Dear Colleagues,

ASPIRE 2025 PRODUCTION WRAP-UP: The Rise of Bozz

As the curtains close on this year’s ASPIRE production, “The Rise of Bozz,” we reflect on an incredible journey of creativity, collaboration, and talent. Over the past few months, more than 150 students have poured their hearts into rehearsals, bringing to life a vibrant story through dance, song, and drama.

Last week’s performances captivated audiences from Wednesday to Saturday, showcasing the dedication and passion of our young performers and the unwavering support of the ASPIRE staff. Each show was a testament to the power of the Arts in education, the joy of shared achievement and the creative and performance opportunities provided by our Diocese.

My sincere thanks and recognition to all who contributed to the success of this year’s production. I can’t wait to see what you create next!

Prayer for the Trial HSC Examinations

We pray for Year 12 as they are underway with their Trial HSC examinations, which started on Monday. May they do their best and know that God will help. God, we ask that Year 12 students especially feel your closeness during this time. Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold them in the palm of your hand. Bless them with keen understanding and retentive memory. Give them the ability to grasp things correctly. Direct their progress and help them complete each of their responses. Holy Spirit, send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Amen

Mary MacKillop Feast Day – 8^th August

Honouring Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop – August 8 

Each year on August 8, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s beloved first saint. This day invites us to reflect on her extraordinary legacy and the profound impact she had on education across our nation.

Mary MacKillop devoted her life to making Catholic Education accessible to children in rural and impoverished communities. Her unwavering commitment to serving those most in need opened doors of opportunity and hope where few others dared to go. She was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a compassionate leader who believed deeply in the dignity of every child and the transformative power of education.

As we honour her today, may we be inspired by her courage, faith, and dedication to justice. Let us continue her mission by nurturing inclusive, compassionate learning environments that reflect her spirit and values.

Saint Mary MacKillop, pray for us.

Mary MacKillop Prayer

Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy.

With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request……………….

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust, and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Annual School Visits 

St Joseph’s Primary School, Bulahdelah

I sincerely thank Amanda Pomplun and her staff for their dedication to our students and the Bulahdelah school community.

The school showcased an exceptional approach to data and reflective practice, clearly articulating a compelling vision to ensure every student develops the foundational skills needed to become numerate citizens. The enthusiasm and passion for building collective efficacy were inspiring, and the streamlined, research-informed approach to mathematics teaching and learning was both evident and appreciated.

In the Wellbeing space, the school’s dedication to PB4L was unmistakable, with significant progress made throughout 2025. The inclusive consultation process—engaging parents and carers, students, and staff—was a standout feature, and the alignment of the behaviour expectation framework with the school’s vision and mission was exemplary. St Joseph’s is to be commended for its thoughtful, community-driven approach to fostering a connected and supportive school community.

Holy Name Primary School Forster

I sincerely thank Ben Doyle and his staff for their dedication to our students and the Forster school community.

During the recent visit, the school’s collective commitment to Clarity was evident. Across all classrooms, the Assessment Waterfall was not only present but deeply embedded, showcasing a strong, consistent approach to teaching and learning. Pedagogical agreements were reflected in aligned practices, and the school outlined the shift in PLTs, more sharply focusing on student needs and guided by rich, detailed data analysis.

Holy Name continues to thoughtfully respond to the evolving needs of its community through prioritisation of wellbeing, enlivening their whole-school approach to Wellbeing and Behaviour Support.

Through PB4L, a strong sense of belonging is being fostered, creating safe, supportive, and caring environments. The passion and dedication of staff were unmistakable, and the school is to be commended for its intentional and considered approach to wellbeing and its ongoing focus on calm, orderly classrooms.

Holy Name is congratulated for their efforts to promote positive partnerships with parents, carers, and their parish community.

With my best wishes,

Jacqui

Please find below some new events together with upcoming events for your information.

Praise & Worship Experience – NEWCASTLE WEST

24 August, 2:30pm

Supported by Mackillop Parish Charlestown, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle invites you to come and experience Praise and Worship, a beautiful opportunity to experience and express our Catholic faith through music, led by local worship leaders. All welcome! For more information and to register visit - Praise & Worship Experience - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Children’s Formation - The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – BERESFIELD

29-31 August

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offering a formation opportunity for those interested in facilitating faith formation of children aged 3-12. The central aim of this faith formation program is to enable the child to experience and form an authentic relationship with God using sensory rich materials. Level One course is for adults working with young children. It is a pre-requisite for Levels Two and Three that cover training for the formation of 6-12 year old children. Contact Siubhan Sadler on 0432 477 181 or email chisholm.atrium@gmail.com.

