CEB Staff Newsletter #5 - 23 February 2024

2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards

Thinking about nominating some of the amazing staff and colleagues at your school for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award?  

The nomination form can be found here and further information on the awards can be found here. 

Nominations are open until 1 March. 

Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.

Barefoot Bowls Social Evening

Friendly reminder, the barefoot bowls social evening is taking place next 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.

Thank you to those who have RSVP'd and to Ange Van Berkel for organising the evening. Anyone wishing to participate who hasn't already responded, please email avanberkel@simonschools.net

People and Development Update

Culture Amp 2024 – Goals due by 29 February 

A reminder your goals should be entered into Culture Amp by 29 February 2024. 

For further information on aligning goals and instructions on using Culture Amp please see previous issues of the staff newsletter (issue numbers 2, 3 and 4), which can be accessed here. 

For any assistance please contact Fiona Murphy or Tania Lund.  

Crucial Conversations - Feb 28 & 29 2024

LAST CHANCE to register for the Ballarat session next week!

• 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. 

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat

• Payroll Officer – location at any DOBCEL office (Ballarat, Warrnambool, Mildura, Horsham, Swan Hill) – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 March)  

Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.