Monica O'Brien

Experienced educational leader | Head of Curriculum and Assessment | Catholic Schools NSW

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

📣 Calling all parents and carers with children in NSW Catholic schools 🚨

Catholic Schools NSW invites you to participate in a research project for the Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) Project. The purpose of this research is to gather parent feedback on their child’s CRRE education and to gain insights into the challenges they face. We also ask what support parents need to continue this important education at home.

👥 Who can participate?
Parents and carers who have a child attending a Catholic school in NSW.

⏳ What’s involved?
A 10-minute online survey, with the option to take part in a short follow-up interview.

⏰ Timing
The survey will be open between Wednesday 22 October 2025 – Friday 14 November 2025.

Click here to access the survey: https://t.co/VeAEvfpuhr

For more information about Respectful Relationships Education in Catholic schools, go to: https://t.co/iJxhaxOYZ0

CSNSW aims to support parents in their sacred role as first educators by walking with them to foster respectful relationships grounded in Catholic values.

#CatholicEducation #CRRE #RespectfulRelationships #CatholicParents #CatholicSchoolsNSW #Leadership

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

'Echoes of Disparity is a recent report from the Kathleen Burrow Research Institute. This report has sounded the alarm and it deserves every parent’s attention. It lays out what many families quietly have been observing for years: boys are struggling, and their struggles aren’t just a private tragedy – they are a public crisis.'

We're pleased to see the work of our research institute mentioned in a great article in The Australian today. More importantly, we're pleased that the ongoing (and neglected) issue of boys' education is brought to the fore, because no student should be left behind.

https://t.co/1R2gJVOe3a

[The Nobel Prize @NobelPrize]

BREAKING NEWS
The 2025 #NobelPrize in Literature is awarded to the Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.”

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

Day 2 – Catholic Schools NSW 2025 Curriculum Reform Conference

After an engaging networking opportunity where delegates reflected on the key themes from Day One, our Catholic community gathered with enthusiasm to begin the second day of the Enlivening Hearts and Minds conference.

Dr Ben Jensen’s opening keynote challenged the 300 Catholic Educators to consider the importance of quality criteria for a knowledge rich curriculum and the need to view the curriculum as a whole. Quality that builds in and of itself, horizontally, vertically, diagonally.
NESA’s Jennifer Taylor followed with a keynote on Quality Assessment Design.

Jennifer then was joined by Professor Jim Tognoliini, Director of the Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment (CEMA) at the University of Sydney and Ben Jensen, for a vigorous panel discussion, chaired by Alex Dore from Gradeo.

Throughout the afternoon, the conversation continued with masterclasses and breakout sessions that focused on the importance of middle leadership in schools, school curriculum planning, AI, vocational education and training, and online assessment.

Across the two-days, Libby Denny guided participants through a synodal process of reflection and discernment as a way of synthesising the conference. She posed a final provocation to attendees of ‘what next?’ - a vehicle to continue the conversation as people return to their respective schools and systems.

The conference concluded with Frank Chiment (Principal, St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens) reflecting on the two days, noting that the event was the “global standard for education conferences” and that the NSW Catholic education sector benefits from such high quality, collegial, professional learning offered by Catholic Schools NSW.

Where will you be 20 July 2026?

Mark your diaries, CSNSW is taking our PL online!

Express your interest here: https://t.co/296R0Lb8NR

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

Day 1 Highlights – Catholic Schools NSW Curriculum Reform Conference 2025

Yesterday at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, our Catholic community gathered under the theme “Enlivening Hearts and Minds”

The day began with Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, setting the tone in his opening remarks. He commented on how Catholic education has been at the forefront of engagement with NESA on curriculum reform, ensuring that our sector’s voice was heard during the consultation process. Dallas also commented on the fact that the sector is leading the way in online assessment, suggesting that the Catholic sector remains agile as assessment is an evolving space within education.

Further insights from experts across the first day included:

Dr Paul Cahill & Darren Tayler (NESA) On the Future of K–12 Curriculum Reform

Professor Renée Köhler-Ryan (University of Notre Dame) on Educating the Thinking Believer

Marina Laing (NESA) on Using Curriculum to Support Equity for all Learners

Libby Denny, our brilliant MC, who also guided us in exploring synodal discernment as we enliven hearts and minds

Conference breakout sessions and masterclasses showcased practical strategies in curriculum planning, teaching models, respectful relationships education, mathematics improvement, writing across syllabuses, digital pedagogies, and embedding Aboriginal culture across syllabuses.

