Welcome to the third edition of Parent Talk for 2023.

This week we celebrate National Volunteers Week and National Families Week. I wish to acknowledge the valuable work undertaken by parents and carers to enhance their children’s learning.

Parents and Carers volunteer in many capacities to assist in their community. The CCSP Council and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Parent Committee comprises volunteers whose contributions benefit all families whose children attend Catholic schools in NSW/ACT. On behalf of parents and carers thank you for your contribution.

Wayne Davie, Chair CCSP and I have just returned from a meeting with The Hon. Prue Car, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning and Western Sydney.

Ms Car is familiar with the work of CCSP, she attended the term 4 2022 CCSP meeting in her capacity as Shadow Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning. We are building on our relationship and continuing to advocate on behalf of parents and carers whose children attend Catholic schools in NSW/ACT.

We are excited about CCSP’s program of parent education. Over 2000 families registered to attend a webinar Anxiety and Resilience with Dr Justin Coulson to  provide strategies to support their children. 

The CCSP survey highlighted there is increasing concern amoung parents and carers about ways they can support their children to have safe gaming experiences online. On 23 May, in conjunction with the eSafety Commissioner we will be presenting a free webinar Getting the most out of gaming.

Hundreds of parents across NSW and ACT have registered to participate in the upcoming literacy event where Corey Tutt will read from his book The First Scientist. Thank you to the Diocesan Directors for their support in promoting this event.

I look forward to attending the Association of Catholic School Principals Conference and promoting the importance of parents and carers.

Keep posted for more parent and carer initiatives that we will be running during 2023.

I pray you will find time in your schedule to enjoy time with your family and friends.

Catherine Garrett-Jones

Executive Director, CCSP

We asked members of the CCSP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee what National Reconciliation Week means to them.

Jason Allan, Chair of the Committee, said, "I think this year's theme fits in well with the referendum on the Voice to Parliament."

"Naa-y, Guwaa-li Maal! - Walk, Talk together as One!

"Walking, Talking together has one loud voice with the same message: Giirr nginhi milan giirr nginhi burralaa,  ngaya nginda nginhi Australian. We are one but we are many, we are Australian."

True Unity 

"Reconciliation and the importance of  Reconciliation week  means that we can move towards true unity; unity where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights are both recognised and valued as a part of Australia’s shared national identity, leading to national unity."

added Kiri Newcombe-Hubber, Parent Representative for Diocese of Bathurst.

James Haynes, the newest member of the committee, representing Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle believes Reconciliation Week is 

"about taking time from our fast-paced everyday life events to appreciate as a family our country, culture and those who have travelled it before us. We are blessed to live in Worimi Country where we have beautiful river systems, mountains and beaches. Connection for me by spending time on country is extremely essential."

Aunty Mary Atkinson from Diocese of Wagga Wagga emphasised the need for kindness. 

"We can all play our part by treating each other with kindness and listening to each other.

"Walking together on this journey of true reconciliation where we come together as one in this beautiful, blessed country Australia with all of its traditions that have always been here."  

The theme for 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week - 27 May to 3 June - commemorates two significant milestones in Australia's Reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Click here to learn more about National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

There will be reconcilliation activities happening across Australia. CCSP suggests you ask your child what activities their schoolis holding and see if you can be involved. 

Here are some activities you can do with your children in preparation for National Reconciliation Week.

Download here

Download here

CCSP is excited to invite all families who have children enrolled in Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT to join us in a literacy event.

Acclaimed author and scientist COREY TUTT will read from his book, THE FIRST SCIENTISTS, to you and your child. Parents and carers can pick up a few tips to help get the most out of reading with your child at home to improve their literacy skills.

Getting the most out of gaming is a free 45-minute webinar that provides families with strategies for supporting children and young people to have safe, positive experiences when playing games online. It is designed for parents and carers of children aged 7 to 14.

CCSP thanks the eSafety Commissioner for their continued collaboration to assist parents and carers to support their children.

