CEB Staff Newsletter #64 - 1 August 2025

DOBCEL Strategy 2035

Thank you for your Support

As we continue to shape the future of Catholic education in our Diocese we want to take a moment to say thank you.

Over the past few months, we’ve asked a lot, from participating and encouraging schools to complete the Strategy 2035 baseline survey, to contributing to data and network audits and participating in a number of sense-making activities. Your time, insights and commitment have been invaluable.

We’re pleased to share that we've received over 1,100 responses to the baseline survey for schools so far. Every school community has a voice.

Julia now shares a short message of thanks and reflection on the importance of this early work and what it means for the journey ahead.

Reminder: Complete the CEB DOBCEL Strategy 2035 Baseline Survey

If you haven’t yet completed the CEB DOBCEL Strategy 2035 baseline survey, there’s still time.

This 20-minute survey is tailored specifically for CEB staff in education support roles and is separate from the school-based version. Your input will help establish a clear picture of where we’re starting from in 2025 and guide how we measure progress over the next 10 years.

🗓 Open until Friday 8 August
🔗 CEB DOBCEL Strategy 2035 Baseline Survey

Your voice matters – please take the time to complete the survey and help shape the direction of our work together.

Quick Links – Stay Connected to the Strategy

🔗 DOBCEL Strategy 2035 – Full Document (PDF) – Check out pages 7–11 for our long-term aspirations.
🔗 Strategy Portal – Resources, videos, and key messages.
🔗 CIRP Page – Details and application form.

Thank you for your continued engagement and the role you play in shaping our collective future.

What will we be doing at Formation?

What is Pilgrimage?

Pilgrimage is more than a physical journey – it’s a spiritual practice embraced across religions, including Christianity. Whether walking the Camino or reflecting quietly at home, pilgrimage invites us into a deeper encounter with self, others, and God. This article explores four stages of pilgrimage: departure, the path, the sacred centre, and return, and encourages us to see life itself as a sacred journey of transformation.

CEB Higher Education Study Support – 2026 Applications Now Open!

Higher education study support is designed to promote ongoing professional learning of the individual and in support of a high-performing system of Catholic Schools culture aligned to the DOBCEL Strategy 2035. 

On an annual basis, Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) employees can apply for financial support towards higher education and study leave for one approved course of study or subject per semester. Up to two-thirds of the cost of the education will be provided as financial assistance (pro rata for part-time employees).  

How to apply: 

• Read the CEB Higher Education Study Support Operating Procedure.  
• Speak with your Team Leader regarding your intentions to apply for Higher Education Support. 
• Complete the online application form by Friday 29 August 2025. 
• Ensure your Team Leader endorses your application—unendorsed applications cannot be considered. 

For more information please refer to CEB Higher Education Study Support Operating Procedure or contact Fiona Murphy.  

Note: The CEB Higher Education Study Support Operating Procedure is a 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 and support leadership succession.  

CEB Professional Enrichment Scholarship – 2026 Applications Now Open!

The CEB Professional Enrichment Scholarship offers up to $5,000 to support enriching experiences such as retreats, conferences, immersion programs, or school visits aligned with our strategic priorities. 

Who can apply? 
All CEB staff with at least five years of continuous service who meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply for a Professional Enrichment Scholarship. 

How to apply: 

• Read the CEB Professional Enrichment Scholarship Operating Procedure and review the eligibility criteria.
• Speak with your Team Leader regarding your intentions to apply for a scholarship.
• Complete the online application form by Friday 29 August 2025 
• Ensure your Team Leader endorses your application—unendorsed applications cannot be considered. 

For more details, refer to the CEB Professional Enrichment Scholarship Operating Procedure or contact Fiona Murphy at  fmurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au. 

People and Development Update

Next week we welcome Sarah Pope to the People and Development team as our new Case Coordinator: Complaint Resolution.

Sarah brings over a decade of legal experience – the last seven as a lawyer at Heinz Law – and offers strong expertise in in litigation, dispute resolution and case management. Her background in both the public sector and private law, along with her commitment to equity and justice, will be a valuable addition to the team.

Sarah will join us on Monday 4 August and will be based in the Ballarat office. If you see Sarah around, please take a moment to introduce yourself and extend a warm welcome!

Career Opportunities

CEB Vacancies

• Leader: Wellbeing fixed term until 2031 at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 August)