CEB Staff Newsletter #4 - 17 February 2023
Mildura Service Centre Update
To accommodate new DOBCEL staff the Mildura Service Centre has now expanded to occupy a new office within the existing building making this space now solely occupied by DOBCEL.
There has been some clarification undertaken in relation to the car parking available within the precinct with some carparks now being identified for specific users, please see attached map for further details. Please note where the DOBCEL pool cars are to be parked and that we can also use the parking labeled as Commercial.
It is requested that all staff please adhere to the parking requirements and conditions as part of our lease agreement.
Article submitted by Ashley Wiseman
People and Development Update
Crucial Conversations.
Delivering and receiving feedback is a crucial part of working in a successful team and organisation.
Recently we’ve heard from team members in both schools and the CEB office that people would like to enhance their capacity to feel better equipped to give clear, respectful and kind feedback when required.
Last year the DOBCEL Leadership Team participated in a workshop called Crucial Conversations. Crucial Conversations is about helping yourself and others to stay in dialogue. It’s about learning, understanding perspectives, and strengthening relationships. The workshop provides a common language and approach to improve communication between all people across our teams.
After hearing many of the leadership team share invaluable parts of the workshop with their team members, we are pleased to now roll out Crucial Conversation more broadly across the organisation.
CEB staff, accredited in the facilitation of this program, are running the two-day Crucial Conversations workshop in Ballarat on 2 dates -
- Tuesday and Wednesday 14 & 15 March 2023
- Thursday and Friday 23 & 24 March 2023.
Further information can be found here, or via this short YouTube Clip. Alternatively, please feel free to discuss with Fiona Murphy, Organisational Development Manager.
Please see attachments below.
Workshop details -
- Date: Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 March 2023 or Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March 2023
- Location: Ballarat – Training Room, Gillies St Office
- Time: 9-4:30am (both days)
- Facilitators: Fiona Murphy and Maree Baker (14 and 15 March) and Janet Claassen and Lee Schlooz (23 and 24 March)
- What’s included: All program resources (2 workbooks and your own copy of ‘Crucial Conversations – ‘Tools for talking when stakes are high’ (Grenny et al)), and morning tea and lunch on the 2 days.
- Cost: $0 as this will be the first time internally facilitating the workshop, People and Development will cover the cost of the program. Future programs may include a charge to cover costs of workshop resources and catering. (Please note, any travel/accommodation costs associated to attending this workshop will need to be covered by the individual’s cost centre).
To register – please click here to complete a Google form. Places will be limited in each workshop.
On Wednesday April 26th at 4pm, there will be a one hour coaching session run (online), whilst this is not compulsory to attend, we would love as many as people possible who attended either workshop date to commit.
This coaching assists in embedding the key principals of Crucial Conversations in our everyday conversations and will also provide learning and sharing opportunities for us regarding the workshop.
Article submitted by Fiona Murphy
Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, takes place the day before the start of Lent, which is Ash Wednesday. This year Ash Wednesday is next Wednesday 22nd February.
In a tradition dating back to 1000 CE, Shrove Tuesday became a day that Catholics would feast on eggs, sugar and dairy, which were historically restricted during the Lenten fast. The day not only signalled a last chance to gorge on such foods, but with the addition of flour, the making of pancakes became a popular way to use up these ingredients before the Lenten Fast began.
Caritas Australia conducts Project Compassion, during Lent. This initiative brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.
Next Tuesday to commemorate Shrove Tuesday, we are having a pancake lunch in the staffroom in The Ballarat Office at 1.00pm.
All are welcome and invited to contribute a donation to the Project Compassion.
Ash Wednesday & Lent
Prayer is taking place at 8.30am on Wednesday 22nd February, which is Ash Wednesday in our reflective space that is located off the front foyer in the Ballarat Office or you are most welcome to join virtually via this google meet link.
Each Friday morning at 8.30am during Lent prayer will take place, all are most welcome, this will be in the Ballarat Office or via this link . This same link will be used each week.
Article submitted by Jim Waight
Staff News
Gabrielle McKinnis
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gabrielle McKinnis to the position of Finance and Fleet Officer.
Gab will come to us from St Francis Xavier Primary School where she has been the Business Manager and Company Secretary.
Lyle Greenwood
We warmly welcomed Lyle Greenwood as Maintenance Officer this week.
Lyle has been working for some of our schools in the same capacity.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat
- Capital Works Project Delivery Officer – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 February)
- Talent Acquisition Partner – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 February)
- Executive Assistant to Deputy Director: Catholic Education – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 March)
Article submitted by Jo Huntley