CEB Staff Newsletter #2 - 2 February 2024

Meet the Central Zone Principals

Central Zone Principals are holding their meeting in the Conference Room on Friday 9 February. 

CEB staff working in the Ballarat Office on this day are invited to join the group for morning tea and a catch-up in the staff room at 11.30am. 

Article submitted by Jo-Anne Bond.

2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards

DOBCEL is proud to continue sponsoring an award aimed at continuing to recognise the outstanding service and leadership within Catholic education throughout our Diocesan school communities, and Catholic Education Office. 

In 2024, the refreshed awards, align with the DOBCEL strategic priorities, which are positioned to support the DOBCEL vision “as partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.”

All DOBCEL employees are encouraged to nominate an individual or team who consistently performs in an exemplary way. Nominees can be from a school in the Diocese of Ballarat or Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB office).

Nominations can be submitted for any of the following five categories –  

• Building inclusive Catholic learning communities.  
• Empowering all to flourish.  
• Fostering inspiring leadership.  
• Achieving best practice. 
• Enhancing family engagement, governance, and stewardship.

Each award category has a series of criteria based on the opportunity questions detailed in the DOBCEL Strategic Directions 2020-2024 document.  

At least one award recipient will be selected, with a maximum of three awards each year. Award recipients will be presented during the Catholic Education Week Dinner. All nominees will be acknowledged in some way.

To view more information about the Spirit of Catholic Education Week Awards, please click here.  

Nominations open on Wednesday 14 February 2024 and close on Friday 1 March 2024. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and nominate their colleagues.

Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.

Staff News -World Cancer Day Event

This Sunday 4 February is World Cancer Day. Furthermore, it is when the Jimmy's Licorice Allsorts Cycling Team have their official 2024 launch!

Who and what are the Jimmy's Licorice Allsorts?
To get a better understanding of the team and what they're about, check out this video!

On April 6-7, CEB staff members Jim Waight and Brendan Chalmers are cycling in the annual Murray to Moyne Cycling event. They will depart Echuca and ride the 520kms in relay as part of Jimmy's Licorice Allsorts Cycling Team to Port Fairy, raising funds for Australia’s only regional cancer research facility, The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute in Ballarat.  

If you would like to come along to the movie "The Boys in the Boat" at Showbiz Cinemas Ballarat, to commemorate World Cancer Day and also support cancer research details are in this link! 

Article submitted by Jim Waight.

People and Development Update

Child Safety and Complaint Staffing Change

While Jacqui Righetti is on leave in 2024, Jacinta Cook is undertaking the role of Child Safety Manager. Jacinta can be contacted on mobile: 0409 114 268 or by email.

The Child Safety manager has responsibility for further strengthening our Child Safe Standards and ensuring school communities have the support, training and reflective practice opportunities to further embed the strong culture of children safely attending our schools. This includes the interconnectedness of the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Mandatory Reporting Legislation as essential to informing our standards.

Jacinta has the delegation of the Executive Director Catholic Education Ballarat to report all Reportable Conduct matters to the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).

Damien Ferrari has been appointed as the new Case Manager: Complaints Resolution (ongoing). Damian can be contacted on mobile: 0461 376 895 or by email.

The Case Manager: Complaints Resolution has oversight and end-to-end case management responsibility of complaints escalated to DOBCEL, in partnership with school leadership, to ensure a timely and responsive process following the DOBCEL Complaints Management Policy and Procedure. This includes case management support for complaints that meet the threshold for the Reportable Conduct Scheme and coordination of all aspects of this process.  Damian will hold a continuous improvement focus to ensure an efficient and appropriate process for all parties involved.

Protecting Children – Mandatory Reporting and Other Obligations e-Learning Module

Each year all staff are required to complete the ‘Protecting Children – Mandatory Reporting and Other Obligations’ eLearning module to ensure compliance with legislative responsibilities under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic.) and Ministerial Order No. 1359: Child Safe Standards – Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools and School Boarding premises.

