Weekly Newsletter #38 - 29 November 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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St Augustine's, Creswick - Art Show
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Our Diocesan Community - November Edition!
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SchoolTV DOBCEL Engagement
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Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student Awards (Secondary)
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Awareness Session Recording
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2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
First Week of Advent
This coming Sunday, 3 December, is the First Sunday of Advent. Veronica Lawson rsm explores some of the major themes of Advent that come from this Sunday’s Gospel - To Stay Awake! And Having Eyes Wide Open.
Advent is about recognising our tendency to be less than vigilant and even to turn away when our presence is most needed. It is about allowing the grace of God to take hold in our hearts, keeping us watchful for the sake of those on the edge and for the sake of a regenerated Earth. Most of us would agree that our Earth communities are in crisis. We need to be alert to causes as well as to consequences so that the cycles of violence might eventually be broken. Our gospel asks no less of us. As I look up from my writing, I see the magpies in the yard, ever alert, rarely asleep, ready to protect their territory and their young. The creatures of the earth can remind us that “eyes wide open” is the proper stance for gospel people as well as for birds or black swans.
Let us awaken from our slumber!
Let us try to ask ourselves: am I aware of what I am living, am I alert, am I awake?
Do I try to recognize God’s presence in daily situations, or am I distracted and a little overwhelmed by things?
- Pope Francis, Angelus 27 November 2022
Blessing
We are looking for God in our world.
May we see what God wants us to see.
We are looking for God in our lives.
May we be who God wants us to be.
And may God our Shepherd, Protector, Awakener, and Holy Spirit, bless us through these Advent days.
Amen
From the Executive Director
Strategic Planning with Pasi Sahlberg
On Monday, the Directorate team met with Pasi Sahlberg, Dave Runge and J-C Couture from the University of Alberta, Canada to work on the strategic planning process.
Early in 2024, work will begin with Pasi and Dave. This will include visits to a sample of DOBCEL schools over a 10 week period. These visits, which will take place for half a day, are for Pasi and Dave to understand our context better at a school level. Pasi and Dave will also attend the Term 1 and 2 DLG meetings in Horsham.
As we approach the end of the year, working dates, times and processes to engage with stakeholders throughout the first half of 2024 will be finalised. Schools can expect to hear from my EA Kerrie Zammit late this year and early next year to work out suitable dates and times.
End of an Era at Dunnstown
On Saturday afternoon and evening, a crowd of hundreds came to celebrate the ‘end of an era’ marking the end of St Brendan’s Primary School in Dunnstown.
The day was filled with laughter, memories and speeches to celebrate over 160 years of schooling at this site. Special guests included Mrs Sheila White, aged 100 and Leo Murphy (who delivered one of the speeches), both of whom are past pupils of the school.
I was pleased to announce, in my speech to the huge crowd, that it was the beginning of a new era, as at the commencement of the 2024 school year, Damascus College will continue Catholic education on the site of St Brendan’s.
Flood Warning
Areas of Swan Hill are suffering from localised flooding which has led to the closure of St Mary’s Primary School, Swan Hill today.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Photos from meeting with Pasi Sahlberg.
Photos from St Brendan's 'End of an Era' celebration.
St Augustine's, Creswick - Art Show
On Thursday 9 November, after nine long months of planning, preparation and hard work, the St Augustine's school hall transformed into an art gallery.
As Chopin nocturnes played in the background, students excitedly showcased their learning. Not only did they mention art movements, great masters, mediums, and famous artworks, but most importantly, they were able to demonstrate new skills and techniques as evidenced in the phenomenal pieces on show.
Community engagement was high, and students and families valued this true and authentic assessment opportunity, celebrating the arts.
Article submitted by Jodi Toering (Arts Teacher) and Michael Heenan (Principal).
Our Diocesan Community - November Edition!
The November 2023 edition of the 'Our Diocesan Community' Magazine is available now!
This publication is full of good news stories from schools, parishes and agencies across the Ballarat Diocese.
