THE WAY (Term 4 Week 10 - 6 December 2021)
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The ‘Flippa Lines’ wins The University of Newcastle Business Plan Competition
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FOR ACTION
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Neighbours Without Borders: Inclusive Catholic Schools
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FOR INFORMATION
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Announcements
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Shared Future Program Update No. 2
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NESA Proficient Teachers
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NESA Elective PD Modelled Evaluations
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ALAN and Scout Access Issue Resolved
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High Potential and Gifted Education - Professional Learning Package
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NAPLAN 2022
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The Arts: Stage 5 English/Drama NORPA Opportunity
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Positions Vacant
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My Learning
McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, Year 11 student Anna Gillies wins The University of Newcastle Business Plan Competition 2021 with her innovative 'Flippa Lines' concept. (19 November 2021)
Congratulations to McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, Year 11 student Anna Gillies on winning The University of Newcastle Business Plan Competition 2021. Anna was selected as one of four designs out of 168 entries from across the state to be presented to the judging panel. Due to COVID restrictions, Anna presented her business idea and product concept to the judging panel via Zoom rather than in person.
Anna's innovative business plan is a company called 'Lines and Designs' that produces durable, modern and sustainable clothesline known as 'Flippa Lines'. What captured the attention of the judges was the creative idea of protecting washing from the harsh elements of the Australian climate. With the click of a button on a mobile device or when rain is detected through sensors, a canopy will fold out and shelter the washing.
Anna's novel idea, comprehensive business plan and outstanding presentation have won her a scholarship to the University of Newcastle and a generous monetary prize. McAuley College has also received $500.
'We are so very proud of Anna and her achievement. She has been supported through this adventure by her family, friends and her teacher Mrs McLennan,' said Principal Kate Thomson.
'The Business Plan Challenge gives students an opportunity to develop their own product idea into a fully thought out plan including production, marketing and financials. Similar to the business reality television series Shark Tank, the challenge allows students to pitch their product. I am proud of all our Business Studies students achievements and especially proud of Anna for taking out the 2021 title!' said Leader of Learning (HSIE) Leanne McLennan.
Palms Australia writes to bring Palms’ exciting new cross-cultural training initiative to your attention. It draws on 60 years of preparing people for cross-cultural mission. Please find a Neighbours Without Borders flyer underlining the intended outcomes. A description of the sessions that make up the training is also attached. Ultimately beneficiaries will include Diocesan parishes, schools and organisations, looking to improve engagement with culturally diverse communities. Some Bishops have asked if this might include parishes for which clergy have been recruited overseas. The opportunity available now is for you and/or appropriate representatives to participate in up to four-days of the program from Sunday-Thursday, 9-13 January 2022. It is being held at the OLSH Conference and Retreat Centre at Burradoo, near Bowral, south of Sydney. Those you send will be trained alongside those preparing for mission abroad, so we can offer the training without charge. You will only need to cover venue accommodation and meal costs of $150 per day. Of course, donations to Palms will always assist to advance preparation and support of on mission.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE RESIGNATION
Ellen Hales has resigned from her position as Youth Ministry Development Officer (YMDO) effective 24 December 2021. Ellen has held the role of YMDO for the previous four years.
We wish Ellen all the best for the future.
SCHOOL APPOINTMENT
Danny Rankin has been appointed to the position of Acting Principal at St Joseph's Primary School, South Grafton commencing January 2022. Danny is currently employed as the Inclusion Consultant at the Catholic Schools Office, Lismore.
We congratulate Danny on his appointment and look forward to his contribution to school and the surrounding community.
The Shared Future Program is out with its most recent update. You can find what's been happening in the attached pdf.
There is also a look back at the year, which you can see in the Shared Future Program "News and Updates" section.
Congratulations to the following teachers who have achieved accreditation at Proficient this term:
- Tahlia Watts (St Agnes' Primary School, Port Macquarie)
- Nicholas Lock (St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Pottsville)
- Ryan Ambrose (St Anthony's Primary School, Kingscliff)
- Bronte Doolan (St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballina)
- Lewis Capellari (St James' Primary School, Banora Point)
- Matilda Regan (St James' Primary School, Banora Point)
- Carly Cormick (St Joseph's Primary School, South Grafton)
- Lily Barrow (St Joseph's Primary School, Kempsey)
- Kendal Fitzgibbons (St Joseph's Primary School, South Murwillumbah)
- Melissa Buckland (St Joseph's Primary School, Port Macquarie)
- Vanessa Goldstein (St Joseph's Primary School, Port Macquarie)
- Colin Woods (St Mary's Primary School, Grafton)
- Georgia Gibson (St Mary's Primary School, Grafton)
- Ed Smallwood (MacKillop College, Port Macquarie)
- Tess Herbert (MacKillop College, Port Macquarie)
- Tom Hughes (MacKillop College, Port Macquarie)
- Katrina Don (McAuley Catholic College, Grafton)
- Rowan Butcher (McAuley Catholic College, Grafton)
- Breie Starkey (Mount St Patrick's College, Murwillumbah)
- Tom O'Shea (Mount St Patrick's College, Murwillumbah)
- Katie Coughlan (St Mary's Catholic College, Casino)
- Mahaila Day (St Mary's Catholic College, Casino)
We acknowledge their great work and that of their Mentors, and the broader support of their school community, in this process.
