Weekly Newsletter #30 - 4 October 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Condolences
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FIRE Carrier Forum Day - Friday 20 October
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SPONSORSHIP 2024
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Australian Catholic Education Symposium
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Teaching Excellence Program - Applications close 8 October
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Australian Teacher Workforce Survey 2023
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Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) 2024 Applications Open
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Catholic Identity & Mission Update
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Student Wellbeing Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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People and Development Update
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Zart - Student Art Prize 2023
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Saint Francis of Assisi
Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and the final day of The Season of Creation. In our reflection, Pope Francis, explores St. Francis of Assisi and what he offers to our world today.
10. I believe that Saint Francis is the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically. He is the patron saint of all who study and work in the area of ecology, and he is also much loved by non-Christians. He was particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and outcast. He loved, and was deeply loved for his joy, his generous self-giving, his open heartedness.
11. Francis helps us to see that an integral ecology calls for openness to categories which transcend the language of mathematics and biology, and take us to the heart of what it is to be human. His response to the world around him was so much more than intellectual appreciation or economic calculus, for to him each and every creature was a sister united to him by bonds of affection. That is why he felt called to care for all that exists.
Such a conviction cannot be written off as naive romanticism, for it affects the choices which determine our behaviour. If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder, if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs. By contrast, if we feel intimately united with all that exists, then sobriety and care will well up spontaneously. The poverty and austerity of Saint Francis were no mere veneer of asceticism, but something much more radical: a refusal to turn reality into an object simply to be used and controlled.
Pope Francis. 2015. Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home Encyclical.
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
Invitation to Prayer…
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.
- Pope Francis
From the Executive Director
Welcome back, and I trust you all enjoyed a restful holiday break. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you during this final term of the year. I extend my best wishes to our Year 12 students as they approach their upcoming exams and recognise the outstanding teachers in our schools who consistently go the extra mile to encourage and foster the potential of each student.
As you would be aware The Voice referendum is coming up quite soon. The following resources are available to assist you in making a considered decision on this important matter. One of the resources is a video of Fr Frank Brennan and Warren Mundine presenting the Yes and No cases which I personally found very informative.
- Social Justice Statement “Listen, Learn, Love” (features Bishop Paul Bird’s Acknowledgement of Country, Prayer and Response)
- Frank Brennan & Warren Mundine Conversation
- Media statement on the Voice by ACBC
- Towards The Referendum - Statement from ACBC
- Further resources are available in the Learning & Teaching section of this newsletter.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Condolences
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of Peter Hart's passing on Monday night. Peter passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Catholic Education Ballarat has had a long association with Dr Peter Hart in his role as Director of Insight SRC. Schools in the diocese engage in surveys developed and administered by Peter and his team. The data gained from this tool is used to measure the organisational health of school communities and assist them in understanding their effectiveness and to inform strategies to bring about improvements in the way that staff work together to deliver quality education for students.
Peter's engagement with CEB and school staff over this time has been greatly valued in our school improvement processes and practices. Peter has been generous in sharing his time and wisdom in support of school and system direction.
Our prayers are extended to Peter, his family and his colleagues.
FIRE Carrier Forum Day - Friday 20 October
What is a FIRE Carrier?
'FIRE carriers are students and staff who share a passion for learning about First Nations culture and history and are committed to sharing this knowledge and promoting Reconciliation within and beyond the school community. To be a FIRE Carrier is to exercise an important role in the school community to further reconciliation and support First Nations people' (FIRE Carrier Program Information Booklet)
How does my school participate?
Opening the Doors Foundation, with the support of DOBCEL and the Ballarat Diocesan Secondary Principals, are facilitating a FIRE Carrier Forum Day on Friday 20 October in Ballarat (Venue to be announced) for all Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Ballarat.
The Forum Staff Day will provide representatives from participating schools both primary and secondary (likely the Principal and a couple of others depending on the size of the school and roles):
- an Introduction to the program, including the history, roles, Opening the Doors Foundation and Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM)
- exploration of the Covenant and actions aligned to cultural recognition and awareness, spirituality and practical recognition and justice
- the role of the program sitting above the RAP
- workshop opportunities on the Covenant and barriers for schools to address.
