Resources Booklet - Catholic Education · Gravissimum Educationis. Gravissimum Educationis, the Declaration on Christian Education, is a document of the Second Vatican Council and

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Proudly supported by

Catholic Schools Week8 - 1 4 M A R C H 2 0 1 5


Resources Booklet

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What’s it all about?

catholicsuper.com.au/23ideas

Australian Catholic Superannuation is delighted to again be supporting Catholic Schools Week

throughout NSW and ACT dioceses, for the ninth successive year.

Australian Catholic Superannuation has maintained close ties with the Catholic education

community for more than 30 years. The Fund was established to provide retirement benefits to those

who teach or work in Catholic schools, and since that time we have expanded to serve the wider

community.

This year’s “Educating for Today and Tomorrow” theme is as important for staff and parents as it is

for students. Just as it is important to ensuring that education gives every student the best possible

start in life, financial education is important for staff and parents too. That’s why we guide and

support our members with their financial decisions throughout their working life as they save and

plan for eventual retirement.

When it comes to financial planning, building then protecting your finances for the future, there

can be nothing more comforting than knowing that “Good advice given in good faith”

is the way we approach managing your finances.

For more information on our services and how we can work together to support the education

community, or to arrange for us to visit your local school and talk to staff, please call your

Australian Catholic Superannuation Regional Manager on 1300 658 776, or visit our website

at catholicsuper.com.au

Greg Cantor

Chief Executive Officer

For example, the information pack shown below (and on

the back page of this Resource Guide) can help guide you

for both today and tomorrow–simply enter the indicated

urls in your browser:

An Industry Super Fund for all Australians –for you, your family and friends

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Mr Chris SmythDirector of Catholic SchoolsDIOCESE OF ARMIDALE

Mrs Jenny AllenExecutive Director of SchoolsDIOCESE OF BATHURST

Peter HamillDirector of SchoolsDIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

Moira NajdeckiDirector Catholic Education OfficeARCHDIOCESE OF CANBERRA AND GOULBURN

Ray CollinsDirector of SchoolsCatholic Schools OfficeDIOCESE OF MAITLAND-NEWCASTLE

Greg WhitbyExecutive Director of SchoolsDIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA

Dr Dan WhiteExecutive Director of Catholic SchoolsARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY

Mr Alan BowyerDirector of SchoolsCatholic Schools Office DIOCESE OF WAGGA WAGGA

Mr Anthony MorganDirector of SchoolsDIOCESE OF WILCANNIA-FORBES

Mr Peter TurnerDirector of SchoolsDIOCESE OF WOLLONGONG

catholicsuper.com.au/23ideas

Australian Catholic Superannuation is delighted to again be supporting Catholic Schools Week

throughout NSW and ACT dioceses, for the ninth successive year.

Australian Catholic Superannuation has maintained close ties with the Catholic education

community for more than 30 years. The Fund was established to provide retirement benefits to those

who teach or work in Catholic schools, and since that time we have expanded to serve the wider

community.

This year’s “Educating for Today and Tomorrow” theme is as important for staff and parents as it is

for students. Just as it is important to ensuring that education gives every student the best possible

start in life, financial education is important for staff and parents too. That’s why we guide and

support our members with their financial decisions throughout their working life as they save and

plan for eventual retirement.

When it comes to financial planning, building then protecting your finances for the future, there

can be nothing more comforting than knowing that “Good advice given in good faith”

is the way we approach managing your finances.

For more information on our services and how we can work together to support the education

community, or to arrange for us to visit your local school and talk to staff, please call your

Australian Catholic Superannuation Regional Manager on 1300 658 776, or visit our website

at catholicsuper.com.au

Greg Cantor

Chief Executive Officer

For example, the information pack shown below (and on

the back page of this Resource Guide) can help guide you

for both today and tomorrow–simply enter the indicated

urls in your browser:

An Industry Super Fund for all Australians –for you, your family and friends Foreword

IN 2015, CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK will be celebrated from 8–14 March. It will once again involve the communities of Catholic primary and secondary schools in NSW and the ACT to showcase to the wider community the opportunities that Catholic schools provide.

The main aim of the annual event is to build community awareness about the strengths and distinctiveness of Catholic schools.

The theme for CSW 2015 will be 'Educating for Today and Tomorrow', to tie in with the 50th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis. Gravissimum Educationis, the Declaration on Christian Education, is a document of the Second Vatican Council and was created by the Synod Fathers in 1965. The document recognised the continuing need for the Church to support parents in the education of their children so that they might be better equipped to participate professionally in the social, political and economic life of their communities.

We strongly encourage you to get into the spirit of Catholic Schools Week in 2015. Invite your local Member of Parliament (MP) to the school to be part of the celebrations and to experience the quality teaching and learning that takes place in classrooms every day. It is important that they see first-hand education at its best.

This booklet contains many ideas about celebrating Catholic Schools Week, including how to write to your MP, and invite the media to your school event.

There are also suggestions in this booklet to help you use the 2015 theme in your classroom, school and community. And don't forget the student competition for 2015 which is also based around the theme, inviting students to imagine their school in the future!

Further help with Catholic Schools Week is available from your diocesan office. A list of all diocesan contacts is available in the back of this booklet.

HAVE A WONDERFUL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015!

DIOCESAN DIRECTORS'

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ContentsCatholic Schools Week – what’s it all about? 5

Suggested events and activities 8

2014 CSW activities for inspiration 9

Liturgies and Prayers section 15

Sample newsletter item/letter to parents 22

Sample Parish bulletin item 23

Sample letter to your Member of Parliament 24

Media guidelines 25

Sample media releases 28

Facts about Catholic schools 31

CSW student competition 32

Advertising and publicity 34

Key contacts 36

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Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2015 will be held from 8 to 14 March (Week 7, Term 1 in NSW, Week 6, Term 1 in ACT). It will once again involve the communities of all Catholic primary and secondary schools across NSW and the ACT.

The main aim of CSW is to raise public awareness of the wonderful opportunities that Catholic schools provide, and to celebrate our history, our distinctiveness and our many achievements.

The theme for CSW 2015 is 'Educating for Today and Tomorrow'.

CSW is an ideal opportunity to showcase your school to local politicians and let them experience the vital role Catholic schools play in their communities.

CSW is also about strengthening relationships among all who have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community.

EVENTS AND PROMOTIONAL IDEAS

A list of suggested events and activities that schools might organise during CSW is provided in this booklet. Each year, schools come up with new and unusual ideas to celebrate and promote their achievements. With an extensive advertising and media campaign to be conducted both before and during CSW, it is the perfect time for your school and parish to celebrate!

Catholic schools occupy a very important place in local communities, so local school activities and celebrations

involving students, staff and families are very important. CSW will also be a perfect opportunity to involve community leaders – including local politicians and business people – as well as past students of your school.

Each school is encouraged to plan events that suit its own local needs.

It is hoped that each school will organise a range of activities during the week focusing on what it offers parents and the wider community.

If you already have open days, fetes or community events throughout the year, consider holding these events during Catholic Schools Week.

LITURGICAL CELEBRATION AND PRAYER

One of the key components of CSW activities should always be a liturgical celebration. Please remind your Parish Priest that 8 March marks the start of CSW so that this can be acknowledged and celebrated at Masses on that weekend. You may wish to ask staff and students to play a role in arranging for a special CSW Mass on that weekend. Ask your Parish Priest to include your school’s CSW activities in the parish bulletin.

Of course, schools may also incorporate the liturgy into their scheduled gatherings, assemblies or Masses during CSW or the week before.

The liturgy notes in this booklet include suggested readings, prayers and hymns, together with opportunities for each community to tailor the content

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

What’s it all about?

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to suit its own circumstances. The opportunity also exists to extend invitations to members of the school and parish communities, community leaders, and representatives of other schools in the area.

Also included is a Catholic Schools Week prayer which can be said at the start of each day during CSW with students in classrooms or homerooms, as well as at CSW events and celebrations.

THE THEME: ‘EDUCATING FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW'

As you may have already read in the Diocesan Directors' foreword, the theme this year has special significance.

