Dear Colleagues,

Cyclone Alfred

We are thinking and praying for those in the path of Cyclone Alfred. I hope everyone stays safe and that emergency responders can help. Please stay informed through official channels, such as local news outlets, for the latest updates.

Please follow the guidance from emergency services and local authorities to ensure your family's safety during this period. Please note that the situation is evolving, and authorities constantly monitor conditions to make decisions in the best interest of community safety.

Following our previous communication regarding the expected impacts of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Alfred, I wish to update you that due to ongoing severe weather conditions as a result of the cyclone, the school closures will be extended until Monday 10 March 2025. 

This extension is necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff as we continue to monitor the situation closely.

We anticipate that school will open on Tuesday 11 March. We will continue to work closely with Catholic Schools NSW, the Department of Education, and the SES to assess the situation and provide you with timely updates. 

Please avoid travel to the area at this time. For more information, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au 

As always, the safety of our staff and all in the Diocesan community remains our highest priority.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

As we begin the season of Lent, this first Sunday reminds us of a time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. Lent is a journey—a call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, inviting us to strengthen our faith and deepen our commitment to service.

In our daily work, let us take this time to embody patience, kindness, and dedication, not only to our responsibilities but also to one another. May this season inspire us to approach our tasks with renewed purpose and to support each other with compassion and understanding.

Let us journey together with faith, knowing that our efforts contribute to a greater good, no matter how small. I wish you all a blessed and meaningful Lent.

Grant, almighty God,

through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding

of the riches hidden in Christ

and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen. 

International Women’s Day – Saturday, 8 March 2025

Happy International Women’s Day!  On Saturday, we celebrate women's achievements, resilience, and contributions in our community and worldwide.

This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is compelling for International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 because it emphasises the urgency of making faster, more effective strides toward gender equality.

Essentially, "Accelerate Action" calls for urgency, inclusion, and transformative change. It signals that equality cannot wait and that all sectors of society must work together to quicken the pace of progress for women’s rights and empowerment.

Let’s unite to make the world more inclusive and equitable.

Wishing you all a meaningful and empowering International Women’s Day!

All Saints’ College Maitland - Opening School Assembly - RoSA, HSC Awards

Tuesday 4 March 2025 – All Saints’ College had their Opening School Assembly – see the photos below.

Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown - RoSA Awards

RoSA Awards ceremony at Trinity Catholic College was held on Tuesday, 4th March.  The Ceremony included both our Leaders Commissioning and the RoSA Awards which was attended by Duilio Rufo and Kate Drake.

ASPIRE on tour to the Upper Hunter Schools

Aspire went on tour last week to the Upper Hunter and created a show with around 100 students representing every school in the region. Students worked with Aspire specialists to rehearse and produce the original script, ‘How to Be a Hero,’ written with input from talented writers from St James, Muswellbrook, St Joseph’s, Merriwa, and St Mary’s, Scone.

Students signed up for ensembles in Drama, Instrumental, Visual Art, or Vocal as they worked on their separate production elements before putting it all together at the dress rehearsal on Wednesday.

Students wowed large audiences with their talents and hard work during two performances. A massive thanks to St Joseph’s, Aberdeen, for hosting the event and allowing the use of their school hall for the performance. Putting on a show in just a few days is a fantastic accomplishment; the students should be incredibly proud of their achievements. Aspire hopes this project will be an annual opportunity for interested students in the region.

St Brigid’s Primary School Raymond Terrace

In exciting news, a submission from St Brigid’s Primary School, Raymond Terrace,

“Waste Creatures of the Deep” by Myrtle and Squirtle Turtle Squads has been selected as a finalist in the Literary Waste Art Competition 2025. In the lead-up to the announcement, the artwork will be showcased at the 2025 Ocean Lovers Festival at Bondi Beach later this month.

Support our locals and vote for Waste Creatures of the Deep in the People’s Choice Award!

