CEB Staff Newsletter #48 - 14 March 2025
Staff News
Welcome, Nick Barta!
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Barta as Employee Relations Consultant. Nick will join the team on Monday 17 March. Nick comes to us from The Y Ballarat where he was the People & Culture Manager.
Prior to this Nick has worked in many HR positions during his career such as the Learning Experience & Engagement Officer at genU Training and at Annecto where he was the Organisational Learning Consultant. Nick will be based in the Ballarat Office. If you see him around, please make him feel welcome.
The Allsorts Community Breakfast with Alana Forster
CEB Staff members Brendan Chalmers, Tim O'Farrell and Jim Waight are part of local cycling team Jimmy's Licorice Allsorts. The team's motto is "Fighting Cancer on Two Wheels" they do this by raising funds for cancer research each year by participating in The Murray to Moyne Cycling event. This year the event is 5th & 6th April.
One of Jimmy's Licorice Allsorts fundraisers is the inaugural community breakfast. This year the team are honoured to welcome a legend of Australian cycling, to the event Paralympian Alana Forster. What an incredible two years Alana has had. Not only did she win the world champion track cyclist in 2023 she also backed this by winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024. A magnificent breakfast consisting of egg and bacon rolls + Ballarat's best coffee will be served, followed by an interview with Alana. Your support will contribute to the world class cancer research taking place at The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute right here in Ballarat.
Ticket and event information is listed below. If you can't make it to the event and would still like to support these three Lycra clad lads, go to: https://jimmyallsorts2025.gofundraise.com.au/
Many thanks for your support.
| Date and time | Sunday 16th March 8.30am |
| Location | Arch View Cafe, 1728 Sturt St Alfredton |
| Ticket pricing | $20 |
| Some tickets are still available. | Click here for ticket registration! Or they can be purchased at the door on the morning. |
Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 -Recognise the Exceptional Work of Your Colleagues!
Nominate your colleagues and give them the recognition they deserve.
DOBCEL will continue to sponsor the awards program that honors outstanding service and leadership within our Diocesan school communities and the Catholic Education Office.
In 2025, have unveiled refreshed awards that align with our DOBCEL Strategy 2035.
This strategic alignment underscores our commitment to our vision: “As partners in Catholic Education, open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.”
We encourage all staff to participate and help us recognise the remarkable contributions of our colleagues. Together, let's celebrate the dedication and excellence that enrich our community!
Nominations close Friday, 28 March, 2025.
For all the information, please visit the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 page on our website.
Who We Are and How We Are session for First-Year Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
As part of DOBCEL’s commitment to supporting the professional growth of early career teachers, a session titled ‘Who We Are and How We Are’ was held this week for first-year Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
Facilitators from the Catholic Identity and Mission, Learning and Teaching, and Wellbeing Teams led informative sessions on student engagement, understanding learners, inclusive practices, teacher wellbeing and also a session titled “What Makes Our Schools Catholic?,” which sparked meaningful discussions among participants.
Matthew Byrne, DOBCEL Deputy Director of Catholic Education, welcomed the new teachers and provided an insightful overview of the Diocese’s operations. Matt Woodley, from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), introduced participants to the VIT Code of Conduct for teachers and workshopped some case studies.
This session not only provided valuable professional learning but also offered ECTs the opportunity to network with their colleagues – marking the start of their 3-year DOBCEL ECT program of learning together.
Big shout out to the Catholic Identity and Mission, Learning and Teaching and Wellbeing Teams for organising and facilitating a successful, engaging session!
People & Development Updates
Have YOUR Say…Staff Engagement Survey March 2025
We are excited that our 2025 CEB Staff Engagement Survey is NOW OPEN!
We have once again partnered with Culture Amp to facilitate this survey for many reasons, including a 100% guarantee of confidentiality and the ability to complete the survey via a PC, laptop, or mobile phone.
The Engagement Survey will offer an opportunity for all staff across CEB, to pause, reflect and provide input into what we are doing well and focus on areas for improvement to support engagement and continue to create a positive workplace culture.
In 2023, our Engagement Survey saw a 92% participation rate, highlighting a CEB-wide emphasis on strengthening communication. Via feedback and debrief sessions and the 2024 Pulse Survey you shared the need for focus on communication, specifically –
- Having Crucial conversations (including the giving and receiving feedback)
- Improving the flow and connection of information
- Fostering a spirit of communication, including partnering and presumption of good intent
These insights have guided us all at CEB to focus on transparent communication within and across teams over the past two years.
You can read more about some of the key organisational activities as a result of the 2023 Staff Engagement Survey and 2024 Pulse Survey in the FAQs document as listed below.
Key Dates
The survey will open on 11 March and close on 24 March.
How will I receive a copy of the survey to respond to?
Survey links were emailed to each CEB staff member on March 11. The link will take you to the survey, however, the survey can also be accessed on the Culture Amp home screen under tasks.
When will the results of the Survey be shared?
You can expect the results to be shared during Term 2. Teams will experience similar debrief session to the 2023 survey debrief sessions.
2025 Staff Engagement Survey FAQs
Click here to see frequently asked questions
Who can answer questions about the Survey?
If you have any questions about the Engagement Survey please contact Fiona Murphy or Emma Baldwin.
Crucial Conversations - 29 & 30 May, Ballarat Location
| Time & location | Day 1 9:00am-4:00pm and Day 2 9:00am – 3:30pm Glowery Room, St Patrick’s Cathedral, 3 Lyons St, Ballarat |
| Program overview | 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. Crucial Conversations will be run each term on the following dates:
*Minimum participant numbers apply for programs to run. Further information on additional leadership development opportunities for 2025 will be provided in next week's newsletter. |
| Query?Contact | If you have any queries about the program please contact Fiona Murphy or Emma Baldwin |
| Booking Link | Try booking registration – https://www.trybooking.com/CZNTC |
| Cost | $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch) |
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
CEB Positions
- Education Officer: Secondary – Ballarat office – ongoing position or secondment by agreement at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 March)
Principal Vacancies
- Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton (closes 23 March)