Those schools that participate could then look to a Commissioning as a FIRE Carrier school at the start of the 2024 year.
Please advise of your interest in the program by completing this form by Friday 6 October.
For further details, please contact Jeanette Morris or Tim O'Farrell.
SPONSORSHIP 2024
Please see the links below for Sponsorship Priorities for 2024.
Sponsorship forms will be included in the Executive Director Update to Principals this Friday with subsequent applications needing to be submitted by Friday, 27th October.
Teachers participating in the 2023-2024 REAP cycle through ACU and YTU will need to resubmit applications for re-enrolment and seek your continuing endorsement. The same will apply for teachers continuing their second or subsequent years in various courses including courses not deemed at the time as priorities.
As already expressed via the Weekly Newsletter #29 - 13 September 2023 and in an email to you last Monday from Kate Lawry, we are hoping to offer a new online REAP cycle for 2024-2025. We need a minimum of 20 participants to run a new program so we request that interested parties please complete the online expression of interest form below.
REAP Expressions of Interest New Cycle 2024-2025
If you have further queries, please contact Kate Lawry.
Priority Courses:
- ACU Graduate Certificate in Religious Education
- ACU Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies
- ACU Master of Theological Studies
- ACU Master of Religious Education
- CTC Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education
- CTC Master of Education and Theology
- ACU Master of Educational Leadership
- University of Melbourne Master of Instructional Leadership
Australian Catholic Education Symposium
Hosted by the National Catholic Education Commission, the Australian Catholic Education Symposium is held online in October to celebrate World Teachers Day and aims to engage Catholic system and school leaders, educators and staff in topics of interest to stimulate professional dialogue in their communities.
- Wednesday 25 October 2023
3.30pm - 4.50pm (AEDT) 3.00pm (ACDT), 2.30pm (AEST), 12.30pm (AWST) - REGISTER HERE
Topic: Are we listening? How can Catholic schools respond to student views for wellbeing, faith formation and learning.
What is the enduring legacy we want for our students after spending most of their childhood and adolescence in Catholic schools? Is this life-giving and how might we know this? Such questions are possibly more important than ever at a time when teachers, schools and education systems are stretched by competing priorities, accountabilities, and requirements. At the same time, young people are navigating a world shaped by uncertainty and complexity.
This presentation provides key insights from three Australian Research Council (ARC) funded studies that have sought the views of students about their wellbeing at school and the everyday, routine classroom practices that enhance their participation, recognition, and safety. These insights provide a sound evidence base for affirming the purpose and mission of Catholic education in supporting learning, faith formation and wellbeing, and invite us to focus on the significance of not only on what we do, but also why we do it.
Special Guest Speaker
Anne Graham is Professor of Childhood Studies and Founding Director of the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University. A primary teacher by background, Anne worked in teacher education for 20 years, including as Head of the School of Education at Southern Cross University.
Anne has led over 70 research projects, including 8 Australian Research Council funded studies, most of which focus on children’s wellbeing, participation and safety. While Anne collaborates closely with Catholic and state education systems, she also leads projects involving other major state and Commonwealth government departments, key statutory bodies, major national and international NGOs, and many regionally based organisations providing programs and services to children.
Teaching Excellence Program - Applications close 8 October
The Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) enables highly skilled teachers to advance their capability and confidence for exemplary teaching – Applications close 8 October.
TEP is a year-long professional learning program for highly skilled teachers, supporting and challenging them to become even better teachers. Through the program, teachers analyse their teaching practice to deepen content and pedagogical content knowledge in and across the key discipline areas. They access contemporary, evidence-informed research and apply this learning to their student’s learning needs. Teachers utilise a practitioner inquiry approach to deepen their knowledge, capability and confidence to teach even more effectively in their context.
TEP is open to highly skilled teachers with a minimum of three years teaching experience from the government, Independent and Catholic sectors, including those teaching in alternative settings.
Supported by a team of Master Teachers-in-Residence, TEP teachers engage with national and international expert educators in a diverse range of learning activities, including Conference Days, Discipline Days, Teaching Excellence Learning Community (TELC) Days and Practitioner Inquiry.
