CEB Staff Newsletter #4 - 16 February 2024

150 Year Anniversary Prayer Card

All staff will be receiving a prayer card to acknowledge the 150 year anniversary of the Diocese.

Cards for offices outside of Ballarat, have been placed in the mail locker for distribution.

2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!

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 Catholic education communities 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. 

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 are now open and close on Friday 1 March 2024. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and nominate their colleagues. 

Please contact Fiona Murphy with any queries.

Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.

Catholic Identity and Mission Update

Ballarat Mosque Open Day

As part of strengthening community spirit and building bridges of understanding, the Ballarat Islamic community invites you to their Ballarat Mosque Open Day on Sunday 25 February.

Come along to gain insights into the beauty of Islam and develop a better understanding of its people and culture. The day includes a Mosque tour, free halal BBQ and exciting activities such as ‘try a hijab’, henna painting and fun activities for kids.

• Where: Ballarat Mosque, 116 Elsworth Street East, Canadian VIC 3350
• When: February 25, 10.30 am until 02.30 pm
• RSVP: Obaid Noor, Islamic Society of Ballarat, Mobile: 0411 351 292

World Day of Social Justice - Tuesday 20 Feb

Next Tuesday 20 February marks the World Day of Social Justice, as declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations at its sixty-second session, in November 2007. This day was first observed in 2009, and was declared a national day of significance to commemorate and urge all efforts to combat unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty. The United Nations General Assembly recognised that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

In his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis’ urges, probably for the first time in history, not only “the entire Catholic world,” but also “all people of good will,” and “every person living on this planet” (LS 3) to commit to action in this direction to care for “our common home.”(LS 1)  In chapter 5, Pope Francis speaks of Global Inequality, ‘The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation. In fact, the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet: “Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest”.[26] For example, the depletion of fishing reserves especially hurts small fishing communities without the means to replace those resources; water pollution particularly affects the poor who cannot buy bottled water; and rises in the sea level mainly affect impoverished coastal populations who have nowhere else to go. The impact of present imbalances is also seen in the premature death of many of the poor, in conflicts sparked by the shortage of resources, and in any number of other problems which are insufficiently represented on global agendas.[27]” (LS 45)

World Day of Social Justice reminds us that as a global community, of the need to build fairer, more equitable societies for the common good. As a definition or standard of justice, the common good entails the equal participation of every member of society in basic material, social, and political goods, both as a contributor and as a beneficiary. In fact, the common good is a form of a dynamic community that is a good in itself. 

This Week’s Exercise - 

🤔 🤝 Pope Francis once wrote, “to live charitably means not looking out from our own interests, but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us.” 

You may like to participate respectfully in an experience of prayer using either a physical labyrinth space, or the labyrinth provided on the right. 

• 🧘Begin by centering oneself in the moment, taking a few deep breaths and clearing the mind if possible. 
• Think about the issues surrounding poverty, unemployment and or social exclusion and the many individuals that face this injustice. 
• Trace with your finger or walk the path of the labyrinth mindfully and slowly.  
• When you reach a point about halfway to the centre, pause and read the following quote from the book of Genesis: So God created humankind in God's own image, God created them; male and female God created them. 
• Continue the path pausing at the centre to reflect on the following from Pope Francis - “To live charitably means not looking out for our own interests, but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us”
• Reverse your path on the labyrinth pausing one last time to ponder one or more of the following questions: Why should I care? How can you live more charitably? How can you carry the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us? What social justice issue have you seen with your own eyes recently that has stayed with you? How can you live more charitably to ensure this social justice issue is addressed?

Going Further:

You may like to join representatives of government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the ASEAN Secretariat, Asian Development Bank and United Nations as they discuss what needs to change to make Social Justice in the world of work a reality across Asia and the Pacific. 

• Meeting Tuesday, 20 February 2024 at 7:00pm until 8:00pm (Australia/Melbourne)
• Event Link - Social justice for All in Asia and the Pacific Meeting

Article submitted by Sarah Page.

Staff News

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Christensen as Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.

Helen will join the team on Monday 19 February and comes to us from MACS where she was an Aboriginal Education Officer. Prior to her time at MACS, she worked at Ravenhall Correctional Centre as an Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer.  

Old Magazines Wanted

If you have any old magazines lying around at home you no longer need, please feel free to bring them into the Ballarat office and leave them on Kerrie's desk.

A group Kerrie is involved with is holding a ‘Create Your Vision Board’ session, and they require material for participants to peruse and clip from to make their board. Your help is appreciated.

People and Development Update

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.

Early Career Teacher Days 2024  

The Early Career Teacher Program is a three-year integrated program designed to support early career teacher induction into the Ballarat Diocese and the teaching profession, within the particular context of working in the ministry of Catholic education. The program reflects the partnership between DOBCEL and schools who together support the professional growth of early career teachers. Elements of the program presented through these dedicated days will complement formation opportunities initiated by the school community. 

Graduate and Early Career Teacher program days will take place on the following dates throughout 2024. To encourage participation and decrease travel time for people in the north, program days in terms one and two will be run in two locations (Ballarat and Robinvale). The content on both days will be the same, and participants should only attend one day.  

If you know an early career teacher, please share these dates with them!

If you have any queries about the program please contact Sarah Hanley.

Effective Mentoring Program - Calling mentor teachers!  

The Effective Mentoring Program (EMP) is a free professional learning program developed and delivered in partnership with DE and VIT. 

This two-day program equips participants with mentoring skills to support beginning teachers and guide them through the provisional to full registration process. 

Any teacher who wishes to become a mentor for a PRT moving to full registration is able to participate in a VIT-approved mentoring program. 

Two-day EMP Course 

One-day EMP refresher course 
Refresher courses are available for those who have completed the initial two-day training but would like to refresh their mentoring skills. 

• 1 March - Melbourne
• 5 June - Melbourne
• 8 August - Melbourne

For further information and registrations please click here. 

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 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.