Filter Content
- Message from the Director
- Announcements
- Bushfire Disaster Support 2020
- Exciting Professional Learning Opportunities
- Digital Technologies - REFTAB (Digital Technologies Resources Library)
- Use of ACER PAT Tests
- Marist Fathers Indigenous Education Grant - Applications for 2020 Closing Soon
- Best Start Kindergarten Assessment 2020
- PDHPE K-6
- The Arts: Arts Partnerships
- Working with Children Check Renewals
- My Learning
Welcome to the 2020 school year. I trust that each of you enjoyed a rejuvenating Christmas Season with loved ones. ‘Year of Grace 2020’ is shaping up to be a full year with two major events across the country, including the October Plenary Council being held in Adelaide and the 200 years of Catholic education in Australia being celebrated throughout the year.
Catholic schools in New South Wales educate one-fifth of the state’s students. This equates to 254,952 students across 598 schools in NSW. In the Diocese of Lismore alone, approximately 18,500 students attend one of the 46 schools across the Diocese.
Pope Francis in 2018 stated that Catholic education gives ‘soul to the world’. I love what this challenges us to do and be in 2020. In these contemporary times, where change is rapid and unrelenting, it is important that those involved in Catholic education continue to be attentive to the following:
- Creating spaces for cultural encounter and dialogue and make schools educating communities.
- Educating with a sense of hope, teaching our young people to face social change optimistically by immersing our young people in ‘reality with the light that radiates from the promise of Christian salvation’.
- Maintaining continuity between our foundational mission and the Church’s mission of evangelisation.
I wish you every blessing as you commence your work of educating the students in your care this year.
Sally Towns
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE APPOINTMENT
Cynthia Nosworthy has been appointed as the Education Officer (Specialist EMU) South on a part time basis. Cynthia will continue to work three days a week at St Agnes' Primary School, Port Macquarie.
Bushfire Disaster Support 2020
As a school community you may be considering ways to respond to the recent national bushfire disaster. Attached is an information and resource sheet from the National Catholic Education Commission that will be useful in how best to respond in an effective and coordinated manner.
Exciting Professional Learning Opportunities
As part of the Digital Technology Strategy being launched this year, the focus is on building partnerships with industry and external organisations to enhance learning and teaching in the Diocese.
Consequently, we have partnered with Google and Game Training to provide professional learning. The following professional learning courses are being offered in first term:
- “Effective Technology Integration in the Primary Classroom” facilitated by Chris Betcher from Google. Please click HERE to register.
- “Coding and Game Development” being facilitated by Jeff Ayling from Game Training. Please click HERE for more information. (There is a cost involved to attend this event).
Digital Technologies - REFTAB (Digital Technologies Resources Library)
To ensure our schools have access to up-to-date quality Digital Technology resources, Learning Services has recently made a significant investment of additional resources available to all our schools. The aim of this initiative, is for schools to borrow and trial new equipment on a short term basis, before choosing to invest themselves. Equipment includes Osmo, 360 camera, Makey Makey, drones and more.
In order to manage the added resources available to schools, a new booking system to reserve and manage these assets has been implemented.
This new online based system is called REFTAB and is available to all staff throughout the diocese. Any staff member can login to REFTAB to see what assets are available and have the ability to reserve these items as needed. The bookings will be monitored and processed by the Catholic Schools Office.
The link to REFTAB is in the Quickstart Guide attached below.
Read LessPlease find below, the recently updated Protocols for the use of ACER PAT Tests. The two documents (Primary and Secondary) outline how the PAT assessments can be used in the best way possible to inform learning and teaching so that data can be captured efficiently to inform school and system planning and alignment. Schools taking advantage of the system’s licence in 2020 are asked to operate within the protocols.
These documents can be located under Learning/Procedures & Guidelines, on the intranet.
For support with test administration, data analysis or Assessment For and Of Learning inquiries, please contact your cluster’s Education Officer.
For all other enquiries, please contact Christy Ismay, Education Officer.
Read LessMarist Fathers Indigenous Education Grant - Applications for 2020 Closing Soon
The Marist Father Indigenous Education Grant 2020 will close on 21 February, 2020. The Marist Fathers are mindful of the important role of education in furthering the prospects and opportunities of Indigenous youth. This fund aims to assist Indigenous students who are in need in areas not normally covered by other available sources of funding.
A grant will be made available for assistance in any of the following areas:
- School uniform and school footwear costs
- Text book and stationery expenses
- Special subject levies and equipment
- VET course fees
- Distance learning in junior high school
The grant is available for students in secondary school.
