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Catholic Schools NSW

Catholic Schools New South Wales takes a leadership role, coordinating and representing Catholic education in NSW at a state and national level.

13/08/2026

Last night at NSW Parliament House, we were proud to celebrate the achievements of two outstanding Catholic school teachers whose passion for learning and innovation is helping shape the future of education in NSW.

Lili Braidner, HSIE and English Teacher at Bethany College Hurstville, was awarded the Premier’s Economics and Business Educators NSW Commerce Scholarship. Her research will explore how digital tools and Artificial Intelligence can enhance teaching practices, foster innovation, and strengthen connections between classroom learning and real-world applications. As part of her scholarship, Lili aims to study leading educational approaches in Singapore, Finland, Estonia, Canada and Australia.

Jessica Magee, Mathematics Teacher at St Ursula's College Kingsgrove, received the Premier’s University of Sydney Mathematics Scholarship. Jessica will investigate how educational systems in Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Australia are engaging girls in mathematics through real-world problem solving, with a focus on developing critical thinking, persistence and motivation.

These scholarships provide an incredible opportunity to contribute valuable insights to education and improve learning outcomes for students across our state. We congratulate Lili and Jessica on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to following their inspiring journeys. 👏📚🌎️

10/08/2026

Dr Simon Crook will be running an online workshop for teachers in preparation for the implementation of the new K-6 Science and Technology syllabus.

At the recent CSNSW Curriculum Reform Conference, Dr Crook examined and discussed the STEM content in the newly released K-6 Science and Technologies syllabus.

These workshops will focus on implementation strategies to support K-6 teachers for full implementation of the syllabus by the start of 2027.

• Date(s): Friday, 4 September 2026
This event will be repeated on 18 September 2026 and 10 November 2026
• Time: 9.00am to 3.00pm
• Format: Zoom (link sent to registered participants prior to the event)

Please visit the CSNSW website to register for one of the workshops: https://buff.ly/nwU1AK3

07/08/2026

Today is the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia's first canonised saint, Patron saint of Australia alongside Our Lady Help of Christians, and founder of the Order of St Joseph (the Josephites).

St Mary MacKillop was a woman who lived an incredible life. Accompanied by her strong faith in God, humility, hope and courage, St Mary MacKillop dedicated her life to helping and educating the poor and disadvantaged.

“Seek first the poorest, most neglected parts of God’s vineyard.”

– St. Mary MacKillop, 1900

St Mary MacKillop is an inspiration for all of us, and her legacy in Catholic education is something we strive to continue. Wishing all Schools and Parishes bearing the name of St Mary MacKillop a happy feast day!

Prayer resources for this feast are available on the Mary MacKillop Place website: https://buff.ly/ITMN3EU

05/08/2026

On the Feast of the Transfiguration, we celebrate Jesus' ascent up the mountain with Peter, James, and John, where they witnessed Him transfigured in radiant glory. There, Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him, and the voice of God The Father proclaimed from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Like the disciples, we are invited to listen to Christ, trust Him in times of uncertainty, and allow the light of His presence to transform our hearts.

'When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.' (Mt 17:5-8).

03/08/2026

Today on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, we reflect on the theme 'Living Our Truth', which reminds us of the importance of the living traditions that are handed down to us, and helping them to continue across generations. This day honours the role of children, families, Elders and communities in keeping culture strong and ensuring stories continue to be told.

Across our Catholic schools, we are committed to creating learning environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are seen, valued and empowered to thrive – strong in culture, faith, identity and belonging. As part of this commitment, Catholic Schools NSW publishes an annual report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education outcomes, to continue promoting this important mission, available here: https://buff.ly/18ooUFr

As we celebrate today, we give thanks for the richness of the world's oldest continuing cultures and recognise the important role good education plays in fostering the understanding, respect and reconciliation which Christ's love offers to all.

03/08/2026

Early Learning Matters Week | 3–9 August 2026

The first eight years of life are a critical period of growth, learning and development. During these early years, children build the foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing and success.

Research shows that up to 90% of brain development occurs by age five, with more than one million neural connections formed every second. These connections are shaped by children's experiences, relationships and environments, highlighting the importance of high-quality early childhood education.

Everyday moments matter. A shared story, a caring conversation or an opportunity to explore and discover, helps children develop confidence, curiosity, resilience and a love of learning.

In Catholic education, we recognise each child as a unique gift and support their intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional and physical development. By nurturing the whole child, we help children flourish at school and in life.

This Early Learning Matters Week, we celebrate the educators, families and communities who help our youngest learners thrive every day.

Did you know? Many Catholic early learning services are co-located on school sites, supporting a smooth transition to primary school and fostering a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning. You can find more information https://buff.ly/dOh2E3S

02/08/2026

May God bless all students beginning their HSC Trial Examinations today.

A Student’s Prayer (an adapted prayer by St Thomas Aquinas)

Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, true source of light and fountain of wisdom.
Pour forth your brilliance on me, to remain confident and calm.
Grant me an open mind to understand and remember, ease in learning and abundant grace in expressing myself.
Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion.
This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever.
Amen

29/07/2026

Yesterday, on the eve of the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we gathered to pray, reflect, and act.

As a Catholic organisation, we believe that every person is made in the image and likeness of God, and that this belief demands more than words. It demands we confront the injustice of modern slavery wherever it exists.

We were privileged to welcome Moe Turaga, Lived Experience Advisor at the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN), who shared his deeply personal story of forced labour and human trafficking. Moe's witness reminds us that behind every statistic is a human being, a child of God, deserving of dignity, freedom and justice. His advocacy, including at the Parliamentary inquiry that led to Australia's Modern Slavery Act, continues to move hearts and change systems.

We also launched CSNSW's 6th Modern Slavery Statement, a testament to our ongoing commitment, rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, to ensure our operations and supply chains are free from exploitation. In 2025, we conducted multiple supplier audits and found zero non-conformances. But as our closing reflection reminded us: a statement alone does not protect anyone; it is the actions behind it that do.

Pope Francis has called human trafficking "an open wound on the body of contemporary society." Today we renewed our pledge to help heal it.

"Set the captive free." That is not just a prayer. It is our mission.

29/07/2026

The 2026 HSC Study Guide is available and filled with expert tips to help students reach their HSC goals.

This year’s guide includes study tips for different courses, interesting facts about the HSC and the ATAR, and insights from expert teachers and past students including:

💠 Mankirat Kaur, First in Course English Standard 2025 from Santa Sophia Catholic College, Gables

💠 Makayla Lawrence (Dance 2025) from St Francis Xavier, Newcastle

We’re thinking of and praying for all the NSW Catholic students (and their teachers) preparing for the HSC in 2026. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/hsc-study-guide-2026-20260617-p607j6.html

22/07/2026

It was a privilege to host so many of the leaders and educators at our 2026 Education Law Symposium. We are especially grateful to all our speakers who made it an exceptional day of professional development.

We hope to see you all again next year!

Address

Sydney, NSW

Telephone

+61292871555

Website

https://www.csnsw.catholic.edu.au/

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