CEB Staff Newsletter #35 - 3 November 2023
Indigenous Voice to Parliament
Following the Referendum for a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament, DOBCEL and Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Ballarat remain committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their efforts to address inequality and recognition. With a renewed determination, it is now time that we continue with hope and vitality to dialogue and partner with our school communities to ensure safe and flourishing school environment for all.
Enclosed are a series of articles, resources and contacts that CEB staff may draw on in furthering our work for reconciliation, dialogue and justice.
COVID-19 Update
We are aware of instances of COVID-19 presenting again in our local communities. To enable CEB to manage this appropriately, please refer to the below FAQ.
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, do they need to isolate?
It is recommended that you should isolate for at least 5 days and until you don’t have symptoms anymore. This means you should not go to work, schools or grocery shopping, especially if you work with people at a higher risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19.
(Source: Vic.Gov.au Coronavirus)
The 5 days are from when your COVID-19 symptoms started and/or you tested positive for COVID-19.
Does this count as Personal (Sick) Leave or Infectious Diseases Leave?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you can apply for Infectious Diseases Leave by emailing your Manager (or their delegate). The email should advise when you tested positive for COVID-19 (date), when your isolation will end and when you should be able to return to work. You should attach relevant evidence if you have it (eg a medical certificate, test results from a GP or testing centre, or a statutory declaration).
What if I am still sick after the recommended 5 days of isolation?
If you are still having symptoms at the end of the recommended 5 days of isolation and are feeling unwell, you should seek medical advice. If the medical advice is that you are unfit for work, you can apply for personal (sick) leave with a medical certificate.
Does the Manager need to inform the office community?
No, however, it is advisable that you inform staff who may be a close contact (that is, they have been in close contact with you 2 days before your symptoms started or before testing).
When I return to work, do I need to wear a mask or take other precautions?
A negative RAT result is a helpful tool to determine whether you are still infectious. You should wear a face mask when you leave home for at least 7 days after testing positive as you may still be infectious.
Culture Amp 12-Month Self-Reflection
Live Monday 6 November!
A reminder that 12-month self-reflections for the CEB office open on Monday 6 November.
Each person will receive an email from Culture Amp (notifications@cultureamp.com) containing a link to complete the self-reflection. You can access your self-reflection via the email or by logging into your Culture Amp account. The link to the self-reflection is located on the home page.
Before completing your self-reflection, you should update the status of your goals. Once you’ve completed the self-reflection, submit it to your team leader; and expect to have a meeting to discuss your reflections.
The 12-month self-reflection meeting aims to ensure an opportunity for conversation to affirm and reflect on your 2023 achievements and provide space to discuss any development and growth opportunities.
The self-reflection meeting is also a good time to discuss your goals for 2024.
12-month self-reflections and meetings should be completed by December 15 2023.
- For instructions to update the status of goals and complete the self-reflection click here.
- For team leaders click here for instructions to respond to self reflections.
If you have any questions about Culture Amp please speak with Fiona Murphy or Tania Lund.
Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.
Archiving of DOBCEL Documents and Records
Legislatively and historically, there are a range of documents and records that DOBCEL is required to archive. CEB has engaged the company Smart Stack to catalogue and archive these. Currently, these documents/records are stored over the Ballarat, Warrnambool and Mildura offices.
If you are aware of documents/records in other offices that may require archiving, please contact Kerrie Zammit . The collection of archive documents and records will commence on 7 December and run over 2 days.
To that end, if you have any relevant documents/records that require archiving, please ensure that they are appropriately boxed, labelled and delivered to the Gillies Street office no later than Friday 1 December.
The process for determining the archiving will be guided by the Australian Society of Archivists Records for Retention and Disposal.
If you have any queries, please contact Kerrie.
Article submitted by Kerrie Zammit.
Discerning the Call to Choose Sides - Eureka Street Article
Eureka Street is a publication of the Australian Jesuits that exists as a vibrant journal of analysis, commentary and reflection on current issues in the worlds of politics, religion and culture. It aims to participate in public discussion and influence public opinion regarding the things that matter in Australia and the world. Many would be familiar with this publication, particularly those who participated in the Staff Formation experience back in September and attended the 'Eureka I found it!! & other Jesuit Publications' Workshop.
Below is an article by consulting editor of Eureka Street, and writer at Jesuit Social Services, Andrew Hamilton. This piece explores the current war between Israel and Hamas, looking beyond the simplistic dichotomies of good versus evil, and dives into how historical, cultural, and political nuances shape the landscape of this enduring conflict.
Discerning the call to choose sides - Eureka Street
Article submitted by Kate Lawry.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies:
- Executive Coordinator/Assistant – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Case Manager – Complaints Resolution – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Child Safe Standards Manager – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Marketing and Communications Manager - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Speech Pathologist – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 16 November)
- Psychologist – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 16 November)
- Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 November)