Its ties in with the 50th anniversary of 'Gravissimum Educationis.' 'Gravissimum Educationis', the Declaration on Christian Education, is a document of the Second Vatican Council and was created by the Synod Fathers in 1965. The document recognised the continuing need for the Church to support parents in the education of their children so that they might be better equipped to participate professionally in the social, political, and economic life of their communities.

CSW WEBSITE

The CSW website plays a vital role - all our system-level advertising is directed to the website.

The website will also be a portal through which interested people, particularly prospective parents, can obtain information on Catholic education. It will provide links to all the dioceses in NSW and the ACT, and to their schools and websites.

Features will include the television commercial (this will be shown on regional television stations only), sponsorship acknowledgement, and access for schools to upload photos, video and stories in the lead-up to and during CSW.

The website will be managed by the Parramatta Diocese. An electronic version of this booklet will also be available on the website. Schools are strongly

encouraged to use the site, as the website address will feature prominently in all advertising and promotion.

Schools can now advertise their CSW event via a calendar which appears on the CSW website. This is a great way to let people in your area know what you are doing. As it will be a full-year calendar, you can include events outside of CSW as well.

It is important that your school has a presence on the calendar. As all our system advertising is directed at the website, this gives your school event a good platform.

Your diocesan contact (on the last page of this booklet) can upload your event for you.

The website will also be the place for students to upload their entries in the CSW video competition.

The CSW student competition for 2015 takes this year's theme forward, asking students to imagine their school of the future. Students can enter individually or as a group, and again there are great prizes to be won. Details are provided further in the booklet.

And don’t forget to post a story and photos of your event on the CSW site after it is over! CSW should always be seen as one part of the ongoing promotion of your school. News stories can be submitted all year round.

The CSW website address is www.catholicschools.nsw.edu.au or, for schools in the ACT, www.catholicschools.act.edu.au.

TWITTER

We have created a Twitter hashtag, #CSW_2015. Schools are encouraged to tweet about any CSW event that they are hosting.

PROMOTING CSW IN YOUR AREA

CSW is a critical promotional strategy for all Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT. With this in mind, it is very important that all schools actively promote during this period. You can do this by:

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• displaying the CSW posters (to be provided in Term 1) around your school and in the community

• noting CSW activities on your school’s outdoor sign

• including the CSW poster on school monitors/televisions used for promotional purposes

• displaying banner ads (to be provided in Term 1) on your school’s website

• publishing items in school newsletters, the parish bulletin and in letters to parents and MPs

• promoting CSW at parent gatherings

• sending a tweet about it on the school's twitter account and use the hashtag

• asking parents with a local business to display a poster in a prominent place (eg a shop window).

CSW AND THE ENROLMENT PERIOD

If you are having an open day around March or your school needs enrolments, CSW is an ideal time to capitalise on our raised profile and advertise for enrolments.

Each school has been sent ‘Enrolling Now’ posters* that will allow each school to promote the date of their open day. These will be sent to schools in early Term 1. Of course, it is important to remind parents that Catholic schools are open for enrolment enquiries throughout the year, and not just during the promotional period.

If your school does not need enrolments, or your open

day is held during a different time during the year, save the poster for that time. They do not necessarily need to be displayed at the same time as CSW posters.

INFORMING THE LOCAL MEDIA

CSW is all about celebrating and promoting the achievements of Catholic schools. For this reason, it is important to inform your local newspapers and other media outlets about what is happening at the school during the week. This also helps to develop a good relationship with local media organisations.

This booklet contains sample media releases which you may use as a template when sending information to local newspapers about CSW activities. Keep in mind that many of these papers have large local readerships, and they may be very interested in what is happening at the school during the week.

Not everything you submit will be used in the paper. Decisions about newspaper content are made by the editor. If stories submitted to the paper do not get included, don’t despair, just keep trying! If you need further advice about how best to engage with your local media, contact your diocesan Education or Schools Office.

*Except schools in the Diocese of Parramatta

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THEME SPECIFIC IDEAS: ‘EDUCATING FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW’

• Create a class or whole-school time capsule, include items which outline current education methods and students sharing their thoughts about the school.

• Ask a primary teacher to write a letter or poem to their students about how the class has impacted on him/her and perhaps even include where that teacher sees the students in the future.

• Organise a robotics competition whereby entrants go online, via video conference, demonstrating their robot and its capabilities.

• Have students write about what they want to be when they grow up, and how they plan to make the world a better place.

• Send roving journalists and camera people (students) through the school, interviewing other students and teachers on the question: “Name one thing about this school community that you are passionate about and why.” Display these videos on a screen during open days.

• Hold a film week. Screen films at lunchtime that express important gospel values and deal with values and ethics.

• Make a list available to families of students and suggest they might like to watch it together as a way of drawing parents and children into a constructive discussion.

• Hold a competition. 'How many different (i) cultures and (ii) religions are present in our school?' Over the course of a week, invite students to make a 'guesstimate' on a playground wall chart. The person closest to the correct answer wins a suitable prize.

• Invite students to interview a senior person (eg grandparent) about how they were taught 'in their day', and to compare with their own experience of being part of a modern learning community.

• As a school, raise money for a specific education project that will assist disadvantaged children to receive an education.

• Have students write a short piece: 'Five important things I have learnt from my family' or 'five important things I would want (one day) to teach my own son or daughter'.

• Encourage students to create a video and enter the CSW competition.

• Create a massed Wordle display, one from each class (www.wordle.net) with students contributing words to describe their school community. Include the school name and the theme 'Educating for Today and Tomorrow'.

• Organise a Mass or prayer session to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, recognising the contributions of all members of the school community.

• Using the 50 year theme, research the history of the school as a group exercise. What was it like 50 years ago? Create a collage board or pictures or facts for the front office. Invite any ex-students who attended the school to talk to the class about life at school fifty years ago. If you have a new school, ask the question 'What was Catholic education like 50 years ago?' You can download the 'Celebrating 50 years' logo from the CSW website.

Suggested events & activities

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More than 600 people gathered at All Saints Catholic Parish Church, Shellharbour City for the Annual Diocesan Education Mass to celebrate Catholic Education in our Diocese. Bishop Peter Ingham celebrated the Mass and was joined by six of his brother priests from across the Diocese.

Held during Catholic Schools Week, the theme was ‘Catholic Schools - More than a Great Education’. In his homily, Bishop Peter spoke of the profound role of those who work in Catholic schools. He emphasised the importance of Catholic Education to benefit and develop young people to grow and live fulfilling, faith-filled lives.

St Joseph's Lockhart and St Francis Xavier's Urana combined to celebrate Catholic Schools week. The day began with Mass, followed by sporting and art activities. The major focus for all was to collaboratively construct a 'wall of words' relevant to the 2014 theme, 'More than a Great Education'.

St Patrick's at Griffith started off Catholic Schools Week nice and early with 99.7 Star FM broadcasting live from the school from 6am. The three-hour fun-packed program included interviews with students and staff, a spelling bee, a basketball shoot-out and DJ Dane putting his strategy skills to the test with a game of chess. Fellow DJ Tanya also got into the spirit, wearing her old St Patrick's summer uniform. This was followed by a sausage sizzle, and classroom visits from parents and grandparents. Lunch was also a special occasion, with a picnic on the school grounds swelling the normal school population to twice the size as parents, grandparents, friends, aunties and uncles joined in the fun.

Thanks to the kind donation of a very generous parent, all the St Patrick's staff were thanked for their dedication with a gift of a bottle of wine. It was very interesting to see all the pigeon holes looking like a wine rack!

All the Catholic schools in the region gathered socially at the conclusion of Catholic Schools Week, with staff acknowledged for their dedication and commitment to Catholic education. Special votes of thanks were given by the Minister for Education and Father Neru.

2014 CSW activities for inspiration

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Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School, Epping wanted to promote how early learning through play starts before school. As they already had a parish playgroup that met in the school hall each week, a Pop-Up Playgroup was introduced to coincide with Catholic Schools Week.