A reminder, if your school community has a good news story to share with others in the diocese, the Pastoral Ministry Office welcomes articles and photos for publication in ODC and the diocesan e-News.
Please forward content to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au.
SchoolTV DOBCEL Engagement
Thank you for your prompt response to the request for information to pass onto the team at SchoolTV. We are ready to progress to the next stage of set-up which will involve your school representatives attending a 40 minute online training session.
This session will support initial set-up of your school’s SchoolTV site and provide you with a greater insight into how the SchoolTV site will interface with your school’s webpage and how this is best managed.
You can choose from 8 available training sessions. Attendees can include:
- Any staff member who has been appointed as an administrator.
- Wellbeing leaders, counsellors, psychologists, Principals, administration staff and marketing/comms staff members.
Session Times and details:
Please find below the scheduled training sessions and links. Attendees can click on the zoom link of the session they wish to attend at the appropriate time. There are 8 sessions to choose from:
Tuesday 28 November – 9am to 9.45am
| Tuesday 28 November – 3.30pm to 4.15pm
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Thursday 30 November – 9am to 9.45am
| Thursday 30 November – 3.30pm to 4.15pm
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Tuesday 5 December – 9am to 9.45am
| Tuesday 5 December – 3.30pm to 4.15pm
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Thursday 7 December - 9am to 9.45am
| Thursday 7 December – 3.30pm to 4.15pm
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Article submitted by Tony Perkins.
Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student Awards (Secondary)
Nominations are now open for a new category of the Premier’s VCE Awards 2023 which recognises the outstanding achievements of Victoria’s first VCE Vocational Major (VM) students.
Teachers are encouraged to nominate high-performing students for the Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student Awards – celebrating the broad range of skills and passions of Victoria’s senior secondary students.
Nominations close at midnight on 11 December. For more information or to nominate, visit the Premier's VCE Awards.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Awareness Session Recording
Please see here the recent EAP ‘Fact Finder’ Awareness Session (All Staff) conducted by Converge International.
This session is not just informative but instrumental in dispelling myths and addressing common misunderstandings that employees might have had about our EAP. We encourage staff to take advantage of these resources and empower themselves with a better understanding of the support available through our EAP.
Thanks to Converge International and our Wellbeing Advisor, Tania Lund, we look forward to more collaborative initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of our staff.
2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards
Entries to the 2024 ResourceSmart Schools Awards are now open! Please see here for further information regarding:
- 2024 theme
- How to apply - Workshop available
- Award categories and important dates
- Photography competition
Entries close Friday 22 March 2024.
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
Learning and Teaching Update
Gaining Perspective within the Educational Landscape
In 2024 Diocesan schools are invited to engage with the research-informed principles of curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy that underpin the Education Landscape - a whole of system guide to strengthening our approaches to learning that are anchored in an ecological understanding of learner agency.
The context and starting point for this professional learning is each school’s localised school improvement strategy and their aspirations for learners and their school community. Schools will be supported to translate these guiding principles into practice through an evidence-informed inquiry, embedded in their day-to-day work as designers, leaders, teachers, and learners, with colleagues and young people in their local communities.
Outcomes:
- Deeper understanding of learner agency that informs your approaches to curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy (schools will determine their focus).
- A ‘value add’ to your school improvement strategy informed by internal and external research that strengthens your approaches and outcomes.
- Skilful use of process and protocols that privilege dialogue, diverse perspectives, and critical reflection with discernment towards ways of ‘being’ a leader and learner that inspires commitment and action.
- Localised Communities of Practice that regularly engage in collective learning around questions that matter as they seek to strengthen practice.
Interested?
Interested schools are invited to join an online orientation session tomorrow afternoon (November 30) at 4.00pm.
Don’t Miss Out on Data Storytelling
If you are interested in developing your school’s data literacy skills you need to register to be part of our 2024 cohort! Registration Link
Data Storytelling: The Next Chapter.