Teaching in the disciplines
The program is structured around key disciplines, including:
- The Arts
- English, including English as an additional language
- Health and Physical Education
- The Humanities
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technologies
Information Sessions
Information sessions are being held weekly for both teacher applicants and principals to support applicants with their 2024 TEP applications and answer any questions.
We encourage applicants to attend an applicant/teacher information session to find out more about the program and so that we can clarify and support applicants to submit their applications. The principal information sessions are opportunities to hear from Principals-in-Residence. The sessions will provide information for principals to support their teacher applicants through the application process and the year of professional learning that follows. Register for an information session.
If you have questions about the program, please contact Fiona Murphy or more information can be found at Teaching Excellence Program.
Australian Teacher Workforce Survey 2023
Informing the future of the teaching profession!
Each year, teachers are telling us about the rewards and challenges of teaching through the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey, to help us understand how to build a more sustainable teaching profession.
To truly understand the modern teaching career, the Victorian Institute of Teaching encourages all registered teachers to participate annually.
Every teacher’s story is unique. Every teacher’s story matters.
The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey takes only 10–15 minutes to complete. It is for all teachers and leaders across schools and early childhood services Australia.
The Victorian Institute of Teaching will email an invitation to all teachers on Monday 9 October 2023.
What’s in the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey?
The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is part of the Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) initiative. It is the largest survey of the teaching profession in Australia and is providing the evidence we need to build a sustainable teaching profession.
You will be able to help us learn more about:
- Teacher wellbeing.
- Time spent on teaching, preparing to teach and non-teaching activities.
- Career intentions and the reasons teachers are choosing to stay or leave.
- Other important workforce experiences.
Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) 2024 Applications Open
The Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) enables middle leaders from across three country Dioceses (Ballarat, Sandhurst & Wagga) to engage in a residential 7-day professional development program with a significant focus on the skills, knowledge and capabilities for effective middle leadership within a Catholic context.
The program provides opportunities for participants to identify their effective leadership practice and apply this within their own school context through a spaced learning model, and a coaching program.
Applications for the 2024 program close on Friday 10 November, 2023.
For further information, application form and principal endorsement please see attachments below.
Catholic Identity & Mission Update
Professional Learning Opportunities that Support TAP Hours
The CTC Engaging Your Faith online lecture series is returning. Fourteen stand-alone sessions on a range of themes will be presented by lecturing staff. Find further details here.
These sessions are an ideal opportunity for teaching staff at all stages of experience to explore the range of possibilities at CTC for professional, theological, and leadership development.
These sessions are eligible for maintaining accreditation for teaching in Catholic schools in all Victorian and Queensland dioceses.
Topics include the following:
• The Women in the Gospel of Matthew
• Reading the Old Testament: Why and How?
• Scripture Meditation in the Classroom
• Religious Education for Today: Why and How?
• Philosophy and Education
• Science and faith issues
Cost: $25 per session or $40 if seeking teacher accreditation.
Book and pay directly through website.
2024 Study Tour: Journey with Paul
Catholic Theological College would like to bring to your attention Dr Rosemary Canavan’s 2024 Study Tour: Journey with Paul: Türkiye – Greece that might be of interest to you. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
There will be online information sessions in October 2023. For anyone interested in attending one of the information session, please contact Dr Rosemary Canavan to register.
Tour participants have the opportunity to undertake a study unit with CTC in conjunction with the tour for credit towards an award (additional costs and conditions apply).
Articles submitted by Kate Lawry.
Student Wellbeing Update
Primary Student Wellbeing Leaders Term 4 Network Day
We warmly welcome Dr Margaret Nixon (Be You and Headspace) and all our Wellbeing Leaders across the diocese to our Network Day on Wednesday 25 October at Emmaus Catholic Primary School.
This is an exciting opportunity to learn together, showcase achievements and engage in dialogue with Margaret bringing in concepts such as: belonging; routine; attachment; capacity and emotions.
For further information anf registration - click here
Planning your Wellbeing priorities for 2024?
Bring a cuppa and a question and join the Student Wellbeing Team for a Q&A session to explore the Student Wellbeing Framework, Tiered Fidelity Inventory and to help answer and guide where to next for Student Wellbeing in your school.