This gave prospective parents with younger children an opportunity to explore the school whilst the younger ones were encouraged to learn through play. The children had the opportunity to become familiar with the school environment and enjoy the new playground facilities which included a cubby built by St Leo’s VET class, a boat and sandpit.

The school’s Kindergarten teacher, who could potentially be the Kindergarten teacher next year, also had the opportunity to meet some of the children and their parents.

Holy Family Parish School, Parkes celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a whole school Mass celebrated by Father John Keeble.

Sister Annette Tinkler was the guest speaker at the Mass. Sister Annette has been involved with our parish

for many years. She spoke about her journey in Catholic education and said she embraced the changes that have happened over the past 50 years.

Sister Annette noted that the two constants during this time have always been the teachers and the students. After the Mass, parents, grandparents and friends joined the children for a shared picnic recess.

Open classrooms commenced after recess with visitors given the opportunity to see the wonderful work on display in all classrooms.

Visitors were given the opportunity to purchase a book to donate to our school library.

Staff members were thrilled with the attendance and support of Catholic Schools Week by all families.

During Catholic Schools Week, each class at St Therese's Community School, Wilcannia prepared cookies, cakes and slices to give to members of the community.

The sharing of a meal can be very powerful and uplifting! The recipients of the students' gifts were members of the community who staff had heard about who were unwell, or really needed a visit from the

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students to lift their spirits.

These community members are usually elders. Students often bring pieces of work demonstrating their best efforts in class. Their gifts also give community members an insight into the learning that is taking place at St Therese's. These visits are much anticipated by both the students and the community!

St John’s Parish School at Trangie celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a school and community Mass, followed by open classrooms where parents and friends could visit each classroom to be involved in their child’s learning experiences.

'Lunch on the Lawn' gave our students an opportunity to have a picnic lunch with their families. It was a great opportunity for the community to be involved with the school and witness first hand the strength and spirit of our school which has served the Trangie community with a 100 years of catholic education.

St Michael's Parish School Deniliquin had a busy Catholic Schools Week! At the beginning of the week posters proclaiming the theme “Catholic Schools – More than a Great Education” were displayed on the buildings facing the street so that all townspeople would be

reminded about how proud we are of our school and catholicity.

Everyone in the school community – teachers, students, parents participated in a beautiful prayer liturgy which included setting up a sacred space, readings, reflection, movement and singing.

The prayer liturgy was followed by our weekly assembly and then parents trooped off to the children’s classrooms to view work, see the wonderful environment they learn in and view a video of Andrew Chinn’s recent visit to our school.

Everyone then enjoyed morning tea in the playground with the P & F providing cups of tea and coffee. Two wonderful parents used their talents to bake and decorate 150 cupcakes which were also shared for morning tea. A great day, a great week, a great school!

Students at St Paul the Apostle Primary, Winston Hills were delighted as teaching staff, parents and grandparents came in to read their favourite picture book to groups of students. Executive Director of Schools, Greg Whitby read Hooray for Diffendoofer Day by Dr Seuss to a delighted group of Year 5 students. He explained to students that just like the school in the book, St Paul the Apostle has some special teachers who make learning fun.

St Canice’s Primary, Katoomba held a special liturgy in celebration of Catholic Schools week and students from each class then planted a seed representing “peace, hope, truth, joy and friendship”.

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Year 3 and 4 students from St Joseph’s Primary, Schofields were treated to a real-life learning experience when the ABC Exhibition Trailer came to visit, providing an opportunity for students to get a hands-on understanding of what goes into TV and radio news production.

New Kindergarten students at St Anthony’s Primary, Girraween showcased their talents, performing a new song for staff and families at an evening barbecue for parents to share a meal and meet teachers and other families at St Anthony’s.

Xavier College, Llandilo opened its doors to the community to celebrate Catholic Schools Week with around 700 visitors experienced hands-on learning with interactive and creative displays representing all subject areas. The evening also featured musical recitals, drama and dance demonstrations, debating, classroom lessons and sporting activities.

Students and parents from St Finbar’s Primary, Glenbrook got up early to promote their annual Open Day handing out water bottles with invitations to delighted commuters.

Entrepreneur Dick Smith paid a special visit to students at Loyola Senior High, Mt Druitt to tour the school’s trade training centre, meet with students and share his secrets for success at a special assembly.

Year 5 and 6 students at John XXIII Primary, Stanhope Gardens showcased the unique learning opportunities at the K–12 campus at open classrooms, with students engaging in lessons in Visual Arts, Drama, Music Hospitality and Woodwork.

Students at St Bernard’s Catholic Primary Botany started off CSW right – with some sweet breakfast treats made by their teachers.

Mums and dads joined their children for a big breakfast of fruit, cereal and freshly-made pancakes.

“It was marvellous to watch new parents come through the school doors and to see our Years 5 and 6 students giving them a tour,” said Acting Principal Marie Couani.“We had 43 new families visit the school.”

Federal Member for McMahon Chris Bowen visited students at Marion Catholic Primary Horsley Park to celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

He told Years 5 and 6 students that the best part of his job was having the opportunity to meet students, teachers and parents.

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As a former Catholic school student, he said he was honoured to join in the celebrations and recognise the strength and spirit of Catholic schools.

During CSW, St Brendan’s Catholic Primary Bankstown Central became a thriving community hub for local families.

Principal Maria Femia said that the school opened its doors to mums, dads, carers, grandparents and all community members that call Bankstown home in order to help the community flourish.

“The school launched a Community Hub, as part of a partnership funded by the Federal government, the Scanlon Foundation, the Migration Council Australia and Refuge of Hope,” Ms Femia said.

“The aim of this hub is to be a place for families to gather and enjoy activities together. We hope to start up an early learning playgroup and host computer classes and other support services for parents for whom English may be a second language.”

Sacred Heart Catholic School Cabramatta highlighted the importance of numeracy during CSW by hosting a ‘Maths Dress-Up Day’.

Principal Margaret Hogan said the students came to

school parading in costumes resembling human calculators, clocks, tape measures, scales, number lines and dice.

“The students showcased to their parents and the wider community that Catholic schools are more than just a good education. They displayed their immense creativity and originality, as well as their deep mathematical understanding, in a unique way,” she said.

Catholic Schools Week is about strengthening relationships between all those that have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community - and St Edwards Primary School Tamworth lived up to that community spirit this year. The theme, ‘More than a Great Education’, gave the school the opportunity to reach out and help those around them. Each grade focused on one particular organisation or area in the community that they saw as a need. In Kindergarten the children designed and made cards with prayers for rain inside and sent them to families experiencing drought at St Joseph’s Warialda, St Joseph’s Walgett and St Joseph’s Wee Waa. Year 1 students designed and made banners that promoted caring for the environment and placed them in the community as well as cleaning up our school grounds. Year 2 collected items from around the home and donated them to the Ronald McDonald car boot sale. Warm clothes were collected from families in Years 3 and 4 and donated to those in the community to keep warm this winter. Years 5 and 6 incorporated Clean Up Australia Day into their week and cleaned along Scott’s Road, the Peel River, Tamworth Touch Football Fields and Bicentennial Park. The school also hosted a BBQ breakfast with families and invited them into the classroom to see the hard work the students have completed during the first eight weeks of the school year. The week proved that there really is ‘more than just education’ at St Edwards - an enjoyable and giving week was had by all.

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St Raphael’s Catholic School Cowra marked Catholic Schools Week with a week full of activities that certainly reflected the theme of “More than just a Great Education”.

The week began with all the students gathering in the Church for a whole school assembly with the Director of Schools Mrs Jenny Allen presenting the annual Catholic Schools Week address. Throughout the week, the students from across the school participated in numerous extra-curricular activities to challenge them both physically and academically. The week ended as it had started with the school coming together to celebrate a Mass not only marking the school's heritage, but also celebrating the 125th anniversary of St Raphael’s Parish. Following a beautiful Mass, the school gathered together for an afternoon of fun, laughter and fundraising for Caritas at our annual Heritage Day Fete.

