CEB Staff Newsletter #23 - 28 July 2023

Announcement of Resignation - Inez French

Mrs Inez French has indicated her intention to resign as Principal of St Mary’s Primary School, Clarkes Hill. Inez’s principalship will conclude at the end of the 2023 school year when she will commence a very well-deserved retirement.

Inez has ministered in Catholic Education in the Ballarat Diocese since 1982. During this time, she has served the communities of St Thomas’ Terang, St Patrick’s Ballarat, St James Sebastopol, Lumen Christi Delacombe, St Mary’s Clarkes Hill and St Brendan’s Dunnstown as an educator and leader. She began her time in principalship in Term 2, 2020 as dual interim Principal at St Mary’s, Clarkes Hill and St Brendan’s, Dunnstown and was appointed as Principal in 2021.

We thank Inez’s family for the support that they have provided to enable her to fill this critical role. Our wider education community is grateful for her contribution and wish her every blessing for the next stage in her life journey.

Feedback from CEB Staff Meeting

Last week the feedback from staff to 'How can we deliver professional learning in the new EBA environment (30+8 hour week and TIL)?'  was shared.

This week we look at staff responses to the question 'In the first half of 2023, what have you noticed that is challenging for our schools?'

People & Development Update

Culture Amp – Self-Reflections Reminder

Well done to everyone who has completed their self-reflections in Culture Amp to date. We hope you found the discussion with your team leader useful and the process in Culture Amp easy to follow. 

A friendly reminder that all self-reflections (both team member and team leader comments) should be completed by Monday, July 31, 2023. 

If you have any questions please direct them to Fiona Murphy.  

Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.

Recognition of First Nations People

At our most recent staff meeting held at Damascus College we were asked to consider current and future CEB actions in relation to greater recognition of First Nations People. Thanks to all staff who contributed to the dialogue and suggestions.  

There was strong recognition for work and actions that have already been carried out and for structures that are in place. The work of Jeanette Morris was strongly noted: 

• Acknowledgement of country (non-generic) 
• Prayer that incorporates / honours First Nations culture 
• Email footer 
• Symbolism on documentation 
• Staffing  
• Work to contribute to the CECV action plan 
• Opportunities to absorb learning, films, discussion. 
• Schools supported in their own RAP work 
• External signage on Gilles St 
• Message stick 
• NAIDOC observation 
• Review of library resources 
• Coordination of funding to schools to support First Nations students 
• First Nations perspectives sought on curriculum resource creation. 

In thinking forward to possible growth, the responses provided aligned into a number of themes: 

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies:

• Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 July)
• Education Officer: Digital Learning – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 July)
• Education Officer: Learning Diversity – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 31 July)
• Data Analyst - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 July)
  
• Early Years Planning and Implementation Consultant – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 August)  

Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.