Teachers are reminded that training mandated by legislation can be recorded as NESA Elective PD (adhering to legislative requirements is an approved activity type). This includes courses that address child protection, bullying and harassment legislation and anaphylaxis. Example evaluations are modelled below:
Child Protection - 4.4.2 (for example, as provided by SALT, or mandatory face to face training).
The course ‘Child Protection’ refreshed my understanding of the system and legislative requirements regarding the implementation of Child Protection legislation. As a result of completing this training, I am able to understand and fulfil my professional responsibilities to ensure student safety and wellbeing within the school and community because I understand and can comply with policy and procedures.
Bullying and Harassment - 7.1.2 & 7.2.2 (for example, as provided by SALT).
The course ‘Bullying and Harassment’ refreshed my knowledge and understanding of the implications of the relevant legislation and allowed me to comply with the related professional requirements, policies and processes to ensure a safe workplace. As a result of this course, I am able to meet codes of ethics and conduct as established by the system and regulatory authorities.
First Aid/CPR/anaphylaxis training - 4.4.2 & 7.2.2.
By completing mandatory training to update my knowledge of (First Aid/CPR/the management of anaphylaxis), I am able to ensure student well-being and safety within the school by implementing legislative requirements, policies and processes. As a result of this course, I will be able to comply with legislative and professional requirements to administer first aid.
Teachers are reminded that participation in PD to understand and comply with maintenance of accreditation requirements constitutes NESA Elective PD. The attached slideshow constitutes a 45min self-paced NESA Elective PD course about maintenance of accreditation. An appropriate evaluation may be:
Maintenance of Teacher Accreditation - 6.1.2 & 7.2.2.
In undertaking this PD, I understand the implications of and will comply with professional requirements, policies and processes to maintain my accreditation at Proficient and to assist colleagues to do the same. This will ensure I work collaboratively with colleagues to improve my practice and enhance student outcomes under the Standards.
CSNSW has advised that the recent ALAN and Scout Access issues have been resolved and normal services have resumed. Staff are advised to submit a detailed Helpdesk Ticket if they continue to experience difficulties.
The High Potential and Gifted Education Response is designed to address variability across and between learners and to align with key priority areas. It has been developed to optimise student growth, wellbeing, and achievement across four domains of potential; Intellectual, Physical, Social and Creative.
Advances in research have led to a better understanding of:
- talent development
- student achievement and under-achievement
- creating optimal learning environments
- strategy and instruction selection
A Professional Learning Package for High Potential and Gifted Education has been developed and is now accessible via the intranet. The Professional Learning Package consists of of three components:
- Component One: Building Collective Curiosity
- Component Two: Responding to Identification
- Component Three: Intentional Learning Design
When using this package schools can:
- prioritise their learning
- create opportunities for whole staff engagement
- plan their own path by selecting relevant and contextualised materials
For further information and to view the Professional Learning Package please click here.
The 2022 Coordinated Practice Test for NAPLAN Online has been scheduled for Thursday, 24 March and the NAPLAN Assessment week is from the 10-20 May. Please add these dates to the school calendar. Further details for the 2022 testing process are detailed in the attached memo.
The Catholic Schools Office has been in partnership with NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) since 2015. The partnership aims to provide our students with access to high-quality theatre experiences and drama & performance workshops to enhance the curriculum and teacher professional learning. In 2022, NORPA are touring the work ‘Into the Forest’ through the Diocese during Term 2 from Monday-Friday, 6-10 June. The exact date for your school performance will be determined after the successful applicants have been determined.
INTO THE FOREST - a NORPA original show, exploring the forest and bush as a natural environment, as important cultural heritage, and as a real and mythical place of both sanctuary and danger. The work draws on classic and contemporary literature in which the forest is a central player.
INTO THE FOREST provides a theatrical experience in the form of a pre-show classroom engagement delivered through educational resources followed by a performance delivered on the school campus. Both parts of the experience engage teachers and students with the Stage Five English syllabus. The Educational Package offers 4 Units of work that can be taught over a period of 6 weeks with both English and Drama students.
Expressions of interest are open for secondary schools across the diocese to engage within the NORPA/CSO Stage 5 Project ‘Into the Forest’. Please use this link to access the NORPA Information Package and the Expression of Interest form. Expressions of Interest close on Friday, 11 February 2022.
Information on employment opportunities within the Diocese of Lismore is available via Positions Vacant.
Existing staff should apply through the Internal Positions Vacant page on the intranet; select School Services, then Recruitment and Positions vacant – internal site.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
- Manager, Human Resources
- Youth Ministry Development Officer (Digital)
OTHER DIOCESE
- Assistant Principal, St John the Evangelist Catholic Parish Primary School, Campbelltown – Diocese of Wollongong
- Education Officer – Numeracy, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong
- Education Officer – Literacy, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong
Staff are reminded 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.
Reminder: Best Start Literacy Training 2022 - 21CSO-BSLT22
The Best Start Literacy Training will be held on 18 January 2022. Please refer to THE WAY (Term 4 Week 3 - 18 October 2021) for more details.