CEB Staff Newsletter #27 - 23 August 2025

Staff News

 Marketing and Communications Update

Tara Lupus commences on Monday in the role of Marketing and Communications Officer.

Tara brings professional qualifications and great experience from previous roles including as Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Quayclean and Membership Marketing Officer for the Australian Dental Association - Victoria.

Please make Tara very welcome !

In the short term, please continue to liaise with Gerard Delaney re Marketing and Communications issues and needs. 

 Wellbeing Team Update

It is with sadness that I pass on the news that CEB Psychologist Carmen Jewell has resigned her position at CEB. Carmen will conclude on Monday August 26 to take up a full-time position with the NSW Department of Education.

Carmen joined our team in May 2022 and has worked with the River Region schools. Initially Carmen worked 0.4FTE and this was extended to 0.6FTE. Carmen combined working at CEB with another part-time role at NSW Department of Education. During her time at CEB Carmen has engaged with many complex student cases providing valued support to the students, their families, and the schools. We are grateful for Carmen’s professionalism and commitment to the needs of the students with whom she engaged. We wish Carmen well for the future.

Carmen will work with Allan Hutchison and the Psych Team to address handover of existing cases and management of caseload in the River Region. Recruitment for a replacement has been initiated.

Tony Perkins, Leader Wellbeing. 

Staff Survey - Planning for October 2/3 Formation Days

Staff are reminded to please complete the survey below with preferences for the October formation days no later than 30 August.

Responses to submitted surveys can also be edited.

Go here to complete the survey: https://forms.office.com/r/PvpJZ4eRtu

A second survey will be sent late in September regarding workshops.

Thank you for your participation.

Jack Lenaghan, Principal Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac resignation

Jack Lenaghan, Principal of Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac has advised he will conclude his employment at the end of the school year.

The word legend is sometimes thrown around loosely, but in Jack's case, it is an understatement !  

Jack has served as a Principal in our Diocese for 29 years - 6 years at St Malachy’s, Edenhope and 23 years at Sacred Heart. Throughout his career, he has been a passionate and innovative educator. He has shown great commitment to the wellbeing of all in the Sacred Heart community, working tirelessly to build a strong sense of engagement and belonging, and placing great importance on the development of the 'whole person' and having 'fun' through learning and participation.

Jack has lived the values of respect for the life and dignity of each person and, through his generous and caring nature, has truly known his students and their families through a genuine interest in each individual. 

While much more will be said later, we thank and congratulate Jack sincerely for his service, and offer him every best wish for the future.   

Please see below a letter provided to the Sacred Heart school community this week. 

New Finance and Payroll Systems for DOBCEL

Following a thorough process of due diligence and vendor selection, we are pleased to announce we will shortly begin a project to migrate to new Finance, Payroll and Core HR Systems:   

Finance: Microsoft Dynamics Business Central

Payroll & HR Core: Aurion

With useability for schools at the forefront of thinking, these platforms represent the best technology, people, and ethical standards that align with DOBCEL’s current and future needs and vision.

The implementation project - “Project Nexus” - will commence shortly and further details will be provided ASAP.

We trust you share our excitement to be commencing this next technological phase of DOBCEL’s growth in delivering ‘best in class’ support to our schools and community.

If you need more information, please contact Danny Gruber dgruber@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Speech Pathology Awareness Week - 'Communication Your Way'

Next week is Speech Pathology Awareness Week with the theme "Communication Your Way".

At DOBCEL, we have a talented and dedicated team of speech pathologists and visiting teachers supporting and advising our students, teachers, and families about communication.

Our DOBCEL team is dedicated to promoting the importance of communication for students' social, emotional, and educational well-being through programs including:

- Speech screenings for foundation students.

- School and individual speech support programs.

- Collaborating with teachers, Learning Support Officers, and wellbeing team colleagues.

These actions aim to prioritize effective communication as a vital component of student success. 

One of our talented team of Speech Pathologists Miranda Pearse and Leader of Wellbeing Tony Perkins prepare to celebrate Speech Pathology Awareness Week ! 

Crucial Conversations – Swan Hill 3 & 4 September 2024 – Last chance to register!

Crucial Conversations – Swan Hill 3 & 4 September 2024 – Last chance to register!

Time - 9:00-4:00 (both days)

Location – Swan Hill -   Murray Downs Resort, Swan Hill

Cost $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch) 

Try booking registration - https://www.trybooking.com/CSRZV

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. 

Future workshop dates -  

Crucial Conversations will also be run on the following dates -  

12 & 13 Nov - Ballarat 

Trybooking link - https://www.trybooking.com/CUDNA

If you have any queries about the program please contact Fiona Murphy on fmurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Staff Enrichment Scholarships 2025

Eligible Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) employees are invited to apply for a 2025 Enrichment Scholarship (up to $5000). Up to four Enrichment Scholarships may be available to CEB employees in 2025.

Eligibility

Subject to a recommendation by a review panel, a period of enrichment leave may be granted by where the applicant:

• has completed five years (or more) of continuous service with CEB
• continues to be an employee for the 2025 school year
• willing to access their accrued annual leave or long service leave to attend/participate in the Enrichment opportunity
• has not previously accessed other enrichment leave entitlements
• has not recently received CEB support for significant professional development or immersion/study tour; and
• agrees to pay any Fringe Benefits Tax associated with the Enrichment Scholarship

[Members of the Leadership team are ineligible for this scholarship].

The Scholarship

The intent of the Enrichment Scholarship is a commitment to:

• professional and spiritual renewal supporting capability and growth
• enhancing wellbeing through opportunities for reflection, renewal, and learning; and
• aligning enrichment opportunities with CEB strategic priorities.

The Enrichment Scholarship provides for up to $5,000 for directly related costs.  In addition to program costs, the Enrichment Scholarship can be used in support of travel, accommodation and meal costs related to the program or event. 

Successful applicants agree to use their accrued annual leave or long-service leave entitlements while participating in their nominated enrichment program.

Click the link below for more information and application process.

CEB Support for Higher Education – 2025 Applications Open

Higher education study support is designed to promote ongoing professional learning of the individual and in support of a high-performance culture aligned to our strategic directions.

Higher education study support is offered for higher education studies in an approved course of relevance and benefit to the person’s role and career at Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) or the wider DOBCEL community.

CEB employees can apply, on an annual basis, for financial support towards higher education and study leave for approved courses of study using the CEB Higher Education Support Application. The process for 2025 applications is now open until Friday 27^th September.

If you are considering studying next year, please discuss with your Team Leader before completing an application. Applicants will be informed of the outcome in writing by the end of the 4^th week of Term 4.

For more information, including how to apply, refer to CEB Higher Education Study Support Operating Procedure on policy central or click here. 

NB: this is separate provision to the DOBCEL Sponsorship: Higher Education Studies in Religious Education, Theology, and Catholic Educational Leadership Policy which is designed to specifically promote higher education studies in religious education, theology and educational leadership. It recognises that higher learning in these areas is an important element of contemporary Catholic leadership and teaching that will enhance the Catholic identity and the learning across our diocesan education community, ensure effective learning outcomes for students and support leadership succession.

For more information refer to this operating procedure or policy on Policy Central.