Parent Talk 2025 Issue 4

Welcome to Parent Talk

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to the final edition of Parent Talk for 2025; it’s Term 4 already! Can you believe it?

In Term 3 we received entries for our 2025 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards from schools. Our judging panel will get to work looking at submissions in the next few weeks. It is heartening to see so many schools engaging parents in their children's learning and we extend our congratulations to all school communities for creating such positive experiences for parents, carers and students. We’ll announce the recipients in December and in Parent Talk in Term 1 next year.

Our main priority lately has been preparing for the 24 October anniversary celebrations dinner and the 25 October conference for parents and carers.

Term 3 Recap

In Term 3 we have continued to provide leadership, advocacy and support for all parents in our dioceses, with CCSP representatives hosting and attending meetings, professional learning and events including:

• St John Paul College, Lismore NAIDOC Week celebrations
• St Peter’s Catholic College Tuggerah Parents Evening
• Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese CAFÉ Club Support
• School visits with Anne T. Henderson – St Brigid’s Raymond Terrace, St Peter’s Catholic College Tuggerah
• CSNSW Connected Catholic Communities Symposium
• Executive Officers Networking Meeting with Anne T. Henderson
• Australian Catholic Education Conference, Cairns
• Term 3 Aboriginal Committee and Council Meetings
• CRRE Project Meeting, CSNSW/CCSP Termly Meeting
• CSNSW Early Years Symposium
• Isolated Children’s Parents Association Executive Meeting
• ACARA National Peak Parents Group Meeting
• St Therese’s Denistone Meeting with Principal, ACU/SCS Meeting
• ECEC Providers Working Group Meeting
• Catholic Schools Broken Bay Parent Leadership Evening
• CSNSW Curriculum Symposium

CSNSW Connected Catholic Communities

CSNSW Early Years Symposium

Our Council working parties have been flat out, meeting numerous times this term to discuss and plan the anniversary conference, revise our Supporting Diverse Learning in Schools guide and review the CCSP Constitution in time for amendments to be accepted at the AGM.

Term 3 Webinars

13 August: Sleep Connection: What Parents Need to Know – parents loved this session with Lisa Maltman and we had lots of requests for the recording link. Check out thesleepconnection.com.au to find out tips and strategies to ensure children are getting enough sleep – leading to better focus, mental health and academic success.

21 August – eSafety AI-Assisted Image-Based Abuse – AI tools are evolving fast and this presentation aims to help parents and carers support and protect their children. You can sign up for the next webinar with eSafety here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars#ai-assisted-image-based-abuse--navigating-the-deepfake-threat

10 September – Nurturing Strengths: Unlocking Your Child’s Potential – Beyond’s Term 3 webinar for parents was aimed at empowering parents to recognise their child’s unique strengths and learn how to encourage their natural abilities. We had a great turnout for this lunch and learn session. Find out more about Beyond's great digital platform here: beyond.edu.au

Correspondence

Federal Minister for Disability and NDIS The Hon Mark Butler announced on 20.8.25 changes that would see changes to eligibility for children with ASD under 9 to access NDIS funding. A new program named 'Thriving Kids' with funding of $2B was announced. CCSP has submitted a letter to Minister Butler, with copies to Hon. Jason Clare, Hon. Courtney Houssos, Hon. Kate Washington and Hon. Jennifer McAllister, advising that we would like to be part of the consultation and change process.

Submissions

CCSP has lodged a submission to the NSW Law Reform Commission’s review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), emphasising parents’ rights to choose faith-based education and the need for Catholic schools to employ staff who uphold their ethos. The submission highlights Catholic schools’ role in fostering wellbeing, community, and inclusion, while calling for existing exceptions for religious bodies and private schools to be maintained to protect religious freedom.

We also lodged a submission to the Federal Government's Inquiry into the Thriving Kids Initiative to the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability.

Thank You to Our Chair

A special mention for our Council Chair, Anne Fehon, who gives so freely of her time and represents CCSP so well. We are blessed to have her and thank her for her wonderful contributions this year. She has attended many events in Term 3 - as listed above - all in a voluntary role.

Anne attended the National Catholic Education Conference in Cairns and says, ‘The highlight for me was the beautiful mass on the opening day with over 400 children from Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns joining the 1200 delegates attending the conference.’

Term 4 Webinars

Don’t miss our free webinars for parents and carers in Term 4:

29 October: Beyond presents Practical Steps for Action: Empowering your child’s career journey
12 November: eSafety Commissioner team presents The Changing Face of Cyberbullying

See the flyers and registration links in the articles below.

