, and in 2024, he earned a PhD in theology from Charles Sturt University for a thesis entitled Yindyamarra as theology: identity, history, violence, faith and reconciliation. Stan is also the Author of 11 critically acclaimed and best-selling books, and writer of the internationally award-winning documentary The Australian Dream.

Previous speakers at our Annual Lecture include the Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP, the Hon. Jacqueline Gleeson, Justice of the High Court of Australia, the Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW, and Greg Sheridan AO, author, commentator and Foreign Editor of The Australian.

The lecture will take place on Monday, 12 October at 6:00 pm at the Peter Cosgrove Centre, Australian Catholic University, Level 18, Tenison Woods House, 8-20 Napier Street, North Sydney. Guests are invited to enjoy drinks and canapés after the conclusion of the lecture. Guests are invited to enjoy drinks and canapés after the conclusion of the lecture.

Dress code: Academic dress/business.

Register for your free ticket here

The Kathleen Burrow Research Institute is a research unit within Catholic Schools NSW that conducts and publishes research on contemporary issues in school education to promote the advancement of education in all school sectors in Australia.

The institute is named after Kathleen Burrow (1899-1987), an Australian Catholic teacher who had a strong presence in the history of Catholic education and the Church in the 20th century.

KBRI

 

2027 CSSA Trial HSC Examination Dates (Ref: 233/26)

The 2027 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Timetable has been scheduled:

  • Monday 2 August to Tuesday 17 August
  • Exam period increased from 11 days to 12 days

The 2027 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations Security Period is up to, and inclusive of Wednesday, 18 August 2027.

Examinations, including examination related materials and student scripts can be returned to students from 8.00 am Thursday, 19 August 2027. 

 

2026 Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey – Your national survey is now live! (Ref: 226/26)

The Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey is confidential and independent of all employer groups, professional associations and unions. This research informs state departments, evaluates existing policies, and drives new initiatives.

The survey is open to all school leaders, not only principals. By participating, school leaders receive an individualised report providing feedback on their job-related health and wellbeing and allowing them to track changes over time. Collectively, the survey findings build a national picture of school leader health and wellbeing and provide evidence to inform policy and action.

If you have participated previously: please check your email inbox, including your junk/spam folder, for your personalised survey link. Your survey link is unique to you – please do not forward or share it.

If you are a new participant, register at: https://healthandwellbeing.org.

Your email address has changed? Contact the ACU Health and Wellbeing Team: admin@healthandwellbeing.org 

wellbeing

 

NESA updates – 21 September 2026 (Ref: 230/26)

NESA Official Notices

NESA Official Notices can be accessed here. 

NSW Anti-Bullying Framework: 2027 Implementation Guidance

NESA have published a new webpage outlining how they will monitor and support implementation of the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework from 2027. The webpage explains:

  • what schools will need to demonstrate through their anti-bullying policies 
  • the procedures and implementation activities
  • how NESA will assess compliance through existing inspection and regulatory processes. 

It also provides access to the Framework and supporting resources to help schools prepare for implementation in 2027

Click here to view the implementation requirements.

ACE Rules changes for take-home assessment tasks

The ACE Rules have now been updated to reflect the limit on take-home assessments for Preliminary and HSC courses. These changes need to be implemented from Term 4 2026. Read the Official Notice.

New limit on HSC take-home assessments

From Term 4 2026 a maximum of one take-home assessment, worth no more than 15% of the school-based assessment mark, can be included in HSC courses. The same limit will apply to Preliminary courses from Term 1 2027.

The change will help protect student learning and uphold the integrity of the HSC by ensuring marks reflect a student’s own thinking and knowledge. Some courses with major works, projects or practical exams will be exempt.

Schools still decide the number, type and weighting of all in-school assessment tasks.

The ACE Rules, along with assessment and reporting requirements in each syllabus, will be updated to reflect the changes before the end of Term 3 2026. Read the Official Notice.

2027 timetable of actions for secondary schools

The 2027 timetable of actions for secondary schools is now available to view and download on our website. If you would like to provide any feedback or suggestions on the timetable of actions, a feedback form is available on the webpage. 

View the 2027 Timetable of Actions. 

Thinking of starting a new non-government school?

If you are planning to start a new non-government school in NSW, we recommend attending the Proposed New Schools Briefing on Thursday 12 November and Friday 13 November 2026. The briefing provides an opportunity to:

  • hear from NESA Inspectors about the requirements for registering a new school
  • ask questions about the application process
  • discuss your plans prior to applying.
Celebrate the teaching gems in your community

Last week, NESA relaunched their NSW Teaching Gems Map ahead of World Teachers’ Day in NSW on Friday 30 October.

There have been so many heartwarming messages pour in for teachers who are making a difference to their schools and early childhood services. 

A huge shoutout to everyone who has submitted gems for their teachers, including NSW School of Languages and Macquarie Fields High School, both with 73 gems and counting.

There are still so many teaching gems to uncover! So, visit the NSW Teaching Gems Map today to recognise a teacher who has had a positive impact on your school or early childhood service. Pin a gem on the map. 

Visit ARTEXPRESS these school holidays

ARTEXPRESS is open at the following galleries over the spring school holidays:

Dubbo

Windsor

Bondi

If you can’t make it in-person, take a virtual walkthrough of the outstanding bodies of work selected for this year’s virtual exhibition in ARTEXPRESS Virtual.

Official notices

New Classical Greek, Classical Hebrew and Latin Stage 6 course prescriptions

Update to Automotive Curriculum Framework Stage 6 Syllabus

Changes to ACE Rules concerning take-home assessment tasks and the use of artificial intelligence

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

Subscribe to NESA News here.

Professional Learning

Save the Dates: CSNSW Wellbeing for Learning Webinars 2026–2027 (Ref: 222/26)

The Wellbeing for Learning webinar series brings together leading voices in psychology, education and student wellbeing to support schools across the system. Several sessions have already run this year, including Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on the new Anti-Bullying Framework and Karen Doyle on the Live Life to the Full whole-school approach, with recordings available on the CSNSW Professional Learning platform.

WFL

Looking ahead, upcoming sessions include Alex Kohn on Part 5A of the Education Act and Duty of Care (9 September 2026), Dr Carr-Gregg returning to explore what’s happening to our boys (14 October 2026), and further sessions through 2027 covering CRRE conversations, wellbeing foundations, and creating cultures of respect and belonging; culminating in our two-day Behaviour Symposium on 20–21 May 2027. Full details, including all dates, topics and speakers, are set out in the attached calendar.

To register, log in to the CSNSW Professional learning platform:

CSNSW Professional Learning platform

 

What’s Happening to Our Boys? A Webinar with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (Ref: 203/26)

Conversations about respectful relationships, and about what it means to grow up as a young man, are happening everywhere at the moment; in the media, in the community, and in our schools. Rather than a moment for alarm, Catholic schools can use this as a genuine opportunity: to connect with our young men, walk alongside them, and support them to become the men we need.

Catholic schools in NSW have been proactively building their response to this challenge for several years through the Catholic sector’s Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) project.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading adolescent psychologists and the author of 18 books on youth mental health and wellbeing, returns to CSNSW following the strong response to his earlier session on anti-bullying, which struck a chord with staff and parents alike.

In What’s Happening to Our Boys?, Dr Carr-Gregg will unpack:

  • What is happening to boys – the data on disengagement, and the developmental reasons behind it
  • What is being sold to them online – who is doing the selling, and why it works so well on a teenage brain
  • Why our usual responses fall short – and why shaming boys can drive them further towards the very influences we’re trying to counter
  • What actually shifts it – in classrooms, in staffrooms, and at kitchen tables

The session will carry real practical weight, with Dr Carr-Gregg promising staff and leaders will leave with genuine, workable strategies – alongside solid grounds for optimism.

Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Time: 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Delivery: Online

Register:What's Happening to Our Boys Webinar

 

Implementing the K–6 Science and Technology Syllabus – Online Professional Learning course (Ref: 231/26)

Science professional learning called Implementing the K–6 Science and Technology Syllabus

The K-6 Science and Technology syllabus needs to be fully implemented in all schools by the start of 2027. 
As a part of CSNSW’s Professional Learning Platform, we have developed a one-hour self-directed online course to help support early-career teachers with understanding the new syllabus and provides practical strategies, clear explanations and ready-to-use advice for implementation. 

Enrol in this and other online syllabus implementation courses. 

Please note, participants will be required to login with their NETiD address.

Student Resources

STANSW’s 2026 HSC Lectures for Science students (Ref: 221/26)

STANSW is hosting HSC Exam Preparation Lectures for HSC science students 1-to-1.5-hour online sessions during the school holidays, designed to provide students with valuable insights before they sit their exams.

Delivered by experts in each subject area, the lectures will:

  • Explore the structure and requirements of the HSC exam
  • Review key module content and areas of focus
  • Provide proven strategies for exam technique and time management
  • Include practice questions and worked examples

Please share the registration pages with any interested students: https://stansw.asn.au/event/2026-hsc-exam-preparation-lectures/

School Updates & Newsletters

Council of Catholic School Parents conference: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World (Ref: 217/26)

Council of Catholic School Parents NSW (CCSP) invites all parents and carers to a day of connection, growth and learning, bringing families closer together in this constantly evolving world.

Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World is a conference designed especially for parents and carers of children in Catholic schools, bringing together leading voices in education, parenting and wellbeing to explore the topics that matter most to families today.

The day will include expert speakers Daniel Principe, Gen Muir and Karen Young, talking about topics such as cybersafety, respectful relationships, dealing with kids’ anxiety, and managing big feelings.

Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026

Time: 9.30 am – 4:00 pm

Venue: Twin Town Services Club, 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Find out more and register.

This conference is a great opportunity for many parents and carers in School communities to connect with other parents and carers, share experiences and gain valuable knowledge in a welcoming and supportive environment.

To promote this event to your school communities, see the event flyer.

Learn More: https://ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/2026-conference









Banner CCSP conference

Tranche 2 Privacy Reform Proposals – What Schools Should Know (Ref: 218/26)

The Australian Government has recently released the draft text of the Privacy Amendment (Personal Data Protection) Bill 2026, the latest instalment of the Government’s privacy reform agenda. If enacted in its current form, the draft will introduce significant changes to Australian privacy law.

Key changes affecting schools

Expanded definitions of personal information and sensitive information

The exposure draft proposes broadening the definition of personal information to information that “relates to” an individual.   Personal information will include information which says something about an individual’s behaviour, circumstances, characteristics or preferences.

Sensitive information has also been expanded to include new categories of geolocation tracking data and genomic information (including biological relationships and potential health risks).

Fair and reasonable collection, use and disclosure

The draft introduces a new "fair and reasonable" test in relation to handling personal information.

Schools will need to demonstrate that their collection, use and disclosure of personal information is lawful and fair and reasonable in the circumstances. This will require the school to consider, amongst other matters, the best interests of the child.

New consent requirements

The draft introduces changes to consent requirements for sensitive information.

Where a school collects sensitive information (including health information) it should obtain consent from the student or parents (where appropriate).

The draft Bill clarifies that consent must be:

  • voluntary
  • informed
  • current
  • specific
  • unambiguous

Schools should be particularly aware that, if the draft Bill as drafted is passed:

  • the practice of using bundled consents will no longer be appropriate and parents will need to be able to respond separately to each information handling practice (e.g. there should be more than one tick box when asking for consent take photos and use them on social media and in school newsletter);
  • consents will need to clearly define how the school proposes to use sensitive information; and
  • seeking consent through preselected settings or pre-ticked boxes will likely not be adequate.

Changes to data breach response and notification requirements

The exposure draft requires notification of data breaches within 72 hours and includes a new positive duty to contain and mitigate harm for all data breaches.

What schools should do now

In anticipation of the Bill being passed, schools should:

  • assess what information they hold against the expanded definitions of personal and sensitive information;
  • consider how the ‘fair and reasonable’ test will apply to their handling of personal information;
  • review collection notices and consents obtained from students and parents; and
  • review privacy protection and data breach notification policies.

Resources

For more information, you can read the text of the draft Bill and the consultation paper by clicking the links below:

Catholic Schools NSW Sport

Applications open for 2027 Team Official positions in the Catholic Schools NSW Sport Pathway (Ref: 225/26)

Do you have a passion for sport or a skill set you'd love to share, and are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to inspire students and grow as an educator?
We are excited to invite applications for 2027 Team Official positions in the Catholic Schools NSW Sport Pathway – for NSWCCC, MacKillop and Polding teams.

Why get involved?

This is a fantastic chance to:
  • lead and mentor young athletes
  • build connections across our school communities
  • develop your leadership and coaching experience.
What is NSWCCC?
New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) is the pathway for students in all Catholic Secondary Schools in NSW to compete at NSW All Schools Championships and other state-based events.
What is NSWCPS?
The NSW Catholic Primary Schools (NSWCPS) is comprised of two (2) regions eligible to participate in the NSW Primary School Sports Association (NSWPSSA) state fixtures.
Diocese within MacKillop (Southern NSW)
  • Canberra and Goulburn
  • Parramatta
  • Sydney
  • Wagga Wagga
  • Wollongong
Diocese within Polding (Northern NSW)
  • Armidale
  • Bathurst
  • Broken Bay
  • Lismore
  • Maitland-Newcastle
  • Wilcannia-Forbes
“Being involved in Catholic Schools Pathway sport will be one of the most rewarding things you can do as a teacher.” 
– Mr. Brad Toole, Principal of All Hallows Catholic Primary School, Gulgong.
 What roles are on offer?
Please see here for a list of all 2027 Available Roles
When are the events?
  • Please note that dates on the above DRAFT calendar may change. Team officials will be asked to confirm their availability for all required events once the calendar is FINAL and once appointments have been made. 
How to Apply
Interested team officials must ensure a completed application is submitted before the advertised closing date. 
See below for 2027 CSNSW Sport Team Official application forms:
Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the following Role Appointment Process.
 
Please feel free to pass this on to any members of your staff who you think may be interested.
 
Applications close 5:00 pm Monday, 28 September 2026.
 
Join us in continuing to build a strong and inspiring sport pathways for our students. We hope to see you involved!
 

Employment Opportunities

Apply Now: 2027 CSSA Trial HSC Examinations – Expressions of Interest for the role of Convenor for Agriculture (Ref: 232/26)

The Senior Manager, CSSA Exams, is seeking expressions of interest for the following positions.

Convenor of the 2027 CSSA Trial HSC Examination: Agriculture (new CSSA HSC Trial Exam)

The letter with the Expression of Interest requirements for the Convenor role with the CSSA and the application process is available. 

Interested applicants are asked to send a Cover Letter and current Curriculum Vitae to Dr Andrew Eaton, Senior Manager, CSSA Exams at cssa.exams@csnsw.catholic.edu.au by 9:00 am Tuesday, 6 October 2026. 

Scholarships and Awards 

Council of Catholic School Parents NSW 2026 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards (Ref: 218/26)

This is the 12th year CCSP has offered this $5000 annual grant to schools that demonstrate excellence in a family partnership project or initiative. Please encourage all your schools to apply! 
 
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW Family Partnerships Excellence Awards are open to all eligible NSW Catholic schools. Apply now for the chance to receive a $5000grant to continue a project or initiative that focuses on family engagement and building community in your school. Up to $10,000 in total available!
 
To promote this opportunity to your schools, see the 2026 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards flyer here.

How do you enter? It's easy! 

  1. Complete the downloadable submission form on the CCSP website here: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/awards by responding to 6 criteria about your school's initiative.
  2. Complete the online entry form, have the application endorsed by the school principal and P&F/parent body chair, then upload your submission form and any supporting files.

Check out past winners and get all the details about how to enter here: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/awards

Entries close at 5:00 pm on 16 October 2026.
CCSP FEA

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