Ecumenical Quiet Garden Day – MURRURUNDI

Friday 5 September - 9:30am

Step away from the busyness of life and enter a gentle, reflective space in the spirit of shared Christian friendship. This ecumenical retreat day invites all to pause, listen deeply, and discover anew the presence of God in stillness, nature, and community. Learn more: Ecumenical Quiet Garden Day – Murrurundi - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

aMeN caMiNo Weekend Experience – MYALL COAST

Saturday 6 / Sunday 7 September

Experience an aMeN caMiNo weekend walk during this year's Season of Creation at the beautiful Myall Coast. Suitable for both beginner and practiced walker, with opportunities for prayer and reflection in nature, set amongst the beautiful wildflowers and gorgeous coastline. Join us for one day or two, walking 5km or 12kms. Start and end point is St Stephen’s Catholic Church, Tea Gardens. Learn more: aMeN caMiNo Weekend Experience - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

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.

Liturgical Life of the Church: Celebrating Revelation – NEWCASTLE WEST

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

Our school communities are invited to decorate a space that uniquely reflects their commitment to children’s safety and wellbeing in line with the theme of National Child Protection Week ‘Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action’, for the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

If your school has plans for an impressive Decorate Your Space entry, we’d love to know and share your entry ahead of the deadline. Please reach out to the Communications and Marketing Team with details of your plans. 

Information about entry requirements and how to enter can be found at: https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/national-child-protection-week/

Entries close 6pm Sunday 14 September.

We can’t wait to see your entries!

The 2025 ASPIRE Young Actors Program production ‘The Missing Diary’ will take place on Friday 29 August 2025 at Performance Arts Centre Cessnock. There will be two performances at 11.00 am and 6.00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased from Performance Arts Centre Cessnock:  https://www.mypacc.com.au/Whats-on/25-Aspire

About the show

Darren writes in his diary every day. He puts all his thoughts in there. What he thinks about people at school, the race for class president, even what he dreams about.  It comforts him to write things down until One day he can’t find his diary and he feels like his voice has been taken away. Join Aspire’ Young Actors program in this relevant original play about friendship, imagination and acceptance

Featuring twenty young performers from Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie, this group of young actors created the story and the characters, whilst also developing their acting skills, experimenting with their voice and their physicality. You will witness a host of hilarious characters in this original one Act 1.

Please see attached flyer.

HPGE Networking Day – Professional Learning

Gifted Education Mentors (GEMs), Project Officers, and Virtual Academy Educators will gather for a professional learning session designed to enhance leadership in high potential and gifted education:

Thursday, 14 August 2025
St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

MNPeople Professional Learning Link https://cdmn.elmotalent.com.au/learning/courses?courseview=520
Casual Release Code: No (occurs on the system-allocated GEM day)

Celebrating Our World Scholar’s Cup Participants

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students who recently took part in the World Scholar’s Cup at St Philip’s Christian College, Cessnock.

Over two exciting days, our students joined peers from across the region to engage in this international festival of learning, where collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking take centre stage. They participated in four challenging and inspiring events:

• Scholar’s Bowl – a fast-paced team quiz spanning a wide range of subjects.
• Team Debate – lively debates on topical and thought-provoking issues.
• Scholar’s Challenge – an individual multiple-choice test covering diverse areas of knowledge.
• Collaborative Writing – creative and analytical writing in teams.

Our students embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, showing not only academic skill but also teamwork, confidence, and resilience. They explored new ideas, connected with fellow scholars, and demonstrated the true spirit of curiosity and celebration that defines the World Scholar’s Cup.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and congratulate them on representing our community with distinction.

Please promote to your school community and take part in the celebration! 

Dear Principals 

You are invited to attend the 26th Annual Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning, which will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Kennedy on Wednesday, 3 September at Sacred Heart Cathedral.  

The Mass will be a celebration of inclusion and diversity. After Mass, you are invited to stay for supper, where you will have the opportunity to connect with friends, old and new. 

We hope that you will accept the invitation to attend this special celebration and promote the Mass to your school communities.  

To this end, could you please share the attached flyer with staff, students and parents in your school community?  

The Federation of P & F Associations hosted its first Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning in 1999, and this year, it is particularly grateful to have Bishop Michael Kennedy and the school communities within the Holy Trinity Blackbutt North Parish and All Saints Blackbutt South Parish, as well as St Dominic’s Catholic College, lead the celebration. 