 It’s easy—click the heart icon on the Myrtle and Squirtle Turtle Squads entry on the link

here Waste Creatures of the Deep People's Choice Entry.

St Catherine’s College Singleton – School Visit

I want to sincerely thank David Crawford and his staff for their commitment to our students and the school community at Singleton. 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.

With my best wishes,

Jacqui

We wanted to provide an update that Catherine McAuley Primary School, Medowie will not be opening for the 2026 school year. This decision was made due to a construction delay beyond our control linked to changes to the National Construction Code.

Families are being encouraged to consider enrolling at another local Catholic school that suits their needs. The following schools are available for enrolment in 2026:  

• St. Peter’s Primary School, Stockton  

• St. Brigid’s Primary School, Raymond Terrace  

• St. Michael’s Primary School, Nelson Bay  

We remain committed to supporting families and students through the transition at the appropriate time. We will continue to keep you updated about the progress and timings related to the Catherine McAuley precinct. 

You are invited to begin each working week during Lent each Monday morning from 8.50am in the Davis Courtyard.

The theme of our Lenten prayer is "Let us journey together in hope" inspired by Pope Francis' message for Lent 2025 and the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Please note that our regular Monday Morning Prayer on Teams will not be held during this time but will resume on Monday 28^th April.

Dates: Mondays 10/3, 17/3, 24/3, 31/3, 7/4

Faith Story Witness on Tuesday 11 March 25

A workshop day for staff that introduces them to the story and vision of our Diocese. It provides an opportunity to learn of our deep connection with Aboriginal spirituality, the history and development of Catholic education in Maitland-Newcastle, as well as exploring the rich charisms found within our schools. Drawing upon the shared wisdom and experience of the participants, the program offers a variety of reflections and activities that examine how they are part of the Christian story and its mission. Click link to register: Faith Story Witness

Pastoral Care Workers Day – Friday 14 March 25

Pastoral Care staff in this role ensures the physical and emotional welfare of pupils and provisions in schools. Click link to register: PCW

This year’s Way of the Cross will continue our pilgrimage experience that began with the Jubilee Launch. Come and walk with fellow pilgrims and build relationships as we share our responses to Pope Francis’ invitation to become agents of hope within our own communities. Join us!

Time:  3pm

Date:  Sunday, 6^th April.

ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, TORONTO

140 Wangi Road, Toronto NSW 2283

ENQUIRIES: mission@mn.catholic.org.au

REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-way-of-the-cross-a-pilgrimage-of-hope-tickets-1250877762059?aff=oddtdtcreator

From Bias to Brilliance: Transforming Perceptions of Potential 

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's a timely reminder to reflect on how we recognise and nurture high potential and giftedness - particularly in girls and young women.

Read the full article, From Bias to Brilliance: Transforming Perceptions of Potential, via this link https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/news/from-bias-to-brilliance-transforming-perceptions-of-potential/

Administration of CogAT 2025

The 2025 CogAT administration is scheduled for Term 2, as outlined in the Assessment Schedule.

In Term 1, we ask that Gifted Education Mentors (GEMs) work with school leadership to confirm the most suitable week for administering CogAT to students in Years 2, 4, and 7:

• Year 2: Administered over three consecutive days.
• Years 4 and 7: Administered on a single day.

Schools should submit their preference for testing by Friday, 21^st March. To ensure that adequate support is provide the CS HPGE Team will consider your preferences and confirm your administration dates by then end of Term 1. 

2025 da Vinci Decathlon

As part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools’ High Potential and Gifted Education program, identified students have been invited to represent the Diocese in the 2025 da Vinci Decathlon. Each team will consist of eight high-ability students from across the diocese, competing in a collaborative academic challenge.

