CEB Staff Newsletter #30 - 13 September 2024

Staff News

We regretfully announce the resignation of Nicole Wiseman, Early Years Planning and Implementation Consultant with DOBCEL.  In her 12 months with us, Nicole has become a valued member of the Stewardship Team and her work on the Early Years project will continue to be built upon into the future.

Nicole’s last day will be Friday 20 September.  We offer her our sincere thanks and best wishes as she embarks upon a new role as Unit Manager Service, Infrastructure and Planning with the City of Whittlesea.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Belinda Chiswell as Education Officer: Learning & Teaching (primary). Belinda will join the team at the start of the school year on Monday 26 January 2025. Belinda is very familiar to Catholic Education having started her career at Lumen Christi then moving to St Alipius in Ballarat East. She then returned to Lumen Christi Delacombe where she is currently the Acting Deputy Principal.

Thoughts and Prayers for Sarah McKnight

Please keep Sarah McKnight and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  Sarah is a member of our Learning and Teaching team, and she lost her loved Dad in the early hours of this morning following a significant period of illness. May the peace and love of God be with Sarah, her family and all those who grieve.

Office closure time – end of term

As we near the end of the term, all offices will close next Friday, 20 September at 3:00pm and we wish all staff a relaxing and happy break.

Acting Executive Director 

Effective Wednesday 18 September through to Wednesday 16 October, Megan Ioannou will take on the role of Acting Executive Director whilst Tom Sexton is on his Canada/UK trip.

For any matters during this period for the Executive Director office, please continue to liaise with Tina Munro.

You're invited! - All Saints Portland 175th Dinner Invitation 

The oldest school in the diocese, All Saints, Portland will mark its 175^th anniversary with a series of events from 17-20 October. Please see details in the invitation below.

Please note: The QR codes in the images below have been enlarged, please use those if it is too tricky in the actual poster images to access the QR Codes.  

CEB Staff Formation

DOBCEL is committed to enhancing employees' understanding of our mission as a Catholic institution grounded in the Gospels. This year our formation in Catholic Identity for all CEB staff will take place in Horsham at the Church of Christ facility. The focus of this year will be on recognising our 150 years as a Diocese and will be facilitated by members of our own team in collaboration with DOBCEL Director, Sr Berenice Kerr and Dr Teresa Brown of ACU. 

This process of formation is ongoing and reflective, aimed at personal and communal growth through lived experiences, spiritual awareness, and theological insight. Our Formation will respect the diverse religious and spiritual perspectives within our team. While we educate about Catholic identity, we do not require conformity to a single perspective. These days in Horsham are designed to encourage dialogue, and help build a shared understanding of the Catholic identity that grounds our work.

The planned agenda for the two days can be found here. It is subject to change as content is finalised in the coming weeks, but the start and finish times are fixed so attendees can plan their travel accordingly. 

WHERE

Our Staff Formation venue is Church of Christ in Horsham (https://www.horsham.org.au/) and accommodation is across a range of motel providers in town. Elise Hart will share accommodation arrangements by email this week and next. If you have not received an email by Thursday 19 September, please let Elise know. 

For those who wish to participate in evening liturgy on Wednesday, all are most welcome. It will take place prior to dinner at St Michael & John’s Catholic Church, 13 McLachlan St, Horsham at 6.00pm.

DINING

Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea will be catered on-site. On Thursday a take-away lunch will be provided. Dietary requirements have been considered.

CEB’s all staff dinner will be on Wednesday night at the Horsham Golf Club, 304 Golf Course Road Haven. We are meeting from 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.

Please source your own breakfast on Thursday morning. Either charge back to your room number or obtain a tax invoice and submit a claim through Flexipurchase for reimbursement. You can familiarise yourself with the meal allowance guidelines here. 

We strongly encourage you to book a table at your preferred venue as there will be a lot of staff descending on a few places. Calling ahead will help the café staff be prepared and help you get to Formation on time.

TRANSPORT

Too few people requested a seat on a shuttle bus between Ballarat and Horsham, so we will no longer be providing this service. We will be in contact with those individuals to support alternate travel arrangements.

We are in the process of organising transport between Horsham Golf Club and a central point near accommodations. Further information to follow.

We strongly encourage staff to car-pool where possible and practicable.

THE DRESS CODE

Smart casual dress code.

SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE: Laudato Si' in action

2024-2025 Social Justice Statement, Truth and Peace:

A Gospel Word in a Violent World 

“They shall beat their swords into ploughshares.” Isaiah 2.4

The 2024-25 Social Justice Statement, Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World, is an urgent cry for peace amidst the worrying rise in violence, armed conflict and suffering around the world. The statement reflects on how our ‘post-truth’ society cannot foster peaceful dialogue, and therefore trust, which is a pillar for building global peace. It tells that the erosion of truth, brought on by new technologies and algorithms, loss of faith in generally accepted authorities, a well-resourced persuasion industry, and a generalised atmosphere of social distrust, increases the risk of conflict, and more importantly, damages means of building peace.

