Dear Colleagues,

Lenten Season

As we approach the sacred season of Lent, we take this time to reflect on our journey of faith, renewal, and community.

On Shrove Tuesday, March 4^th, also known as Pancake Day, we embrace a tradition of preparation before Lent. It is a time to come together in fellowship and gratitude.

On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we begin the solemn journey of Lent, marked by prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness.

During these 40 days, let us embrace the call to self-examination with humility and honesty. Let us acknowledge our shortcomings and mistakes and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. But let us also celebrate our strengths, successes, and the many blessings surrounding us. Lent also allows us to restore and repair relationships that matter to us.

Wishing you a blessed Lenten season filled with peace, reflection, and abundant blessings. 

Lenten Prayer

This Lent, Lord, help me leave behind the distractions of my daily life and make this a time of spiritual retreat, of letting go all that holds me back from taking the risk of drawing closer to you, allowing your Spirit to lead me, and speak to my heart.

Forty days, or four, or forty minutes or four! Whatever I can manage! The time spent is not the key, I know, but my willingness to look into my frailty, and then to trust in You and to seek your will for me.

Amen.

 St Michael’s Primary School Nelson Bay

St Michael’s Primary School, Nelson Bay, welcomed this year's Kindy students with brand new facilities. 

Hear from some of the Kindy students as they tell us about their first day in the new space. 

Diocesan Primary Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all our swimmers who competed in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Primary Swimming Carnival yesterday at The Forum.

A special shout-out to our record breakers:

Isabel Smith of St James’ Kotara South: 10 yrs 50m freestyle time 33.86 broke 2011 record of 34.10

Billie Eder of St Joseph’s Charlestown: Snr Girls 50m Backstroke time 34.20 broke 2010 record of 35.52

Grace Skehan of St Mary’s Warners Bay: Jnr Girls 50m butterfly time 37.38 broke 1997 record of 37.50

Reminder – Jubilee Year Walk – Sunday 2 March 2025

You're invited!

On Sunday, 2 March, The Cathedral Precinct will transform into a family-friendly event with free food trucks, ice cream, amusements, entertainment, and an obstacle course.

The morning will start at 8 a.m. with a walk from Foreshore Park to Sacred Heart Cathedral (4km) with Bishop Michael—our chance to be Pilgrims of Hope! 

Walk side by side with families and staff from our parishes, schools, agencies, and ministries, and then join us for Mass at 10 a.m. before the Festival of Hope kicks off at 11 a.m.

Join us. Everyone is welcome!

St Peter’s Primary School Stockton – First School Visit for 2025

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to Michael Punch and his staff for their commitment to our students and the school community at Stockton. Your hard work, passion, and care shape not only the minds of our learners but also their character and future.

Your efforts—whether in the classroom, administration or behind the scenes—do not go unnoticed. Each of you plays a vital role in creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment, and I sincerely thank you.

As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to take pride in the impact you make every day.

System Leaders Day – Friday, 28 February 2025

I want to sincerely thank you for attending our System Leaders Day. Your presence, insights, and leadership are invaluable in shaping the future of our schools and communities. Your contributions to our discussions and collaboration with fellow leaders make these gatherings impactful.

You are tasked with creating the environment for faith and learning to flourish. You provide the foundation upon which relationships thrive. You work and walk alongside and in genuine partnership with parents and carers. You set standards for excellence. You guide and mentor, challenge and inspire.

You stand with me in this critical work. Together, we are leading through.

With my best wishes,

Jacqui

The Teachers of Special Religious Education in our Diocese undertake a vital evangelising role, educating children and young people and forming them in the Catholic faith.

Fortunately, there are amazing, generous people who play an important role in contributing to the formation of children.

Unfortunately, there are not enough teachers to meet the demands of all the classes needed. Many children are missing out.

Perhaps this is a time in your life when you might consider taking up this ministry of service?

