We acknowledge the important system-level work happening across our schools through the administration of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). As CogAT is currently being finalised across the Diocese for students in Years 2, 4, and 7, we sincerely thank all of our schools who have completed the assessments. Your efforts in coordinating testing schedules and supporting students through the process are greatly appreciated.

If your school has now completed the CogAT for all students in the targeted cohorts, please confirm with Maree Karaka via email. Once confirmation is received, a CogAT Data Analysis Leadership Meeting will be scheduled with your school to explore the results in depth and discuss implications for teaching, enrichment, differentiation, professional learning, and student support.

Virtual Academy - Celebrating Student Innovation, Inquiry & Agency – Term 2 Highlights

As Term 2 draws to a close, the Virtual Academy has celebrated a remarkable series of events that have challenged, inspired, and elevated student learning across our diocese. From immersive experiences to global simulations and entrepreneurial showcases, our students have embraced the opportunity to lead, create, and connect. Here's a wrap-up of the key highlights from the term:

Time 2 Discover | Tuesday 24 June – University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus

Our Time and Discovery students were immersed in an interactive learning experience in the University’s 360-degree ‘Sim Cave’. They shared their inquiries with like-minded peers and developed their collaborative, presentation, and problem-solving skills in a technology-rich environment.

G20 Summit 2025 | Thursday 26 June – Catholic Schools Office, Newcastle West

Students from the Perspective Unit took part in a dynamic diplomatic simulation, stepping into the roles of world leaders to negotiate responses to pressing global challenges. The G20 Summit offered a powerful platform to practice leadership, cross-cultural thinking, and strategic collaboration.

Empower Exhibition | Monday 30 June – NUspace, University of Newcastle

Empower will provide Agency students the opportunity to showcase their unique voice through original projects developed from personal passions. Family and community members will be attending this experience that will offer a rich tapestry of digital, artistic, and conceptual works that demonstrate the power of student agency and creative expression.

Elevate | Tuesday 1 July – Online via Microsoft Teams

Our Enterprise students will deliver their business pitches during the Elevate event, highlighting innovation, financial literacy, and socially responsible thinking. The event will be a celebration of future-focused learning, with students confidently engaging with real-world challenges through entrepreneurial thinking.

Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration in nurturing our high potential and gifted learners across our system. We look forward to an exciting Term 3 as we continue to unveil and develop student brilliance.

Kind regards,

Maree