Dear Colleagues,

Aspire 2025 – THE RISE OF BOZZ

With two matinee performances now completed, the joyful sounds of students squealing with delight still echo through the Civic Theatre.

Their excitement and energy have brought a vibrant buzz, a testament to the success of the production and the hard work of everyone involved. The performances not only entertained but also inspired, leaving lasting impressions on young audiences and creating cherished memories for all.

Performances will be held at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle, on Friday, 1 August and Saturday, 2 August 2025. 

You can purchase tickets by contacting the Civic Theatre Box Office on 4979-1977 or via the link below.

https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/the-rise-of-bozz

Blake and Ivy’s Journey from ASPIRE to Broadway

With this week's ASPIRE central performances, I want to highlight two students who are effectively utilising the available opportunities and pathways. This includes not just Creative and Performing Arts, but also broader aspects of our Catholic Schools.

Blake and Ivy, two dedicated young performers from ASPIRE, are expanding their passion for performing onto the global stage!

See their journey here.

❤️Messages of Hope for the Manning ❤️

After the Manning region was hit by unprecedented flooding in May, the Catholic Schools community came together and shared ‘Messages of Hope’ – an initiative designed to remind everyone of the strength found in unity and to support the emotional and spiritual well-being of the affected communities.

The response was overwhelming, with over 200 heartfelt messages from schools across the Diocese. Each message, whether a simple drawing, a prayer, or a written note, conveyed compassion, solidarity, and a shared commitment to rebuilding, healing, and hope.

These messages have now been turned into a ‘Messages of Hope’ book, which can be seen here - Message of Hope Flipbook | Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle

Australian Primary Principals Day

Federal Minister for Education, Hon. Jason Clare MP, has shared an encouraging message, acknowledging the importance and value of the work of our nation’s primary principals.

Watch Minister Clare’s video message here.

Annual School Visits 

St Dominic’s College Mayfield

I sincerely thank Rachel Jones and her staff for their dedication to our students and the St Dominic’s school community.

The day at St Dominic’s Catholic College, Mayfield began with an animated rendition of “My Lighthouse”, a crowd favourite, followed by the Acknowledgement of Country, including Aboriginal language. Our visit to the college was both joyous and affirming, showcasing the collaborative efforts of staff to remove barriers and foster a safe, nurturing space where every student thrives.

Staff are actively engaging with the PB4L framework, working to embed consistent practices, policies, and procedures. The implementation of the Promoting Literacy Project has significantly strengthened staff capability and led to measurable improvements in student literacy development and outcomes.

It was uplifting to observe the meaningful integration of technology, tailored to student interests, alongside the use of data to monitor progress. Parents are affirming of staff efforts to capture growth, through video, photos and work samples. Most striking is the evident culture of care: each student is seen, celebrated, and supported- and prepared for life beyond school, with the introduction of the School Café, Mini-Woolworths, work experience opportunities and enriching internal and external excursions. St Dominic’s Catholic College is a vibrant, dynamic environment—at times challenging, but always deeply inspiring. Congratulations to the team!

St Joseph’s College Lochinvar

I sincerely thank Peter Antcliff and his staff for their dedication to our students and the Lochinvar school community.

Our recent visit to St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar, provided a valuable opportunity to affirm the leadership of the college’s newly formed executive team. Their proactive efforts are fostering a positive school culture, while helping to shape the college’s strategic direction.

The college continues to thrive, buoyed by strong enrolment demand, robust regional population growth, and initiatives aimed at improving student retention and the transition from Year 10 to Year 11. Consistent student attendance remains an area of focus.

The college spoke in detail about its dedication to a consistent and whole school approach to learning and wellbeing. Focusing on ensuring consistency across classes, they talked to the expert analysis of HSC data by all staff to establish the learning needs and direction around the curriculum.  The college showcased its context-driven scaffolds, focusing on a consistent approach to reading, embedding numeracy practices for all students across the school. This data-driven and contextually focused approach was an outstanding example of the strong collective efficacy continuing to thrive across the college.

 The college outlined its ambitious and focused approach to fostering a positive and authentic community, using PB4L practices and procedures to monitor and respond to wellbeing data. The detailed plan for reinvigorating PB4L particularly showcased the commitment to enriching the strong faith dimension of the college. It was a commendable recognition of the importance of a strong Catholic Identity embedded within wellbeing.

Throughout our visit, we were reminded of the college’s deep commitment to its mission—drawing inspiration from the steadfast faith of St Joseph, the humility of Saint Mary MacKillop, and the enduring legacy of the Sisters of St Joseph, to enrich Catholic identity and faith life. The college proudly upholds Josephite traditions and values that continue to shape its identity and purpose. The Student Service Learning and Leadership Program and efforts to enrich liturgical life for students and staff are to be commended.