The webinar on Tuesday 23 May at 7.30pm will cover:   

• when gaming can be beneficial and strategies to promote better in-game experiences
• how to keep children safe online – using safety and privacy settings in games and platforms
• strategies to promote more balanced gaming and how to create smoother transitions from game-play to other activities
• the key online risks and where to find help for things like bullying and harassment in games. 

You can register here

We want to thank the families who completed the recent CCSP survey. Over 75% of responses were from families living in regional and rural NSW/ACT. 

The feedback indicates that parents and carers are looking for additional ways to support their children's wellbeing and safe screen time. 

Gaming was an issue of concern for many families. On 23 May, in conjunction with the eSafety Commissioner, CCSP will hold a parent education webinar Getting the most out of Gaming. You can register here.

There will be additional parent and carer education sessions scheduled throughout the year. Please visit the CCSP website  for upcoming webinars. 

We want to remind parents and carers that if there a matter concerning your child's education your child's teacher and school should be your first point of contact. 

Catholic agencies have welcomed a national crackdown on the illegal sales of vapes and e-cigarettes.

The Australian government will ban the importation of non-prescription single use vapes as part of an initiative to stem the use of illegal vapes. Health Minister Mark Butler made the announcement on 2 May. 

In an article written by Marilyn Rodrigues in  The Catholic Weekly Catherine Garrett-Jones, executive director of the Council for Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT, said any move to provide a safer community environment for students is welcome.

“We are well aware that vaping is a big problem among our young people, and parents and carers are very concerned about the potential for their children and young people to access vapes as well as a lack of understanding about what is actually in them and what the health risks are,” she said.

“Another real concern is whether non-nicotine vaping use is a soft entry for young people into use of tobacco products.”

What you can do as a parent or carer?

There are ways you can help protect your children from vaping:

• Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks. It is never too late to have the conversation.
• Try to start the conversation with your child in a relaxed easy-going way, perhaps taking the cue from around you, such as a note from school, a news story about it, or seeing people vaping on the street.
• If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop, let them know that help is available and you are there for them.
• Learn about the different types of vapes available and the risks associated with using these products.
• Set a good example by being tobacco or vape free.

Support to help your child quit vaping

• Book an appointment with their general practitioner or other health service for help to quit vaping.
• Quitline counsellors are available to answer any questions about vapes on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). Quitline is a telephone-based service, offering information and advice. Quitline counsellors provide tips and strategies, and help to plan your child's quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences. They can also help you think of ways to approach a conversation with your child or loved one about vaping.
• The Aboriginal Quitline is also available on 13 7848. Run by Aboriginal counsellors, the Aboriginal Quitline is a telephone-based confidential advice and support service.
• If you require assistance in a language other than English, Quitline has counsellors who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese, you can ask to speak to one of these counsellors. For people who prefer to speak in a different language, Quitline uses the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS).
• The Cancer Institute NSW iCanQuit provides information on quitting methods, links to support groups and top tips to help your child quit.

The Back to School NSW Vouchers program totalling $150 for each eligible student must be used by 30 June 2023. 

The Back to School vouchers can be used:

• towards the cost of school uniforms, shoes, bags, technology, textbooks and other eligible expenses
• before 30 June 2023.
• to apply click here

The $100 Creative Kids voucher may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and tuition costs for a range of creative activities, including arts, drama, dance, digital design, coding, and music lessons. For more information Click here for more information and to apply for the voucher.

The Active Kids $100 voucher is for parents and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year. Voucher 1 is valid January to December and Voucher 2 is valid July to December. For more information click here.

The $100 First Lap voucher is for children aged 3 to 6 years who are not enrolled in school. The voucher can be used for a structured swimming lesson program with an approved First Lap provider. The voucher is valid until 30 June 2023. Details of the First Lap program

CCSP thanks the NSW Government for supporting these programs to assist families  to help reduce their living costs.