The Mission & Evangelisation Team offer support and resources for anyone who might be interested in learning about SRE. Please consider joining us. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Nicki Graham

Mission & Evangelisation Partner – Children’s Ministry & SRE

Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

P: 0417 773 444

E: nicola.graham@mn.catholic.org.au

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) is inviting students of Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to design a logo that embodies the Assembly theme - Pilgrims of Hope - for our National Assembly to be held in the Hunter Valley from 29 September - 3 October 2025. The artwork will feature on all promotional materials of the Assembly and on items including (but not limited to) T shirts, hats, drink bottles and posters. We want to showcase the talents of our young people. The competition is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students (working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students).

All details can be found on the flyer. Alternatively, email mission@mn.catholic.org.au for further information.

The NAPLAN 2025 test window is Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March 2025.

Preparation activities and training for the delivery of NAPLAN 2025 are now available for schools.

Schools must ensure that no school camps, excursions, sports carnivals or similar activities are booked during the NAPLAN test window. Information on protocols for test scheduling can be found on the ACARA website.

NAPLAN should be undertaken by all eligible students who are present at school on the day each test is scheduled. Schools can organise for students who are absent on the day of a scheduled test to complete a catch-up test during the testing window.

Registration is now open for NAPLAN 2025 live online training sessions. Sessions run from Tuesday 4 February to Friday 7 March 2025 and are delivered via Microsoft Teams. View all options for training and preparation activities here.

As part of NAPLAN preparation, NESA recommends that schools train additional staff to provide back-up alternatives to help with test administration and support in case of staff illness or absence.

If a school has concerns about their ability to complete NAPLAN in the scheduled test window, they should email the NAPLAN team for advice.

Schools can access student data and session slips on the platform from March 3rd. Please refer to the 2025 NAPLAN Handbook for Principals and NAPLAN Coordinators for further information. 

Key Dates 

Future NAPLAN Dates 

With NAPLAN fast approaching, Technology Services has undertaken some initial preparation. See below for more information.

NAPLAN Locked Down Browser (LDB)

The latest LDB has been remotely deployed to all school-owned devices. Please check that all devices meant for NAPLAN testing have the LDB by following the steps below:

• Power on the device
• Check the NAP 2025 Purple icon is showing on the desktop (see image below).

BYOD Devices

Students with BYOD can download the latest version using the download links from the ACARA site.

Internet Optimisation

During the NAPLAN testing period, we will limit internet traffic related to non-essential software updates. Please note that this does not include any restrictions to media streaming sites such as YouTube, which are widely used as teaching resources. If this is something the school would like implemented, please consult with your principal and submit a request via Service@MN.

Other Considerations

• Ensure all devices used for NAPLAN testing have been connected to the school network, powered on, and checked before the testing period begins.

• During your school's testing period, please limit non-essential Internet use.
• Tech Services do not support Android devices such as Chromebooks for NAPLAN testing, this includes BYOD.

For more information and resources, including support contacts, please look at the NAPLAN 2025 Connect@MN Page. It includes information on the LDB, how to install it, and troubleshooting tips.

Schools can now enrol Year 6 and Year 10 students to participate in NAP Opt-in assessments in key curriculum areas. These new optional assessments are part of the National Assessment Program and are being phased in over 3 years. In May 2024, science literacy was delivered successfully. Civics and citizenship is being added for 2025, followed by ICT literacy in 2026. From 2026, NAP Opt-in assessments in all 3 domains will be available each year.

Schools choosing to take part in NAP Opt-in assessments will be able to measure student performance against national standards in key curriculum areas beyond literacy and numeracy and use the results (available only to the participating school) to review, plan and adapt teaching and learning programs.

Schools can run the assessments using the online platform at a time that suits them in the testing window, which in 2025 will run from Monday 5 May – Friday 30 May. Schools will already be familiar with the online platform and processes used as they are similar to NAPLAN. Schools will self-administer the NAP Opt-in assessments in 2025 via the platform – www.assessform.edu.au.

