CEB Staff Newsletter #31 - 2 September 2022

CEB Staff Formation - 29th & 30th September

Choose Workshops.

CEB colleagues are invited to select from the range of workshops. These workshops are facilitated by your peers who are offering the opportunity for us to dialogue about elements of life and culture from a specific perspective.

Those who are facilitating are not doing so from a position of superior knowledge. They are generously providing the opportunity for us to look at where a Catholic perspective may inform our engagement with life.

The workshops also offer the opportunity to learn more about prayer and reflections, our Church Culture and one another. Please come to the workshops willing to participate and share.

It is asked that you complete your selection by 4pm Friday 16 September.

Anyone who has not made a selection by this date will be put into workshops at random. 

To enable staff to plan their travel, please note the following times: 

People & Development Update

Staff Wellbeing Webinar Series - Converge International.

Don’t forget about our Wellbeing Webinar Series with Converge International which starts on Monday, 5 September! The first session will be dedicated to R U OK? Day. 

Looking after yourself is important and we encourage you to make it a priority. Each session offers different insights and strategies for supporting our own and others’ wellbeing. 

All seminar details, participant handouts, and session links, are available via this link.

R U OK?

Thursday 8 September is R U OK? Day and a reminder we need to stay connected and make asking 'are you OK?' a part of our everyday. That way if someone we know is struggling with something big or small, they'll know we care.

You don't need to be an expert to ask someone, 'Are you OK?'. Try and make time for regular chats about life's ups and downs so you can build trust. That way when someone is struggling, they'll know you care and will feel comfortable opening up to you. 

It helps to choose the right time and place for a meaningful conversation. 

• On breaks from work or study 
• When exercising or doing activities together online 
• When you're spending time together socially 
• When you're doing an activity side-by-side 
• When you're sharing a meal 
• When you're travelling together, even a short trip can be a good time to talk 

Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed. Because a conversation could change a life. 

As part of the Wellbeing Webinar Series with Converge International, we will be running a session dedicated to RUOK? on Monday 5 September at 4pm. Information and a link to this webinar will be sent out soon. 

If you need immediate crisis or emotional support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Converge International is available to all staff and families on 1300 687 327. 

R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone going through a difficult time. For more information visit ruok.org.au 

There are some great resources available online, especially for schools and the workplace. Click here to access.

FLOURISH eMAGAZINE September 2022

The September 2022 edition of Converge International's Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available. In this edition there are details on: 

• Suicide prevention in the workplace 
• Six ways you can deal with setbacks 
• The benefits of practicing gratitude 
• Should you quit sugar? 
• Growing your super 
• And more...

For information about the Employee Assist Program (EAP) visit Converge International's website. 

Staff News

We Welcome:

Jillian Hogbin.

Jillian has accepted a secondment from Loreto College for the remainder of the year. Jillian will take on the part-time role of Visiting Teacher, supporting schools in the Warrnambool area.

Ben Barker.

Ben will join the SIMON Team as a Web Developer next week. Ben comes to us after many years as an IT Specialist with IBM. 

We Farewell:

Marg McDonald.

Marg has announced her retirement at the end of the year after 13 years at Catholic Education Ballarat. Marg was instrumental in the introduction and development of Professional Learning Communities in our Diocese and has contributed significantly to the development of leaders in our school communities through her work as part of the Leading for Learning team.  

Many of us have benefited in a variety of ways from Marg’s exceptional coaching skills and her expertise, skills and knowledge will certainly be missed. As the end of the year approaches we will celebrate Marg’s wonderful contribution. Marg’s retirement will be announced to schools in next Wednesday’s update. 

Happy Birthdays!

September Birthdays.

• Lisa Templar - 03 September
• Matthew Macdonald - 11 September
• Ange Jones - 11 September
• Fiona Murphy - 14 September
  
• Kevin Brodie - 17 September
• Maree Baker - 18 September
• Bernadette Luckman - 24 September
• Debbie Stabek - 24 September