Day 2 continues today, diving further into curriculum planning, implementation and assessment.

#CSNSW #CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsAndMinds #CatholicEducation

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

We are excited to welcoming you next week!

The CSNSW 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference: ‘Enlivening hearts and minds’ opens with registration Monday 29 September at 8:00 am and will start promptly at 8:30 am.

Please enter Accor Stadium at Gate L, Accor Stadium, Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127.

Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend. The app also allows you to access the full programme, find out more about speakers and connect with fellow attendees.

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

The final Partner Sponsor for the 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference is Australian Catholic University (ACU)!

ACU is a young university making a significant impact. An ACU education aims to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.

Learn more about ACU here: https://t.co/GwibPsYKUJ

Have you already registered? Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend.

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

HP is a Partner Sponsor for the 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference!

@HP is dedicated to transforming learning by providing a complete technology ecosystem that empowers students, teachers and schools. Beyond devices, HP invests in programs like Reinvent the Classroom, delivering professional learning, digital transformation support and authentic partnerships with schools and education systems.

Want to know more? Visit HP’s website here: https://t.co/8nGo2ThMnx

Have you already registered? Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend.

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

We are excited to announce Microsoft Australia as Partner Sponsor for the CSNSW 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference.

@Microsoft’s education mission is to empower every student, educator, and institution to achieve more. This is grounded in values of equity, accessibility, security, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on AI transformation, digital skilling, and institutional modernization.

Find our more here: https://t.co/O04wE3ZSyg

Have you already registered? Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend.

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

We are pleased to announce our second Partner Sponsor, Compnow, for the 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference!

Compnow delivers tailored tech solutions for schools—from device management and cybersecurity to professional learning. They offer end-to-end services, innovative tools like cloud and data analytics, and expert support to ensure seamless, secure, and engaging learning environments.

We would like to thank @compnow_it for their support.

Would you like to learn more about Compnow? Visit their website: https://t.co/uJyAkBsacR

Have you already registered? Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend.

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

You are invited to join us for the Catholic Schools NSW 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference on 29 and 30 September.

If you haven't registered yet, be sure to purchase your tickets soon, as spots are filling up quickly.

If you have already purchased your ticket, you can access more information by downloading the Whova Conference App. Follow the instructions in the email sent to you and select your breakout sessions and access speaker information.

With sessions designed to challenge thinking and inspire action, this is a conference not to be missed.

Access the programme and tickets here: https://t.co/HW43aKE0hn

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

Catholic Schools NSW is excited to present our first Partner Sponsor, Gradeo, for our 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference!

@Gradeo is an education technology startup specialising in online assessment. They are on a mission to transform the way teachers assess and students sit assessments through technology, combining cutting-edge technology with trusted test instruments.

Thank you for your great support of this exciting event.

Learn more about Gradeo: https://t.co/PyNIeudLkQ

Have you already registered? Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend.

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

The year’s conference will focus on enlivening the NSW K-12 Curriculum Reform, allowing us to collectively explore our thinking and practice for advancing the mission of Catholic schools.

Join the conversation and learn about the latest in planning, preparation and implementation of the NSW Curriculum Reform, including curriculum, assessment and pedagogy.

The full conference programme offers inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops and masterclasses, and importantly opportunities to connect with leaders in the field and your colleagues from around NSW.

Your conference experience includes:
- A professional networking hour overlooking the pristine NRL Grand Final-ready sports field,
- An exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour, featuring areas normally reserved for athletes and VIPs, including the players’ changing rooms, warm-up zones, and the famous signature wall,
- Easy access to precinct highlights, including the Sydney Aquatic Centre, Cathy Freeman Park and Art in the Park.

Have you already registered? Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend.

Access the full programme and tickets here: https://t.co/HW43aKE0hn

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

Celebrating Excellence in P-12 Religious Education

On Friday 5 September, Catholic Schools NSW hosted the 2025 CSSA Symposium – Excellence in P-12 Religious Education in Catholic Schools at the Amora Jamison Hotel, Sydney.

