CEB Staff Newsletter #7 - 10 March 2023
From the Executive Director
As the week draws to a close, I wish to provide an update on Alex Brodie’s wellbeing following the significant event on Tuesday and reiterate the support available.
As you would be aware, Alex Brodie was involved in an incident on Tuesday this week in the Gillies Street office car park. A number of DOBCEL staff members witnessed this incident and supported Alex with emergency services and members of the public on hand quickly.
Alex’s car has subsequently been located and the offender remains in police custody.
I have spoken with Alex and he is in good spirits and recovering well. He is looking forward to seeing everyone on his return. Alex is also appreciative of the concern expressed by his colleagues and the general interest in his wellbeing.
The incident took place in the car park exit onto Gillies Street. I would like to extend my thanks for the excellent and quick response from various staff, whose actions included:
- Immediate call to 000
- Lockdown of our own office
- Witnesses filming the incident
- Immediate care of Alex
- Subsequent care of all witnesses
It was a team response and I remain grateful to all those who were involved in any way in offering the helpful and timely support that occurred.
I have received many expressions of concern and best wishes both from within our staff team and from the broader diocesan community. It is reassuring that so many people are concerned for Alex and the greater CEB team.
As with any incident of significance, it is important to lean into the support available – family, friends and colleagues. Free, professional and confidential support for staff and members of your immediate family is also available through Converge, the Employee Assistance Program on 1300 687 327. For more information about Converge, please see the attached flyer below.
As we head into the long weekend and moving closer to Easter, I am reminded and grateful for the triumph of light over darkness, expressed here in mutual care. I extend the prayers of the community to Alex and all those afflicted by trauma.
Enjoy your well deserved long weekend!
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Mass with the DOBCEL Board Directors
Staff members are invited to attend Mass in the CEB Chapel at 5.30pm on Tuesday 14 March.
Please advise Kerrie Zammit if you would like to attend to ensure seating arrangements are made available.
Article Submitted by Kerrie Zammit
Diocesan Leadership Awards Nominations Open - 2023
A friendly reminder that nominations for the Diocesan Leadership Awards are now open. This will close on Thursday 16th March 2023.
Nominations are invited via the Nomination Link.
DOBCEL is proud to again sponsor the Diocese of Ballarat Leadership Awards recognising outstanding service and leadership within the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Ballarat, our school communities and Catholic Education Ballarat.
The Diocesan Award categories are:
Partnership Award
Nomination criteria for staff or community members who demonstrate:
- a commitment to enhancing partnering between the School, Catholic Education Ballarat, Parish, or the local community that enhance learning for students;
- ongoing witness to partnership in Catholic education and an active presence in the education, Parish, diocesan and/or local community;
- promotion of Catholic education as partnership in local and/or extended community.
Catholic Leadership Award
Nomination criteria for staff who demonstrate:
- leadership that provides active witness to God’s presence in education, parish and/or diocesan community which enhances Catholic identity;
- excellence in leadership around Religious Education, spirituality, liturgy, religious art, social justice, the founding charism, evangelisation and/or ecology.
Fullness of Life Award
Nomination criteria for staff who demonstrate:
- leadership that leads to fullness of life for colleagues and/or students;
- excellence in education, staff formation or professional learning, student learning and/or;
- educational innovation for demonstrated commitment to evidence-based practice in education.
Article Submitted by Fiona Murphy
New Email Groups
As previously advised, the new email groupings are now live.
A reminder that all the ‘old’ groups are now retired. Should you wish to create a new email group, you are requested to do this through your individual email address.
This action has come from a review of the DOBCEL group emails in which over 400 different groups were found, with many containing inaccurate staffing.
If you have any queries, please direct them to Kerrie Zammit.
Article Submitted by Kerrie Zammit
Working with Children Checks
To ensure compliance with our Child Safety Guidelines, all non-VIT registered DOBCEL employees are required to have a current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
A WWCC is valid for a period of 5 years, after which the cardholder is prompted to complete a renewal request.
With the relocation of the DOBCEL office to 200 Gillies Street Nth, Lake Wendouree, we kindly request that when completing the renewal of you WWCC that you update your WWCC with this new address.
This will ensure that your renewal notification comes directly to our office in a timely manner from the Department of Government Services.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Maree Baker – Manager: Human Resources.
Article Submitted by Maree Baker
Catholic Education Update
Aggiornamento ECSI 101 Online Learning Modules.
For details, please see the flyer here.
PLEASE NOTE
- Anyone is welcome to register for ECSI 101, however sponsorship for 50% of costs, for Add on 1 or Add on 2 (see flyer) is available to primary school colleagues only.
- Registration for Add on 1 and Add on 2 is open to secondary colleagues, unfortunately without sponsorship.
- Aggiornamento ECSI 101 provides TAP hours.
The course requires a minimum of 10 participants, and you cannot select modules – the course comprises all the modules. After module 1 costs will not be refundable.
Target audience:
- ECSI beginners
- School community members – Leadership, teachers, staff & parents
- CEB staff
- Clergy
- Members of Religious Institutes
Registrations close April 6th.
If interested in registering for the program, please email Gina Bernasconi no later than April 2nd.
Article Submitted by Gina Bernasconi
People and Development Update
‘Around the Diocese’ Travel Document.
Now that we all back into the swing of things for 2023, and a lot of us are hitting the road and travelling around our beautiful state. Keeping this in mind, attached below is ‘Around the Diocese’ travel reference document to assist with where, and where not, to stop for a break.
Taking regular rest breaks while travelling on the road is crucial for several reasons:
- Preventing fatigue: Taking breaks allows you to rest and refresh your mind, reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
- Reducing stress: Driving for long periods can be stressful, especially in heavy traffic or on unfamiliar roads. Taking breaks can help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout, allowing you to enjoy the journey and arrive at your destination more relaxed.
- Promoting physical health: Taking breaks allows you to stretch your legs, walk around, and get some fresh air, promoting better circulation and preventing health issues associated with prolonged sitting.
- Staying alert: Regular breaks allow you to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents caused by distraction or complacency.
Taking regular rest breaks while travelling on the road is essential for your physical and mental wellbeing, and for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.
Please note: if you have any suggestions to add to this document or notice any outdated information please contact Staff Wellbeing and Engagement: Tania Lund.
Article Submitted by Tania Lund
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat
- Compliance and Risk Support Officer (CARSO) – Ballarat or Horsham Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 March)
- Talent Acquisition Partner – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes Monday 13 March)
Article Submitted by Jo Huntley