World Youth Day will be celebrated in Lisbon, Portugal in 1-6 August 2023. Five talented senior students from Catholic Schools Broken Bay have recorded "Magnify", a song written by Simon Hyland (WYD Coordinator and Deputy Workstream Lead – Evangelisation).

The song was inspired by Luke’s Gospel and the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. Inspiring lyrics, based on the Magnificat and the hymn, reflect a repeated prayer of praise to God echoing Mary’s words. The song’s chorus, which speaks of fortifying, satisfying, crucifying and unifying, takes shape as the students sing with passion and purpose. Pictured are students Sabina, Erica, Luca, Annabelle, Bryndis with Simon Hyland at the piano.

The whole production was a Broken Bay event, with contributions from a local musician and parishioner, Josh Willard, on the saxophone. Bishop Anthony Randazzo, who will lead around 170 pilgrims and leaders to Italy before joining other pilgrims from around the world and the Pope for WYD23 in Lisbon, Portugal, said, “The song is really inspiring. It captures the overall theme of WYD23 and showcases some great talent we have in the diocese amongst our leaders and our students. This will provide a wonderful connection for our pilgrims.”

You can listen to Magnify here. 

For more information about World Youth Day click here.

CCSP wishes all pilgrims and their families a joyous preparation and participation in World Youth Day 2023.

The National Centre for Evangelisation has launched a new website and a companion book to help answer the questions people commonly ask when they are considering becoming Catholic. 

Becoming Catholic provides introductory information on God, including Jesus and the Trinity, explores the birth of the Church and covers other key topics like Mary, the Bible, the saints and sacraments.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse explains:

“Becoming Catholic is designed to complement what dioceses and other ministries are doing, and to be a gateway for people to connect with a local Catholic community.

"It is in those local contexts that they will have a chance to explore their faith and, we hope, ultimately encounter the person of Jesus.”

Podcast - What do Catholics believe?

What do Catholics believe? is an audio introduction to the Catholic faith. There are 30 10-minutes sessions which should be played in order, so as to build on the information presented in preceding sessions. 

It is available as a 30-episode podcast on Spotify and other audio platforms. Listen here.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning the Hon. Prue Car has announced changes to the NSW Curriculum Reform Timetable. 

The new schedule aims to give teachers more time to focus on implementation of the new Years 3 to 10 Maths and English curriculum commencing in 2024. 

Catholic Schools NSW CEO Dallas McInerney said the curriculum reform timetable extension is a significant body of work before the education sector, and “deserves to be done well and without unnecessary haste”.

“The Catholic school sector looks forward to increasing collaboration with NESA and the Government in the coming months and years to ensure a high-quality curriculum is delivered because all three sectors’ focus is on improving learning outcomes,” McInerney told  The Educator.

“This announcement provides the requisite time and capacity for professional practitioners to step forward and realise the full potential of the curriculum while achieving a smooth and manageable rollout.”

In Term 3 the Government will: 

• Consult on four mandatory K to 6 syllabuses: Creative Arts, Human Society and its Environment, Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Science and Technology;  
• Consult on four mandatory 7 to 10 syllabuses: Geography, History, PDHPE, Visual Arts; 
• Release: new 11 to 12 Health and Movement Science syllabuses and extend implementation to 2025 for examination in the 2026 Higher School Certificate.

The revised schedule means all new syllabuses will be delivered by 2027 – in line with the intent of the Masters Curriculum Review, that outlined a 10-year delivery timeframe.

For more information on the NSW Curriculum Reform you can visit the NSW Curriculum Reform website.  

The timetable for 2023 HSC Exams has been released. The written exam timetable can be accessed here.  Students can access their personalised timetable via studentsonline here.

Practical and performance exams can be accessed here.  If you or the student in your care have any questions contact their teacher.

If you wish to share Parent Talk with your school community please use this link.

If you have been forwarded Parent Talk and wish to subscribe to receive future editions please click here.