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Scholaris newsletter 3/11/2026

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Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Review of the Teacher Standards (Ref: 266/26)

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is undertaking a review of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to ensure they continue to reflect contemporary teaching practices and the evolving needs of students and schools.

The review began in May 2026 and is expected to conclude in February 2027.It will include consultation with teachers, school leaders, education stakeholders and the broader community. Feedback gathered through surveys and submissions will help inform recommendations to Education Ministers on any future updates to the standards.

AITSL has confirmed that the current Teacher Standards remain in place throughout the review process. Educators are encouraged to participate and contribute their perspectives as part of the consultation.

For more information and opportunities to get involved, visit the AITSL website.

School Workforce Resources – New Anti-bullying Framework Implementation (Ref: 250/26)

School leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff play an important role in preventing and responding to bullying and other harmful behaviours in school communities.

In response to recommendations from the 2025 Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, the Australian Government invested in the development of a national anti-bullying public awareness campaign and new resources for school communities. 

As part of this work, the Department commissioned the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to develop an anti-bullying resource package for the school workforce in consultation with state, territory and non-government education authorities, principal peaks, unions, eSafety and relevant representative bodies.

The initial five school workforce anti-bullying resources developed by UTS, have been published to the new Let’s Stop Bullying website and are available to you. The newly published resources include:

  1. Understanding bullying and other harmful behaviours
  2. Preventing cyberbullying, image-based abuse and online harm: supporting student safety
  3. Responding to cyberbullying, image-based abuse and online harm among students
  4. Supporting your wellbeing following incidents of bullying and other harmful behaviours
  5. Understanding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

NESA updates – 2 November 2026 (Ref: 265/26)

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

Subscribe to NESA News here

New 7–12 curriculum support materials 

New resources are available to support teachers delivering the following reformed syllabuses: 

  • Years 7–10: Communication Technology, Food Technology, History Elective, Photography, Film and Digital Media, and Visual and Motion Design 
  • Years 11–12: Biology Life Skills, Chemical World Science Life Skills, Drama, Earth and Environmental Life Skills, Legal Studies, Law and the Community Life Skills and Physical World Science Life Skills.  

Resources include Aboriginal Education resources, additional teaching advice and sample units. 

Explore the new resources on the NSW Curriculum website 

Recognition of prior learning for work placement 

A new application form has been developed for students to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) for work placement. 

The criteria for RPL has also been expanded to recognise employability skills that are developed in any workplace and transferable to other jobs or industry areas.  

Contact your school system or sector’s VET officer, advisor or consultant if you have any questions. 

Find out more about applying for RPL 

World Teachers' Day In NSW 

Last Friday, schools and early childhood services across NSW came together to celebrate World Teachers' Day and recognise the incredible contribution of teachers and educators across the state. 

This year, the NSW Teaching Gems Map received a record number of submissions, with close to 19,000 heartfelt messages highlighting the dedication, expertise and care shown by teachers in schools and early childhood settings throughout NSW.  

Watch the reactions of some NSW teachers as they read heartfelt messages from their students on NESA's Instagram page.

The Map is now closed to new submissions, but you can still explore the messages online.  

Search for your school, read the tributes shared by students, families and colleagues and save a copy of any messages you'd like to keep. 

View the Teaching Gems Map 

NESA Official notices 

Key dates
From now

HSC written exams 

2026 Term 4 entries to entry 2027 Year 12 students open

5 November

HSC written exams end

HSC assessment ranks released

13 NovemberAssessor Applications closing
17 NovemberYear 11 Results Release
19 November

Year 10 Grades and Life Skills Outcomes due

Year 10 Principal Certification of Year 10 Results data due

Finalise Year 10 courses

Finalise Year 10 student details on Schools Online

20 November

Years 10 and 12 VET data due including competency outcomes and work placement hours

Finalise Year 12 student details on Schools Online

3 DecemberYear 10 results released  
16 December 2026 HSC results released 

Professional Learning

Access HPGE Symposium Resources (Ref: 260/26)

The recent CSNSW High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Symposium sold out so quickly, that we are making the presentation recordings and resources available for purchase.