Schools have the option to enrol both Years 6 and 10 students, or one year, or individual classes of students within either year. When schools enrol full-year cohorts, they benefit from more data for school-wide planning.

There is no fee for schools registering to take part. 

Registration for the assessment will open on 25^th March 2025 and close on 29^th April 2025.

Further information is available here: NAP - Opt-in , by contacting ACARA's NAP Opt-in assessment team at: opt-inhelpline@acara.edu.au 

Reminder to all Principals that NESA’s short notice inspections run from Week 5 in Term 1 until the end of Term 3.

All principals or relevant school staff can attend the following drop in sessions for support and information.

A recording will be made accessible in the coming days. Please contact Alicia Dibben or Gina O’Brien if you require assistance.

Friday 14th February, the Virtual Academy Connect event was held at the University of Newcastle, welcoming our largest cohort yet, with students from Years 4 to 8. This event provided an opportunity for students to establish connections with like-minded peers while also setting up for online learning. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm as they engaged in this important first step of their Virtual Academy journey.

Another exciting initiative is the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Student Program, which recently closed nominations for students in Years 9 to 11. This new opportunity, available both online and in person, allows students to engage in advanced university-level learning while still in high school and supports the continuum of learning throughout their schooling years. Principal endorsements have been finalised, and selected students will receive university credentialing upon completion of their chosen unit, providing valuable recognition for future studies.

Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the da Vinci Decathlon, taking place in early April. Students from Years 5 to 10 across the diocese will have the opportunity to compete in this prestigious academic challenge, which fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration across multiple disciplines.

High Potential and Gifted Education Networking Day

The High Potential and Gifted Education Networking Day held on Thursday, 20th February at the University of Newcastle’s NUSpace provided a collaborative platform for Gifted Education Mentors (GEMs) to engage with key initiatives and priorities for 2025. The day began with a Prayer and Acknowledgment of Country, followed by a welcome by Maree Karaka (Leader of HPGE) and an overview of the Academic Excellence Strategy and Policy & Procedures. Education Officers – Caroline Donohoe, and Bek Henshaw led an interactive session on the role, offering practical insights into data-informed decision-making. Lauren Carlson facilitated a Middle Leadership workshop, fostering skills to drive impactful change. The afternoon focused on Term 1 priorities for the GEM role and planning for CogAT 2025, concluding with a Virtual Academy Q&A led by Virtual Academy Educators. This event supported GEMs in aligning their practice with policy while enhancing collaboration and leadership capabilities.

These initiatives highlight the breadth of opportunities available to our high potential and gifted students, ensuring they are engaged, challenged, and supported throughout their learning journey. Thank you to all who have contributed to making these programs a success!

This week we acknowledge the children from St Pius X Windale, St Columba’s Adamstown, St Joseph’s Bulahdelah, St Joseph’s Wingham, St Patrick’s Cessnock, St Joseph’s Taree, Holy Name Forster, St Kevin’s Cardiff, St Joseph’s Gloucester and St Joseph’s Dungog where the following images were taken as part of our school visits this week.

Bridie Stanger

Dear Principals

As you would be aware when parents and carers engage with their children’s learning, particularly out of school, attendance increases, behaviour in school improves, homework return rates go up and, overall, children’s achievement tends to improve.

As educators, you also know that learning can take place in all kinds of environments and that when parents nurture a positive attitude towards learning in all its forms, it builds children’s confidence and engagement with the world around them.

And yet often parents report they often feel they don’t know how to best support their children’s development in a way that complements the learning that takes place in class and, also often underestimate the value of ‘every day everywhere learning.’

As such, to help schools promote the importance of the school-family partnership approach to learning, a template has been developed for classroom teachers to populate and share with their student’s parents.

The template is designed to not only inform parents and carers of learning that will be taking place in the classroom that term but importantly, to also give them ideas on how they can support this learning at home.

