THE WAY (Term 2 Week 10 - 26 June 2023)
-
Community Celebration at St James Primary School, Banora Point
-
FOR ACTION
-
Digital Wellbeing Webinar with Dr Kristy Goodwin
-
SunSafe Student Ambassador Program
-
FOR INFORMATION
-
Announcements
-
Shared Future Program Update
-
AITSL Professional Standards for Middle Leaders: National Validation Process
-
HSC Showcase 2022
-
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Update
-
Register Now for Fruit & Veg Month 2023! (Ref: 116/23)
-
NATSICC Resources Available
-
Digital Wellbeing Webinar with Dr Kristy Goodwin
-
Positions Vacant
A heartwarming community celebration was held at St James’ Primary School, Banora Point. (28 May 2023)
A heartwarming community celebration was held at the annual St James’ Primary School, Banora Point, Fete. The day was filled with excitement as the community came out in droves to celebrate and support their school, brightening up a beautiful winter’s day.
The day did not disappoint. The irresistible aroma of sweet cakes and sausage filled the air around the numerous stalls covered with lush plants and mouthwatering food that lined the school playground manned by parents and staff.
‘It was so nice to see our school community come together and enjoy the day. Everyone you saw, from adults to children, had a smile on their faces. Not sure if it was the activities, food, or lollies but definitely something for everyone!’ said parent Casey Snart.
There were many, many fun activities: face painting, hair crafts, putt-putt golf, craft stalls, jumping castles, laser tag, a photo booth, a petting zoo, and a scavenger hunt around the school, which led to the answer of 'Family in Christ.’
‘It’s always a pleasure being involved in school events, and it was particularly wonderful to see not only our St James families but members of the broader community have such a lovely day as well,’ said parent Katrina Renwick.
This fantastic event raised over $16,000 to support students' learning and wellbeing.
This free Digital Wellbeing webinar (Brain-based strategies to optimise students’ digital wellbeing) will provide educators and school leaders with research-based, scientific strategies and solutions that can be implemented to optimise students’ wellbeing in the digital landscape without reverting to ‘digital amputation.'
When: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Via Teams Platform
In this webinar, participants will explore:
- The impact of students’ digitalised childhoods and adolescence on their physical health, mental wellbeing, and learning preferences
- How students’ insidious digital habits and behaviours are contributing to mental health issues (dispelling common myths about the screen-mental health nexus)
- Research-based yet realistic strategies that educators and school leaders can easily implement to bolster students’ digital wellbeing (with an emphasis on empowering students to form healthy and helpful digital behaviours that are congruent with their neurobiological needs).
Click here to register via the CSNSW Professional Learning Institute.
Developed by the non-profit Melanoma Institute Australia and run in collaboration with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney Local Health District and Northern Sydney Local Health District, this peer-to-peer style learning program empowers students to confidently deliver an engaging sun-safe presentation to their peers while also fulfilling PDHPE curriculum outcomes.
More information can be found on this flyer.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL OFFICE
Appointments
Melinda Thompson has been appointed to the Education Officer (Mathematics K-12) position in the Learning Services portfolio commencing 31 July 2023. Melinda has been with the Diocese since 2016 as a Mathematics, Science and Engineering teacher. She has held the position of Leader of Learning Mathematics for a number of years and is currently the Acting Leader of Pedagogy at St Joseph's College, Banora Point.
Parish Transfers
The implementation of the ONCE project is introducing changes for schools where the parish collects, coordinates and manages school fees. In light of this change, we are delighted to welcome the skills, knowledge and expertise of Emma Clarke, Christine Abel and Lily Rogerson from St Agnes Parish, Port Macquarie, who are commencing work with the Catholic Schools Office on 3 July.
Emma has been appointed to the position of Finance Officer in Finance & Corporate Services, Christine has been appointed to the position of Administrative Coordinator (Projects and Enrolments) in the Directorate, and Lily has been appointed to the position of Administrative Coordinator (Committees and Councils) also working in the Directorate.
We congratulate and welcome Melinda, Emma, Christine and Lily and wish them the best in their new positions at the Catholic Schools Office.
SCHOOLS
On behalf of Fr Michael Brady and the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ryan Campbell to the position of Principal of St Joseph's College, Banora Point commencing 27 January 2024.
Mr Campbell's diverse leadership experience has given him a broad understanding of the complexities of schools and systems. Mr Campbell believes in a call to service through the vocation of teaching. His experience leading in Mission will provide opportunities to foster strong faith communities. Through leading Learning and Teaching, Mr Campbell has been able to provide opportunities to support staff in a complex profession while encouraging them to continue to develop in their practice and promote the importance of developing a culture of learning for continual growth that engages the contemporary learner.
Please join me in congratulating Mr Campbell on his appointment as Principal, St Joseph's College, Banora Point. I ask that you keep him and his family in your prayers as he commences this important leadership role in Catholic education.
Resignations
Hilary Schultz, Family Partnership Officer in the Mission Services portfolio, has submitted her resignation to take on an opportunity in the mental health support sector. Hilary's last day with us will be Friday, 30 June 2023.