St Joseph’s Grenfell organised a Book Fair with an Egyptian theme to help celebrate Catholic Schools Week. The students were involved in choosing books for a wish list (for parents to buy). Boys and girls were also involved in an Egyptian dance off which was lots of fun!! It was a terrific morning which had lots of support.

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One of the key components of CSW activities is liturgical celebration and prayer.

In 2015, Catholic Schools Week is celebrated in the Third Week of Lent. Please remind your Parish Priest that Sunday, 8 March marks the beginning of CSW so that this can be acknowledged and celebrated at Masses that weekend. You may wish to ask staff and students to play a role in the celebration of Mass that weekend. Ask your Parish Priest to include your school’s CSW activities in the parish bulletin.

The prayer resources in this booklet include:

• A Prayer for Catholic Schools Week incorporating key themes and phrases from Educating for Today and Tomorrow: A Renewing Passion and Vatican II’s Declaration on Christian Education

• Notes for teachers for preparing for a Liturgy/Prayer Celebration using the 'Educating for Today and Tomorrow' theme

• Some suggested readings, prayers and hymns.

Other texts for prayers, including prayers of blessing and intercession may be found in the Book of Blessings and adapted for use. (See pages 263-270)

Liturgies and Prayers

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Prayer for Catholic Schools Week

The Prayer for Catholic Schools Week can be prayed at assemblies or at the start of each day during CSW with students in classrooms or homerooms, as well as other CSW activities.

INTRODUCTION

Catholic Schools Week is a special time in the year

when we celebrate and give thanks for Catholic schools, especially our own school <<Insert name of school>>

It is a time to give thanks for the wonderful teaching and learning that takes place each day in every classroom.

In our prayer, we acknowledge and thank all who work together in service Catholic education.

PRAYER

Sign of the Cross

God of all time - yesterday, today and tomorrow,

For nearly two hundred years, in this great Southern Land of the Holy Spirit,

you have inspired in generations of believersthe vision for Catholic schools.We give thanks to you, the Source of wisdom and inspiration,for the passion of teachers who spark the curiosity of their students; for those who open their students’ hearts and minds to the mystery and wonder of the world and nature.

We thank you forthe passion and creativity of students in their search for truth and beauty, in their search for what is right and good.

We thank you for

Principals and other school leaders who ensure our schools are places where Catholic faith and learning go hand in hand.

We thank you for

the passion and service of administrative and support staff

who ensure our schools are well organised, friendly and welcoming to all.

We thank you for

the passion of our priests, the bearers of the Good News leading and educating us to prayer and the celebration of the sacraments.

We thankyou for

the passion, love and sacrifice of parents, carers and local communities as they work together to ensure a Catholic education for their children.

We pray that our Catholic schools, today and tomorrow, will continue their work in God’s mission, spreading the Joy of the Gospel

so we may know and love the world as God’s creation,

cherish justice, live life in response to God’s call,

and serve to ensure the common good in society,

now and into the future.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Sign of the Cross

A SHORTER PRAYER

Almighty God,

You sent the Holy Spirit So that we might know and love you Jesus, the Word made flesh;to know and love Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Renew the passion of all in Catholic schools To nurture the seeds of your love, planted in our hearts,And bear fruit that will nourish a world hungry for your love.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

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NOTES FOR TEACHERS PREPARING FOR A

Liturgy or Prayer Celebration

'Educating for today and tomorrow' implies constant connection and growth. The image of the vine and branches as told by Jesus (John 15:1-17) is a beautiful example of the connectedness, nurturing and growth that continues from today into tomorrow.

God is the gardener, the protector, the nurturer who trims and feeds, tills and weeds.

Children should reflect on the many ways God looks after them through the love and care of their parents, family, classmates, friends, teachers, coaches and many others.

Gardeners and farmers feed and water the soil and help the plants grow strong and healthy.

The children should ponder:

• Who and what has helped you grow and become strong?

• Who will I need in the future to help me continue my growth and development?

Jesus said to his disciples that he is the vine and we are the branches and that when we stay connected to Jesus we will be a plant that produces so much wonderful fruit.

Students and staff should be asked how they too can be seen as the gardener in their own lives and in the lives of the own families and friends. This leads to true discipleship.

As a class activity prior to the liturgy, prepare a banner for the altar with leaves, branches and fruit. The following sites will assist in the design and preparation of the banner.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpjktXC3ChA

• http://www.dragoart.com/tuts/3508/1/1/how-to-draw-vines.htm

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raZxqHZlv74

PREPARATION

The sacred space is set with appropriate liturgical season cloth and symbols of the school, eg candle/Bible/other icons that can identify the school. This can be set by students during the Gathering Hymn.

Whilst the hymn is played, school leaders can bring in the school banner and place it in an appropriate place near the sacred space.

The altar banner can be created /assembled by students in a procession. The basic vine is already displayed on the front of the altar. Students add the prepared leaves and the bunches of fruit.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

As we gather to pray and to mark Catholic Schools Week, we acknowledge and respect the spiritual relationship the Aboriginal people have with this country. We also acknowledge the local custodians of this land, the (….) people, and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still important today. May we walk gently on this land.

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INTRODUCTION

School Principal welcomes everyone to the liturgy/prayer celebration and gives a brief outline of the purpose of Catholic Schools Week including the theme “Educating for Today and Tomorrow”.

The Principal states: Tomorrow just does not happen. We grow into tomorrow. Tomorrow is shaped by our learning today – what we have learnt and who we have grown into. In our Catholic schools we believe we are linked to God’s great story up and down the ages. We are linked to God and to each other like the vine and branches you see on the front of the altar.

GATHERING HYMNS

• “I Am The Vine (Songs For Worship, Vol. 1 & 2 Album Version)” by John Michael Talbot

• Gather us O God – Monica Brown (Quiet my soul)

• School Song

• We welcome you to this place – John Burland (One Family)

• Source of Life – Andrew Chinn (Many Roads, One Journey)

• Follow Me – Andrew Chinn (These Hands)

PENITENTIAL RITE

Lord Jesus, You call us to be linked to you like a vine and branch, but sometime we break our connection to you. Lord have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

Lord Jesus, You give us freedom to choose, but sometime we fail. Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the way to our full growth and potential, but sometimes we forget to trust you. Lord have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray,

God of today and tomorrow, each day you call us to become good, strong disciples. Help us to live lives that are connected to you. Draw us closer to you and help us to be courageous and generous in our love of you and each other.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:26-28)

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the followers.

But they were afraid of him, because they did not believe he was a true follower.

Then Barnabas helped him by taking him to the apostles.

He explained how on the road to Damascus, Saul had seen the Lord

and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. Paul also said that when Saul was in Damascus, he had spoken bravely in the name of Jesus.

Saul moved about freely with the followers in Jerusalem and told everyone about the Lord.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

RESPONSE TO THE READING

• The Trusting Psalm- Kevin Bates

• May God be in my heart – Andrew Chinn (Many Roads, One Journey)

• You are the light – Michael Mangan (Forever I will sing)

• Follow Me – Andrew Chinn (These Hands)

• People of God – Andrew Chinn (This Day)

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (JN 15:4-5)

Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Live in me and let me live in you, says the Lord;

My branches bear much fruit.

Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

GOSPEL READING (JOHN 15: 1-5, 7-8)

Jesus said to his disciples:

“I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener.

He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit.

But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit.

You are already clean because of what I have said to you.

Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you.

Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it is joined to the vine, you can not produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.

I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.

Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want and your prayers will be answered.

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When you become fruitful disciples of mine my Father will be honoured.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

RECEIVING THE WORD

Chorus Play for younger students.

Chorus plays present scriptural stories in the form of a play with both individual characters and a chorus. The chorus aspect allows for whole group participation. One of the aims of chorus play is to provide not only a presentation of the story but also an informed interpretation of it.

Leader: Jesus said

All: Jesus said

Leader: I am the true vine

All: The true vine

Leader: And God

All: God

Leader: Is the Gardener

All: The Gardener

Leader: Who cuts away the branches

All: The branches

Leader: That have no fruit

All: No Fruit

Leader: The gardener trims the branches

All: Trims the branches

Leader: That have NO fruit

All: NO Fruit

Leader: So it will get even more fruit

All: Even MORE Fruit

Leader: Jesus said, “Stick with me”

All: Stick with me!

