Executive Director’s Update to Principals #18 - 24 April 2023
Enterprise Bargaining Update
As communicated in the Executive Update #17 (4 April 2023), DOBCEL continues to support efforts to finalise the replacement Agreement with the inter-Diocesan bargaining group and the IEU so that we may be in a position to vote in Term 2. To support this aim, the bargaining group met with the IEU on Tuesday, 18 April to progress with bargaining. At this stage, the focus is on finalising the wording of clauses where we have previously reached a broad agreement to vary that clause.
The following resources have been developed by CECV to support the implementation of changes, as they come into play. The management of teacher working hours, for example, is to support your understanding of the 30+8 model, reduced SCT and extras (in secondary) as it stands and its implementation. The teacher Time in Lieu (TIL) in addition to camps in Term 1, will take effect from a commencement date throughout 2023, which is yet to be determined. These resources are to assist your understanding, for when it does come into effect.
DOBCEL, along with the other Diocesan and RI/MPJP representatives, have agreed to the introduction of the 30+8 teacher workload model, reduced SCT, the introduction of TIL provisions for teachers and reduced extras for secondary schools. These substantial changes, consistent with the Victorian Government Schools Agreement, are intended to impact staff and their workload positively. (Refer Executive Update #10 (6 March 2023 and 30+8 Model presentation - primary and 30+ 8 Model presentation - secondary (March 2023))
To support schools in operationalising these changes CECV resources have been developed, and are now available via the CECV Website - CEMEA 2022 Implementation Guides and Resources (go to the bottom and it is 2022 CEMEA) and the Principal EBA Updates Google Folder, including:
DOBCEL will continue to provide regular updates this term as we progress bargaining and prepare for a vote in Term 2. This will include written communication via Executive Director Updates, all principal briefings by VC and in-person zone sessions.
For now, should you have questions about the above information, or aspects of the new Agreement, DOBCEL principals should liaise with your Education Consultant. Principals in RI/MJPJ schools should also seek advice via their governing bodies regarding the operationalisation and timing of these changes.
DOBCEL Consultative Committee Leadership Vacancies
Expressions of Interest are open until Wednesday, 3rd May !!
A range of vacancies exists across a number of DOBCEL Consultative Committees for both school leadership representation and parent/guardian representation. These committees are an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the work of the Board and CEB reflects the needs of DOBCEL school communities right across the Diocese.
We would love to hear nominations for school leadership representatives from both principals and other school leaders.
Typically, the committees meet once each term for a duration of 90-120 minutes. The opportunity exists to attend face-to-face or virtually. For volunteers outside the organisation, compensation for expenses is available.
DOBCEL understands the many demands on principals and so also encourages nominations from others in school leadership positions. Membership of a Consultative Committee would support professional growth and system understandings and is a different opportunity to contribute to the governance of DOBCEL schools.
The Terms of Reference for each Consultative Committee can be found on the DOBCEL website. In the event of multiple nominations, the Board will invite Consultative Committee members on the basis of the general balance of the committee, taking into account factors such as skill mix, location, school size, etc.
For DOBCEL Primary School Leaders, the following vacancies exist;
- Catholic Faith Community & Culture Consultative Committee
- Family and Community Engagement Consultative Committee
For Parents, Guardians or Carer’s with a child/children enrolled in a DOBCEL School, the following vacancies exist;
- Catholic Faith Community & Culture Consultative Committee
- Children & Young People Safeguarding & Wellbeing Consultative Committee
- Family and Community Engagement Consultative Committee
- Learning and Teaching Consultative Committee
To publicise this opportunity to the school community we would appreciate you adapting the communication below for your newsletter and social media streams.
" The DOBCEL Board provides opportunities for members of the diocesan education community, and others with relevant expertise, to participate in the mission of DOBCEL, to assist its governance and decision making and to inform faithful stewardship of the mission through DOBCEL Consultative Committees.
A range of vacancies exists across the DOBCEL Consultative Committees. These committees are an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the work of the Board and CEB reflects the needs of DOBCEL school communities right across the Diocese. Typically, the committees meet once each term for a duration of 90-120 Minutes. The opportunity exists to attend face-to-face or virtually. For volunteers to the organisation, compensation for expenses is available.
Opportunities exist for parents/guardians/carers with a child/children enrolled in a DOBCEL School to join one of the following;
- Catholic Faith Community & Culture Consultative Committee
- Children & Young People Safeguarding & Wellbeing Consultative Committee
- Family and Community Engagement Consultative Committee
- Learning and Teaching Consultative Committee
In the event of multiple nominations, the Board will invite Consultative Committee members on the basis of the general balance of the committee, taking into account factors such as gender, diversity, skill mix, location, school size, etc.
For more information please contact Jo Mckee jmckee@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or speak with your school principal. Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday, 3rd May."
Annual Report to School Communities
The ARSC are due to be completed by 5th May 2023.
A number of schools have already started the process. Below are reminders regarding reporting:
- If you do not have a report in the optional sections - Parish Priest and SAC, you can just hit the completed button and this section of the report will drop out, rather than having a Not Applicable in your report
- In the Student Attendance section, you should be giving a statement about monitoring the every-day attendance of students including contacting parents of those absent. You will already have percentage rate of students attending if you drop the prepared information into your report
- There should be a $ amount for average spending on staff PD
- You must have a statement regarding MO 870 AND MO 1359 - as there was the change over during the year and this has to be acknowledged in the ARSC
- Principals should "verify" the report (green tick), so that the Diocese can approve the report and send it on to CECV for endorsement. If the report is not verified, we are unsure if this is a draft copy of your report
MACS Executive Director Appointment
On Friday 31 March, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli announced the appointment of Dr Edward Simons as the new Executive Director of Education at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools.
We warmly welcome and congratulate Dr Edward Simons on his new appointment.
Click here to read more about Dr Edward Simons and the previous work he has done in the education sector.
Revised Victorian Curriculum Foundation to Year 10 review
Further to correspondence to Principals from VCAA in September 2022 please expect a further update directly from VCAA this week.
We look forward to providing further information and support during this term.
Irish Trip Update
DOBCEL members Tom Sexton and Maree Baker joined members of Catholic Education Sandhurst at the Irish Jobs Expo on Saturday 22 April. It was a productive day, meeting with a large number of teachers who were interested in the opportunity to travel to Australia to teach in our Catholic Schools. Please see Irish Times article referencing their time at the Job Expo.
Prior to the expo, representatives from Catholic Education Sandhurst and Ballarat were invited to the Australian embassy to meet with Mr Gary Gray, the Australian Ambassador to Ireland. This was a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable insights into how to best approach our recruitment initiative in Ireland, and to learn more about this great country.