CEB Staff Newsletter #33 - 18 October 2024
Staff News
Melbourne Cup Day
Just to remind you, Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday, 5 November) is a public holiday across Victoria. In line with Clause 21.1(c) of the Catholic Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2022, employees may observe a regional public holiday in place of Melbourne Cup Day where applicable.
Most regional councils in Victoria observe Melbourne Cup Day, while a few may nominate a local cup or show day instead. Therefore, most CEB employees will take Melbourne Cup Day as their public holiday unless a locally recognised holiday has already been taken (e.g. Warrnambool Cup).
You do not need to submit a leave application for the public holiday, but please update your Outlook calendar to reflect the day accordingly. You should also inform your Team Leader which public holiday you are taking (or have taken).
If you intend to take Monday, 6 November, as an additional day off (creating a long weekend), you must apply for leave via Elmo for that day(s).
CEB Staff Formation Survey - Please complete the evaluation form
Thank you to those who have taken the time to contribute your reflections regarding our recent staff formation days in Horsham. The evaluation form is still open so please consider taking the time to share your wisdom via this feedback form HERE The form will be active until 5.00pm on Tuesday 22nd October. This information will be used to discern future formation opportunities for CEB.
Sacred Heart School, Casterton – storm incident response
STOP PRESS/UPDATE: We can now advise the Sacred Heart campus has been thoroughly assessed by builders today, and that classes are able to resume for all students on Monday. While some areas of the school such as staffroom, admin area and library will be temporarily cordoned off for repairs, classrooms are able to be fully utilized.
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Please keep Principal Suzie McManus and the Sacred Heart School, Casterton community in your prayers.
The school remains closed today (Friday) as detailed assessments of damage from Wednesday night’s severe hailstorm are completed.
The school suffered significant water-damage, including several collapsed ceilings, and is still without some power.
Builders and assessors are onsite to assess and report on the damage, before confirming plans for resuming teaching and learning next week.
Janet Claassen (Education Consultant Mid-Northern Zone) and Penelope Irish (Properties and Facilities Advisor) are onsite today supporting Suzie and her team with both practical and pastoral responses.
Megan Ioannou is Chairing the incident response team from here at CEB.
The school shared a short video of the storm on Facebook.
World Teachers' Day 2024 - Friday 25 October
Let's celebrate our teachers!
World Teachers’ Day honours the dedication, hard work, and passion of teachers who play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of our children.
World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the incredible work teachers do every day. By celebrating this day and showing our appreciation, we can help create a supportive and encouraging environment that allows teachers to thrive and continue making a positive impact on our children's lives.
Mark the day with some fun activities around Hats Off to Teachers with some resources below in the links below:
Please keep an eye out for our DOBCEL World Teachers' Day video across our social media platforms next Monday! Please comment, like and reshare the video with your networks.
Social Justice Activity Updates
SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE: LAUDATO SI’ IN ACTION
Social Justice Reflection
World Food Day October 16
& International Day for the Eradication of Poverty October 17:
Empty Promises, Empty Mouths
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis Of Assisi
Empty Promises, Empty Mouths By Andrew Hamilton
Empty promises, empty mouths - Daily Prayer
The longer the world takes to tackle climate change and address inequalities the more precarious the lives of millions of our brothers and sisters.
Each year the link between World Food Day (16 October) and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 Day) encourages us to think about what is involved in eradicating poverty and in putting food on everyone’s table.
This year the gap is growing between those who need not worry about their next meal, and those for whom it is not taken for granted but is a surprise gift. Despite knowing this, developed nations leave unaddressed the large factors that contribute to hunger and poverty.
The theme of World food Day – The right to foods for a better life and a better future – meets the reality that the issue now is less about rights than about possibility.
Increasing Inequality
Already inequality in the world and the breaking of supply chains as a result of hostility between nations have raised the price of food and have made it difficult even for many Australians to eat healthily and well.
The failure to address climate change, too, will mean that many people will starve, much land will become infertile, and their inhabitants will live in extreme poverty. The promise that no one will go hungry will seem increasingly empty.
The fragility that flows from the need simultaneously to address the large and pressing issues that face humanity and to make available good food to all can be seen if we google World Food Day. It produces advertisements for gourmet foods. These will no doubt include beef meals. Yet in Australia, beef production contributes to methane and so to emissions, and also leads to the deforestation of enormous tracts of vegetation in order that cattle may graze.
Both consequences flowing from our taste for red meat contribute to global warming that will affect the access to food of future generations of people, and particularly of those in less well-endowed nations.
Choose Well
To eradicate poverty and to share good food we need to make choices that we would not have faced a generation ago. They concern what we buy and eat, and how we live. We need also to persuade our fellow Australians to make similar choices, and to push governments to act in ways that will help feed the world.
This challenge is difficult. In producing, selling, and eating food in a way which ensures that people everywhere are fed, many relationships are involved. Each of them is open to manipulation; each must be just. It is important that farmers receive a just price for their food, and that there be space for retail markets where small farmers can sell their produce more profitably. It is important, too, that the relationships between farmers and chemical companies that provide seeds, fertilisers, and insecticides, do not create dependency and monocultures. The 19th century potato famine in Ireland offers a chilling example of the importance of respecting our environment.
To eradicate hunger, we need to be curious about a world wider than our own and to see its flourishing as our responsibility. We must ask why people there starve and stay while we listen to their answer. This can be a dangerous question.
Helder Camara said that if he fed the poor people called him a saint. If he asked why they were poor and starving, they tried to get rid of him because he was a Communist. Poverty and its devastating effects on people arise out of inequality in the world and the greed that underlies it.
Social Bonds
As Pope Francis has said many times, all profitable activity has a social bond – it needs to attend to the needs of the whole community and particularly of its most vulnerable members. This is true within nations and also between them.
People starve in Gaza because of war not by their own choice or by God’s will but as the result of others’ actions and failures to act. The eradication of poverty within nations and internationally ultimately depends on a change of heart. It will lead us to recognise that each human being, each human life, matters and that we are brothers and sisters, not competitors. These days remind us of that.
Called to Action: A Change of Heart
The eradication of poverty within nations and internationally ultimately depends on a change of heart. A recognition that each being, each human and non-human life, matters and that we are brothers and sisters, not competitors. We need to tell ourselves that and pray and work that we and all people will see it. We need to choose what we consume wisely and become more familiar with the stories behind what we buy, as we each have the power to put an end to the destructive trail our consumption can leave behind.
Caritas Australia
A prayer for peace in October
Please find a prayer for peace available for download/sharing here: A prayer for peace in October (caritas.org.au)
Upcoming significant Social Justice & Ecological Events for Term 4:
- World Food Day: October 16
- International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: October 17
- All Saints Day: November 1
- Remembrance Day: November 11
- The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: December 2
- World Conservation Day: December 4
- Human Rights Day: December 10
People and Development
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.
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
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 applications for teacher study in 2025 - closing Friday 25 October!
DOBCEL is providing sponsorship in 2025 for a number of courses which are seen as priorities for education in the diocese.
Go HERE for more information on the priority courses and guidelines for sponsored study in 2025.
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/.
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)
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
Apply for a sponsored course:
Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Primary application
Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Secondary application
Please click here to access the Higher Education guidelines information
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
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
CEB
- Psychologist – Mildura office, ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Education Officer: Student Wellbeing – Mildura or Swan Hill office preferred, ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 November)
Principal positions
- Principal- St Patrick's Primary School Camperdown - Camperdown (closes 20 October)