Jason Brown, Team Leader - Payroll, has submitted his resignation to take up another opportunity. Jason's last day with us will be Wednesday, 28 June 2023. Jason brought valuable experience and skills to the Payroll Team during his tenure. We thank him for his significant contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Awais Khaliq, Technology Assistant for the Richmond Region, has announced his resignation. Awais' last working day will be 30 June 2023. Awais intends to pursue opportunities in IT Network Administration. Awais has very ably supported staff and students, particularly at Xavier College and Holy Family Primary School, over the last ten months. We wish Awais every success in his future endeavours.
We wish to acknowledge and thank Hilary, Jason and Awais for their contribution to Catholic Education in the Diocese.
The Shared Future Program is out with its most recent update. You can find what's been happening this term on this link.
For more information about the Shared Future Program, please visit our intranet page.
Middle leaders play an incredibly important role, making up a large proportion of the leadership workforce in schools. The Professional Standards for Middle Leaders will align with and complement the Australian Professional Standards for Principals and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. It will:
- outline what middle leaders know, understand
- speak to current and aspiring middle leaders in schools, preschools and kindergartens and those who work with them
- provide a common language for professional dialogue and growth
- provide the missing link in a leadership developmental continuum for teachers, extending from early career teaching to senior leadership.
From 17 July – 4 August 2023, AITSL and the Department of Education, Queensland, will run a National Validation process for the Professional Standards for Middle Leaders. Indicate your interest now in taking part. Once validated, the Standards will be refined and trialled in Queensland schools before being used nationally from approximately April 2024. For more information, please go to AITSL.
The Lismore Diocese HSC Showcase celebrates and captures the talents of our 2022 HSC students, reflecting their creativity, innovation, technical skills and conceptual development. These projects represent the culmination of months of diligence and commitment by students, planning and designing, developing their skills and applying them to the task of creating inspirational and engaging works.
Spotlight On …
MacKillop College, Port Macquarie (Textiles)
Student: Emily Moloney
Title: Take 3 For The Sea
Statement: The intended purpose is to encourage viewers to consider the damage of plastic pollution to the oceans. The use of three circular frames links to inspiration drawn from Take 3 For The Sea. Traditional embroidery techniques have been adapted to include marine waste and upcycling. The frames move from brightly coloured to pastel and then to white which reflects the impact of pollution on the ocean environment. All materials are recycled. Laser cutting was also used.
CSO guidelines for schools around AI can be found on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education intranet page on the Digital Technologies Section of the CSO Intranet.
Smartcopying - Artificial intelligence – information sheets for schools and TAFEs
The latest edition of the Smartcopying newsletter, Issue 6 June 2023, summarises new AI information sheets for schools and TAFEs, which provide practical advice on the copyright issues arising from using AI.
Access the Smartcopying Issue 6 Newsletter here.
Access the Using Generative AI Platforms in Schools Information Sheet.
Fruit & Veg Month is a free health promotion event for NSW primary schools. The event puts a positive focus on fruit and vegetables. This year’s theme is Fruit & Veggie STEMs: learn all about the science behind fruit and veggies. Fruit & Veg Month 2023 will be held from Monday, 28 August, to Friday, 22 September.
Is your school ready to explore fruit and veggies? Register now to receive FREE resources.
Schools that register receive:
- Hardcopy class posters and student stickers
- Hardcopy and a digital copy of the Teacher’s Booklet. It has tips on involving families, the school canteen and the whole school
- Curriculum materials for each stage
- Student competition details
- Family resources to send the ‘eat more fruit and vegetables’ message home.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Commission (NATSICC) has been busy creating valuable free resources.
One Journey, Together
Australians will be asked to cast their vote in the upcoming 2023 Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum. For Catholics, this is a remarkable opportunity to call upon our Catholic teachings to make an informed decision.
NATSICC (with some help from Caritas, Catholic Social Services and Jesuit Social Services) have created the all-new website One Journey, Together, which provides Catholics with an array of information to help with their discernment. Included are many resources and videos that can be used in parishes, schools and groups to educate and inform.
2023 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday Resources.
A new life in Christ……
https://www.natsicc.org.au/2023-atsi-sunday.html?mc_cid=f071cd9d10&mc_eid=5b0f850a77
NATSICC has created resources that aim to inspire and support parishes, organisations, and schools in their celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday. These Liturgical resources are flexible and can be adapted to suit the diverse needs of groups across Australia. Schools are encouraged to incorporate Traditional symbols into their prayer rituals and liturgical events.
In this watershed year for First Australians, NATSICC encourages all Catholics to come together as one.
This Digital Wellbeing webinar (Brain-based strategies to optimise students’ digital wellbeing) will provide educators and school leaders with research-based, scientific strategies and solutions that can be implemented to optimise students’ wellbeing in the digital landscape without reverting to ‘digital amputation.'
When: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Via Teams Platform
In this webinar, participants will explore:
- The impact of students’ digitalised childhoods and adolescence on their physical health, mental wellbeing, and learning preferences
- How students’ insidious digital habits and behaviours are contributing to mental health issues (dispelling common myths about the screen-mental health nexus)
- Research-based yet realistic strategies that educators and school leaders can easily implement to bolster students’ digital wellbeing (emphasising empowering students to form healthy and helpful digital behaviours congruent with their neurobiological needs).
Click here to register via the CSNSW Professional Learning Institute.
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 People & Safety > Recruitment > Positions vacant – internal site.
SCHOOLS
- Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching - Xavier Catholic College, Ballina
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
- Regional Mentor Coordinator x2
- Technology Assistant x2
- Regional Executive Officer x2
- Communications Officer.