CEB Staff Newsletter #70 - 12 September 2025

Pilgrims of Hope 1st & 2nd October

Open to the Unexpected

The Catholic Identity and Mission Team are looking forward to facilitating our upcoming Pilgrimages on 1st and 2nd October. These days offer our entire community an invitation to grow in relationship with self, others, creation and the possibility of deepening a relationship with God, through the themes of hope and pilgrimage.

Our community’s preparation for the pilgrimages has been taking place for some time with regular articles, readings, clips etc. regarding the nature and purpose of pilgrimage regularly on the staff newsletter for the last two terms. 

A thread that emerges through all of these engagements is that pilgrimage is different from a retreat, professional learning, or other types of formation. Donna Mulhearn in The Good Oil, (for the full article see Pilgrimage in everyday life | The Sisters of The Good Samaritan) explains:

Every effort has been made with accommodation, catering, transport, locations and content to ensure all needs are met and that every pilgrim is catered for physically and spiritually.

We are invited to come to the pilgrimage experience open to the unexpected, just as pilgrims have done for centuries; we may encounter a conversation, see a part of creation, through the act of watching a movie, there may be the opportunity for transformation. Setting these opportunities and possibilities up has been intentional.

There is also another crucial side of the pilgrimage that has not been intentional nor imagined. Parts of our pilgrimage experiences in October may in fact appear not to be “perfect” such as a train possibly being late, a cold or late meal, rain while walking, swooping magpies, uncomfortable camp sleep, etc. These may be the very experiences to offer the pilgrim through reflection, new ways of seeing or understanding. Such experiences will no doubt emerge for each and everyone of us during the pilgrimage. You are invited to embrace “these bumps in the road” as also moments of transformation - unplanned but powerful moments along the way - times that may help us pay attention. What could these moments be inviting us to? How to be?

On a practical note, during the pilgrimage itself, if you have any logistical questions please ask your Pilgrimage Leader. Elise Hart will not be available to contact during the time of the pilgrimage as she will be on her own pilgrimage and taking time to experience reflection and contemplation after a massive few months of planning and preparation along with the CI&M Team. On behalf of all CEB staff the Catholic Identity and Mission Team extends grateful thanks to Elise for all of her incredible work that has taken place to organise so much of the crucial background work of the Pilgrimages. Truly a massive undertaking with so many moving parts!!! Thank you Elise for everything you have done.

Update regarding Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Murtoa

Please refer to the below statement from Executive Director, Tom Sexton.

Leader of Wellbeing

DOBCEL is progressing the appointment of the 2026 Leader of Wellbeing and hopes to be in a position to make an announcement early next term. Congratulations are extended to Tony Perkins who has accepted the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader position at St Alipius in 2026.

R U OK? Day - A Wrap Up

Yesterday our DOBCEL team joined with communities across Australia to acknowledge R U OK? Day, the national day of action that reminds us all to check in on friends, colleagues, family and loved ones.

Staff were encouraged to embrace the power of conversation, connect with others, explore the resources available in the staff room, and most importantly, take a moment to care for themselves. Sweet treats, activity sheets, hot drink vouchers and gift bags helped mark the day, with many staff enjoying the opportunity to pause, reflect and share.

While R U OK? Day is an annual reminder, its message is an everyday practice. A simple check-in can make a big difference, and conversations really do have the power to change lives.

If you haven’t yet had the chance, we encourage you to take a moment to connect with someone today – or reach out for support yourself if needed. The resources will remain in the staff room until Monday for anyone who’d like to look through them or take part in the activities.

You can also access further resources and tips for starting a conversation at ruok.org.au.

R U OK? Day

Updated Directory & Organisational Chart

We’re pleased to announce that the updated Staff Directory and Organisational Chart are now available and are linked below. These revised documents include the latest contact details, new CEB staff, team structures, and role descriptions to help you connect with colleagues more easily.

You can access the updated versions via:

• The Staff Induction Resources site

• The SIMON Workdesk

Please be sure to access them from these locations whenever you need them to ensure you’re working with the latest information.

Ballarat Office Fridge Clean

The fridges in the staff kitchen will be deep cleaned during Week 1 of the school holidays. 

To help us with this process, please ensure you remove all personal items from the fridges by end of day Friday 19 September. 

Any items left behind after this date may be discarded during the cleaning. We appreciate you taking a moment to check and clear your food and drinks. 

Professional Learning Opportunities

The following people and development professional learning opportunities are available for staff to attend:

Career Opportunities

CEB 

• Psychologist – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 September) 
• Education Officer – Learning & Teaching – ongoing or secondment opportunity at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 September) 

Principal Positions 

• Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Warrnambool - 1.0 FTE (closes 29 September) 
• Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Penshurst – 1.0 FTE (closes 23 September)