Leader: And I will stick with you.

All: I will stick with you

Leader: I am the vine

All: The vine

Leader: And you are the branches

All: The branches

Leader: When you stick with me

All: Stick with me

Leader: God will be happy

All: God will be happy

Leader: The Word of the Lord

All: The Word of the Lord

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

We come before you Lord asking that you grant us all we need to become strong disciples connected to you.

Reader: For Pope Francis, our Bishop (N) our Parish Priest (N); that all our leaders will be guided by the Holy Spirit in their daily work of spreading the message of Jesus. Lord, hear us.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: For a just world; that we may work together to bring about a future where all children have access to education, allowing them to flourish and reach their full potential. Lord, hear us.


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Reader: For people living in troubled parts of the world; that they be connected to us in a peaceful way so that their lives become fair and equitable. Lord, hear us.


Reader: For the leaders of Australia; that they govern wisely and justly. May they place the poor, the lonely, the lost and the frightened first in all their decisions. Lord, hear us.


Reader: For our teachers; that they base their lives and their vocation on the person of Jesus, using every opportunity to introduce the love of God into their teaching. Lord, hear us.


Reader: For those who have died; that they may find peace with God. We pray also for their families, that they feel the love of God through the comfort that they bring each other. Lord, hear us.


Lord grant these prayers and all the prayers deep in our hearts. Through Christ our Lord

All: Amen.

FINAL BLESSING

May the God of community walk with us and beside us, sharing our journeys, listening to our stories,

embracing our pain, rejoicing in our triumphs.

May God continue to bless our efforts

to grow into a strong and vibrant community

one marked by concern, openness and trust.

And may God, the source of all being,

Jesus the eternal Word

And the Spirit who is the life-force

bless us now and forever. Amen

OR

Adapt the school vision/mission statement into a blessing and missioning statement.

CONCLUDING HYMN

• School Song

• Christ be our Light – Bernadette Farrell (Spirit and Song)

• Come, Live Life – Michael Mangan

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxqtqlHZ_fo

• We are One – Andrew Chinn (People of Peace)

• Celebrate Our Faith – Jen Charadia (At the Well)

• Walk in Jesus’ Way – John Burland (One Family)

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READINGS OF THE WORD OF GOD

FIRST READINGS

• Proverbs 1:1-7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge

• Wisdom 7:7-20 – All good things together came to me in the company of wisdom

• Wisdom 9: 1-6, 10-18 – Give me wisdom, the attendant at your throne

• Sirach 1: 1-5, 22-25 – All wisdom is from the Lord

• Sirach 51:18-29 – Glory be to him who has given me wisdom

• Ephesians 4:11-24 – Living by the truth and in love.

PSALMS

• Psalm 19B – The law of the Lord is perfect

• Psalm 78: 1-2, 3-4, 5,7 – Give ear, O my people, to my teaching

• Psalm 119:97 – 98, 99-100, 124-125 – Oh, how I love your law!

• Psalm 139:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18 – Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me

GOSPEL READINGS

• Matthew 5: 1b-2, 13-16 – You are the light of the world

• Matthew 11:25-30 – You have hidden these things from the learned and the clever and revealed them to children.

• Luke 6: 17-31 or 32-36 or 37-42 – The Sermon on the Plain

HYMNS AND SONGS

Light The Fire - Amanda McKenna (AOV: NG)

Live The Gospel - James Maher (AOV:NG)

Hearts On Fire - Michael Mangan (AOV:NG)

Christ Be Near Us - Gina Ogilvie & Monica O’Brien (AOV:NG)

Inspired To Serve - Judy Bailey (AOV:NG)

Go Out - Trisha Watts & Monica O’Brien (AOV:NG)

Go Make A Difference - Steve Angrisano & Tom Tomaszek (AOV:NG)

With One Voice - Amanda McKenna (AOV:NG)

School song

INTERCESSIONS

Reader: That Pope Francis and church leaders lead us in the light of the Holy Spirit to bring about your Kingdom on earth.

We pray to the Lord.


Reader: That our teachers, parents, and carers may be guided by the life and teachings of Jesus to become true examples of your love in the world.



Reader: That those who are the poorest and most marginalised may find compassion, justice and welcome among us.



Reader: That young people everywhere have access to a good education and are enabled to reach their fullest potential.



Reader: That we remain always grateful for the opportunities given to us and that we nurture our gifts and talents to create a better world for the future.



Reader: That those who mourn the loss of loved ones may find comfort and peace in the love shown to them by their families and friends.



Readings, prayers and hymns

Below are some suggested readings, prayers and hymns for an alternative Catholic Schools Week liturgy.

CODE AOV:1 As One Voice Volume 1 • AOV:2 As One Voice Volume 2 • AOV:NG As One Voice: Next Generation

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< Date>

Dear Parents/Carers

This year, <insert name of your school> will join Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT to celebrate Catholic Schools Week (CSW) from 8-14 March.

The theme for CSW 2015 is ‘Educating for Today and Tomorrow’. The theme ties in with the 50th anniversary of the Declaration on Christian Education, 'Gravissiumum Educationis.' The document recognised the continuing need for the Church to support parents in the education of their children.

Catholic Schools Week is about strengthening relationships between all those who have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community – by showcasing what happens in our classrooms every day.

It is for this reason that I would like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us at <insert school name> on <insert date> to celebrate with our school and parish community Catholic Schools Week 2015.

Our school will be celebrating by <insert events/how your school is celebrating at time/ day>.

This is an ideal opportunity to support the community of <insert school name> and learn more about the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day.

Our school has a supportive community of teachers, parents, carers, P&F, clergy, parishioners and support staff who work together to focus on giving students the best education possible, encouraging success, promoting discipline, supporting creativity and instilling compassion.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support of <insert school name> and I look forward to celebrating Catholic Schools Week with you on <insert date>.

I also encourage you to visit the Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund’s website, www.catholicsuper.com.au. Australian Catholic Superannuation are proud supporters of Catholic Schools Week 2015.

Yours sincerely

<Principal’s name>

Sample newsletter item/ letter to parents

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This year, all <insert number> Catholic schools in the <diocesan name> will celebrate Catholic Schools Week (CSW) from 8-14 March.

Dioceses across NSW and the ACT are joining together to celebrate the theme for CSW 2015 which is ‘Educating for Today and Tomorrow’. This ties in with the 50th anniversary of the Declaration on Christian Education, 'Gravissimum Educationis'. The document recognised the continuing need for the Church to support parents in the education of their children.

Catholic schools enrol about 20 per cent of Australian school students.

There are 622 Catholic primary and secondary schools across NSW and the ACT, providing high quality education in a faith-centred environment.

Catholic Schools Week is about strengthening relationships between all those that have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community– by showcasing what happens in our schools every day.

It is important to celebrate the close relationship that exists between school and parish, and it is for this reason that parishioners from <insert name of Parish> are encouraged to make contact with <insert name of school> and visit us for <insert name of event, with contact details>.

Catholic Schools Week is proudly supported by the Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund, which has more than 88,000 members across Australia.

Want to use these samples?All of these samples in the grey boxes are available to download as Word files from the CSW website. You can use them as they are or customise them for your school.

Sample Parish Bulletin item

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< Date>

<Name of Member><Electorate><Line 2><Line 3><Suburb> NSW <Postcode>

<<Dear Mr, Mrs, Ms>>

This year all <insert number> Catholic schools in your electorate of <insert name> will celebrate Catholic Schools Week (CSW) from 8-14 March.

Catholic schools enrol about 20 per cent of Australian school students. There are 622 Catholic primary and secondary schools across NSW and the ACT, providing high quality education in a faith-centred environment.

The theme for CSW 2015 is ‘Educating for Today and Tomorrow’ and this theme provides a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the opportunities available to students, raise awareness, and celebrate the distinctiveness of Catholic education in our nation.

Catholic Schools Week is about strengthening relationships between all those that have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community – by showcasing what happens in our schools every day.

