CEB Staff Newsletter #32 - 11 October 2024
Staff News
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.
Appointment of Andrew Grindlay - Manager: Property & Infrastructure
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Grindlay as Manager: Property and Infrastructure. Andrew will join the team on Monday 14 October. Andrew comes to us with nearly 20 years at MACS where he most recently held the position of Team Leader – Planning & Property. He will bring with him a wide range of knowledge having worked in other educational environments such as Department of Education and Training and Braemar College. With experience also at Mount Alexander Shire Council as the Capital Works Co-Ordinator, Andrew will be a wonderful addition to the team.
DOBCEL at Westminister Abbey !
We are very proud that Executive Director Tom Sexton has been recognised as a thought-leader in education in Australia in a publication marking the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth launched at Westminster Abbey, London on Wednesday.
The British Parliament Trust publication - 'The Commonwealth at 75' - celebrates examples of leadership, innovation, and development across the 56 nations of the Commonwealth and will be distributed to more than 400,000 individuals and organisations.
We are especially pleased that a regional education leader has been included in the publication.
‘Education changes lives, and this publication is an opportunity to shine a light on the importance of education right across the Commonwealth, but particularly in rural and regional communities like ours, which face unique challenges,’ Tom Sexton said.
Following ten days engaging with Canadian education authorities, DOBCEL Chair Terry Harney and wife Marie, along with Tom Sexton and wife Ann, were on hand at ‘The Abbey’ for the launch event.
Read more here: https://dobcel.catholic.edu.au/catholic-education-leader-recognised-in-commemorative-publication-launched-at-westminster-abbey-today/
Westminister Abbey photos!
CEB Formation for Mission Experience - Horsham
Many thanks to all staff who participated in such a positive, open way in our Formation in Horsham. On reflection it was certainly a time for us to build community and to further explore The Catholic story and vision that underpins Catholic Education Ballarat. We appreciate the ease with which people came together in so many ways to make it all happen, including the carpooling to get to Horsham.
Grateful thanks to Elise Hart, Nadia Warnes and Tina Munro, who did so much to ensure the event was organised and ran so smoothly. There was an incredible amount of work that took place behind the scenes that made the event so successful. And special thanks to Megan Ioannou for so ably leading the process across the two days and to Teresa Brown, Berenice Kerr and Ange Jones for their significant contribution to our engagement.
The evening dinner on Wednesday was also a fabulous occasion of community and celebration. Many thanks to the organising committee of Donna Mason, Michelle Leonard, Tegan Bell, Alan Hutchison, Sarah Hanley and Miranda Pearse, who planned and facilitated our enjoyment of the activities!
Your feedback please !
As always, we would appreciate your input regarding your feelings and thoughts on this formation experience in Catholic Identity and Mission and ways future opportunities might be shaped. The following google form is intended to gather this information and would take approximately 5 minutes to complete: Formation Reflection
Thank you for taking the time to contribute your wisdom and insights.
Click here to view the Formation presentation.
Formation photos!
Social Justice Activity Updates
SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE: Laudato Si' In Action
International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction 13th October 2024
Pope urges action on climate crisis, care for environmental disaster victims: In his prayer intention for September, Pope Francis said the Earth “has a fever. It is sick,” and asks for “responses that are not only ecological but also social, economic and political,” stressing that “the ones suffering most from the consequences of natural disasters are the poor.”
International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction 13th October 2024
Pope urges action on climate crisis, care for environmental disaster victims: In his prayer intention for September, Pope Francis said the Earth “has a fever. It is sick,” and asks for “responses that are not only ecological but also social, economic and political,” stressing that “the ones suffering most from the consequences of natural disasters are the poor.”
2024 International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction Theme: Empowering the Next Generation for A Resilient Future.
With increasing global surface temperatures, the possibility of more droughts and increased intensity of storms will likely occur. As more water vapour is evaporated into the atmosphere it becomes fuel for more powerful storms to develop. More heat in the atmosphere and warmer ocean surface temperatures can lead to increased wind speeds in tropical storms. Rising sea levels expose higher locations not usually subjected to the power of the sea and to the erosive forces of waves and currents.