And onwards to Christmas!

We will end our meetings for the year with our AGM, an online meeting on 28 November. We look forward to confirming the appointments of our 2025 Council and Committee Members and will let you know who these are for your diocese and school in our Term 1 edition of Parent Talk in 2026.

The Secretariat team and Chair will meet in November to draft the work plan for 2026 and the social media schedule, which will include establishing a Strategic Planning Subcommittee to prepare a new strategic plan for 2027-2029.

We hope you have an enjoyable and fulfilling term and a safe and holy holiday. Good luck to all those students (and their families) doing the HSC! We are saying prayers for them.

Loving God, We ask your blessing on all our HSC students. Calm their hearts, steady their minds, and give them confidence in their preparation. Help them to remember that their worth lies not in marks or results, but in the person You created them to be.

Bless their families with patience, peace, and understanding. May homes be places of encouragement, rest, and reassurance.

Loving God, be with our young people in this time of challenge and change. Guide them towards hope and trust in the future You have planned for them.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

God bless and have a wonderful term.

Cath

Catherine Garrett-Jones
Executive Director

CCSP Anniversary Conference Countdown

It’s Almost Conference Time! 

Tickets are sold out but you can still join the wait list. Email office@ccsp.catholic.edu.au with your contact details if you would like to be added to the list.

On Saturday 25 October, we’ll be joined by inspiring speakers including Dr Justin Coulson, Michelle Mitchell, Daniel Principe, and more. Together they’ll lead a conference designed especially for you, Catholic school parents.

We can’t wait to connect, share and celebrate with you. 

2026 CCSP Family Diary Giveaway: Enter Now!

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT is delighted to share the 2026 Family Faith Diary, created to support parents and carers of children in Catholic schools.

More than just a planner, the diary is arranged by school terms with holidays marked and plenty of space for family schedules. It also includes reflections on how families can support children’s learning, tips for living a faith-filled life, and even a few fun pages for children.

To celebrate its release, CCSP is giving away 50 copies of the 2026 Family Faith Diary. To enter, simply complete the short form below and in 10–20 words share either your favourite way your school engaged parents in 2025, or your ideas for how schools can strengthen family partnerships.

The Family Faith Diary is a practical and meaningful way to stay organised while keeping faith and learning at the heart of family life.

Help Us Help You: What Do You Want to Learn More About in 2026?

We value every parent's thoughts and opinions!

CCSP would like to know what you would like to learn more about in our online webinars so that we can plan our 2026 program. Please choose from our options or let us know your own.

Thank you so much for taking time out to give us your feedback.

2025 CCSP Family Partnerships Excellence Awards

Thank You for Your Submissions!

A big thank you to everyone who submitted entries for our Family Partnerships Excellence Awards. We have been delighted to receive so many wonderful examples of engagement happening in school communities across NSW & ACT.

Our judges are now carefully reviewing all submissions, and we look forward to sharing the winners with you soon. Stay tuned! We can’t wait to celebrate the inspiring work being done in partnership with families.

Getting Through the HSC: Tips for Parents

The HSC is a big milestone, and while exams can feel stressful, parents and carers play a powerful role in helping students stay calm, focused, and confident.

Here are some key ways you can support your child:

1. Keep a balanced routine
Encourage a study schedule that breaks tasks into smaller chunks, with time for rest, exercise, and fun. Sleep and good nutrition are just as important as study.

2. Be positive and encouraging
Use calm, supportive language like 'How can I help?' rather than 'You should ...' and remind them that one exam does not define their future.

3. Create a supportive study space
Help reduce distractions by setting up a tidy, quiet environment. Limit phones and social media during study time but allow downtime to recharge.

4. Support wellbeing
Encourage simple stress-management tools such as deep breathing, mindfulness apps, or exercise. Keep the home atmosphere as calm as possible... and don't forget to look after your own wellbeing too.

5. Reach out if needed
Teachers, careers/academic advisors, and organisations like CatholicCare can provide extra guidance or support if your child is feeling overwhelmed.

Your steady presence matters more than you realise. By encouraging healthy habits, providing reassurance, and celebrating small wins, you help create the conditions for your child to approach the HSC with resilience and confidence.

Webinar: Practical Steps For Action - Empowering Your Child's Career Journey

Don't miss this opportunity to attend a presentation by the Beyond team aimed at helping parents guide their secondary student towards a career that suits and interests them, with tips on choosing the right subjects and practical tips on writing resumes and getting work experience.