Catholic Schools Week also provides an opportunity for the community to recognise our dedicated and committed teachers.

On behalf of the <insert school name> community, I would like to extend an invitation to you to join us in our celebrations of Catholic Schools Week 2015 on <insert day and date>.

We are <insert what you are doing here and how you would like he/she to be involved>.

If your schedule is full on this day, I would encourage you to make contact with me and we can arrange a visit to our school during the week at a time suitable to you. You will be encouraged to tour the school and see ‘more than a great education’ in action.

I look forward to having the opportunity to discuss Catholic Schools Week 2015 and your involvement in further detail, and I thank you for your ongoing support of <insert school’s name>.

Yours sincerely,

<Name of Principal>.

Sample letter to your Member of Parliament

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Catholic Schools Week (CSW) has two main objectives. The first is to raise public awareness of the strengths of Catholic schools and of the significant contribution of the Catholic education sector to our state and nation. It is an opportunity to share the great things that take place in our Catholic schools every day with the broader community in a week-long spotlight period. Importantly, Catholic Schools Week is also a vibrant celebration for all who have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, and parishioners to come together as one community, in unity, based on right relationships to share in the joy of the unique and distinctive character of Catholic Schools.

Schools can, and often do, rely on positive word-of-mouth to build their school’s reputation and promote specific events and programs, but the media plays an essential role in raising the profile of the Catholic school and its distinctive identity in the wider community.

To secure coverage in the local media during CSW, schools will need to provide them with interesting information about your planned events and activities. This can be done simply by communicating with local and regional journalists (from newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations) or by distributing a well constructed media release and distributing widely.

A media release highlighting your activity or event should be interesting and informative and specifically targeted to the audience you want to reach, especially prospective parents and grandparents.

Media releases are a professional and proactive way of getting your message across to journalists and increasing the likelihood they will cover your story. They can be written and submitted before an event (as an invitation for journalists to attend) or after an event focusing on the success and impact of the initiative (as a ready-to-publish article supplied with high quality, high-res photos from the event).

Don’t forget that the internet and Social Media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn each provide different, but significant opportunities to reach particular audiences and demographic groups. Your school and diocesan website are also important media channels to use when promoting events and communicating with the public.

You might consider developing an e-newsletter that can be sent to all contacts in your school community

database with an invitation to recipients to further distribute amongst their social and business networks.

When writing a media release, consider the following points:

1. NEWSWORTHY TOPICS

If you wouldn’t find it interesting to read about students participating in your event, then it probably means that others won’t find it interesting to read about either, let alone convincing a busy journalist to come to your school to write the story.

Newsworthiness means your story has to have at least one, if not all the following dimensions: timeliness (relevance); significance; prominence (eg VIP, guest, high profile ‘ambassador’); human interest (eg an emotive story, someone succeeding against the odds, an amazing coincidence etc).

Outline activities your school is participating in/undertaking to celebrate CSW 2015.

Only activities that provide active, vibrant and colourful photo opportunities are likely to receive media coverage.

2. TOP OF THE PAGE

Type your media release on school letterhead and head the page ‘Media Release’

Include a headline that is short, catchy and preferably mentions your school’s name

3. LEAD PARAGRAPH

Media organisations receive hundreds of media releases each week. Help the journalist decide that your event is newsworthy by introducing an interesting angle or local connection. You should include the Who, What, When and Where details of your event at the beginning of the release.

4. SUPPORTING PARAGRAPHS

Explain the How and Why.

Include a quote by key people (Principal, VIP guest, organising teacher, student, parent).

Include contact details for the relevant person at your school.

Highlight key facts or statistics about Catholic Schools (ref page 31).

Media guidelines

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5. PHOTOS AND IMAGES

High-quality, high-resolution images are essential to ensure an event will receive media coverage, both before, and after an event.

Always make sure that students who appear in photographs have had their parent/carer sign the appropriate consent form.

6. KEEP IT SHORT AND SHARP

Keep paragraphs short – no more than 1-2 sentences in each.

Ideally, the media release should be no longer than one page.

The examples included in this resource guide show a sample structure, format and content of a media release.

Here are some other helpful ideas to assist schools generate media coverage:

• Assign a member of staff to liaise with the media before, during and after Catholic Schools Week. It is important that this person is the primary contact person to assist journalists and media outlets with any enquiries they may have. The contact person may not necessarily act as the school’s spokesperson (this should always be the Principal of the school or their approved delegate), but he/she should be ready to assist the journalist to arrange interviews, book photographers, ensure image release forms have been signed and provide any follow-up information. It is also

important for this person to meet the journalist and/or photographer on the day if they turn up to your event, to ensure they are welcomed to the school. If you are able to supply the journalist with the information they need quickly, they will be more likely to work with you again and feature another story about your school.

• Make sure you phone the journalist at least 2-3 days, but preferably up to 2 weeks before your event, as many journalists prefer to visit the school, write their own stories and send their own photographer. If the journalist is working to deadline and is unable to attend your event, they may ask you to write a media release and email them information. Journalists always have to prioritise when it comes to news because of competing stories, deadlines, limited time and often, limited resources – so don’t be disheartened if they cannot attend your event or appear disinterested; it may just be that something deemed ‘more newsworthy’ has come up. Be as helpful as you can because it’s in the best interest of both the school (for the free publicity) and the journalist (who gets a good news story).

• If you have a Diocesan or Catholic Education/Schools Office Communications Manager, you can also contact them for assistance or support. They have experience in generating media coverage and handle media enquiries daily. They can help advise the best ways to attract media attention and find an angle to help make your event/activity newsworthy, and often have a database of media contacts to use for the issue of media releases.

Media guidelines CONTINUED

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• Local celebrities, politicians, sports stars or high-profile former students are perfect for attracting media attention and are a great draw card to inspire students, the community and the media to read about the message you want to communicate on behalf of your school. You might consider approaching a VIP or special celebrity to act as your school’s CSW ‘Ambassador’ if they are willing to endorse or promote something your school is doing. This is a great way to get publicity; but be careful to choose high-profile people who are appropriate role-models for students, not just celebrities for the sake of it. Always be sure to communicate with the person’s publicist or media adviser first to find out how much media they are able or willing to do for your school and dedicate a certain time for them to speak to media. Calling a press conference is often a good idea. This means that you advise media of a time and a place to turn up at your school where the celebrity and Principal will address media together to promote what’s happening and answer questions from all journalists at the same time. This saves doing individual interviews with different journalists, which is often time-consuming, and is a great opportunity to showcase your school to media by having the celebrity stand in front of your school’s name, special symbols or landmarks or other signage for the press conference.

• A great photograph can make your school standout and are just as, if not more, important as your good news story. To increase the likelihood of getting media to cover your event/activity, think in advance about what will make a good photo opportunity. The brighter

and happier the photo, or more dramatic and professional the photo, the better and more engaging it will be for people to view. Some photographs can be staged and co-ordinated, while others will need to be taken at a specific time and location as an event takes place. Advise the journalist when the best time would be for them to arrive for a photograph and ensure your media liaison officer meets them on arrival and shows them where to go. If you are pitching the idea of a staged photo, make sure you select only two or three students you want to be in the photograph before the photographer turns up and promote where you believe will be the best location for the photo. Photographers usually find it much easier to work with a smaller number of students because the photograph ends up being more appealing. Choose children who you know won’t turn shy in front of the camera and are well regarded by the staff and students. It is best to have them selected and prepared before the photographer arrives. Don’t forget to obtain the necessary consent from parents/carers.

INSERT YOUR SCHOOL CREST IN THE HEADER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE TO BE INCLUDED HERE

<insert school full name> educating students 'Today and Tomorrow'

Next week, <insert name of school>, <suburb> will be one of the more than 615 Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, 8-14 March 2015.

The theme for 2015 is 'Catholic Schools....Educating for Today and Tomorrow' and <insert name of school> will offer a variety of activities and educational initiatives to showcase this theme at their annual Open Day on <insert day, date, time>.