Dr Selena Fisk makes data collection, analysis and storytelling relatable and real. Develop data literacy skills for all staff with school wide practices that inform instruction and enable strategic decision making. Sign up today to partner with Selena throughout 2024.
Dates:
- Term 1
1. Selena Fisk PL ‘Data Storytelling & Framing a Project’. (Ballarat: Wednesday 7 February)
Where: Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre
2. VC Coaching / Project Circle with Education Officer. (Date TBC) - Term 2
1. Selena Fisk online webinar (½ day) ‘Maintaining Momentum’ (Wednesday 17 April) - Term 3
1. VC Coaching / Project Circle with Education Officer. (Date TBC) - Term 4
1. Selena Fisk PL ‘Data Storytelling’. (10 October)
Cost - Catering (TBA)
Even if you have not previously worked with Selena, you are encouraged to register. To make the most of your engagement in the PL make yourself familiar with Selena’s work or join our Data Storytelling LMS.
Registrations close 5.00pm November 30: Registration Link
Data Champions: Cancelled
Unfortunately the Data Champions option that had previously been advertised has been cancelled as a diocesan event. School teams or individual teachers who are interested in pursuing Data Champions are encouraged to contact Dr Selena Fisk through her website.
Alternate arrangements may be possible to enable engagement in this work.
Engaging Students in their Mathematical Learning
Professional Learning for Leaders of Mathematics and Classroom Teachers Facilitated by Michael Ymer.
Rationale: To impact on teacher practice from planning through to teaching of engaging Mathematical tasks.
Focus / Learning Intentions
- Explore classroom management strategies
- Identify mathematical tasks which are engaging for ALL students
- Enhance participant’s knowledge of the Mathematical curriculum
Dates
- 13 May – Ballarat
- 14 May – St. Patrick’s Koroit School Hall
- 15 May – Horsham
- 17 May - Mildura
Registration links will be made available soon.
Opening the Doors Foundation:
Financial Grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
The Opening the Doors Foundation provides grants to families to assist with the extra costs incurred in the schooling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary or secondary school students. The 2024 Grant Round is now open, with a closing date of 12 April 2024. For students to commence the 2024 school year with the necessary items, the ideal time to apply is now or before the start of Term 1.
Full criteria and guidelines are included on the Opening the Doors Foundation website and the Opening the Doors Foundation Application, but the following points may prove helpful for families who are considering applying:
- The Applicant (child) must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- The Applicant must be enrolled in a Catholic or Independent educational institution located within the State boundaries of Victoria.
- The Applicant can only submit one regular grant per year.
- First time applicants must provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality Certificate, which must be in the child’s name. If a Confirmation Certificate is not obtainable, please contact the Foundation as applicants may be able to submit a Statement of Recognition (Recognition of Aboriginality Form) instead.
- The Foundation supports the extra costs of school. This does not include 'fees'.
- Items already purchased cannot be reimbursed.
- Maximum grant amounts are included in the app.
- Applications will not be accepted after the closing date - 12 April 2024.
Pertinent information:
- Website: Opening the Doors Foundation; Foundation Application Criteria and Guidelines
- App link: Opening the Doors Foundation Application
- Phone: 0401 487 414 or 1300 236 356
- Email: enquiries@openingthedoors.org.au
Closing date: 12 April 2024
ILSY 2024
Founded in contemporary research, evidence and best practice, the Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years (ILSY) program will continue to offer professional learning in approaches to disciplinary literacy. In its fourth year, the program in 2024 will offer three series of workshops facilitated by Professor Larissa McLean Davies, Dr Pauline Thompson and Dr Rob Sbaglia from the University of Melbourne.
Middle Leaders:
Participants will engage in a series of workshops, team coaching and an action learning project to build disciplinary literacy practices in their own school setting. Further information and registration details here.
Whole School Improvement Team:
The Whole School Improvement Team (WSIT) will involve participants from the ILSY 2021, 2022 and 2023 cohorts and professional learning leaders. The program will assist teams to identify, implement and evaluate evidence-based disciplinary literacy strategies. Further information and registration details here.