If you have any questions, concerns or ideas about the Mass please contact lizzie.watkin@mn.catholic.edu.au  

Regards,  

Lizzie Watkin on behalf of the Federation of P&F Associations  

Navigating difficult conversations with parents requires preparation, empathy, and clear communication, focusing on the student's well-being and finding common ground. Often, parents may seek answers or support that you aren’t able to provide. However, research tells us that when parents and carers' mental health and wellbeing are supported and they are well-equipped with knowledge and skills, children’s learning and development is enhanced.  

So, what can you do? One option, after you have offered all the support you feel you can comfortably provide at a school level, is to refer them to Parent Line.  

Parent Line is a telephone counselling, information and referral service for parents or carers of children aged 0 to 18, across NSW. It is a free and confidential service, available 7 days a week. 

Parent Line is a government-funded program, administered by CatholicCare Sydney. If you would like to learn more about Parent Line, please visit 1300 1300 52 | Parent Line NSW | Parent Line NSW  

You are encouraged to consider promoting this service to your parent community, along with other support services such as The Rosewood Centre and School TV. This may be either through your school newsletter, social media or during conversations with parents. To this end, please find attached suggested text for your school newsletter, as well as brochures and flyers you may like to include in your school reception areas. In addition, you can visit the Parent Line Resources page to download additional flyers, and also request packs of professionally printed flyers to be sent to your school- free of charge.    

If you have any questions about Parent Line, please don’t hesitate to contact me or CatholicCare Sydney direct.  

Kind regards,  

Lizzie Watkin 
Catholic Schools’ Professional Officer- Family Engagement  

Attachments:

Parent Line_A4 Flyer_Common Q&As

PLine038_Parent Line DL_CCSP FA V2 Print

PLine038_Parent Line DL_CCSP FA V2

Parent Line NSW suggested wording for school newsletter

On Tuesday, 5th August, Stage 1 teachers from across the Diocese came together for a dynamic day of professional learning focused on embedding early learning philosophy and pedagogy into the Stage 1 classroom. The session explored how foundational early childhood principles can enhance teaching and learning in Stage 1, supporting a seamless transition through school for young learners. 

Presentation Highlights: 

Transition Through School:  

Teachers explored ways to support transitions throughout grades K-2, with an emphasis on emotional wellbeing, routines, and relationships. 

The Neuroscience of Child Development and Play: 

• Educators explored how early experiences shape brain development, particularly in the areas of executive function, emotional regulation, and social cognition and the implications for educators in Stage 1 classrooms. 

• The session emphasised the neuroscientific benefits of play, showing how play activates neural pathways that support memory, creative and divergent thinking and emotional development. 

Embedding Play  

• Educators unpacked developmental stages of play, types of play and the play continuum and how teachers can plan intentionally to provide learning experiences to achieve their purpose.  

• Practical strategies were shared for embedding play-based learning within the Stage 1 curriculum, including the use of provocations, inquiry-based learning, and flexible learning environments. 

• Teachers reflected on how to balance curriculum demands and explicit teaching with child-led exploration, ensuring that play remains purposeful and connected to learning outcomes.

Data, Assessment, Inclusion and HPGE 

• The day also addressed authentic assessment in play-based contexts, with a focus on observation, documentation, and student voice. 

• Teachers explored how to use data to inform differentiation, supporting both inclusive practices and high-potential and gifted learners through targeted, responsive teaching.

The day was a resounding success, leaving educators energised and equipped with new insights and strategies to enrich their Stage 1 classrooms. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to nurturing young learners was evident throughout the day.  

Bridie and Rachelle would be delighted to further support schools implementing learning from the day - please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like assistance embedding early learning approaches and play pedagogy in your Stage 1 classrooms. 

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  

Yes, it is almost that time again when we ask schools to project EAL/D need for Term 1, 2026. 

For context:  EAL/D students are those:

• whose first language is a language or dialect other than Standard Australian English (as evidenced by Language Survey).
• who require additional support to assist them to develop English language proficiency (as evidenced by Language Survey and Language Assessment using EAL/D Learning Progressions).

(ACARA, 2015)

EAL/D Teachers have been advised that Learning Progression Chronicles, to inform Term 1 2026 EAL/D Support, will be due FRIDAY August 29 (Week 6).

EAL/D teachers are asked to complete an EAL/D Learning Progression Chronicle for all EAL/D students projected to require support in 2026. 