<insert title then full name>, Principal of <insert name of school> says that the Open Day is one of the school’s most important events and <he/she> says the day will raise awareness in the wider community of all the opportunities available to students at <insert shortened version of school name>. “Catholic schools like ours offer a unique educational and developmental experience which forms the child or young person as a person of integrity, faith and compassion,” said <insert Principal’s name>.

“<this is your opportunity to insert a personal quote from your Principal detailing all the unique opportunities available to students at your school>,” <he/she> said “At <Name of School>, we offer pastoral and outreach opportunities for students, leadership, sporting, performing arts and musical opportunities, all supported by excellent facilities and state of the art technologies. We want to give our guests a glimpse of what the future of their child’s school and learning journey might look like.”

While we are very proud of our history and many achievements to date, we are excited that our school community continues to grow and evolve to meet the diverse and complex educational needs of our current generation of young people to engage in their changing and often challenging worlds. With a particular focus on developing innovative and creative learning experiences and environments, our school is well placed to look ahead with hope and confidence to be able to meet the learning needs of future generations of children for many years to come.

<here is where you list the activities/ things your school will be doing for the Open Day to encourage people and media to attend,> Principal <insert name> said students’ varied interests and abilities are also catered for across a broad curriculum and supportive learning environment. “I am proud to say we offer an excellent and contemporary education at <insert school name> because <continue to explain the reasons why>.

“Not only do we offer all these wonderful opportunities but, importantly for parents we also offer a safe, caring and nurturing environment for their children to learn, achieve and grow from Kindergarten to Year 6.”

The Principal and staff invite all parents, grandparents, carers and family members to join them to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, meet other local parents and see first-hand all that <school name> has to offer.

For further information, please contact <include school contact details here>

# ends #

What:

Where:

When:

Photo opportunity: detail a photo opportunity here for media to entice them to come to your school. (Ensure the

students lined up for the photo have image release forms signed).

Sample media release 1

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<insert school full name> opens their doors to all, showing how they educate students 'for Today and Tomorrow'.

<Name of School in Suburb/Town> will celebrate this year’s Catholic Schools Week with a number of special events starting on <date>. The key events will be held on <day and times>.

Educating for Today and Tomorrow is the theme for Catholic Schools Week which runs from 8 - 14 March 2015.

<Name of Principal from Name of School> said. “Catholic Schools Week is a special time for our school and the local community and it is an important opportunity to invite the wider community to ‘come and see’ the many good things happening at our school.”

Our intention this year to throw open the doors to all who are interested in hearing about our unique and distinctive school community. In order to do this <Name of School> is holding three ‘open’ mornings next week. Current and prospective families, as well as members of the wider community, are warmly invited to visit our school between 9:00am and 11:00am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Open Mornings will include a welcome address by Principal <Name of Principal>, school tours and a morning tea prepared by our senior Hospitality students. There will be interactive displays including the ‘classroom of the future’, showcasing our extensive learning technology tools and student-centred virtual learning spaces.

Our school enjoys an excellent reputation in the local area and has done so for many years and the wonderful sense of community spirit is as strong today as at any time in our history. We have many dedicated and skilled teachers at the school who bring out the creative talents in each student through a range of contemporary and diverse learning experiences and programs.

Principal <Name of Principal> said, “All of our staff are very excited about this event, our students are justifiably proud of their school and we are looking forward to the opportunity to welcome as many visitors as possible next week to <Name of School>. With this in mind I encourage parents, grandparents and members of the community to take the time to visit and participate in the many activities we have organised. You will be very welcome.”


# ends #

What:

Where:

When:


students lined up for the photo have image release forms signed).

29


30




Students to teach their parents and help take them 'back to the future' at <insert school name>

Next <insert day of week, date>, parents, grandparents and carers at <insert full name of school>, <suburb> are being invited to go ‘back to school’ and see first-hand how education in 2014 is vastly different from when they were at school.

<insert name of school> is holding it’s ‘Back to the Future’ event as part of the school’s annual Catholic Schools Week (CSW) celebration (8-14 March 2015). CSW raises awareness of the distinctive nature of Catholic schools and celebrates the significant role that Catholic education contributes, not only to the local community, but right across Australia.

All new ‘students’ who attend on the day will be ‘enrolled’ to take part in an English, Maths and Science class. They will even be tested on what they have learned at the end of each lesson in a fun quiz.

<insert name>Principal of <insert name of school>, said the annual event is always popular for both students and parents, with many parents interested to see how learning has changed in so many ways over the years. “The ‘Back to the Future’ event is a great way for parents to gain a clearer understanding about what their child is learning at school and see for themselves how their child’s learning environment using 21st century learning technologies works each and every day.” <insert name> said.

“The kids get a real thrill out of seeing their parents and carers ‘sitting’ for their test at the end of each lesson and even get a chance to turn the tables even further by being able to hand them a specially made report card that they sign at the end of the day! It’s all in good fun and the report card, which includes a photo of the adult taken in one of their lessons, gives them something special to keep and remember their day back at school,” <she/he> said.

One of the key aims of Catholic Schools Week is to strengthen relationships between all those that have a stake in Catholic schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community – by showcasing what happens in our classrooms and school every day.

This event is just one of the many events taking place during Catholic Schools Week at < insert name of school> and everyone is warmly invited to join in the celebration. For a full schedule of events, please see below:

<list full week of events at your school>


# ends #

What:

Where:

When:


students/parents lined up for the photo have image release forms signed).


31


Facts about Catholic schools

More than 272,737 students attend a Catholic school

in NSW and the ACT, an increase from 264,700 in

2013. Currently there are:

• SYDNEY: 150 systemic schools, 18

Congregational schools and 1 special school

• PARRAMATTA: 78 systemic schools, 4


• CANBERRA AND GOULBURN: 56 systemic

schools and 3 Congregational schools

• MAITLAND-NEWCASTLE: 56 systemic

schools including 1 special school

• LISMORE: 46 systemic schools and 1

Congregational school

• BROKEN BAY: 44 systemic schools, 7

Congregational schools and 2 special schools

• WOLLONGONG: 37 systemic schools, 6


• BATHURST: 33 systemic schools and 1

Congregational school

• WAGGA WAGGA: 32 systemic schools

• ARMIDALE: 24 systemic schools

• WILCANNIA-FORBES: 18 systemic schools

and 1 Congregational school.

As shown by these figures, Catholic schools make an

important contribution to Australian communities.

Students are encouraged to learn and develop their

skills, build strong positive relationships, explore their

own values, and focus on how they can support

those most in need.

Since the 1960s both the Federal and State

governments have been important providers of

funding for the education of students in Catholic

schools in NSW and the ACT.

• The Australian taxpayer and parental

contributions fund Catholic systemic schools,

with the State and Federal governments providing

about 80 per cent of the cost. The remaining 20

per cent comes from parents in the form of

school fees, building levies and other charges.

• Even after fees paid by parents are taken into

account, there is still a significant ‘resource gap’

between Catholic and State schools.

• Fees charged by Catholic schools vary according

to the diocese and type of school.

• Discounts generally apply for the second and

third child attending systemic schools. A family’s

fourth child and subsequent children do not pay

school fees.

• The community profile of NSW and ACT Catholic

schools is very similar to State schools in that they

cater for students with special needs, Indigenous

students, students from diverse linguistic

backgrounds and students from rural and remote

regions.

• Religious Education is an important component

of the curriculum in Catholic schools. All Catholic

schools are required by the Bishop of their

respective diocese to implement a Religious

Education program which is based on the

teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Catholic schools comply with all State and

Federal government regulatory requirements.

32

Once again in 2015, there will be an opportunity for young people to

tell the world what is great about our Catholic schools!

CSW will again provide students with the chance to win some great

prizes by sharing their thoughts about what their school might be like

in the future. This ties in to our 2015 theme of 'Educating for Today

and Tomorrow'.

There are prizes for primary and secondary Individual entries and

primary and secondary Group entries. Check the CSW website and

follow the links for 'Student Competition' for more details. Entries are

open from Week 1 Term 1, and close on 18 March.