With the ultimate goal of local and global peace, the bishops declare the importance of promoting a robust education system so that children may better navigate the world they find themselves in, but how well do we, as adults, understand the impact of War on our current world? 

Please explore current global War statistics and information from the ACLED website regarding the current war-torn countries and the conflict watchlist, to build your awareness of the 50 countries currently affected, and what has fuelled these violent political competition, regional crises, and civil disputes.  

• War Torn Countries 2024
• Conflict Watchlist 2024 - ACLED 

The Church, and everyone within it, has a responsibility to be an agent of positive change for peace, and to respond to conflict by supporting the disadvantaged, vulnerable and voiceless. 

The statement lists practical actions that people can take to make a real difference, including ways to foster dialogue and understanding; support and promote educational initiatives that teach the values of peace, conflict resolution and empathy; advocate for disarmament; engage in community service and reconciliation efforts; and embrace non-violent approaches to conflict resolution in personal relationships, communities, and broader society.

I encourage you to read the full statement here and commit to one practical action to help work together with everyone of good will, all who love truth, to show the world that there is a realistic way to peace. 

Upcoming significant Social Justice & Ecological Events:

•  The Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Convocation 2024:  September 12 to 14th
• International Day of Peace: September 21
• Refugee and Migrant Sunday: September 29
• Feast of St Francis of Assisi: October 4

Crucial Conversations – 12 & 13 November 2024 – Glowery Room, St Patricks Cathedral Hall

EVENT DETAILS

• Time: 9:00-4:00 (both days)
• Location: Glowery Room,  St Patricks Cathedral Hall
• 3 Lyons St South, Ballarat VIC 3350
• 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. 

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

Leadership Development – Pilot Program offerings for 2024

In 2024, significant progress has been made on the co-creation of the DOBCEL strategy 2035, as well as the development of a DOBCEL competency framework focused on school leadership. While the final detail of this work is still being refined, we have an emerging sense of what the results will be.

To ensure that future leadership programs are aligned with our strategic direction and provide the opportunity to develop the right skills and behaviours, a series of pilot leadership workshops are being offered in 2024.

These programs are designed to build capability in areas aligned to our strategic direction with the intention of integrating these programs into a more comprehensive leadership development calendar in 2025.

Cost - $0

Each of these programs will be run as a pilot program with the costs of the program covered by DOBCEL.

As part of attending the program, all participants agree to provide their identifiable feedback on things such as the program's contents, effectiveness, and suggestions for improvement. Participants will be asked to provide feedback at the conclusion of the workshop and may also receive follow-up contact after the workshop for further feedback.

Workshop 1 – Personal Leadership – Wednesday 18 September 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sovereign park Motor Inn – Courtyard Conference Room – 223 Main Rd Ballarat

Link to register - https://www.trybooking.com/CVDXW

Workshop 2 – Feedback-Championing a feedback culture – Thursday 24 October 9:00 am–12:30 pm

Sovereign park Motor Inn – Courtyard Conference Room – 223 Main Rd Ballarat

Link to register - https://www.trybooking.com/CVDUO

Workshop 3 – Collaboration – we are better together – Thursday 24 October 1:15 pm  – 4:45 pm

Sovereign park Motor Inn – Courtyard Conference Room – 223 Main Rd Ballarat

Link to register - https://www.trybooking.com/CVDXH

*You can sign up for only workshop 2 or workshop 3 on 24 Oct, or both workshops to make it a full day of professional development. You are welcome to sign up for all workshops.

Click here for further details on the workshops

Facilitators – BTS Spark

BTS Spark are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in leadership and development in the Education Sector.  They partner with schools, universities, education departments, professional associations and leadership institutes to support thousands of education leaders each year.

For further details on this please contact Emma Baldwin, Organisational Development Advisor or Fiona Murphy, Organisational Development Manager

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 using the CEB Higher Education Support Application.

In 2024 the process for 2025 applications is now open until Friday 27^th September 2025.

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 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.

Note 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.

Ballarat Office Guests & Catering

To ensure smooth operations and excellent service for our guests, we’d like to remind everyone of the following important procedures regarding catering and guest arrivals.

Catering requests: If you require assistance with catering or preparation for meetings, events, or other office gatherings, please make sure to inform reception in advance at reception@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  

This allows us to coordinate and provide the necessary arrangements.

Guest Arrivals: For any guests or visitors arriving at the office, please provide reception with the following details:

• Estimated arrival time
• Purpose of visit
• Meeting location

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping reception informed to help us maintain a welcoming and organised environment for everyone.

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

CEB

No positions vacant. 

Principal positions

Principal Our Lady Help of Christians School - Wendouree (closes 4 October)

Principal- Sacred Heart Primary School Colac - Colac (closes 29 September)