Catholic Schools Office eBulletin

Diocesan News

Clarity Learning Week - Week 1, Term 2

We welcome Dr Lyn Sharratt back to the Diocese at the beginning of Term 2. The focus for the week will be on “Unpacking Waterfall Chart” and include learning walks and talks in schools. (See agenda here).

Schools are to choose the venue and dates that best suit their needs. The dates and venues for this Professional Learning has been arranged as follows:

  • 29th & 30th April  
    Venue:  St Xavier’s Primary School Gunnedah                                                                       Time:  Monday - 9am to 3:30pm &   Tuesday - 9am to 2pm                             Registration link here

OR

  • 1st and 2nd May 
    Venue:  St Mary’s Primary School Armidale
    Time:  Wednesday - 9am to 3:30pm & Thursday - 9am to 2pm
    Registration link here

All staff attending need to complete the registration form (see links above) by Friday 22nd March.

Working with Children Check (WWCC) renewals go digital

There are 2 ways to renew your Working with Children Check (WWCC), depending on how you choose to have your identification verified:

  • Online using face verification – instead of going into a Service NSW Centre to present your identity documents, you renew online and use your device to scan your face. The scan is matched with the photo used on your NSW Driver Licence or NSW Photo Card.
  • At a Service NSW Centre – you need to complete the Office of the Children's Guardian (OCG) renewal application form, then visit a service centre within 28 days to present the original version of your identity documents and pay your fee if required.

Aspiring Middle Leaders Course (NESA Registered)

The Aspiring Middle Leaders Program is for teachers wishing to explore the future The Aspiring Middle Leaders Program is for teachers wishing to explore the future career pathways of middle leadership. Leaders wanting to brush up on their interview/application skills are invited to participate as well.

In participating in this program, you will develop a deepened understanding of the transition from classroom teacher to a ‘leader of teachers’. This program will support successful navigation of the recruitment process.

This program includes:

  • 3 x online workshop sessions from 3:15pm - 5:15pm.  

Cohort 2: August 1, 8, 15 

Registration: HERE

Early Middle Leaders Course (NESA Registered)

The Early Middle Leading Program is for Middle Leaders in the first three years of their leadership journey. Established leaders looking to build their leadership network and knowledge are also invited to participate.

The program has been specifically designed to support you successfully navigate the complexities involved in building a culture of collaborative professionalism in our work to improve learner outcomes. In each session, you will engage in interactive, relevant, and innovative learning experiences that will support the holistic development of your leadership. 

This program includes:

  • 10  x 1 hour sessions across Term 1, 2, and 3 (3 sessions a term), with a check-in session Term 4 to share experiences in implementing your learnings.

Registration: HERE

Data, Data Ecosystem and Collection Schedules

Welcome back to 2024.

 

The CSO Data Team this year is Briony Martin, Jacqueline Wait and Justin Matthews. Briony is in the role of Subject Matter Expert: Data Ecosystem, Jacqueline is in the role of Subject Matter Expert: Literacy K-6 and Data, and Justin is the School Performance Leader with oversight of the project. We are very excited to be working alongside schools in 2024. 

 

Jacqueline is in a hybrid role and works for the CSO on Mondays and Tuesdays. Her primary focus is writing, assessment and InitiaLit. Jacqueline is able to support K-6 Literacy matters.

 

Briony is full time at the CSO and will be assisting schools with all aspects related to the data ecosystem: collection, analysis and professional learning.

 

Elise Baird from the Inclusion Team will look after MiniLit Sage. 

 

Any COMPASS related concerns please continue to use the  compasssupport@arm.catholic.edu.au. 

 

The Data Collection Schedules for 2024 are linked below. For support in implementing the data collection schedules please contact Briony bmartin1@arm.catholic.edu.au and Jacqueline jwait@arm.catholic.edu.au. 

 

2024 Primary Data Collection Schedule

 

2024 Secondary Data Collection Schedule

 

Briony Martin and Jacqueline Wait

NSW Training Awards

Applications for the 2024 NSW Training Awards are now open​​​​​​​!

The NSW Training Awards recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and training organisations in the VET sector.

Individual Award Categories relevant for schools:

  • VET in Schools Student of the Year
  • School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
  • VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year

Check out the NSW Training Awards website for information regarding the application process including closing dates.

2024 Students as Authors Writing Competition

The 2024 Students As Authors Writing Competition is now open. Regina Menz will judge the competition this year, and the theme is Future Worlds. Schools can download a PDF copy of the promotional poster here, to print and circulate with school communities digitally. 

 

The competition is designed to give students an authentic purpose and audience for their writing and provide an opportunity to showcase the writing talents of our students through publication to SORA, the digital library. Please support students to enter their work via the QR code embedded in the promo poster. The competition will close June 14th.