For details on how to create an account: ‘Protecting Children- Mandatory Reporting and other Obligations Online Training Account Creation Guide’

The training and online module usually take 45 – 60 minutes to complete.

You must provide evidence that you have completed the training (e.g. a copy of your certificate) and forward a copy to safeguarding@dobcel.catholic.edu.au and keep a copy for your own records.

Please note slide 25 (Grooming case study) provides an answer which is factually incorrect. This case study provides a clear indicator of sexual misconduct. We have requested that the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing address this error.

Culture Amp 2024 Goals 

As the year quickly progresses it is time to ensure individual 2024 goals are captured in Culture Amp.  

In 2023 goals were linked to the DOBCEL strategic objectives, and 2025 will be no different. However, while the strategic plan is being built, goals for 2024 should align to one of the below three priorities -  

1. Work that consolidates or builds on 2023 priorities.
   This is work that is the natural next step to work undertaken in 2023. It is not a new project but is a continuation of the work or builds on work from 2023. 
2. Work undertaken in response to priorities identified in the risk register. 
   This is work being undertaken to proactively respond to priorities already identified and captured in the risk register. If you are unsure whether your goal relates to an identified risk, please check with your team leader. 
3. Other operational or continuous improvement activities.
   This is systematic and ongoing work undertaken aimed at enhancing efficiency and productivity, of DOBCEL. 

You will find these priorities loaded into Culture Amp as ‘company goals’ where you will link the relevant priority to your individual goals. 

Instructions on entering and linking goals to strategic priorities can be found here. 

Please ensure that your goals are loaded in Culture Amp by 29 February 2024. For any assistance please contact Fiona Murphy or Tania Lund.

Crucial Conversations - Feb 28 & 29 2024 

• Time - 9:00-4:30 
• Location - CEB office or Glowery Room, St Patrick’s Hall (location will confirmed with participants) 
• Cost - $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch)
• Register here

Crucial Conversations teaches a model for effective communication, that can be applied to any situation, but particularly difficult or high-stakes situations. It focuses on fostering dialogue, managing emotions, and achieving mutual understanding. The model helps to navigate high-stakes discussions with openness, respect, and skill, enhancing relationships and driving positive outcomes. 

This program is designed for anyone who would like to develop skills in providing effective feedback and fostering open dialogue. The skills can be transferred across a range of situations including providing feedback and fostering open dialogue with colleagues, parents/carers and the community. It is relevant for people working in schools as well as the CEB office. 

Crucial Conversations will be run each term on the following dates -  

• 28 & 29 Feb Ballarat  
• 30 & 31 May Warrnambool  
• 3 & 4 Sep Swan Hill or Mildura location TBC 
• 12 & 13 Nov TBA 

If you have any queries about the program please contact Fiona Murphy.

Flourish Wellbeing e-Magazine – February 2024 

The February 2024 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available. 
 
Featured Articles: 

• How do you feel about climate change? 
• Pick Positive. 
• What to expect from mediation. 
• Podcast – Nightmares  

Also in this edition: 

• Global Battle Against Cancer & Cancer Risks
• Tonsils 
• The Work/Workout Mash Up 
• Take a Hike! 
• Post Holiday Wellness & Wellness Travel Trends 
  
• What’s the Best Way to Move?
  
• Cooking the Perfect Steak
• And more! 

For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.  

Launch of the NEW CEB Workplace Giving Program 

CEB have launched a new CEB Workplace Giving Program for 2024. The Workplace Giving Program aims to promote and support action in advancing the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. As part of the program we have carefully selected two agencies, who live out the principles of Catholic social teaching which were the focus of our last two formation days held at VEMI in Macedon.  

The two selected partners are the Ballarat Catholic Bishop’s Charitable Fund and Caritas Australia.  