In a world facing increasingly more frequent and destructive climate-related challenges, there is no greater time than now to adapt, innovate, and advocate for resilience in the face of floods, heatwaves, wildfires, and other disasters. It is time for us to work together to embrace and foster the human spirit's capacity to persevere, prepare for change, and work together to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
The characters in the following story are fictitious but are inspired by real-life situations and projects around the world to build the resilience of at-risk communities.
Further Reading: Where is God in natural disasters? - Laudato Si' Movement
Called to Action: #DRRday #AreYouReady2024
Get to know your local ecosystem and the possible risks from natural disasters and plan for Disaster Risk Reduction:
Get to know your hazards - Victoria State Emergency Service - VICSES
People and Development
Crucial Conversations – 12 & 13 November 2024 (Glowery Room, St Patrick's Cathedral Hall)
Time - 9:00-4:00 (both days)
Location – Glowery Room, St Patrick's Cathedral Hall
3 Lyons St South, Ballarat VIC 3350
Cost $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch)
Trybooking link (registration) - https://www.trybooking.com/CUDNA
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
Blended Work Arrangements for 2025
As we come to a close to the end of the 2024 School Year, the current Blended Work Arrangements (BWA) are due to expire.
All staff are invited to apply for a new Blended Work Arrangement for 2025.
To access a copy of the Operating Procedure, Health and Safety Checklist and Application Form please visit via Knowledge Banks. These resources will provide all the necessary information and guidelines for submitting the BWA application.
Applications must be submitted to Team leaders for approval, no later than 30 November 2024.
Please note, approval of a BWA request is conditional on the home office endorsement by the OHS Coordinator, Leah Crough.
For any queries or questions please contact Emma Baldwin.
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 – 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 2 – 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 or both workshops on 24 Oct, to make it a full day of professional development.
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
Professional learning opportunity!
"Understanding the reportable conduct scheme in an education setting."
Adam Foster – Employment Lawyer - Colin, Biggers and Paisley supports clients to navigate the changes and issues that arise as legislation changes, ensuring they have best practice policies and procedures in place and are compliant from a regulatory perspective. When problems or disputes arise, Adam's clients value his calm, decisive manner and strategic approach. He has been described as a 'workplace problem solver’, and enjoys helping his clients find solutions to improve workplace relationships to the benefit of the business and its employees.
With the introduction of the Reportable Conduct Scheme in 2017 Adam has become acutely aware of the importance of informing education staff of the scheme, its broad application and the importance of setting professional boundaries to enhance self-care in schools’ settings.
Adam will deliver 4 online sessions for DOBCEL staff in relation to the Reportable Conduct Scheme and its application in an education setting.
Target audience:
All levels of school staff with a particular focus on teachers, LSOs and support staff working with students.
Delivery – Online
When: Wednesday, 16th Oct 2024 - 2pm to 3.30pm. https://www.trybooking.com/CVGI
Session content is relevant and important to all levels of staff. Whilst individual staff registration is essential, consider options for staff to attend in pairs or groups to encourage conversation and ongoing reflection opportunities.
Desk Yoga!
Desk Yoga is a fantastic way to incorporate movement into your workday, helping to relieve tension and improve focus without leaving your workspace. See below some easy poses you can do right at your desk.
Tips:
Breathe: Remember to breathe deeply during each stretch.
Frequency: Try to take a short break every hour to do a few stretches.
Mindfulness: Use this time to check in with your body and mind.
Incorporating these desk yoga practices into your daily routine can help you feel more energized, focused, and relaxed as we enjoy the beautiful spring and summer months.
Catholic Super will be visiting Catholic Education Ballarat Office on Monday 28 October 2024 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Individual meetings are available to staff seeking questions regarding their superannuation.
- Topics to consider include contribution options, investment choices, insurance in super and planning for retirement.
Please see click here to access the registration information link for an individual meeting.
Engage Your Mind with access to the Flourish Wellbeing E-Magazine
All DOBCEL staff have access and can subscribe to the Flourish Wellbeing E-Magazine which provides full contextual health and wellbeing content in a simple, contemporary and engaging format.