The day of professional leaning brought together principals, Religious Education leaders, teachers, and academics from across NSW, ACT and Queensland, committed to the mission of Catholic education. Feedback from participants described the symposium as inspiring, energising, and deeply practical.

Highlights included:

- A powerful keynote from Fr Friedrich Bechina, exploring the ecclesial role of teachers as faith leaders.

- Showcasing innovative practice through the FiRE Formation Program (Diocese of Lismore) and Evangelisation and Youth Ministry initiatives from Broken Bay, Lismore, and CSYMI.

- Stage-based workshops (Early Stage 1 through Stage 6) that gave teachers concrete strategies for bringing Religious Education alive in classrooms.

- A thought-provoking session on AI and human intelligence, with Fr Bechina and a dynamic panel unpacking both opportunities and challenges for Catholic schools.

- Insights from the HILDA Survey, reminding us of the lifelong benefits of Catholic schooling.

Participants expressed gratitude for the chance to connect with colleagues, learn from experts, and reflect on how we can continue to cultivate excellence in Religious Education.

We thank all presenters and attendees who made the day such a success. Together, we continue to ensure that Catholic schools remain places where faith, learning, and human flourishing go hand in hand.

#CSNSW #2025CSSASymposium #ReligiousEducation #Catholic #Mission

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

We're excited to announce the full programme for the 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference – Enlivening hearts and minds.

This year’s programme features more than 40 leading voices in education. Our sessions provide contemporary and thought-provoking opportunities for professional learning and conversation.

Join the conversation with Dr Paul Cahill, Professor Renée Köhler-Ryan, Dr Ben Jensen, Christine Jackson (AERO), Professor Jim Tognolini, Professor Miriam Tanti, Lee Barrett, Dr Simon Crook and many more.

With keynotes and Master Classes designed to challenge thinking and inspire action, this is a conference not to be missed.

Have you already registered? Download the Whova app to select the Breakout and Master Class sessions that you would like to attend.

Explore the full programme here: https://t.co/HW43aKE0hn!

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

We always strive to provide opportunities for a variety of professional learning that's tailored to educators' needs.

And at our 2025 K-12 Curriculum Reform Conference, we do just that. Expert speakers, networking, and the latest information on curriculum reform and implementation await.

Tickets are limited, so purchase yours today: https://t.co/nTbsxy47Oc

#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds

[Monica O'Brien @mobedu]

Whether you're in education, leadership, or just curious to learn more, this one's for you! https://t.co/PoYzeMvlJp

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

CSSA Symposium tickets still available!

Join Fr. Friedrich Bechina, former Undersecretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education at the Holy See, at the 2025 CSSA Symposium – Excellence in P-12 Religious Education in Catholic Schools on Friday, 5 September 2025.

Fr Bechina’s opening keynote is titled Cultivating Faith Leaders in Catholic Schools and will focus on the ecclesial role of teachers in forming faith-filled students. Following lunch, Fr Bechina will return to the stage and will present on Antiqua Et Nova - The relationship between artificial intelligence and human intelligence.

Other sessions at the Symposium include:
•Staff Formation
•Best Practice in Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy (P–12)
•Evangelisation and Youth Ministry
•Lifelong Benefits of Catholic Schooling

Tickets are on sale now for $350 and can be purchased here: https://t.co/lRGtMJngs9

To download the programme and for more information about the symposium, click here: https://t.co/TGYFhN3zD7

#CSNSW #2025CSSASymposium #ReligiousEducation #Catholic #Mission

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

We wish everyone a happy Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A solemnity and a Holy Day of Obligation, we celebrate the end of the earthly life of Our Lady, who was taken, body and soul, into the fullness of heavenly glory.

This great feast is a testament to the hope promised to all the faithful: that we, too, may one day share in her blessed reward.

[Catholic Schools NSW @CathSchoolsNSW]

What do our K-12 Curriculum Reform Conferences offer you?

Hear from previous curriculum conference attendee Assistant Principal Melissa Olic, and register to join other Catholic educators from across NSW on 29-30 September to learn about the very latest in curriculum reform and implementation.

Purchase your ticket here: https://t.co/nTbsxy47Oc



#CSNSW #2025CurriculumReform #EnliveningHeartsMinds