Executive Boost:
The Executive Boost program has been designed to develop the capabilities of Secondary Principals and Senior Learning Leaders to improve student learning outcomes through a whole school approach to disciplinary literacy. Further information and registration details here.
Introductory Workshop: The Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
During term 1, Primary Leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers are invited to engage in introductory workshops on the F - Yr.6 Victorian Mathematics Curriculum. These sessions will be facilitated by Julie Cooper and Teresa Hadden, Primary Education Officers from CEB.
The content will include:
- Exploring the structure and introductory documents for the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
- Discover the similarities and differences between V1.0 and V2.0
- Map out a Scope and Sequence for the year demonstrating the interconnectedness of concepts.
- Focus on a key mathematical concept in each workshop and create I can statements and assessment ideas from F - Yr.6. This material will then be shared across the Diocese.
The format of this professional learning has been trialled and modified based on participant feedback by Teresa Hadden with 3 schools in the Southern Zone during term 4.
This professional learning is targeted at Primary Leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers.
Dates & Venues:
- 27 Feb: St. Paul’s Mildura
- 1 March: St. Patrick’s Stawell
- 4 March: St. Alipius Ballarat East
- 6 March: St. Pius X Parish Hall Warrnambool West
Registration details will be shared soon.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Staff Prayer Resources for Advent 2023
Advent commences on Sunday 3 December. The following resources may assist with staff prayer in your school/college during the Season of Advent.
These can be adapted to best meet the needs of local context and communities.
Advent 2023 with Anticipation and Joy Caritas Australia Advent Parish Booklet Advent Resources for Secondary Schools Advent Simplicity Challenge - Ignatian Solidarity Network | Laudati Si’ Cosmic Advent Wreath Prayer of the Church Advent Advent with Mary MacKillop Advent Resources - IgnatianSpirituality.com |
Resources submitted by Jim Waight.
Shifting views of Israel and Palestine
Are you ready to learn from insights, and about constructive actions going on behind the scenes between Palestinians and Israelis?
Teresa Pirola, a long-time student of Israel has something to say into this space. Have a look as well for what Teresa suggests we can do to help!
Eureka Street - Shifting views of Israel and Palestine
ECSI 101
This might be exactly what you’re looking for – only you didn’t realise it till now! ECSI 101! (Enhancing Catholic School Identity 101).
Also known as, Aggiornamento Series in Open Learning ECSI 101.
ECSI 101 is spaced learning offered by Prof. Robyn Horner and Dr. Teresa Brown from ACU. It’s for beginners, you don’t need to have any ECSI knowledge, you don’t need to be in the Religious Education classroom – and there are no essays! It commences in April 2024.
ECSI 101 offers “small bites of theological conversation for people with questions”, Please click here for details. Feel welcome to contact Gina Bernasconi if questions remain for you.
Festivals
Right now, our world is being challenged on every front, and so with an open mind, it might be helpful to consider significant religious and secular festivals that can hold so many of us together in the best ways at this time.
Remembering too, that this time of the year can leave many feeling alone; maybe we can do something about that within our own spheres of influence?
Click here for more.
Articles submitted by Gina Bernasconi.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Pastoral Ministry Office Vacancies
- Bishop's Secretary- Catholic Diocese of Ballarat - part time position (closes 8 December)
School Vacancies
- Learning Support Officers – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Deputy Principal – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Canteen Assistant – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 0.63 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Classroom Teacher 2024 – Lumen Christi School, Delacombe – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 December)
- Graduate/Early Career Teachers – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 December)
- Classroom Teacher – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 December)
- Graduate Teacher – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 December)
- Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 December)
- Learning Support Officer – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 0.74 FTE (closes 11 December)
- Teacher of Science and Math – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 December)
- Teacher of Junior Woodwork – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
- Classroom Teacher (Maternity Leave Replacement) – St Michael & John’s School, Horsham – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 February)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.