Protecting teens from rising sexual extortion scams
Australia’s independent regulator for online safety, eSafety, is seeing an increase in reports of sexual extortion, particularly for boys aged 15-17. Sexual extortion or ‘sextortion’ is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video of you unless you give in to their demands.
eSafety urges parents and carers to have open conversations to help prevent sexual extortion and to help children recover if it happens to them. Read more.
National campaign to elevate teaching
The Australian government is developing a national advertising campaign to elevate the teaching profession and encourage people to consider a career as a teacher.
Teachers spanning early childhood, primary and secondary from diverse settings (metropolitan, regional and remote schools) within the Catholic education sector are asked to consider being part of the campaign. Involvement can be as simple as a written profile through to a more thorough case study as part of the campaign’s content.
The National Catholic Education Commission will coordinate this work as part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan with submissions due by Friday, 8 September. Find out more.
Grassroots research strategy unveiled
The New South Wales Council of Deans of Education has delivered a new agenda for education research with its Grassroots Research Strategy.
Drawing on extensive and innovative consultations with 181 education leaders, teachers, academics, parents, children and other stakeholders, the strategy maps a way forward for education research. Six strategic research drivers are laid out, including: teacher retention and attraction, inclusivity and accessibility, and climate change.
Creating a thriving Catholic education for generations to come
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) national office has reflected on current strategic priorities of Faith, Excellence and Access, and is considering how to support its priorities and respond to the challenges that education faces.
NCEC chair Nicholas Moore discussed the important role Catholic education plays within society, focusing on the need for simplicity, clarity and transparency – being able to report on what is done well across Catholic education and what needs improvement.
CEO of Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) Dallas McInerney provided an overview of the work of CSNSW and how the NCEC intersects with state and territory peak bodies and school authorities.
Celebrating a decade of advocacy and engagement
Catholic School Parents Australia (CPSA) celebrated 10 years since it was founded as the national coordinating voice of Catholic parents at a special event in late August.
Past and present council members, partners and well-wishers came together to celebrate CSPA’s journey including Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Danny Meagher, national Catholic education executive director Jacinta Collins, ACARA chief executive officer David de Carvalho, and the inaugural chair of CSPA Tony O’Byrne. Read more.
In brief
Official Directory of the Catholic Church in Australia: The 2023-24 print edition will soon be published. Order here.
What’s On
National Child Protection Week: Sunday, 3 to Saturday, 9 September 2023. Recognise and promote the safety and wellbeing of Australian children with the message that ’Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’.
Find resources tailored for parents and carers here.
Getting the most out of gaming parent webinar: This 45-minute webinar 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. Register here.
Strategies for Addressing School Refusal Online Webinar: Be You is hosting a free online event for all primary and secondary school staff on strategies for addressing school refusal on Thursday 7 September, 7:30-8:30 am. Register.
Modern slavery panel discussion: The University of Notre Dame Australia will host Modern Slavery: Leadership and Accountability for Social Change on Thursday, 14 September 2023 from 6-8pm. This free event will feature a panel of speakers who will share their insights and expertise on the impact and future direction of the Modern Slavery Act, the Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network (ACAN) Program, Catholic leadership, and partnerships that can make a difference to people impacted by modern slavery. Book here.
ACEL National Conference Gala Dinner ‘A Touch of Gold’: Connect with peers or forge new bonds. Add a touch of gold to your outfit to celebrate ACEL’s 50th Anniversary in style. Register.
New tool helps Australian Catholics to live Laudato Si’: The Australian Guide to Laudato Si’ Action Planning outlines a four-step cycle of self-assessment, reflection, planning and action that complements the global Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Find out more.
Australian Catholic Education virtual symposium: Special guest speaker Prof Anne Graham will speak on ‘Are we listening? How can Catholic schools respond to student views for wellbeing, faith formation and learning’, followed by a panel discussion. Register now for the 25 October session to be held from 3.30-4.50pm AEDT, 4.30-5.50pm AEST, 12.30-1.50pm AWST. Register.