Expertly written articles each month and featuring engaging videos and a monthly podcast called Thrive – Where Wellbeing Converges.
Learning Support Officers - PD Opportunity
“Why is child safety central to the work of a Learning Support Officer?”
Presenter – Sarah Morgante. Director of One Red Apple Consulting.
Target audience – LSO’s and other support staff working in schools.
Focus - 11 Child Safe Standards, Mandatory Reporting requirements, receiving a disclosure from a student and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
With the use of case scenarios Sarah will provide the opportunity for primary and secondary LSO’s to consider the interconnectedness of all child safety requirements as they pertain to their role.
When: December 10th 2024.
Where Damascus College Ballarat.
Now open for registrations on try booking. Register here - https://www.trybooking.com/CWFBU
Catholic Education Updates
Sponsorship and Accreditation for Higher Education
In line with DOBCEL policy re Sponsorship for Higher Education Priorities, if intending to undertake study for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or Lead in a Catholic School, the following courses are recommended for sponsorship support: https://dobcel.catholic.edu.au/prof-learning/sponsorship/.
Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Primary application
Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Secondary application
Please click here for the Sponsorship for Higher Education information.
NB. Diocesan sponsorship for all courses closes October 25th
1. The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education (GCTRE) provided jointly by Yarra Theological Union (YTU) and Catholic Theological College (CTC); see the flyer with details here.
The GCTRE is an online course. If this course is your choice, please apply for Diocesan Sponsorship first and once confirmed, register for the GCTRE via details provided in the flyer. CEB will be bulk billed for this course, there is no up-front payment.
2. The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education provided by ACU
The GCRE is an online course. If this course is your choice, please apply for Diocesan Sponsorship and once confirmed, register for the GCRE; see the flyer with details here.
3. REAP (RE & Pedagogy)
Is a face-to-face course for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or Lead in a Catholic School and on completion of the study the participant receives a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (GCRE).
REAP does not have an online option. This face-to-face, supported learning, facilitated by ACU takes place at Aquinas in Ballarat across a Friday and Saturday, twice a semester (dates still to be set). As with the GCRE, there are four units of study with two units undertaken per year. Sponsorship is available for REAP.
If you have already committed to the REAP course to commence in 2025 with Gina Bernasconi, there’s nothing more you need to do for now. Gina will contact you re Diocesan Sponsorship and enrolment with ACU.
This REAP option is still available and if you want to join REAP, please email Gina on the email address below: gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au
For other priority courses please see the DOBCEL website under Professional Learning/Sponsorship for course links.
Practical Theological Instrument (PTI): Developing a Catholic School Culture of Dialogue - ECSI Masterclass No.2
Time Update: Save the date and register
You are warmly invited to join us this 20 November for the second ECSI Masterclass! Building on the success of the first Masterclass this past April, the second offers you and your colleagues a broad and deep look into our newest Practical Theological Instrument (PTI) on forming teachers and staff for a culture of dialogue. The Masterclass event is free of charge and open to all those invited by CEB.
Please register at this link no later than Wednesday 13 November (one week prior).
Please note the updated timing for this event. The change is intended to increase opportunities for participation among colleagues across the country. You need not update your registration. Thank you for your understanding.
ECSI Masterclass No.2
Practical Theological Instrument (PTI): Developing a Catholic School Culture of Dialogue
Wednesday 20 November 2024
LIVE ONLINE AEDT 4:30pm - 6pm
Presenters: Prof Dr Didier Pollefeyt, Drs Jan Bouwens
One week prior to the Masterclass, the specific link and login details will be sent to all those registered online. More information about the 2024 series of ECSI Masterclasses can be found at this page.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Gina Bernasconi: Ed Officer: ECSI - gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au
Hey Coffee Lovers - Our Coffee Van is Back!
Great news! The Coffee Van is back next Monday 14 October! We know it's been tough without Simon.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
CEB
- Psychologist – Mildura office, ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 20 October)
Principal positions
- Principal- St Patrick's Primary School Camperdown - Camperdown (closes 20 October)
- Principal - Sacred Heart Primary School Casterton - Casterton (closes 14 October)