Applications must be received by COB Friday 21 February 2020, please note no late applications will be accepted.
Click here for the online application form
Read LessBest Start Kindergarten Assessment 2020
Please note that the online platform, PLAN 2, will be open for Kindergarten Best Start Assessments from Term 1, Weeks 1 - 5, 2020. Please ensure that all Kindergarten staff have access to the PLAN 2 online platform before they commence their first assessment and that any catch-up assessments are completed by Week 5.
Parent communication and feedback on their child's assessment should be distributed as soon as possible after all students have been assessed. This should be no later than Week 5.
Any questions or concerns during the assessment period can be directed via the Helpdesk, using the Best Start pool.
Read LessA reminder that the new syllabus for PDHPE must be implemented in all schools K-6 from the beginning of the 2020 school year. Sample units of work and scope and sequence documents can be found here.
Cluster Education Officers are available for curriculum support and professional learning where required.
In 2019, five schools took the initiative to engage with a local artist via the Arts Partnership grants. The projects were varied and provided schools with the opportunity to build a relationship with a local artist through an artist in residence project in their school. To explore the 2019 projects, click here.
If your school would like to apply for an Arts Partnership grant for a 2020 project, it’s not too late! Applications close on the 10 February for grants of up to $10,000.
For more information, and to apply, please follow the link on our Arts website here.
The Arts site is a great way to explore a range of arts initiatives available to primary and secondary schools. To visit the Arts website, follow the link on the Intranet, or visit arts.lism.catholic.edu.au
Read LessWorking with Children Check Renewals
Staff are reminded of the need to advise the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) through the jotform link https://form.jotform.co/80798498515879 with the renewal details of their Working with Children Check prior to their current expiry date. The renewal process can be actioned up to three months prior to a current expiry date.
Please do not wait until the last month. If your expiry date is in January or February take action early. Visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian to begin the process.
If your Working with Children Check expires during January or February, you must provide these details to the CSO prior to the start of 2020 school year via the above link.
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.
Indigenous Education Worker (IEW) Cursillo Training CT02
The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) Lismore is offering Cursillo Training to Indigenous Education Workers (IEWs). This is an opportunity for IEWs to attend a three-day retreat ‘live-in-experience’. The retreat will be held at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Corindi Beach, NSW.
- 13 – 16 February 2020
EMU Specialist Teacher OPL Day 1, 2020 ESTOD1201
This course is Ongoing Professional Learning (OPL) for qualified EMU Specialist Teachers. Ongoing professional learning for Specialist Teachers is required to ensure continual improvement of skills and knowledge and to maintain currency. All EMU Specialist Teachers are required to participate in ongoing professional learning to maintain accreditation.
- 19 February: South - BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour
- 20 February: North - Invercauld House, Goonellabah
Lismore Diocesan Secondary Sports Coordinator Meeting LDSSCM205
Please note this meeting is by invitation only. This meeting is to discuss relevant information regarding sport in the Lismore Diocese in secondary schools and is held twice a year.
- 25 February - CSO Coffs Harbour Annexe
New Primary Sports Coordinators Gathering NPSCG205
This induction day is for primary sports coordinators who are new to their role this year. The day will orientate and support understanding of the unique and specific nature of primary sport in the Lismore Diocese.
- 9 March - Invercauld House, Goonellabah
Lismore Diocesan Primary Sports Council Meeting LDPSCM205
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.
- 10 March - Grafton District Services Club
7-12 Leader of Curriculum Video Conference Term 1 2020 LOCVC01
This workshop will provide Leaders of Curriculum with the opportunity to discuss important issues including changes to curriculum, data and whole-school initiatives. The agenda will be co-constructed by the Leaders of Curriculum.
- 25 February - Various video conference facilities
EMU Early Years Specialist Teacher Course Day 1 SOUTH, 2020 EEYSTCDAY101
This is Day 1 of a 6 day course. This course is for approved participants only: Primary Teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019. Please ensure you are aware of the commitments required throughout the year to complete this course by reading all information on My Learning, before registering.
- 24 February - Curran Centre, Coffs Harbour
EMU Early Years Specialist Teacher Course Day 2 SOUTH, 2020 EEYSTCDAY201
This is Day 2 of a 6 day course. This course is for approved participants only: Primary Teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019. Please ensure you are aware of the commitments required throughout the year to complete this course by reading all information on My Learning, before registering.