Finally, by implementing a single template across the school it promotes consistency, which can help manage parents’ expectations about what communication they will receive from teachers across the span of the school.

If your school already distributes similar communications, please feel free to continue this tradition- while also considering the value of adding in a section that provides parents with information on how they can support their children’s learning at home in an age-appropriate way.

Please be advised that:

• The template is attached to this edition of Connect, and available to staff at any time on the  Family Engagement tile on SharePoint page (School Improvement > Family Engagement > Templates). The template is designed to be customised by each school community, and classroom teacher. Parts that are highlighted MUST be customised.  
• While it is not mandatory for schools to implement the Classroom Term Overview, you are encouraged to consider its use as valuable tool in building communication and relationship with families (it may also save your school administration team a few calls and emails)!
• This template is more geared towards a primary school audience- if you have suggestions for the development of a similar resource geared towards the high school setting, I will welcome hearing from you!
• Finally, if there are other templates you would like to see developed to assist your staff to build relationships with parents and carers, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Click here for Template

Kind regards,
Lizzie Watkin
Professional Officer- Family Engagement

Congratulations to our 2025 CS Teacher Education Scholarship recipients.

• Ava Schilt (St Clare’s High School, Taree)
• Charlotte Bushell (St Clare’s High School, Taree)
• Isobell Kelly (All Saints College, Maitland)
• Leila Markham (St Joseph’s Catholic College, Aberdeen)
• Luke Marco (St Joseph’s Catholic College School, Aberdeen)
• Sienna Wagner (St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton)
• Thomas Lawrence (St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton)
• William Walsh (St Mary’s Catholic High School, Gateshead)
• Xavier Wills (St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar)
• Zahra Bennett (St Francis Xavier College, Hamilton)

Recipients will receive:

• Financial support over the next 4 years of university study
• Opportunity to be employed as a Learning Support Aide
• Support and advice with accreditation to Work Teach and Lead
• Opportunity to complete Faith Story Witness (Module A) and Christian Formation Courses whilst at university
• Meet regularly with other Teacher Education Scholarship recipients
• Meet with the University Chaplain regarding what support is offered whilst at university
• Professional Learning to build their capacity whilst on internship
• Internship at one of our catholic primary or secondary school’s
• Financial support for accommodation whilst on their ‘out of area’ placement during 3^rd Year
• Permanent to the Diocese in one of our schools on completion of their studies

Our 2025 recipients will join the following current recipients of the program:

Narelle Cross

Education Officer – Teacher Accreditation & Registration

Thank you for your ongoing patience, as you can image the People & Culture team are processing a great number of casual staff contracts and I thank you for your patience as these are being processed.

As per last year, I aim to provide schools with a list of newly onboarded casual staff, and I am excited to introduce the below listed casual staff members who will be joining our Maitland-Newcastle Diocese school communities! I am sure that these individuals will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, and we are thrilled to welcome them to our schools.

Last fortnight was the first newsletter that was sent to ClassCover administrators which had some positive feedback. A new newsletter will be released in the coming days. If you have any feedback on this newsletter, please make contact. With this in mind, please ensure your ClassCover administrators are correctly updated, if you are unsure how to do this, feel free to contact me.

• A full list of newly onboarded teachers can be found here
• A full list of newly onboarded Learning Support Assistants can be found here 
• Previously published Casual Teachers and Staff can be located here

All new casual staff are available on ClassCover where you can view their profile and availability.

Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a nurturing and collaborative environment in our schools. We look forward to seeing the positive impact our new casual staff will have working alongside you.

In the coming weeks I would like to meet with schools regarding their casual teacher needs, please contact me to set up a time and date that fits with your school.

If you have any questions about new casual staff or need assistance reaching them, please feel free to contact Aaron Campbell for support.

Aaron Campbell

Leader of Casual Teacher Development & Engagement

Students will be provided with a dance and performance art experience that is inclusive, non-competitive, creative and collaborative, and that reflects the working processes of the professional industry. Students will be encouraged to have a voice as they create an original dance work which will be presented in a studio setting at the end of the project.