Webinar: The Changing Face of Cyberbullying - Protect Your Child Online

Cyberbullying is evolving, with the use of AI-powered tactics, coded emoji language, and the covert manipulation that many adults may miss. This 45-minute webinar helps parents spot the signs, build support at home and guide children on how to respond and stay safe. It’s suitable for parents and carers of primary and high school students.

Social Media (Delay) Ban Update

From 10 December 2025, children under 16 will no longer be able to have accounts on major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. The aim is to give young people more time to grow and develop before facing the pressures of social media.

What’s Changing

• Under-16 accounts will be deactivated, and new ones blocked.

• Messaging apps, online games and education or health platforms are mostly not affected.

• Kids can still view public content (like YouTube videos), but without the personalised feeds and notifications designed to keep them scrolling.

Why the Change?

This 'delay' is about protecting young people from harmful content, addictive design and the mental health impacts of too much screen time. It also gives families more space to build healthy digital habits.

What Parents Can Do

• Talk to your child now about how they use social media and what will change.

• Show empathy, it may feel like a big adjustment.

• Explore safe alternatives for connection and creativity.

• Use the time to set family rules for when they are old enough.

The Parent Pulse: Social Media & Our Children - Survey

From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.

Your voice matters. By completing this survey, you are helping Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) understand the real experiences, challenges, and hopes of families in our Catholic school communities. The insights gathered will directly shape our advocacy with Catholic Education authorities and Government, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of parents and carers are heard at the highest levels.

Your input will guide us in championing initiatives that strengthen learning, wellbeing, and partnership between home and school.

Clear the link to go to the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L65CL58

Safe Partying Tips

Parties Without Panic: Keeping Teens Safe This Season

As the season of celebrations approaches including birthdays, graduations, and end-of-exam events, parents play a key role in helping their teens enjoy these occasions safely. By reviewing safe partying guidelines, planning ahead, and completing relevant police event notifications, you can support your child in having enjoyable, responsible and memorable experiences.

These safe partying tips are relevant whether you are hosting a party, supervising other children or preparing your teen as they attend events elsewhere. Open communication, clear boundaries and mutual trust will ensure both you and your child feel confident and supported. 

For more information and practical guidance explore the links below:

SmartTraveller Advice for Schoolies

Safe Celebrations Start at Home

Schoolies and other school leaver celebrations are exciting milestones but they also carry risks. Parents play a vital role in keeping teens safe, whether they’re staying local, travelling interstate, or going overseas.

Stay Connected and Build Trust
Talk openly with your teen about their plans, listen to their ideas and share your concerns. Finding ways to stay connected helps them make responsible choices and lets you check in, even from afar.

Plan Ahead
Go over party plans, transport and safety strategies together. Agree on check-ins, emergency contacts and ways to handle peer pressure or risky situations.

Safe Partying and Smart Travel
Remind your teen to party responsibly and travel safely. Remember and remind them that in most popular schoolies destinations there are volunteers, program staff and first responders there to help them if for any reason they need it... Even for help with directions getting home!

A little guidance, trust and planning goes a long way to make these celebrations fun, memorable and safe.

Supporting Children When They Finish School

School has been a significant part of your child’s life. They may have mixed emotions as they approach the end of it. They may be excited or unsure about their post-school plans or feel a bit anxious or overwhelmed. As their parent, you can support your child through to their first big career transition, whether into study, work or play. 

Parents and carers can help children learn more about themselves and their interests, explore opportunities and make strong career decisions.

Check out the infographic highlighting six ways to support your children when they finish school.

https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-your-child/dots-infographics

Preparing for School in 2026: Transition Tips for Parents

Supporting Your Child’s Big School Transition

Starting a new school chapter — whether it’s Kindergarten or Year 7 — is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming for children and parents alike. Here are some practical ways to make the journey smoother.

Starting Kindergarten

The first year of 'big school' is all about building emotional security, independence, and friendships. To support your child:

• Talk about feelings – acknowledge that excitement, worry, or curiosity are normal.

• Listen and label emotions – help your child put words to what they’re experiencing.

• Organise play dates – familiar faces ease the playground nerves.

• Pack familiar food – comfort food makes lunchtime less daunting.

• Practise lunchbox skills – make sure they can open containers and wrappers themselves.

• Talk after school – set aside time each day to reflect on their experiences.

Starting High School (Year 7)

The move to high school brings new routines, bigger campuses, and higher expectations. Key ways to support your child include:

• Attend orientation and open days – help them get to know the school and meet peers early.

• Do practice runs to school – walking, cycling or bus rides build independence.

