Welcome to Scholaris

Priority 

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

Event: The Spiritual Foundations that Guide Leadership in Catholic Education (Ref: 172/ 25)

St Joseph's College Institute is hosting Associate Professor Paul Kidson, the National Course Coordinator for the Master of Educational Leadership degree at the Australian Catholic University. 

Dr Paul Kidson is a leading researcher on the Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Survey, Australia's longest-running principal wellbeing project. With his extensive experience as a former School Principal, Dr Paul Kidson frequently comments on educational matters in the media.

The topic of the presentation is how Catholic educational leaders are called to lead with purpose, integrity and a deep sense of mission. In this presentation Dr Paul Kidson will draw on his knowledge of Catholic Tradition and faith to explain the importance of "Servant leadership", Discernment, and having communities that are built on core principles of Catholic Social Teaching. 

When: Tuesday 5 Aug, 6pm - 7:30pm AEST

Where: Br Liguori Resources Centre, St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill NSW

Register: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-sjc-institute-the-spiritual-foundations-that-guide-leadership-in-catholic-education/tickets

CSSA Online Trial HSC Examinations – Familiarisation Activities (Ref: 168/25) 

The CSSA Familiarisation Activities are now live!

Schools can support and prepare their HSC students for the 2025 CSSA Online Trial HSC Examinations by engaging in the CSSA Familiarisation Activities unique to Enterprise Computing, Science Extension and Software Engineering on the Gradeo platform. 

CSSA Familiarisation Activities are available to schools from 21-25 July 2025. 

The CSSA School Readiness Guide is available here and contains all of the information required for successful school preparation.

Professional Learning 

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. 

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 line up!

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 August 22. All entries must be completed by 5pm AEST on August 22 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. 

Scholarships and Awards

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.