For further details and zoom link - click here
Learning and Teaching Update
Voice to Parliament Referendum
The 2023 Referendum will take place on 14 October and is a chance for Australians eligible to vote to consider altering the Australian Constitution to “recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice”. Resources relating to the Referendum were previously promoted to schools through this newsletter. Since then, many more opinions and resources have become available and included below are a small sample of credible resources that might assist people in making an informed decision.
- AEC Referendums: information relating to voting, including early/postal/on day voting, polling places and the officially sanctioned “Yes/No case pamphlet”
- Listen Learn Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: the Australian Bishops Social Justice Statement 2023-2024
- Diocesan Social Justice Statement launch: resources to accompany the aforementioned Statement
- One Journey, Together: this collection of statements and resources are grounded in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
- VOICEfacts: a series of short videos offering clear and concise information to help Australians make an informed decision on the Voice
- The referendum is Australia’s gateway moment: an opinion article by June Oscar, a Bunuba woman and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner
- The Voice to Parliament would enhance Australian governance: an open letter penned by retired judges
Introduction to CEB’s new PAT resources site including the Faces On The Data Tool
- Thursday 5th October 3:30 - 4:30pm Online
Target Audience:
- Mathematics, Literacy, Curriculum, Learning Diversity Leaders, Leadership
- Classroom Teachers
Focus: Introduce participants to the new DOBCEL PAT resources site developed by the CEB PAT Team.
What will you be introduced to?
A series of SPOT DOCS - Single Point of Truth slide decks that provide consistent messaging and advice around PAT administration fidelity, data tracking and measures of achievement.
Slide deck 1: Administration Slides to be used for all PAT Assessments (PATM Linear and Adaptive, PATR Linear and Adaptive, PAT S and PAT G&P), which can be inserted into classroom daily slides or used as stand alone slides. This slide deck ensures consistency and fidelity of administration school (and system) wide, and makes classroom administration seamless, with timers, administration icons, student visuals and teacher instructions included.
Slide deck 2: PAT Decision - Making Roadmap
Slide deck 3: PAT Administration Frequently Asked Questions
Slide deck 4: Measures of Achievement: Unpacking the Core Terminology
Slide deck 5: Pros and Cons of PAT Linear V PAT Adaptive
Slide deck 6: Conversion charts from Scale Scores to Percentile Ranks
Slide deck 7: PAT Faces on the Data Explanation Slides
Breeana Wade will also provide an overview Presentation of PAT Faces, with particular emphasis on the adjustments tab which has been included as a result of the Q & A with Caithlin and Daniel from ACER at the Primary Leaders of Learning Meeting on the 15 August.
Register by Wednesday 4 October via this link
If you have any questions please contact Breeana Wade, Teresa Hadden or Lisa Templar
CEP’s FREE Professional Development Series
The recordings from each of the previous seasons are available for viewing. Watch them all Here
** The Summer Series will run on Nov 1, Nov 8, Nov 15.
On November 8, CEP secured Dep Sec Stephen Fraser, for a live Q and A session. If you have some questions you would like to be sent through to be answered, email Samantha Meerbach. You are also invited to be online in the session, for the opportunity for a follow up to your question.
Details to register will be coming soon.
Structured Literacy Newsletter 5
Please click this link to access the latest Structured Literacy newsletter.
In this edition:
- An explanation of implementation levels.
- Scope and sequence update.
- POSSUM vocabulary study
DIBELS Training - Term 4, 2023
- Is Literacy Assessment taking a long time to complete?
- Are current assessments giving you everything you need to know about your students' basic literacy skills?
- Do you need a QUICKER, more SPECIFIC measure of learning with BENCHMARKS and ANALYSIS that indicates what needs focus?
Let us train you to train others in a ONE day training (actually… a part day with drive time built in):
- DIBELS( Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a set of assessments that can be used by teachers as a measure of Literacy skill acquisition.
- Learn about the assessment, its administration, fidelity to its implementation and potential for analysis and use of the data collected.
