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Professional Learning

Advancing Literacy Conference 2027, Australian Catholic University, Rome (Ref: 237/26)

The Advancing Literacy Conference set to take place from 24 to 27 May 2027 at the Australian Catholic University in Rome will bring together Australian Catholic school system leaders, international education leaders and researchers to pursue knowledge about how people learn to read and write, how ideas are expressed and articulated through reading and writing, and how these processes can be best supported in a learning environment.

Hosted by the Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy (ACAL), the conference is designed for Catholic education leaders seeking to drive system-wide change through the latest scientific evidence on how students learn to read and write. Attendees will hear from leading literacy scholars and learn from real-world examples of successful implementation in Australian Catholic education systems.

The four-day program combines professional learning, networking and cultural experiences in Rome. Each day begins with presentations and workshops at the ACU Campus Conference Centre, followed by unique excursions that foster connection and collaboration among participants, including opportunities to visit iconic sites such as the Sistine Chapel or Vatican Necropolis.

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded educational leaders, exchange successful reform practices and build a network of professionals committed to literacy excellence. 

Follow the links for and to in this exciting opportunity.

What’s Happening to Our Boys? A Webinar with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (Ref: 203/26)

Conversations about respectful relationships, and about what it means to grow up as a young man, are happening everywhere at the moment; in the media, in the community, and in our schools. Rather than a moment for alarm, Catholic schools can use this as a genuine opportunity: to connect with our young men, walk alongside them, and support them to become the men we need.

Catholic schools in ������ have been proactively building their response to this challenge for several years through the Catholic sector’s Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) project.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading adolescent psychologists and the author of 18 books on youth mental health and wellbeing, returns to CS������ following the strong response to his earlier session on anti-bullying, which struck a chord with staff and parents alike.

In What’s Happening to Our Boys?, Dr Carr-Gregg will unpack:

• What is happening to boys – the data on disengagement, and the developmental reasons behind it
• What is being sold to them online – who is doing the selling, and why it works so well on a teenage brain
• Why our usual responses fall short – and why shaming boys can drive them further towards the very influences we’re trying to counter
• What actually shifts it – in classrooms, in staffrooms, and at kitchen tables

The session will carry real practical weight, with Dr Carr-Gregg promising staff and leaders will leave with genuine, workable strategies – alongside solid grounds for optimism.

Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Time: 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Delivery: Online

Register:

Student Resources 

RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Art Competition for 2027 (Ref: 235/26)

The RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration was first held in 1953 and co-hosted by RSL ������ and the Department of Education. Over the years the service has expanded to Catholic Schools ������ and Independent Schools ������. Held at the Anzac Memorial Hyde Park in April each year, the proceedings are delivered entirely by school students including the Master of Ceremonies, keynote address, readings, and musical accompaniment. The Service also includes an Inspection of the Guard by the official party, The Ode, The Last Post, and Rouse.

The service aims to educate primary and secondary school students about Australia’s military history, whilst paying respect to the service and sacrifice of servicemen and women of the Australian Defence Force.

The Remember ANZAC Art Competition invites students to create an artwork celebrating the theme 'The Power of Mateship'. Winning artworks will be selected for the cover of the 2027 RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration service program and all finalists' artworks will be showcased in a public exhibition at the Anzac Memorial. The exhibition will be officially launched by Her Excellency, the Governor of New South Wales, following the annual commemoration service, making it a special occasion for participating students and their schools.

The competition closes on 30 October 2026.

More information including the guidelines, how to submit artwork, judging and FAQs can be found .

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Catholic Schools ������ Sport

Entries Now Open – ������ All Schools Triathlon & Aquathlon and CS������ Primary School Aquathlon (Ref: 242/26)

We are pleased to advise that entries are now open for two exciting multisport opportunities in 2026: 

• ������ All Schools Triathlon & Aquathlon Championship (Years 6 – 12) held on 4 – 5 November 2026 at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith. Year 6 students are eligible to enter the individual events and be considered for selection in the 2027 ������ All Schools Team. 
• CS������ Sport Primary School Aquathlon (Years 2 – 5, with Year 6 students also welcome) to be held on Tuesday, 17 November 2026 at Des Renford Leisure Centre and Heffron Park, Maroubra. 

Which Event Should My Child Enter? 

Students in Years 2 – 5 are encouraged to enter the CS������ Sport Primary School Aquathlon. 

This event is specifically designed as an introductory multisport experience, combining swimming and running in a fun, supportive environment. It is ideal for students wanting to experience multisport competition for the first time. 

Year 6 students have the unique opportunity to choose the event that best matches their experience, confidence, and goals. 

CS������ Sport Primary School Aquathlon 

• Ideal for students who would like to experience multisport competition in an introductory setting. 
• A great first step into triathlon and aquathlon participation as students will participate in a 100m swim in a swimming pool and a 1km run. 

������ All Schools Triathlon & Aquathlon Championship 

• Suitable for students looking for a challenge, with the event featuring longer distances (300m swim and 2km) and competition against students from across New South Wales. 
• Provides a pathway to gain selection in the 2027 ������ All Schools Triathlon and Aquathlon Teams, which will compete at the School Sport Australia Triathlon Championships. 

Secondary School Students (Years 7–12) 

Secondary students should enter the ������ All Schools Triathlon & Aquathlon Championship. 

The championship includes: 

• Individual triathlon and aquathlon events. 
• Team triathlon events 
• Opportunities for selection in the ������ All Schools representative team.  

How do I register for the CS������ Aquathlon (Years 2 – 6 students)? 

• Register –   
• More information –   

������ All Schools Triathlon or Aquathlon (Year 6 – 12) students 

• Individuals (Years 6 – 12 students) –   
• Teams (Years 7 – 12 students only) –   
• Must be completed by a teacher who has an account on the CS������ Sport platform 
• More information –

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School Updates & Newsletters

Council of Catholic School Parents conference: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World (Ref: 217/26)

Council of Catholic School Parents ������ (CCSP) invites all parents and carers to a day of connection, growth and learning, bringing families closer together in this constantly evolving world.

Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World is a conference designed especially for parents and carers of children in Catholic schools, bringing together leading voices in education, parenting and wellbeing to explore the topics that matter most to families today.

The day will include expert speakers Daniel Principe, Gen Muir and Karen Young, talking about topics such as cybersafety, respectful relationships, dealing with kids’ anxiety, and managing big feelings.

Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026

Time: 9.30 am – 4:00 pm

Venue: Twin Town Services Club, 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

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This conference is a great opportunity for many parents and carers in School communities to connect with other parents and carers, share experiences and gain valuable knowledge in a welcoming and supportive environment.

To promote this event to your school communities, see the .

Learn More:

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Scholarships and Awards 

Council of Catholic School Parents ������ 2026 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards (Ref: 218/26)

This is the 12th year CCSP has offered this $5000 annual grant to schools that demonstrate excellence in a family partnership project or initiative. Please encourage all your schools to apply! 

 

The Council of Catholic School Parents ������ Family Partnerships Excellence Awards are open to all eligible ������ Catholic schools. Apply now for the chance to receive a $5000 grant to continue a project or initiative that focuses on family engagement and building community in your school. Up to $10,000 in total available!

 

To promote this opportunity to your schools, see the 2026 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards flyer .

How do you enter? It's easy! 

1. Complete the downloadable submission form on the CCSP website here: by responding to 6 criteria about your school's initiative.
2. Complete the online entry form, have the application endorsed by the school principal and P&F/parent body chair, then upload your submission form and any supporting files.

Check out past winners and get all the details about how to enter here:

Entries close at 5:00 pm on 16 October 2026.