A unique feature of CSNSW Professional Learning is the post-event learning package. Alongside presentation slides and session recordings, we curate the research, resources and media articles referenced by presenters, and embed relevant videos and websites. 

This HPGE Symposium aimed to bridge the space between research-informed theory and meaningful classroom practice. Opening Keynote Dr Geraldine Townend from the University of NSW, challenged participants to examine excellence through the lens of equity – reminding attendees that supporting underrepresented, twice-exceptional, and diverse learners is not an adjunct to quality education, but it's very foundation. 

Next, Marissa Zadro Curriculum Manager at our valued partner NESA, provided clear guidance on navigating the NSW curriculum reforms to design learning that offers genuine depth, explicit challenge, and talent development for every student.

In concurrent breakout sessions across the day, the four strands – Diversity, Wellbeing, Curriculum, and Leadership, gave attendees an opportunity to explore essential practical frontiers. Speakers included are Dr Denise Wood, Bronwyn MacLeod, Maria Dolce, Cathy Molloy, Dominic Westbrook, Dr Ruth Phillips, and Dr Sarah Fleming.

When: Available online from Midday Thursday 29 October  

Where: Purchase via Eventbrite

Cost: $150 for all recorded presentations, research, resources and more.

See the final Symposium programme with all the presentations you will have access to.

 

2026 HSC Analysis Seminars with Dr John DeCourcy (Ref: 252/26)

Teachers, school leaders, and system officers are invited to attend a series of seminars presented by Dr John DeCourcy, discussing the intricacies and importance of understanding and analysing the 2026 HSC data. Each training seminar contributes 5 Teacher Identified Professional Development (PD) hours.

The Seminar Programme covers four in-person seminars, each with a particular audience in mind. Prior to attending, an online tutorial designed to support intending participants can be completed through the HSC Data Analysis Users portal which requires a NetID login. 

Diocesan and School Officers’ HSC Overview

Audience: Diocesan and RI/MPJP school officers.

Programme: This seminar will take participants through using the system-level reports in conjunction with school reports to support schools. There will be opportunities for cross-system sharing and a discussion of key features of the 2026 HSC. 

Completing this seminar will contribute 5 hours of teacher-identified PD addressing standard descriptor 5.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Preparation: Check for an active NetID account and access to the HSC Data Analysis Users portal, and familiarity with the online tutorial via NetID. (For the tutorial, once logged into NetID select CSNSW Professional Learning and use the search bar to find "HSC Analysis Online Tutorial").

Where: The Assembly, Mezzanine level, 123 Pitt St, Sydney

When: Friday, 29 January 2027, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, lunch included 

Register now: Registrations close 25 January 2027

HSC Analysis #1: Introduction to the Analysis

Audience: Teachers, KLA coordinators, school leaders and interested persons who have not previously attended an HSC Analysis seminar.

Programme: This seminar discusses why and how data should be used within schools to shape the direction of pedagogy. It will also cover an introduction to the idea of Comparative Learning Gain and how this can be used to understand HSC data.
Completing this seminar will contribute 5 hours of teacher-identified PD addressing standard descriptor 5.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Preparation: Check for an active NetID account and access to the HSC Data Analysis Users portal, and familiarity with the online tutorial via NetID. (For the tutorial, once logged into NetID select CSNSW Professional Learning and use the search bar to find "HSC Analysis Online Tutorial").

Where: The Assembly, Mezzanine level, 123 Pitt St, Sydney

When: Friday, 12 February 2027, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, lunch included

Register now: Registrations close 8 February 2027

HSC Analysis #2: A detailed reading of your Analysis

Audience: Experienced users, including teachers, coordinators, Assistant Principals or Principals who have previously attended at least one HSC Analysis seminar.

Programme: Theory covered in the HSC Analysis #1: Introduction to the Analysis seminar is assumed knowledge. Participants will have the opportunity to spend most of the seminar in a detailed, guided reading of their own school’s analysis. This will include consideration of ways to resolve any problems highlighted by the analysis.

