Welcome back to Term 3. I trust you had a relaxing break and have returned to work refreshed and inspired by your efforts in Semester 1. Each term brings new challenges to overcome and opportunities to embrace so that we can continue to bring about improved student outcomes for all of the young people in our care. I know—and sincerely appreciate—that you continue to give your best every day to this extremely important work.
Term 3 also brings new Covid restrictions. While this pandemic has lasted far longer than any of us hoped, it is important that we do not become complacent when following the guidelines outlined by NSW Health. We are exceptionally lucky to be living away from the Sydney hotspots; however, we must continue to be vigilant. Please ensure that you and members of your family are tested if you experience even the slightest symptoms of the virus.
This term will also see schools continuing to monitor the implementation and impact of their 2021 AIPs, and the Principals Meeting in Gunnedah on 5 and 6 August will mark the commencement of 2022 AIP planning. Teachers should also continue to review their Quick PLPs and engage in professional dialogue with colleagues regarding progress towards individual goals. This week the CSO Leadership Team will complete its 2022 planning, and the draft will be shared at the Principals Meeting.
Thank you for all you do to support our students and each other. Please continue to look after yourselves and each other during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Chris Smyth
Director of Schools
Do you agree that being in touch with reality is an important aspect of true wisdom? Being in touch with reality, being “down to earth” as we say, translates to the Latin word, “humilis” from which we obtain our English word, “humble”. A few days ago I read a quotation from Pope Francis which points to a need for true humility, for facing facts. He was speaking to some powerful Church figures in the Vatican just before Christmas 2019. I expect this Christmas “gift” was received with different emotions by the different Church authorities present.
The Pope told the group that we Catholics (and it applies to Christians more broadly) have to put behind us any idea that our beliefs are dominant any longer in determining how society is organised and how its laws are made. Francis said, “Today we are no longer the only ones that produce culture, no longer the first nor the most listened to. The faith in Europe and in much of the West is no longer an obvious presumption but is often denied, derided, marginalized and ridiculed.”
What a challenge for those of us for whom faith is important! What a challenge for us in Catholic schools. Our path surely has to be one of maintaining our Catholic identity while entering into and staying in respectful, loving dialogue with the other people who make up our communities, our country and our world.
You will receive a renewal reminder email, to the email address you registered with 90 days before your WWCC is due to expire. Although most renewals are processed quickly, the checking process can take upwards of 4 weeks. So renew early to avoid your clearance expiring. Complete the renewal form online www.ocg.nsw.gov.au/check, please ensure you select renew, do not re-apply.
You need to provide four identification documents, click here for More information on proof of identity. You also need to provide evidence of the change of name (please note church or celebrant issued certificates are not accepted).
The Catholic Schools Office has finalised our employee’s pay and superannuation data for the 2020-21 financial year and this information has been forwarded to the Australian Taxation Office.
With the introduction of Single Touch Payroll the Catholic Schools Office is no longer required to issue Payment Summaries (aka Group Certificates) to our employees. Your end-of-year financial information (Income Statement) is now available in your ATO online account (via myGov) or from your accountant.
CSO Pilgrimage - In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop
The Catholic Schools Office is pleased to provide senior school leadership team members and senior CSO staff with the opportunity to participate in the CSO Harvest Pilgrimage - Footsteps of Mary MacKillop. 11 Day Pilgrimage 22 September - 2 October, 2021
When enrolling a student with a disability, principals should be aware of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education (2005) (DSE) and make every possible effort to effect timely enrolment of the student.
When enrolling a student with a disability, Principals will conduct a regular or initial enrolment interview and request from the student’s parents/guardians, documentary evidence of the disability.
This should be followed by a meeting with the Subject Matter Expert – Inclusion Team Leader please advise the Inclusion Team Leader prior to completing a Request For Service: New Enrolment, via the online New Enrolment of Child with diagnosed disability on the Inclusion portal.
(Pauline Hawkins)
Initial Diagnosis for Currently Enrolled Student If a student who is currently enrolled in your school receives an INITIAL diagnosis, a Request for Verification should be completed via the Inclusion Portal. Depending on the category of the disability the paperwork required is shown on the Procedures Policy as well as on the Inclusion site and the Verification Request form itself.
(Pauline Hawkins)
Existing Student With Disability - Updated Reports
When a student’s diagnostic reports are updated, a Request for Verification should be completed via the Inclusion Portal, in the Request for Verification form, tick the ‘is this an existing SWD’s updated report?’ This will then be added to the CSO Student file.
(Pauline Hawkins)
Sound Scouts Resources
Sound Scouts have shared some very useful resources with us which have now been added to the Inclusion site for your reference. Please follow thislinkto view.
It can be accessed any time via the Inclusion site using the sound scouts button, and also in the Speech Pathology site under Hearing Screeners.
(Pauline Hawkins)
Vinnies' Winter Sleepout While the Society of St Vincent De Paul is not an official Diocesan or Papal Agency (unlike Caritas or Catholic Mission respectively) most Australian Catholics recognise “Vinnies” as another marvellous example of the Church in action. Seethisfor information about Vinnies’ 2021 Winter Sleepout. Schools may wish to engage in it as their additional “charitable works fundraiser” for this year.
(Gerard Hore)
Marriage and Family Week Booklet Forwarded
Marriage and Family Week commences in our Diocese on Sunday 25 July. The theme is “I am with you always”. It is linked this year to World Grandparents’ Day. A booklet with a suggested lesson plan for one lesson that week related to the theme has been forwarded electronically to RECs
(Gerard Hore)
Diocesan Men's Gathering
Men of the Diocese are invited to keep Saturday 16 October free. A gathering is planned to take place at St Nicholas’s Tamworth on that day. More details as they come to hand.
(Gerard Hore)
Health and Safety Committee Training For High Schools (Dependant upon COVID restrictions)
12 August 2021 (Thursday Week 5) to be held at McCarthy Catholic College OLRCC Tribe Street Tamworth 8.30am - 3.30pm. (Registrations close 6 August.)
(Geraldine Chapman)