Donating to these agencies through workplace giving allows you to make regular donations through your pre-tax pay. Small contributions can have a big impact and every dollar can change lives. Participating staff can select any amount of money to contribute pre-tax from their fortnightly pay to contribute to one or both partners and can change these amounts at any time.  

 Click here to view the CEB Workplace Giving Program FAQs or to participate in the program complete the CEB Workplace Giving Payroll Form, which is accessible via Knowledge Banks, and submit via email to payroll@dobcel.catholic.edu.au. The program officially commenced on the pay cycle starting 29 January 2024.   

Please contact Tania Lund, Staff Wellbeing & Engagement Advisor if you have any questions on the program. 

Caritas Australia is eager to gain insights and understanding what areas of their work our employees would be most interested in hearing and learning more about.

Please click HERE to participate in a very quick survey and share your preferences. 

Public Holidays – first half of 2024 

Labour Day 
Monday 11 March is the Labour Day public holiday. A leave form is not required, this is a statewide public holiday. 

Easter period 
Friday 29 March through to Monday 1 April are public holidays celebrated in most states, starting an extra-long weekend for the Easter period. A leave form is not required, these are statewide public holidays. 

ANZAC Day 
Tuesday 25 April is the ANZAC Day public holiday celebrated nationally. A leave form is not required, this is a statewide public holiday. 

Catholic Identity and Mission Update

An Introduction to Laudato Si’ 

Laudato Si’ ("Praise Be") is the encyclical letter of Pope Francis published in May 2015. It focuses on care for the natural environment and all people, as well as broader questions of the relationship between God, humans, and the Earth. The encyclical’s subtitle, “Care for Our Common Home,” reinforces these key themes.

An encyclical is a public letter from the Pope developing Catholic teaching on a topic often in light of current events. Laudato Si’ is addressed to “every living person on this planet” (LS 3). Hence, it is offered as part of an ongoing dialogue within the Catholic Church and between Catholics and the wider world.

“Chapter Four: Integral Ecology” presents the encyclical’s main solution to ongoing social and environmental problems. Integral ecology affirms that humans are part of a broader world and calls for “comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems” (LS 139). While the study of ecosystems has become well-known in the science of ecology, integral ecology expands this paradigm to consider the ethical and spiritual dimensions of how humans are meant to relate to each other and the natural world – drawing on culture, family, community, virtue, religion, and respect for the common good.

“Chapter Six: Ecological Education and Spirituality” concludes the encyclical with applications to personal life. It recommends a lifestyle focused less on consumerism and more on timeless, enduring values. It calls for environmental education, joy in one’s surroundings, civic love, reception of the sacraments, and an "ecological conversion" in which an encounter with Jesus leads to deeper communion with God, other people, and the world of nature.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference made a commitment to develop a Laudato Si’ Action Plan in its 2021-2022 Social Justice Statement: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. It established a working group chaired by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service. The Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace is tasked with coordinating the plan’s development and implementation.

During the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, the Church encouraged all Catholics to embrace a commitment to ecological conversion. As a result, every parish and diocese around Australia will need to be involved in a plan like the one the Bishops Conference has developed. Caritas Australia has been asked by the bishops to support parishes and dioceses in the implementation of this decision.

At its May 2023 plenary meeting, the Bishops Conference endorsed the first iteration of the plan, which covers 2023-25. Further actions will be added in the coming years for the full seven-year commitment timeline.

Article submitted by Sarah Page.

Barefoot Bowls Social Evening

Our first Social Gathering for the year has been organised. An evening of barefoot bowls, drinks and a few laughs.

Details are as follows:

• Date: Tuesday, 27^th February
• Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Venue: Central Wendouree Bowling Club, 1330 Gregory Street,  Ballarat, VIC. 3350
• Cost: $10 per head payable on the night to cover the bowling.
  • Drinks can be purchased from the bar.
  • BYO snacks to share.

RSVP: To gauge the level of interest, please RSVP to avanberkel@simonschools.net

Article submitted by Ange Van Berkel.