The program will be delivered by Aspire Dance Director, Lauren Harvey and will take place across two venues:  Studio-O  4/9 Oakdale Road, Gateshead.

Registration Link - https://forms.office.com/r/1b6f2giJ11

Venue: STUDI-O - 4/9 Oakdale Rd, GATESHEAD
STAGE 2 – 1 day workshop - $60 – 25 or 26 March 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
STAGE 3 – 2 day workshop – $100 – 2 and 3 April 9.00 am – 3.00 pm

This opportunity is open to students in Stage 2 (year 3-4) and Stage 3 (year 5-6). Students must have a genuine interest in and flair for dance, but don't necessarily have to attend dance lessons outside of school.

Students can register for the program by filling out an application form on the Aspire website or by following the QR code on the information flyer.

Places are limited and will be given on a first come first served basis.

Scholarship places are available for students in genuine need of financial assistance. Please contact Anne Atkins for further information via anne.atkins@mn.catholic.edu.au  or 02 4979 1331.

Join ASPIRE’S Junior Theatre Makers Program to develop drama and performance skills and meet some likeminded young creatives! Students in Years 5 to 8 are welcome to enrol. 

The program runs throughout Terms 2 and 3, with several locations on offer. Term 2 will be all about developing skills with a focus on playbuilding. Ensemble members will work through an array of exercises relating to character, including physical and image-based theatre. The ensemble will be run by experienced drama tutors who will ensure ensembles are fun and inclusive. 

Term 3 will be spent creating an original short performance piece which will be performed on Thursday 18th September 2025 at Warners Bay Theatre, Warners Bay. All groups will come together to rehearse at the theatre on the day. 

Places in the program are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

A flyer providing information, locations and how to register for the Junior Theatre Makers Program is attached.

Course cost is $350.  Scholarships are available for those in financial need.    Places in the program are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

For further information please contact Anne Atkins (anne.atkins@mn.catholic.edu.au or 4979-1331)

Registration Link - https://forms.office.com/r/LbNMZgSeq5

The diocesan vocal program VoiceWorx is open to any diocesan student who wants to join a vocal group or choral ensemble and learn more about singing with like-minded students. 

What will you learn?

• Vocal technique, warmups and exercises for correct voice production and vocal hygiene
• Ensemble skills and learning about the roles of each part of a choir
• Dynamics, phrasing and expression
• Listening skills and reading notation
• Following a conductor
• Performance skills and preparation

There are 6 groups, one for each Region and a Secondary group- Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Manning, Lakes, Central/Norths:

• Upper Hunter- St Joseph’s Catholic College, ABERDEEN (Year 8, Year 7, Primary)
• Manning- St Clare’s High School TAREE (Year 8, Year 7, Primary)
• Lower Hunter- St Aloysius Catholic Primary School CHISHOLM (Primary)
• Lakes- St Paul’s Catholic College BOORAGUL (Primary)
• Central/Norths- San Clemente High School MAYFIELD (Primary)

Performance- Civic Theatre Newcastle, Tuesday 10 June 2025 or Wednesday 11 June 2025.

The cost will be $100 per year. A VoiceWorx polo shirt, sheet music, rehearsal and/or backing tracks will be supplied. *Financial support is available if needed.

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/iniPJ8LbEH

Please contact Aspire Musical Director Jessica Lopez jessica.lopez@mn.catholic.edu.au for more information.

The ASPIRE Song Writing Competition is open to all students in our primary and secondary schools.

Aspire 2025 is set in a post-apocalyptic future where young people are not allowed to feel any emotions. When mysterious artworks start appearing around the city questioning this course of action a small group of rebels are inspired to challenge the decisions of their leaders.

The Song Competition will be broken into 4 categories- Primary School (individual), Primary (class), Year 7-9 and Years 10-12. Using the story for the production, the themes below will be the song writing focus for these allocated year groups.