This includes both new enrolments and continuing English Language Learners.

For funding purposes; we also require a  Language Survey for all new 2026 students Phased as BEGINNING, EMERGING or DEVELOPING on the EAL/D Learning Progressions.

While we acknowledge this is early; we encourage EAL/D teachers to make contact with parents to gather Language Survey Information if not previously collected.

This may also include pre-school visits and contact with feeder schools where a student has been flagged as an English Language Learner.

Once the data has been captured through COMPASS, we will forward student names and Phases for Principal approval PRIOR to funding confirmation.

Please note; for schools with no EAL/D teacher allocation; I will be in contact to assist as necessary.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have any queries, or require support with this process.

Best wishes for a wonderful term ahead.

Maree Adams, Education Officer (EAL/D)

maree.adams@mn.catholic.edu.au 

Nominations are now open for schools to select their finalist for the Diocesan VET Student of the Year.

This award recognises the achievements of a Year 12 student who has excelled in their area/s of vocational education including School Based Apprentices and Trainees (SBATs). This is not an academic award for top marks in a VET HSC examination but provides opportunity to recognise a student who has demonstrated characteristics such as growth, leadership, initiative, persistence, employability, teamwork in all aspects of their chosen vocational field of study in year 11 and 12.

Schools are invited to put forward one nominee for this award, as determined by their own internal process. Nominations are to be lodged on the online with details found at VET Awards | Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle

The school Leader of Learning Vocational Education should forward the application, assisted as required by the nominee’s VET teacher, Work Place employer (if applicable), Careers Adviser, Principal. We encourage detailed applications to be made, with supporting documentation as evidence for the panel’s consideration.

The application should be endorsed by the School Principal.

This will be presented at the Diocesan Awards ceremony in 2026.

Nominations close Friday 29^th August, 2025.

Attention: Secondary School Staff

Renae Pettit, Seasons for Life Coordinator NSW and ACT, has kindly shared the following update on the Seasons for Life initiative:

MacKillop Seasons is excited to announce that the Seasons for Life has received two additional years (until Jun 2027) of funding from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Schools with a secondary student enrolment are invited to participate in Seasons for Life, a fully funded national initiative by MacKillop Seasons, supporting schools with secondary students to respond to grief, loss, and change—including suicide-related loss—with compassion and confidence.

Training places in the Seasons for Growth program are limited and to apply for a training place, an online consultation meeting with a member of the school leadership team is required. We have found that leadership support is vital in implementing Seasons for Growth in the school. It is an expectation that once the funded training is complete, a Seasons for Growth group will be offered at the school. Also, a follow up implementation support meeting will be calendared between the newly trained Companion and the Seasons for Life Coordinator to assist in planning for the Seasons for Growth group.

What’s included at no cost — choose what will best support your school:

• Training for up to two staff to deliver the evidence-based Seasons for Growth change, loss and grief education program to students
• Specialised learning for suicide-related loss in the online Supplementary Training and training to deliver a Parent Program.
• Whole-staff face to face professional learning (90-minute session onsite) to build grief awareness and explore the role schools can play in supporting young people.
• Culturally safe resources, including the Keeping Spirit Strong materials and an eLearning module to help staff build cultural knowledge, confidence, skills and attitudes to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families
• Ongoing implementation support through coaching, an online community, and a step-by-step guide.

Seasons for Life is making a real impact—over 1,300 educators trained across Australia and countless young lives supported (see attached flyer). Let us help your school build a resilient, supportive environment for all students.

To get started or learn more, contact:

Renae Pettit
Seasons for Life Coordinator – NSW & ACT
email: renae.pettit@mackillop.org.au

For further information, please contact Vanessa Petersen or talk to your school counsellor.

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.

Please find attached the recent E-Safety media release. 

The media release notes the following:

• eSafety has released an updated Toolkit for Schools Toolkit for Schools | eSafety Commissioner including a step-by-step guide for dealing with deepfake incidents Respond | eSafety Commissioner
• eSafety today has also issued a new Online Safety Advisory to alert parents and schools to the recent proliferation of open-source AI ‘nudify’ apps that are easily accessible by anyone with a smartphone Deepfake damage in schools: How AI-generated abuse is disrupting students, families and school communities | eSafety Commissioner
• eSafety is hosting a series of webinars throughout July and August for parents, educators and youth-serving organisations on AI-assisted image-based abuse and navigating the deepfake threat

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