The da Vinci Decathlon challenges students across ten disciplines, including Mathematics, Science, Engineering, and Creative Production. The 2025 theme is Sustainability, and the event will be held at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College on the following dates:

• Years 7-8: Tuesday, 1st April 2025
• Years 9-10: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025
• Years 5-6: Thursday, 3rd April 2025

HPGE Personal Plans: Supporting High Potential and Gifted Students

To enhance our system-wide approach to identifying and supporting High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) students, a new HPG Student Personal Plans folder is now available on your School Portal > Gifted Education Tile.

This folder includes:

• The MNCSO HPGE Personal Plan Template.
• Subfolders organised by the graduating year of students.

Who Requires a HPGE Personal Plan?

At this stage, plans should be created for:

• All Virtual Academy students.
• Students with psychometric testing identifying them as ‘gifted’ and/or requiring enrichment/extension.
• Students scoring stanine 9 in any CogAT battery or the composite score.

Next Steps for GEMs:

GEMs will:

• Begin with a targeted group, such as Virtual Academy students or a specific year group.
• Gather student data and liaise with relevant staff regarding curriculum adjustments and teaching strategies.
• Engage with families to acknowledge student abilities and outline support strategies.
• Upload completed plans to the appropriate year-level folder.

This is an ongoing process, and we appreciate your commitment to supporting student learning and growth.

Online Power BI Information Sessions

Thank you to all Principals, Assistant Principals, and GEMs who joined us for the Online Power BI Information Sessions. We appreciate your engagement and interest in exploring the Power BI platform to support access and understanding of high potential and gifted education data.

For those who were unable to attend, a recording will be shared shortly for your review.

If you are a Principal, AP, or GEM and are experiencing any issues accessing the Gifted Education Power BI platform, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Bridie Stanger

2025 Data Release Update

As you know the 2024 AEDC school profile addendums, community, state, and national data release is planned for March 2025. AEDC National has scheduled to release the data on 31 March 2025.

While all the processes required for the publication of the 2024 data by the proposed date is in progress, AEDC National has advised that if a federal election is called before 31 March, the data release process will stop during the caretaker period. If that happens, the data will not be released until the new government is formed and a new Minister is in office. This has brought in some uncertainty to the actual date of the 2024 data release as an election announcement will automatically delay the data release (even if it is announced the morning of 31st March before the release is actioned).

CHANGE OF DATE – AEDC NSW 2025 Symposium

As you also know, the AEDC NSW are planning the Research Symposium 2025 for key stakeholders on 2nd April 2025 on the assumption that the data will be available by the end of March 2025. However, because of the uncertainty of the data release, the AEDC NSW have decided to move the symposium until 18th June. They feel that the election would have all been concluded by then and it is enough time for the data to be available (i.e. even if the release was delayed because of an election).

The symposium information has been updated on the event page.

The AEDC NSW Research Symposium 2025 aims to raise awareness of the value of the AEDC data, the 2024 data outcomes for NSW and Australia and create an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together and reflect on the evidence.

Date: Wednesday 18 June 2025 (online and face-to-face)

Time: 8:30 am – 3:30pm

Theme: Shaping futures – the impact of the AEDC on early years education

Target Audience: School leaders and teachers, Early childhood leaders and educators, Child and family community stakeholders, AEDC data users and researchers.

Cost: This event is free to attend.

For more information, including a list of guest speakers, refer to AEDC NSW Research Symposium 2025 website and the attached flyer and agenda.

Please contact Bridie (bridie.stanger@mn.catholic.edu.au) Education Officer – Early Learning if you have any questions.

St Nicholas Early Education and Catholic Schools have launched Grow With Us—the first joint campaign between the two agencies, promoting the priority enrolment advantage available to St Nicholas Early Education families at Catholic Schools.

The campaign highlights the strong connection between early education and primary education within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Through targeted marketing efforts, Grow With Us aims to increase awareness among current and prospective families, strengthening enrolments across both agencies.

This collaborative initiative marks an important step in aligning St Nicholas Early Education and Catholic Schools, showcasing the benefits of a continuous educational pathway within the Diocese.

To learn more, click here.

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.