• Talk through 'what if' scenarios – like missing the bus or getting lost.

• Explain buddy/peer support programs – reassure them they’ll have someone to turn to.

• Tour the school with staff if nervous – reduce the fear of the unknown.

• Share your own stories – show them their feelings are normal and manageable.

With a mix of emotional support, practical preparation and reassurance, children can step into their new school environment with confidence.

Our Futures Vaping Prevention Program

The Truth About Vaping

Vaping might look and smell harmless, but e-cigarettes contain dangerous and addictive chemicals that can damage young lungs and affect brain development. Alarming numbers of children and teenagers (even in primary school) are experimenting with vaping, often drawn in by sweet flavours, colourful packaging and friend involvement.

For parents, the best way to protect children is starting the conversation early. Ask what your child has seen or heard, listen calmly, and share the facts. If your child is vaping, avoid panic! Keep communication open, remind them of your support, and seek guidance from your GP or school counsellor if needed.

As well as conversations at home and doctor-led care, schools play an important role in prevention. Scientifically backed programs, such as the Our Futures Vaping Prevention Program for Year 7 and 8 students can provide the tools and knowledge young people need to make safer, healthier choices. 

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a joyful celebration where thousands of young people come together to share faith, music, energy and hope. Over three days, students from Year 9 through to young adults up to 25 years old gather from all corners of the country to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Each day of the festival is alive with opportunities, inspiring talks, engaging workshops, games and activities, to concerts, prayer, Mass and an interactive expo. It’s a space where young people can explore the richness and diversity of the Catholic Church in Australia while deepening their relationship with Jesus.

ACYF is more than just an event, it’s an experience of belonging, joy and encouragement. It’s a chance to connect with peers, meet Bishops and Church leaders, and be inspired to live out faith with confidence in today’s world.

For Catholic school students, ACYF is an incredible opportunity to come together, celebrate their faith and discover what it means to be part of a vibrant and hopeful Church.

Around the Dioceses

All Hallows, Gulgong

All Hallows Gulgong, celebrated Father’s Day with a joyful community gathering that brought together faith, family, and fun. The morning began with the delicious smell of bacon and egg rolls, barista coffee from the van, and plenty of laughter around the garden games between Dad's and their children. The breakfast as followed by a Father’s Day liturgy, that was beautifully prepared and led by Year 1 and Year 6,.The theme was to ask for the blessing of the gift of fathers and father figures in our lives. With uplifting music, shared meals, and time together, it was a wonderful celebration of the dads, grandads, and special men who play such an important role in our school community. 

St Raphael's Catholic School, Cowra

Book Week was loaded with lots of fun and activities in the Library each lunchtime. The highlight
of the week was certainly the Book Week Parade. Even though the weather was inclement the
parade was a huge success with students and staff dressing up and many parents, carers,
grandparents and friends who came along and supported the parade.

St Matthew's Mudgee

St Matthew's is a large K-12 school in Mudgee that actively reaches out to invite parents and carers beyond the school gate and to engage in their children's learning. Events are chosen to showcase the learning, faith and wellbeing of all of students at St Matthews. After a beautiful Liturgy classrooms were opened for families to take part in the ‘Learning in Action’ of their children. Families were then asked to the playground for lunch with their children.

The Horsley Network of Family Educators

In recognition of both R U OK? Day and Father’s Day, the Horsley Network of Family Educators from Sydney Catholic Schools hosted a powerful evening dedicated to fatherhood, faith and mental wellbeing through its 'More Than Muscle' Father’s Night Initiative. The event brought together grandfathers, fathers, and sons for an evening of food, friendship, and faith. The night featured inspiring talks from a diverse line-up of speakers including: Steven Buhagiar – Aid to the Church in Need; Dr Robert Haddad – Author, Speaker, and SCS Church Engagement Manager; Tomislav Uskok – Founder of Beaded Armour and Macarthur Bulls FC player and NRL Wests Tigers player Alex Twal. Each speaker shared personal insights on the importance of mental health, the power of listening, and the role of faith and community in navigating life’s challenges. A recurring theme was the value of prayer and the support offered by the Catholic Church during times of personal struggle.
This initiative was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of the Horsley Network of Family Educators

Stay Safe at the Beach This Summer

Dear Parents and Carers

We pray that all our families stay safe these holidays, especially when they swim at the beach.

Surf Life Saving Australia have some life-saving resources for families to use to find out about rip currents, waves, surf safety and much more.

Download the BeachSafe app and check out the Beach Passport before you swim.