With my best wishes,

Jacqui

Children’s Ministry Open Day – BERESFIELD

13 August

For those who are interested in learning more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, we are offering an Open Day. Learn about, and experience, new and engaging resources for children’s ministry. Please join us at 2pm. All are welcome. Contact Siubhan Sadler on 0432 477 181 or email chisholm.atrium@gmail.com

Crossing Cultures, Hidden Histories - TORONTO

16 August

Facilitated by Aunty Louise Campbell and Craig Duncan, this cultural awareness day will take you on a 65,000-year journey from pre-contact to the present day to deepen your knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, broadly and in your local communities. Join us in St Joseph’s Hall, Toronto Parish, 8.30am to 3:30pm. $10pp cash on the day to assist with catering. For more information and to register visit - Crossing Cultures, Hidden Histories - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

16 & 23 August

All with an interest and desire to learn more about liturgy are invited to join the final unit of the Christian Formation Course 2025. Explore and reflect on the principles of Catholic liturgy over two consecutive Saturdays with Sr Louise Gannon & Fr Andrew Doohan. For more information and to register visit - The Liturgical Life of the Church: Celebrating Revelation - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

NATSICC Assembly – POKOLBIN

29 September – 3 October

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is incredibly proud to host the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council Assembly. Themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ it will welcome hundreds of delegates and bishops from across Australia alongside a keynote presentation from Stan Grant. This will be a powerful moment in our diocesan journey towards reconciliation – not to be missed. Full week and day registrations available. For more information and to register visit - 2025 Assembly

Australian Catholic Youth Festival - MELBOURNE

29 November – 3 December

Registrations are filling fast for 100 young people across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to join Bishop Michael for ACYF25 - a national gathering of Catholic youth, from Grade 10 through to 25 years old. The experience provides young people an opportunity to come together and connect whilst deepening their faith and relationship with Jesus. For more information and to register visit - Australian Catholic Youth Festival - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

On Monday, 30th June, the St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar school community gathered for a meaningful and inspiring NAIDOC Week Assembly, honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With this year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy,” the assembly celebrated not only the resilience of the past but also the power of future leaders.

The Aboriginal Dance Group performed a series of traditional dances, including a clearing dance, lightning dance, men’s and women’s dances, and a kookaburra dance. They danced with pride for their mobs, families, and ancestors.

The Didgeridoo Group performed alongside the dancers, adding a spiritual rhythm to the performances.

We are incredibly proud of all who participated for their dedication to keeping cultural traditions alive and thriving.

A highlight of the assembly was the performance by Aboriginal musician and former student Finnian Johnson. His original songs, blending themes of identity and resilience, combined with his powerful voice, left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.

The keynote address was delivered by Kahlia Saunders, who spoke to the heart of this year’s theme. She shared insights on the importance of intergenerational knowledge, youth empowerment, and the enduring strength of First Nations communities.

St Joseph’s art installation focused on the theme of strength in our young people, vision in our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors. The installation featured large pots adorned with Aboriginal symbols and markings, created by another former student of the College and proud Wonnarua woman, Abbie Dunn.

The celebration concluded with a bush tucker morning tea, featuring finger lime tarts, apple and wattle seed muffins, kangaroo sausage rolls, and traditional rosella fruit drink.

Congratulations to Mrs Zara Francisco, Aboriginal Education Teacher at St Joseph’s, for her outstanding leadership and commitment to cultural education.

Danielle Barry - Education Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Learning and Wellbeing

We’re excited to announce that Windows 11 will be rolled out across all school-issued Windows devices over the coming months and into 2026. Current devices use Windows 10 and the Windows 11 change is a significant system upgrade that will give a new look and feel to your computer and offers a range of powerful new features and capabilities, including enhanced security and improved performance, all with familiar tools. 

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will receive no further updates after October 2025. While Technology Services will continue to support Windows 10 into 2026, most devices will need to transition to Windows 11 to maintain security and support.

As part of this project:

• All school-issued devices will be migrated to Windows 11
• Shared devices will be refreshed and upgraded
• New devices for staff will come with Windows 11 pre-installed along with guidelines and help documents to be provided.
• Incompatible devices will be assessed for replacement or retirement – in consultation with schools and aligned with existing device replacement plans where possible.

We look forward to working with our schools to modernise and enhance the daily technology use of our staff and students.

