CEB Staff Newsletter #17 - 31 May 2024
National Reconciliation Week Morning Tea
Today, our Catholic Education Ballarat office staff gathered for morning tea to recognise National Reconciliation Week.
We thank our Education Officers - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Jeanette Morris and Helen Christensen, for hosting the gathering, and for their ongoing leadership and inspiration.
Now more than ever, our Catholic education community of schools and offices across the diocese of Ballarat is committed to learning more about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation with First Nations peoples in Australia.
Staff News
Welcome back Tony and thank you Robyn and Liz
This week it has been great to welcome back Tony Perkins, Leader of Wellbeing from a well-deserved period of Long Service Leave.
We extend our gratitude to Robyn Cranage and Liz McIntyre and the entire wellbeing team for enabling Tony this break and for the continuation of excellent support of schools.
Announcement of Appointment - Gayle McPherson
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gayle McPherson as Payroll Officer.
Gayle will join the team on Monday 3 June and comes to us from St John’s Primary School, Dennington where she was the Business Manager. Gayle will be located in the Warrnambool office, however will be in the Gillies Street office for her first week to meet everyone.
Secondary Education Consultant Short-Term Secondment Opportunity
We are excited to offer an 8-week secondment opportunity (5 August – 27 September) for an experienced educational leader to undertake the role of DOBCEL Education Consultant - Secondary. This temporary position is available while Tim O’Farrell takes a well-deserved period of Long Service Leave.
Interested DOBCEL CEB staff are encouraged to consider how your team may be placed to cover your substantive role during this period, allowing you the benefit from this unique system experience. You are encouraged to discuss your interest with your team leader.
Diocesan Secondary Principals have also been invited to consider the opportunity.
Details of the Secondment:
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Compensation: DOBCEL will pay a higher duties allowance for the period of the appointment.
- Eligibility: The secondment is open to all Catholic school secondary principals across the Diocese of Ballarat and to DOBCEL CEB staff. Principals from RI/MPJP schools are welcome to apply, pending approval from their governing authorities.
Next Steps: If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please submit your expression of interest addressed to the Executive Director, Tom Sexton to employment@dobcel.catholic.edu.au by Monday, 10 June.
Your expression of interest is to be no longer than one page and include the following:
- Why this secondment opportunity interests you
- If you were successful, how your current position will be backfilled
Expressions of interest will be assessed on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute effectively to the DOBCEL community. The discussions will focus on finding the best fit for the role, considering the needs of the individual, their school, and DOBCEL.
For further information, please contact Matt Byrne at 0409 138 113.
We look forward to your interest in this enriching professional development experience.
Gillies St Office – lighting change
Following feedback from a number of staff, DOBCEL Leadership has endorsed a proposal to change all lights in the Gillies St office from the current ‘cool white’ to ‘warm white’, and for the change to be monitored and evaluated.
Whilst an even spread of light, designed to cater for general office tasks currently exists throughout the building, levels of light and glare often vary due to location and setting of workstations and meeting rooms.
It is hoped the ‘warm white’ lightbulbs will deliver a more user-friendly output of light across the office.
The change will be made outside of business hours over coming weeks.
Should you have any queries or concerns regarding the change please contact your manager to discuss.
Article submitted by Ash Wiseman.
People and Development Update
6-Month Self-Reflection/Annual Review Process - Live Monday 3 June 2024
The 6-month self-reflection process for the CEB office opens on Monday 3 June 2024. The self-reflection process aims to ensure an opportunity for conversation to affirm and reflect on your achievements to date in 2024 and provide space to discuss and capture any support or growth and development opportunities for delivering on the goals you set for 2024.
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.
6-month self-reflections and meetings should be completed by Friday, 14 July 2024.
Instructions for updating the status of goals and completing the self-reflection can be found here.
If you have any questions about Culture Amp please speak with Fiona Murphy.
Lost and Found
There are a number of items sitting at reception in the Gillies Street office.
Most recent items added are:
- 'Be That Teacher Who Makes a Difference & Lead Aboriginal Education For All Students' By Kylie Captain and Dr Cathie Burgess - Found in Conference Room
- Spiral Notebook - Found in Conference Room
- Brown Wrangler Jacket - found in the Gillies St office
Please see Elena at reception if you believe any of these items belong to you.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
You are invited: ACU Theologies of Priesthood Panel
Reimagining Priesthood in the Church of the 21st Century
- When: Tuesday, 4 June, 5:00-7:00pm
- Where: ACU Melbourne campus (in-person event)
Greg Craven Centre, Level 7, St Teresa of Kolkata Building
115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria - Panellists: Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Dr Rosemary Canavan, Fr Rene Ramirez, Dr Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer, Rev Dr David Pascoe
- Facilitator: A/Prof. Maeve Louise Heaney
- Register here
The priesthood is a central element of Roman Catholic faith, in which the one Priesthood of Christ grounds the priesthood of all believers through baptism and the ministerial priesthood of the order of the presbyterate. These are essential elements of the Church’s self-understanding, and yet there has been no major study of the Catholic priesthood since the Second Vatican Council. This absence enables weak, polarising, and ideological understandings of priesthood and Church to flourish.
This evening will present and open a dialogue on the ongoing work of a five-year research program that addresses the core questions, challenges, and theological gaps in Catholic theological understandings of priesthood. The intent is a multidimensional study of priesthood that anticipates an authentic transformation of ecclesial culture with lasting effect on the formation of priests, and the shape of Catholic communities and forms of leadership into the future.
Article submitted by Gina Bernasconi.
Now More Than Ever - National Reconciliation Week
May 27 - June 3 2024
A Reading from Laudato Si’
“It is essential to show special care for Indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed. For them land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values. When they remain on their land, they themselves care for it best.” (LS n. 146)
National Reconciliation Week takes place each year from 27 May – 3 June. It’s a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.
The 2024 National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme, Now More Than Ever, is a powerful call to action. It reminds us that no matter the challenges, the fight for Reconciliation, and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue.
We can’t leave this unfinished business to the 3% of our population that is Indigenous. Achieving Reconciliation will require the efforts of all Australians. So what do we mean by Reconciliation? It’s all about coming to terms with our shared history and moving forward, together.
The Office of Ecology, Justice and Peace has produced a resource to help you to reflect on the post-referendum reality and to take action.
How much do you know about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Most Australians get these ten questions wrong! Whatever your result, we appreciate you taking the time to develop your cultural awareness. Let's get started!
Take the Evolve Communities quiz: Evolve's Diversity Quiz
5 Actions for Allies this National Reconciliation Week:
- Access NRW Resources
Explore educational resources available on Reconciliation Australia’s website to enrich your understanding and build your toolkit for meaningful action. Access NRW resources here. - Amplify Indigenous Voices
Follow, listen to, and amplify the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators, activists, and organisations. Learn about some Elders you can follow online here. - Support Indigenous Businesses
Consciously choose to buy from Indigenous-owned businesses, suppliers and services to empower First Nations entrepreneurs and drive economic equality. Search for an Indigenous business here. - Create Reconciliation Policies for your organisation
Organisations can establish or strengthen their commitment to Reconciliation by introducing policies that prioritise inclusion, cultural awareness, and positive collaboration with Indigenous people and communities. Learn how to create an inspiring workplace for First Nations peoples here. - Commit to Continuous Learning
Beyond NRW, make cultural education an ongoing journey. Sign up for workshops or local initiatives to continue growing as an Ally. You can access Evolve Communities free resources for developing your cultural awareness and Ally skills here.
Article submitted by Sarah Page.