Primary (class) category- Primary school teachers are encouraged to create a song with their classes or part of their class. This could be part of programming or a co-curricular project.

Primary School (individual and class categories): Emotions

What are emotions?

Select an emotion to be the focus of your song

Different ways of expressing emotions

Years 7, 8 or 9: Rebellion

Using 'rebellion’ as a theme for lyrics and/or music

Think about making a stand

What do people rebel against and how might they go about it?

Years 10, 11 or 12: Artwork

Using 'artwork’ as a theme for lyrics and/or music

You may be inspired by a particular artist or artwork

What effect does art have on people

The attached flyer will give you more about the song competition which closes on Thursday 3 April 2025. Those selected as finalists will workshop their songs and then perform at the Song Writing Showcase on Thursday 22 May 2025.

ASPIRE is introducing a scriptwriting competition in 2025 for secondary students. Interested creative writers are encouraged to get writing and enter a script to go through a shortlisting process. There is no theme, and students can write about whatever they are interested in. Scripts must be PG rated and be between five and eight minutes in length, with a maximum of six performers.

Once entries close, shortlisted finalists will be sent feedback to consider from the judges and asked to submit a second draft of their script. The winner of each category will be decided at a live staged reading performance where a guest panel will judge the scripts. There are two categories: Years 7-9 and Years 10-12.

Entries close Friday 18 April 2025.

Please see the following the details on upcoming webinars organised by the NSW Response and Recovery team at headspace National to support you and your staff in achieving your well-being goals. 

Here’s the upcoming webinar schedule:

• Navigating Eco-Anxiety
• Thursday, 6^th March 2025 | 4:00 – 5:00 pm
• Wednesday, 19^th March 2025 | 3:30 – 4:30 pm
• Meditation
• Wednesday, 12^th March 2025 | 3:45 – 4:45 pm
• Managing Stress and Maintaining Well-Being
• Monday, 3^rd March 2025 | 4:00 – 5:00 pm
• Monday, 31^st March 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 am

The flyer attached includes links to register for these sessions.

Dear Colleagues,

Attention: Teaching Staff

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering strong leadership within our organisation, we are relaunching our Talent Pool initiative, specifically for four key leadership positions that are critical to our continued success.

• Principal
• Assistant Principal
• Primary Coordinator
• Religious Education Coordinator

These positions are temporary in nature and will only be considered if our primary line of succession has been exhausted. While we remain committed to promoting from within through our established succession planning, Talent Pool members will be given priority consideration when a leadership role becomes available.

Importantly, you do not need to be in a leadership position already to participate in this initiative. This opportunity is designed for individuals at any level who are eager to grow their leadership skills and take on greater responsibilities. By joining the Talent Pool, you will:

• Be Considered for Temporary Leadership Roles: If a leadership position becomes available after exhausting succession options, Talent Pool members will be given priority for these temporary roles. This is a great opportunity to step into a leadership capacity and contribute to the Catholic Schools success during transitional periods.
• Gain Hands-On Leadership Experience: Even if you're not currently in a leadership position, this is your chance to take on new challenges, make an impact, and grow your skills through practical experience.

If you’re interested in learning more or expressing your interest in joining the Talent Pool, please click on the relevant link below for more information and next steps.

mnpeople - Administration - View Job - Expressions of Interest - Talent Pool - Principal

mnpeople - Administration - View Job - Expression of Interest - Talent Pool - Assistant Principal

mnpeople - Administration - View Job - Expressions of Interest - Talent Pool - Primary Coordinator

mnpeople - Administration - View Job - Expressions of Interest - Talent Pool - Religious Education Coordinator

We are excited to support your continued growth and look forward to seeing how your potential can shape our leadership team.

Please reach out to Sarah O’Leary if you have any questions at: sarah.oleary1@mn.catholic.org.au or call: 0428 777 359