The move to Windows 11 will allow Technology Services to better support our staff and students through improved device management and remote support, while ensuring our Windows devices remain up to date and secure.

Technology Services is currently planning the rollout timeline and the support required to assist schools through this transition. More details will be shared soon.

Be Cyber Secure  

Effective cybersecurity practices are crucial for the Diocese and its staff to protect student and organisational information from cyber threats such as hacking and phishing.  

It is essential that passwords are not shared and that staff lock their devices when not in use.   

Please be particularly mindful of shared devices and private information that may be accessed by others. 

Phishing emails and cyber scams are becoming more sophisticated, particularly emails that appear like they are from people within our organisation, from Microsoft or emails that request an invoice payment. 

In the event you receive any emails that seem suspicious, please report or delete them immediately. 

Check out our Cyber Security tips article

On Wednesday 31 July, St Nicholas OOSH celebrated OOSH Educators Day. An opportunity to honour the valuable contributions St Nicholas OOSH Educators make to enrich the lives of the children and families in their care through their unwavering passion, commitment and innovative spirit.

Our school communities with St Nicholas OOSH services onsite are encouraged, if they haven’t already, to share a message of gratitude and appreciation with their local St Nicholas OOSH Team.

A thank you card is available at each service's sign-in area to collect your sentiments. Your messages of gratitude mean the world to our educators.

Yours sincerely,

St Nicholas OOSH.

Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI)

As part of our ongoing system focus on PB4L, and with data collection being one of the key components of a PB4L approach, we are once again undertaking a system wide data collection process utilising the PB4L Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI).

The TFI data collection will support a thorough fidelity check for individual schools on their current systems and practices through a best practice lens and support action planning for schools for the year ahead. As a school system we will also be able to compare our overall levels of PB4L fidelity to the baseline of data collected in 2024.

To complete this data collection process consistently and expediently, a Catholic Schools staff member will be in touch in the coming weeks to organise a time to visit your school and support you with the completion of the TFI during Term 3. Catholic Schools staff will be attempting to coordinate this with you as part of a visit they are already making to your school to provide support in their given practice or support area.

The TFI will involve them doing a quick “walkthrough” at your school, conducting a very brief interview (2-3 questions) with 10 students and approximately 5 staff selected at random, and then sitting with an executive staff member or a member of your PB4L team to complete a survey questionnaire. The entire process will take 60-90 minutes. This year we will be reviewing Tier I and Tier II systems and practices.

A reminder that the TFI results are not used for any critical judgement. An honest appraisal of what is in place is the most effective and efficient way to ensure accuracy in reflecting on, understanding and planning for what needs to be developed moving forward.

2025 PB4L Professional Learning Opportunities

Also, a final reminder that the only system wide PB4L PL opportunities are being held in the next two weeks. The PB4L Information and Networking Days are an annual opportunity for members of school PB4L teams/committees to come together and share resources and ideas, to collaborate with those in other schools on these areas of practice.

Registrations are open on MNLearn (links below).

08/8/25: PB4L Primary Schools Information and Networking Day

https://cdmn.elmotalent.com.au/learning/courses?courseview=334

13/8/25: PB4L Secondary Schools Information and Networking Day

https://cdmn.elmotalent.com.au/learning/courses?courseview=325

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Craig Moore

Education Access Officer – Positive Behaviour

0407723744

craig.moore@mn.catholic.edu.au

Attention: Secondary School Staff

Overview: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a 2-day course for secondary school staff. Participants will learn about adolescent development and the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, how and where to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective. The YMHFA course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing any of the following mental health problems, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis:

Registration through MNPeople. Click Here for course link

Target Groups: Secondary school staff

Date: Tuesday 2^nd & Wednesday 3^rd September 2025 (Week 7, Term 3)

Time: 9am-3:30pm

Location: Toohey Room- Catholic Schools, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.

Release: N/A

NESA Hours: 14 hours

For further information, please contact Vanessa Petersen or Renee Tyczynski.

Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations

Monday 4^th August – Monday 18^th August 2025

Year 12 Students will be embarking on a two-week trial examination block from Monday, and we wish each and every student the best as they undertake, for many of them, their final School Based Assessment for their HSC credential. 

The HSC Trials examinations are fast-paced, as a four-week HSC-style exam window is squeezed into two weeks, and importantly, the feedback provided by teachers is equally as quick to turn around, with finalisation of HSC marks due in mid-September.  On some days, some students will face six hours of examinations.

In addition to this significant work, there is also the work of those staff (and younger students) providing Disability Provisions to HSC Trials. This is deeply important work to ensure each student has equitable access in this setting.