- 25 February - Curran Centre, Coffs Harbour
EMU Early Years Specialist Teacher Course Day 1 NORTH, 2020 EEYSTCODAY101
This is Day 1 of a 6 day course. This course is for approved participants only: Primary Teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019. Please ensure you are aware of the commitments required throughout the year to complete this course by reading all information on My Learning, before registering.
- 18 March - Invercauld House, Goonellabah
EMU Early Years Specialist Teacher Course Day 2 NORTH EEYSTCD1
This is Day 2 of a 6 day course. This course is for approved participants only: Primary Teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019. Please ensure you are aware of the commitments required throughout the year to complete this course by reading all information on My Learning, before registering.
- 19 March - Invercauld House, Goonellabah
EMU Middle Years Specialist Teacher Course Day 1, 2020 EMYSTCDAY101
This is Day 1 of a 6 day course. This course is for approved participants only: Primary - trained EMU Specialist Teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019 AND Secondary Mathematics teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019.
Please ensure you are aware of the commitments required throughout the year to complete this course by reading all information on My Learning, before registering.
- 17 March - Grafton District Services Club, Grafton
EMU Middle Years Specialist Teacher Course Day 2, 2020 EMYSTCDAY201
This is Day 2 of a 6 day course. This course is for approved participants only: Primary - trained EMU Specialist Teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019 AND Secondary Mathematics teacher - nominated by your leadership team in 2019.
Please ensure you are aware of the commitments required throughout the year to complete this course by reading all information on My Learning, before registering.
- 18 March - Grafton District Services Club, Grafton
Stage 3 and Stage 4 Mathematics Peter Sullivan Workshops Day 1, 2020 S3AS4MP101
This is Day 1 of a 2 day course. This learning is for Stage 3 teachers and Stage 4 Mathematics teachers. The 2 workshops and between session tasks focus on Algebra and is based on Peter's research: 'Encouraging Persistence Maintaining Challenge' - Motivating students and developing persistence through challenging tasks.
- 10 March - Hastings/Nambucca clusters - Kempsey Macleay RSL Club, Kempsey
- 11 March - Richmond/Clarence clusters - BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour
- 12 March - Tweed/Coastal clusters - Ballina RSL Club, Ballina
Creativity in Google and Web Tools 2020 CIGAWT208
Participants will explore ways to use and apply Google Suite tools along with other web based tools to aid creativity in the teaching and learning process. They will engage in using Google, Slides, Sheets, Drawings and Docs for creativity. At the completion of this course participants will have knowledge and understanding to effectively use the tools and applications covered to foster creativity in their learning and teaching.
- Term 1 - Commences 20 March and concludes 3 April - Online Learning only
Digital Technologies: Surface Skills 2020 DTSS208
Participants will develop a deeper understanding of Algorithms within the 'Design and Production Skills' and 'Digital Technologies Knowledge' outcomes within the new Science and Technology K-6 syllabus.
- Term 1 - Commences 24 February and concludes 9 March - Online Learning Only
Google Drawings: The Underused G-Suite Tool 2020 GDTUGST08
By participating in this course, teachers will learn about, explore and plan for the implementation of Google Drawings into their teaching. They will participate in discussion and reflection about the use of Google Drawings as a tool for the responsible integration of ICT into lesson content and structure.
The content of this course is the same as was offered in 2019, under the course codes GDTUST07-01 and GDTUST07-02 Participants who engaged with this content are unable to undertake this course.
- Term 1 - Commences 6 March and concludes 20 March - Online Learning Only
Visualising Data for Learning and Teaching 2020 VDFLAT208
Participants will explore efficient ways to record and visualise data for easy interpretation by using Google Sheets, formulas, functions and Google Forms to inform their practice. At the completion of this course participants will have built their own Google Sheet template.
- Term 1 - Commences 10 February and concludes 24 February - Online Learning Only
Enhancing Literacy, Numeracy and Creativity in the Primary Classroom through Technology 2020 ELNACIT08
Participants will explore and extend on the use of digital technologies with a focus on enhancing their skills within the Google Suite. The course will focus on how these technologies can be applied to Literacy, Numeracy and Creativity within the primary classroom.
- 16 March - Invercauld House, Goonellabah
- 18 March - St Augustine’s Primary School, Coffs Harbour
Coding and Game Development with Unity 2020 CAGDWU208
This course has been designed for absolute beginners through to experienced programmers and covers a lot more than just coding such as learning to code, creating realistic worlds, create your own AI bot and more.
Targeted concepts are Computational and Algorithmic thinking, Project Based Learning, Design Thinking, and Integrated Learning.
- 25 February - St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino
- 27 February - Mount St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah