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Professional Learning

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)

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 

RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition for 2027 (Ref: 235/26)

The RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration was first held in 1953 and co-hosted by RSL NSW and the Department of Education. Over the years the service has expanded to Catholic Schools NSW and Independent Schools NSW. Proceedings, held at the Anzac Memorial Hyde Park in April each year, are delivered entirely by school students including the Master of Ceremonies, keynote address, readings, and musical accompaniment. The Service also includes an Inspection of the Guard by the official party, The Ode, The Last Post, and Rouse.

The service aims to educate primary and secondary school students about Australia’s military history, whilst paying respect to the service and sacrifice of servicemen and women of the Australian Defence Force.

The Remember ANZAC Art Competition invites students to create an artwork celebrating the theme 'The Power of Mateship'. Winning artworks will be selected for the cover of the 2027 RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration service program and all finalists' artworks will be showcased in a public exhibition at the Anzac Memorial. The exhibition will be officially launched by Her Excellency, the Governor of New South Wales, following the annual commemoration service, making it a special occasion for participating students and their schools.

The competition closes on 30 October 2026.

More information including the guidelines, how to submit artwork, judging and FAQs can be found here. https://rslnsw.org.au/artcompetition/

 

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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

 

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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. 

 

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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.