CSW student competition

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A4 PRESS READY CSW COMP 2015 POSTER 10DEC2015.indd 1 10/12/2014 3:53 pm

34

The publicity campaign for Catholic Schools Week

2015 will be the biggest ever undertaken by the NSW

and ACT Catholic schools community, and will make

use of a variety of media.

Most of the advertisements will appear in the week

before CSW 2015, and extend into the week of

celebrations. They are intended to draw community

attention to the strengths of Catholic schools and to

direct interested people to the CSW website, where

they will find out how to contact their local schools.

This advertising will complement the marketing

activities and publicity from individual schools

through their open days, information evenings and

other events.

The publicity and advertising will occur on three

levels:

STATE-WIDE

The State-wide program will include television,

Ethnic and Indigenous newspapers, State-wide

posters, and a special CSW website that will cover all

dioceses throughout NSW and the ACT.

DIOCESAN

Each diocese will conduct its own local/regional

publicity through suburban newspaper advertising,

radio commercials, banners, shopping centre

displays, and television commercials.

LOCAL

Individual schools are strongly encouraged to

advertise their own special activities through local

publicity outlets such as newsletters, parish bulletins,

letters, suburban/regional newspapers and

community radio.

Details of the NSW/ACT-wide advertising program

are as follows:

TELEVISION COMMERCIAL

The CSW television commercial is the same as 2014's

but features the new theme at the end. It will be

screened across NSW and the ACT in all areas except

metropolitan Sydney. The commercial will also be

available on the CSW website.

CATHOLIC PRESS

There will be a strong focus on providing stories and

information to the various Catholic media outlets.

Some have indicated their intention to run special

features at this time. This may also be an appropriate

occasion to take out an enrolment advertisement for

your school.

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING

Advertisements will be placed in nearly all of the

suburban newspapers in the week before CSW. Every

effort will also be made to promote to local papers

interesting school events and activities. Schools may

choose to take out their own enrolment

advertisement at this time. Most local papers have

been encouraged to make a feature of CSW, so be

sure to submit stories as well as any advertising.

ETHNIC/INDIGENOUS PRESS

There will be advertisements for CSW in Ethnic and

Indigenous newspapers and websites. These

advertisements will direct readers to the CSW

website. The targeted papers are:

• El Telegraph (Arabic)

• Sing Tao and Chinese Herald (Chinese)

• O Kosmos (Greek)

• La Fiamma (Italian)

• Bayanihan News (Filipino)

• Noticias Y Deportes (Portuguese)

• Hieu Duong – Sunrise Daily (Vietnamese)

• The Koori Mail

• The National Indigenous Times.

WEBSITE

The CSW website will include comprehensive

information on Catholic Schools Week and the

schools. It will also have links to Catholic Education

or Schools Offices in NSW and the ACT so that

interested people can access their local schools

quickly and easily. A PDF version of the CSW poster,

as well as this booklet, will be available to view or

download from the website. Ask your Diocesan

contact to upload your CSW activity or open day to

the events calendar.

Advertising and publicity

35


TWITTER

We have created a Twitter hashtag, #CSW_2015. Schools are encouraged to tweet about any CSW event they are hosting.

ONLINE ADVERTISING

Advertising on targeted social networking sites will again be

part of the 2015 advertising schedule. We are also using google

advertising which will target keywords to put our information at

the top of the search.

POSTERS

We have once again produced CSW posters for use by schools.

They will be printed in two sizes – A2 and A4. This year there is

a secondary and a primary poster. The poster for Catholic

Schools Week will draw community attention to the event and

will have a use-by date of 14 March.

The ‘Enrolling Now for 2015’ poster, which has a similar look

and feel, can be used at any time throughout the year. There

are spaces on the poster for the school’s name and contact

details.

As well as displaying the posters around the school, try placing

them in the parish church and in local shops, preschools and

other appropriate community spaces. Additional posters may

be available from your Diocesan Education or Schools Office.

COMPETITION

This year we are repeating our CSW school competition, where

students are encouraged to imagine what education will look

like in their school in the future, and submit a short video. Great

prizes have been donated by our sponsor, Australian Catholic

Superannuation and Retirement Fund. For more information,

visit the website.

OTHER

Some dioceses are also planning their own additional local

advertising, including radio advertisements on the Australian

Traffic Network, posters for display in local gyms and shopping

centres, bridge banners, and advertising in various parent and

community-focused magazines.

Generic CSW ‘fence-wrap’ banners (banners that can run along

school fences) will also be available in some dioceses. Please

contact your diocesan office to see if they are available for your

school.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE, ARMIDALETahnee Dentont (02) 6772 7388e [email protected]

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE, BATHURSTPeta Kinghamt (02) 6338 3000e [email protected]

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE, BROKEN BAYUna Morrisont (02) 9847 0270 e [email protected]

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE, ACT CANBERRA-GOULBURNFrances Neusst (02) 6234 5436e [email protected]

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE LISMOREGreg Collest (02) 6627 6254e [email protected]

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE, MAITLAND-NEWCASTLEKate Bennettt (02) 4979 1183e [email protected]

CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTATrudy Gosneyt (02) 9840 5683e [email protected]

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE SYDNEYSally McDowell/Karen Albattit (02) 9568 8404 t (02) 9568 8220 e [email protected] [email protected] stories: [email protected]

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE, WAGGA WAGGACarolyn Matto/Jenny Walest (02) 6937 0029 e [email protected]

DIOCESAN OFFICE, WILCANNIA-FORBESTricia Wardt (02) 6853 9300e [email protected]

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE, WOLLONGONGTim Gilmour/ Elle Holder-Keepingt (02) 4253 0938 t (02) 4253 0949e [email protected] [email protected]

Key contacts

37


Catholic Schools Week8 - 1 4 M A R C H 2 0 1 5

catholicschools.act.edu.auProudly supported by

38

Catholic SchoolsE N R O L L I N G N O W

catholicschools.nsw.edu.au

39


Catholic Schools Week is a joint initiative of the NSW and ACT Dioceses, and is only possible through the hard work of each of the Diocesan representatives.

In 2015, each Diocese contributed to the planning of Catholic Schools Week.

In particular we would like to thank those who provided some of the key elements this year:

Theme: Diocese of Parramatta Poster artwork and branding: Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Prayer: Diocese of Broken BayLiturgy: Archdiocese of Canberra/GoulburnSuggested Events and Activities for Schools: Diocese of Broken BayMedia Samples and information: Diocese of WollongongStudent Competition: Committee of Dioceses of Wollongong, Parramatta, Broken Bay and SydneyWebsite: Diocese of ParramattaAdvertising: Archdiocese of SydneyOnline campaign: Committee of Dioceses of Parramatta, Broken Bay, Sydney and WollongongMaterials printing & distribution: Archdiocese of SydneySponsor liaison: Archdiocese of Sydney

© Catholic Education Office Sydney December 2014 • PN 4777 • Licensed under NEALS

40SCS Super Pty Limited, ABN 74 064 712 607, AFSL 230544, RSE L0002264 Trustee of Australian Catholic Superannuation & Retirement Fund, ABN 24 680 629 023, RSE R1055436 This document is not intended to be financial advice, therefore, you should consider obtaining independent financial advice before making any decisions about your benefits in the fund. The Australian Catholic Superannuation financial planning service is offered through an arrangement with Industry Fund Services Limited (AFSL 232514)

Australian Catholic Superannuation – Offices in Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Townsville

t 1300 658 776 e [email protected] PO Box 656 Burwood, NSW 1805 f (02) 9715 0090 w www.catholicsuper.com.au @AusCathSuper

Think about your extra super contributions differently:If you expect to travel a longer journey, you will need to top up your tank so you don’t run out of petrol.

Likewise, if you plan to save enough funds to support yourself after retirement–contributing more now so you can go the distance with sufficient income for a comfortable lifestyle.

Australian Catholic Superannuation has produced two information packs to show you how to top it up

1 /271 /27

catholicsuper.com.au/retirementincome catholicsuper.com.au/salarysacrifice

or call us on 1300 658 776

Documents

Resources Booklet - Catholic Education · Gravissimum Educationis. Gravissimum Educationis, the Declaration on Christian Education, is a document of the Second Vatican Council and