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This week we recognise how the pace of technological change impacts teachers on a daily basis and how Catholic schools can make a response.
The documents state, “Such an outlook calls for courageous renewal on the part of the Catholic school. The precious heritage of the experience gained over the centuries reveals its vitality precisely in the capacity for prudent innovation. And so, now as in the past, the Catholic school must be able to speak for itself effectively and convincingly. It is not merely a question of adaptation, but of missionary thrust, the fundamental duty to evangelize, to go towards men and women wherever they are, so that they receive the gift of salvation” (The Catholic School on the threshold of the Third Millennium).
We must have the courage to truly believe that what we have to offer is unique, precious and transformative. Our task is to go forward, as missionaries.
To learn more please click here.
Xavier Catholic College First XV Rugby team makes state final of Waratah Cup
With their resounding 21 - 0 semi final win over Erindale College, ACT, the Xavier Catholic College First XV Rugby team have secured their spot in the state final of the Waratah Cup.
The Waratah Cup is a state-wide schoolboy rugby competition. This year, at the semi-finals alone there were more than 500 schoolboys from 28 schools who battled it out as part of the Waratah Cup Finals at The Kings School in Parramatta. The teams were from the Far North Coast through to Kiama, and all were keen to secure a spot in the prestigious Waratah Cup Final.
It was not an easy path for the team to the final. Initially the First XV Rugby team had to play against a number of local teams with a win over BCHS 29 - 26; a decisive victory over Alstonville High School, 40+ -0; Lindisfarne Anglican College were defeated 65 - 10 and Rivers Secondary College also at 40+ - 0.
The next stage saw Xavier Catholic College in the top 8 winners across NSW with some impressive teams in the group. Patrician Brothers (Blacktown), Mater Maria College (North Sydney), Epping Boys High (Sydney), Erindale College (ACT), Tomaree (Hunter), Terrigal High (Central Coast), John Paul College (Mid North Coast) and Xavier Catholic College (Far North Coast).
This then meant the boys headed to the Waratah Cup Semi Finals in Sydney. The Xavier Catholic College boys were understandably excited to have progressed to this level in Sydney. Here the team were up against Terrigal High School who beat the College 14 - 0. The team came back strongly to defeat Mater Maria 7 - 5 followed by a forfeit against Epping Boys High. After coming second in their pool the boys faced the first place getter from the other pool in the State Semi Final. In their best performance of the day the team defeated Erindale (ACT) 21 - 0.
The team will contest the State Final on 28 August at TG Oval, North Sydney.
Mr Pat Kennedy, Sport Coordinator and Rugby coach, remarked on the dedication of the team in getting to this point and the magnitude of reaching this elite level in such a competitive field.
“The team has been impressive in their desire to improve their skill with the boys having trained every Wednesday morning since the start of the year. Their commitment has been what has got them this far. They are certainly excited and deservedly so.”
We wish the team the best of luck.
Read LessNSW Education Standard Authority Registered PD - Maintenance Hours
To enable New South Wales Education Standard Authority (NESA) hours to be credited for NESA registered school-based professional learning, it is a NESA legal requirement that participants signatures must appear on Form Ds being forwarded to the Catholic Schools Office.
Staff who wish to use the NESA registered hours towards their maintenance of accreditation must comply with the above. NESA registered hours cannot be processed if the participant does not sign-on. However, the hours may be allocated to teacher identified totals.
Please find attached the latest update in regards to NAPLAN. The School and Student Summary Reports are scheduled for release to the platform on 14 August.
Destination Moon: more missions, more science is the school theme for National Science Week in 2019.
This theme is a way for teachers and their students to discover past missions to the Moon and space programs that have solved some of the seemingly unsolvable problems—and current and future space programs, operations and missions. Many of these use big picture thinking in science to solve problems, and technology, engineering and mathematics to design new solutions. This will help forge our future paths in the areas of space operations, space science, Earth observations, positioning systems and communications.
Key dates: 10-18 August 2019.
The 2019 Resource Book of Ideas for National Science Week offers teachers and students the opportunity to investigate the people, space agencies, universities, and science organisations that are all delivering solutions in space science. There are also an Australian Space Science Timeline and a Student Journal available to download. See more via the Science week website.
Read LessWestpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter - July Mission Report
Information has been received from the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter as follows:
It was a steady month of July for the Operations and Medical teams at the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter in Lismore performing a total of 21 missions to places such as Mt Warning, New Italy, Kyogle, Grafton, Little Back Creek, Urbenville and Tenterfield.
As we roll into August it turns our attention here at the Service to Rescue Day (Friday 9th August), our one special day of the year where we reflect on everything that has been achieved thanks to the support of the community. On Rescue Day we also stop to reflect on the thousands of patients, their families and community’s, who have seen the Rescue Helicopter play an important role in their lives when it was needed most.
To find out more about Rescue Day visit www.rescueday.com.au …. thank you for being part of the rescue!
Read LessStaff are reminded that individuals are required to register for all professional learning courses through the My Learning site. The site has the facility to recommend courses to others. This will be potentially useful for Principals and Assistant Principals who wish to recommend staff to register for particular courses.
Staff are reminded that the closing date for courses is five working days prior to the course.
To register, please visit My Learning.
Student Discipleship - Formation of Primary Leaders SDFOPL
Primary Schools are invited to nominate appropriate staff to attend formation opportunities in the South and North to adapt the CSO Student Discipleship retreats for implementation to whole cohorts back in schools. Suitable participants should have attended or be attending one or more of the CSO Student Discipleship retreats; Accendere, Incitare and/or Exuro. A focus on Sacramental Preparation Retreats may be included as an option depending on school context.
Additional training and support from SEACS Education Officers where required will be available to schools following participation in this formation.
- North - 5 September, Invercauld House
- South - 18 September, CSO Coffs Harbour Annex
7-12 HSIE Collaboration Network 2019 HCN1901
The two-day network HSIE will have three sessions per day. The event targets the needs of Leaders within the HSIE KLA. Course facilitators will utilise online NESA syllabus documents and other contemporary resources.
- 10 - 11 September 2019: CSO Coffs Harbour Annex
LNAP Instructional Leaders’ Workshop Term 3 2019 LILWT3205
Instructional Leaders in the State Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan Schools and Supplementary Schools are provided with the opportunity to reflect on teaching and learning in Kindergarten - Year 2 and their role as Instructional Leaders. Instructional Leaders are expected to register for both days.
- 4 - 5 September - Lismore
Lismore Diocesan Primary Sports Council Meeting LDPSCM206
Please note this meeting is by invitation only. These meetings are held each term with two Zone representatives, Diocesan Principal representative and the Diocesan Sports Coordinator attending.
- 13 September - Grafton
SAS User Training Days SUTD
A training day for users on the latest changes in using SAS2000 and related administrative and accounting matters for school staff.
- 26 August - Grafton
- 27 August - Coffs Harbour
- 28 August - Port Macquarie
- 10 September - Lismore
- 11 September - Tweed Heads
Agenda and venue locations are on My Learning.
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