Completing this seminar will contribute 5 hours of teacher-identified PD addressing standard descriptor 5.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Teacher Accreditation in NSW. Completing this seminar will contribute 5 hours of teacher-identified PD addressing standard descriptor 5.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Preparation: Check for an active NetID account and access to the HSC Data Analysis Users portal, and familiarity with the online tutorial via NetID. (For the tutorial, once logged into NetID select CSNSW Professional Learning and use the search bar to find "HSC Analysis Online Tutorial").

Where: The Assembly, Mezzanine level, 123 Pitt St, Sydney

When: Friday, 19 February 2027, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, lunch included

Register now: Registrations close 15 February 2027

HSC Analysis #3: Leading your school in the Analysis

Audience: Principals, Assistant Principals, Leaders of Curriculum or Pedagogy and anyone with a whole school focus.

Programme: This seminar will explore the intersection of leadership, data, teacher professional learning and student achievement. Participants will come away having considered a range of leadership responses to their school’s analysis. Multiple members of a school’s senior leadership team are encouraged to attend.

Completing this seminar will contribute 5 hours of teacher-identified PD addressing standard descriptor 5.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Teacher Accreditation in NSW.

Preparation: Check for an active NetID account and access to the HSC Data Analysis Users portal, and familiarity with the online tutorial via NetID. (For the tutorial, once logged into NetID select CSNSW Professional Learning and use the search bar to find "HSC Analysis Online Tutorial").

When: Friday, 26 February 2027, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, lunch included

Register now: Registrations close 22 February 2027

Studies of Religion teachers – ‘Have Your Say’ Webinar (Ref: 251/26)

The draft NESA Studies of Religion 11–12 and Studies of Religion Life Skills 11–12 syllabuses will open for consultation on Monday, 26 October and your voice matters.

With around 85% of all Studies of Religion students in NSW enrolled in Catholic schools, the Catholic sector has a significant stake in the future direction of the syllabus. This consultation is an important opportunity to ensure that the perspectives, experiences and aspirations of Catholic educators are reflected in the feedback provided to NESA and influence the final syllabus.

Join Catholic educators from across NSW to explore the proposed changes, share your insights and help shape the future of Studies of Religion in our schools.

Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026

Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Delivery: Online via Microsoft Teams 

Register here

Be part of this important conversation and help ensure the Catholic voice is heard during this critical stage of curriculum reform.

National Catholic Education Commission Formation for Mission – National Conference (Ref: 258/26)

Join Catholic educators, leaders and formation practitioners from across Australia at the NCEC Formation for Mission Conference 2027, a national gathering dedicated to exploring effective approaches to teacher formation.

Date: 22–23 February 2027

Location:Catholic Leadership Centre, Melbourne

Register here

Under the theme From Purpose to Practice: Exploring Teacher Formation, the two-day conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, practical workshops and masterclasses focused on strengthening formation in schools, systems and communities.

Designed for: 

  • Catholic school and system leaders
  • Religious Education and middle leaders
  • Mission and formation staff
  • Clergy and religious
  • Board members
  • Anyone involved in faith formation, leadership and mission in Catholic education

Early bird and standard registration Include:

  • Two-day conference program
  • Catering throughout the conference
  • Conference Dinner included

Early bird registration is closing soon. Register before 31 October 2026 and save $100.

Formation conference

Student Resources 

NSW Parliamentary Education Resources (Ref: 255/26)

The Parliamentary Education and Engagement Office of the Parliament of NSW provide a range of free resources to support teachers and students Stages 3 & Stage 6. Recent releases include resources to support the teaching of:

  • Stage 3 HSIE: The history of the parliament and development of democracy
  • Stage 5 History: The Core Topic, Depth Study: Australia the Making of a Nation from Federation to WW1
  • Stage 5 Commerce: The NSW Budget process

Explore the Parliamentary education resources here. 

The Parliamentary Education & Engagement website also provides information on school tours to Parliament. For further information about updates to curriculum aligned lesson plans and professional development opportunities, teachers are encouraged to subscribe to the quarterly newsletter. 

Subscribe to the Teaching Parliament quarterly newsletter here.

parliament

SunSmart Student Studio Competition (Ref: 247/26)

Cancer Council NSW is challenging students across NSW to get creative and help make sun safety matter to other young people. This is an opportunity to shift sun safety from something adults tell young people about, to something young people have a voice in shaping and communicating themselves.

Sun safety messages are everywhere, but not all of them land. Adults can explain what to do, but students are best placed to work out how to make it actually matter to someone their own age.

Cancer Council NSW wants to see how students can get other students thinking about sun safety.  Entries should demonstrate an understanding of sun safety and communicate a clear SunSmart message in a way that’s relevant and engaging for other students.

There’s no need for fancy equipment or professional production. They are looking for strong ideas, creativity and a message that connects with peers.

Cancer Council Competition Image

School Updates & Newsletters

Safer Internet Day 2027 (Ref: 264/26)

As digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, become increasingly embedded in young people's lives, the importance of equipping students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate online environments safely has never been greater. Indeed, online safety is part of how Catholic schools uphold the dignity and wellbeing of every student. 

Safer Internet Day (9 February 2027) is a timely opportunity to promote online safety and the responsible use of technology. The eSafety Commissioner has developed a range of free resources to support schools participating in Safer Internet Day 2027, including: 

  • Primary and secondary school resource packs, featuring classroom activities, posters, presentations and communication materials. 
  • Virtual classroom webinars for Years 3–6, including new sessions exploring AI assistants, trustworthy information and digital footprints.  
  • Early childhood resources to introduce safe online habits through age-appropriate stories and activities. 
  • Resources for parents and carers to encourage conversations about online safety at home. 

Further information and resources are available below: 

2027 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) (Ref: 254/26)

The next Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data collection will take place in Term 2 2027. To support schools in preparing for the collection, please find below important information about upcoming communications, key milestones and resources to assist in your planning over the coming months.

AEDC 2027 Calendar

The AEDC 2027 Calendar outlines key dates and milestones for the upcoming data collection process.

General information, resources and support materials regarding the AEDC are available on the AEDC website.

AECD Calendar

Employment Opportunities

CSNSW is recruiting the position of Curriculum and Assessment Officer (Ref: 263/26)

The Curriculum and Assessment Officer has demonstrated experience in assessment design, pedagogy and innovative approaches to schooling and works across all eleven dioceses and schools conducted by Religious Institutes and Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (RI/ MPJP) in NSW. The role sits within the Curriculum and Assessment team comprising of experienced educational leaders, who manage Curriculum and Assessment, Aboriginal Education, Diverse Learning and Vocational Education (VET) and is part of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Directorate which works in collaboration with all NSW Catholic school agencies across all areas of schooling.

This position is full time, for a fixed term commencing approximately mid January until approximately mid July 2027. This is an office based position located in the Sydney CBD.

Applications close Friday, 13 November 2026.

If you are interested in this position or know someone who may be, please share details or click on the link below to view full position description and information on how to apply.

Curriculum and Assessment Officer Job in Sydney NSW - SEEK

Catholic Employment Relations (CER) is recruiting the position of Practice Assistant (Ref: 262/26)

We are seeking an energetic, highly organised Practice Assistant who takes ownership, demonstrates initiative, and thrives in a fast-paced environment, becoming the central support hub of our growing team. This is not a traditional administration role. We are looking for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is willing to roll up their sleeves and contribute wherever needed. One day you may be coordinating events, the next assisting with billing, responding to client enquiries, updating website content, supporting lawyers and consultants, or helping identify improvements to our systems and processes. 

The successful candidate will take ownership of their work, use initiative to solve problems, and actively look for ways to improve how the practice operates. They will be comfortable working independently, confident engaging with clients, and genuinely enjoy being part of a collaborative small team environment. Experience working with schools, diocesan organisations, Religious Institutes, Catholic agencies, or other faith-based organisations will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of the unique environments in which our clients operate.

Applications close 5:00 pm, Friday 13 November 2026.

If you are interested in this position or know someone who may be, please share details or click on the link below to view full position description and information on how to apply.

Legal Practice Assistant Job in Sydney NSW - SEEK

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