Good luck to all involved in this important time in the secondary school.

Assistant Principal’s Day – Thursday 24 July

Assistant Principals from our twelve secondary schools gathered together last week to undertake a review of HSC School-Based Assessment Handbooks and a Diocesan Draft Guideline.  Throughout the day, there was rich collaboration and sharing, as well as an appreciation for gathering together to discuss some joys and challenges of their day-to-day work.

Throughout the day, there were presentations from St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton and St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead, Assistant Principals, Colin Mulhearn and Cathy O’Gorman, who shared their recent experiences, as well as a presentation from Erinn Roberts, the Hunter/Central Coast NESA Liaison Officer.  We were also joined by a range of Subject Matter Experts throughout the day to support this important work, and we thank:

• Alicia Dibben – Education Officer School Improvement
• Julie Barnett – Senior Governance Officer
• Helen McIntosh – Education Officer Compass
• Geraldine Blake – Leader VET Education and Industry Partnerships.

Thank you to the Secondary Principals and Head of School Improvement and Learning, Patricia Humble, for their support of this important work.

Have a wonderful week,

Liz Stokes

Dear Principals

Please consider promoting the Catholic Schools’ recently developed webpage ‘Parent and Carer Information Sessions’ to your families.

The webpage brings together key details on upcoming webinars provided by a range of reputable providers on an array of topics, aimed at parents and carers, free of charge.

Please note: as these webinars are not hosted by Catholic Schools or The Federation of P&F Associations, they will not be promoted directly to parents and carers by a centralised Compass push.

As such, to assist you in facilitating the request to promote the webpage, draft wording has been developed.

You are welcome to adjust the text, including omitting any webinars you don’t think are relevant to your school community.

If you are aware of any webinars or information sessions you think could be added to this list, please get in touch.

Kind regards,

Lizzie Watkin
Professional Officer- Family Engagement

DRAFT WORDING FOR YOUR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Upcoming information sessions and webinars for parents and carers

Parents and carers are the most important educators in their child’s life. To assist you in this important role, a list of upcoming webinars provided by reputable providers, free of charge, has been compiled and is available on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage.

A snapshot of Term 3 webinars is included below. More information about these webinars, including links to register, can be found on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage www.mn.catholic.edu.au/our-community/supporting-parents-and-carers/upcoming-parent-and-carer-information-sessions/ Please note, the webpage will be updated regularly with news of additional webinars and you can visit the site at any time.  

• Has your school community implemented an initiative that focuses on family, school and community collaboration?
• Does your initiative focus on faith formation, the school curriculum, student wellbeing, or any combination of the three?
• Has your initiative made a real difference for the students, staff and families in your community?

CCSP’s Family Partnerships Excellence Awards annual grants are offered to a NSW/ACT Catholic school that can show exemplary practice in family, school and community partnerships.

Apply now and let the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT know about how your school has bridged the gap between home and school, and enhanced student outcomes in faith development, learning and wellbeing of students.

Your school could be awarded first place and receive $5000 to continue your partnership-focused initiative.

HOW SCHOOLS CAN APPLY

1. Go to the CCSP website to check your eligibility and download the 2025 Submission Form.
2. Complete the Submission Form by responding to six criteria about your school’s initiative.
3. Complete the online web form and declarations and upload your Submission Form and supporting files.

Entries close 5pm on 17 October 2025

If you would like support with your application, please feel free to contact me.

Kind regards,

Lizzie Watkin
Catholic Schools Maitland- Newcastle, Professional Officer- Family Engagement

Catholic Schools NSW is thrilled to invite early years educators to the 2025 Early Years Symposium.

Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025 (Term 3, Week 7)

Time: 9am – 3pm

Location: Australian Catholic University - North Sydney Offices

8-20 Napier Street Tenison Woods House North Sydney, NSW 2060 Australia

Cost: $160

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.

Click here to register - Tickets are limited!          

If you have any questions, please email our Education Officers – Early Learning

Bridie Stanger on bridie.stanger@mn.catholic.edu.au

Rachelle Mitchell on rachelle.mitchell@mn.catholic.edu.au

We’ve introduced a small yet important change in MNResponse to help us better respond to serious incidents involving student wellbeing.

Under Injury Type, a new checkbox for Self-Harm Threats / Attempts has been added. This will appear once the Student/Child/Client box is checked.

This change improves visibility of serious wellbeing concerns, helping us monitor trends and ensure timely, appropriate support. It’s a step toward closing information gaps and strengthening our collective response.

Should you have any queries, please contact your Safety & Risk Partner or safetyandrisk@mn.catholic.org.au.