WHEN & WHERE:
Date | Time | Location | Book |
Monday, October 9, 2023 | 10 am – 2 pm | Horsham Office | |
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | 10 am – 2 pm | Ballarat Office | |
Monday, October 16, 2023 | 10 am – 2 pm | Warrnambool Office (TBC) | |
Monday, October 23, 2023 | 10 am – 2 pm | Northern Zone (Venue in the NORTH TBC) |
WHO:
- Leaders, Teachers, Level Leaders, Curriculum Leaders, Learning Diversity Leaders
- CEB Education Officers (L&T and LD/Wellbeing)
If you would like to know more about DIBELS for your school, go here or contact your Education Officer.
Please note: Structured Literacy Schools across the Diocese will be using these assessments. 2024 Level One schools will do this training in 2024 as part of their Professional Learning.
What are Teachers as Co-Learners?
Information session (webinar) for Principals
An information session for primary school principals interested in finding out more about the Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) approach to language teaching will be held online on Thursday 12th October from 10 - 11am. This session will be presented by Lauren Gould, Languages Education Officer and will outline:
- What is TCL?
- How TCL can positively impact student language learning
- Current status of TCL in our diocese and how CECV supports schools with implementation
- What to consider before implementation
- Costs involved in TCL
- Staff training commitments
- Logistics
- Time for Q&A
Register here. Please join the session using this Zoom link.
Engineering is Elementary: STEM Professional Learning by Questacon
Are you passionate about inspiring students through STEM?
Engineering is Elementary might be for you. It is an exciting and immersive professional development program developed by the Museuam od Science, Boston. They’re delivering the curriculum linked to Engineering is Elementary FREE to teachers across Australia.
- Ballarat: Tuesday October 31 - The Windmills from 9am- 3pm (Melbourne and Bendigo on other days)
- Register Interest here
This inquiry-based PL will help you:
- Build confidence to teach and assess STEM subjevcts in K-6 classrooms.
- Develop your STEM teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of your students
- Engage students in critical thinking and authentic problem solving with the freeSTEM resource kit and unit of work
- Connect to a national network of teachers for ongoing collaboration and support.
Any questions? Email teachers@questacon.edu.au
People and Development Update
Flourish Wellbeing eMagazine – October 2023
The October 2023 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- World Mental Health Day.
- ADHD Awareness Month
- Podcast – Finding Your Optimum
Also in this edition:
- National Safe Work Month.
- Supporting the mental health of paramedics.
- Homelessness and mental health.
- Managing chronic pain and illness at work.
- Are you getting enough calcium?
- Breast cancer awareness
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
Staff Wellbeing Wednesday - October Newsletter
The October 2023 edition of the Wellbeing Wednesday Newsletter is now available for staff.
In this edition you will find information on:
- World Mental Health Day
- World Teachers Day
- DRIVE again depression
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- National Safe Work Month
- Converge International (EAP)
Articles submitted by Tania Lund.
Zart - Student Art Prize 2023
Article submitted by Dr Susan Crowe.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies.
- School Counsellor/Psychologist – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 October)
- Head of Music Faculty – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 October)
- Archivist – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 4 October)
- Classroom Teaching Position – St Colman’s School, Mortlake – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 October)
- Chaplain/Pastoral Care/Counsellor – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 0.65 FTE (closes 5 October)
- Learning Support Officer - 2 Positions – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – ongoing position at 0.86 FTE (closes 5 October)
- Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October)
- Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October)
- Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October)
- Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October)
- Learning Support Officer Position – St Patrick’s School, Nhill – fixed term position at 0.82 FTE (closes 6 October)
- Deputy Principal Religious Education – St Michael and St John’s School, Horsham – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 October)
- Classroom Teacher/s – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 October)
- Classroom Teacher Positions – St Patrick’s School, Nhill – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 October)
- Coordinator of Rowing – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 October)
- Classroom Teacher for 2024 – All Saints Parish School, Portland – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 9 October)
- Classroom Teacher for 2024 – All Saints Parish School, Portland – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 October)
- Classroom Teacher (Leadership Positions Available) – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 October)
- Classroom Teacher – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 October)
- Two Classroom Teachers – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Murtoa – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 October)
- VCE Subject Teachers – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 October)
- Teacher- St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Classroom Teacher - Fixed Term (Parental Leave) – St Mary’s School, Donald – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Classroom Teachers – Our Lady Help of Christians Schol, Wendouree – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 October)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 3 November)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.