Executive Director’s Update to Principals #39 - 17 August 2023
Restructuring of the Zones
Dear Colleagues,
I write to you in planning for 2024, to provide notification of our intention to progress the next stage of the restructuring of the Zones. Last year we surveyed Principals of the mid-North regarding the decision and that feedback was balanced and constructive. It recognised the appreciation of the collegiality of the existing Zone structures, whilst acknowledging the pragmatics of the decision to move to four Zones to provide the focussed support.
The decision to move to four Zones commenced with the Hutton Report of 2010 and the Ryan and Kimber Report in 2016. As I commenced in the Diocese and met with Principals, I heard repeatedly that the North was too big and that 3 consultants to support primary schools was inadequate.
A fourth Education Consultant was appointed in early 2022 and we maintained the existing structures throughout 2022 and 2023, given the high-change environment that all within the education sector were experiencing.
I feel it is important that we honour the design intention to move to four Zones in 2024. I appreciate that this is a change and hope that by moving to the more intimate structure for the Week 2 and 8 meetings, that the opportunity for face to face meetings in the North and Mid North may be facilitated, at least on some occasions, as is the case in the other zones.
There are some logistical implications such as executive structures, calendaring and the re-allocation of funds for the respective Zones, which is why I am communicating this decision now. I have written to the Principals of the Mid North yesterday, given the direct impact on them; this progression to the next stage consequentially involves all Zones by way of smaller membership.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to bring them to me directly or you may raise them with Janet or Matt.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2024
Accompanied by Fr Justin Driscoll, CEB are offering to coordinate and part sponsor two pilgrimages to the Holy Land in 2024 given appropriate numbers of participants (between 15 and 25 per group).
Why go?
St Jerome is credited in saying: “Five gospels record the life of Jesus. Four you will find in books and the one you will find in the land they call Holy. Read the fifth gospel and the world of the four will open to you.” In the company of colleagues, here is a superb opportunity to encounter the biblical landscape of the Judeo- Christian story and to see how faith has marked shared scripture, locations, and rituals. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is as much a geographical and educative journey intertwined with spiritual purpose. Whatever the provocation to go, it presents a precious time to journey together and reflect on the Gospel invitation to respond to God’s mission for the sake of the common good.
The Holy Land is the place of interfaith soil, offering a palette rich in diversity of culture, religion, tradition, politics, and topography that will certainly afford a new lens in which to view our own circumstances and how we might reflect anew on the Good News. Location, people, sights, sounds, moods, symbols, structures, rituals – even the cuisine - captures the imagination and heart in a dynamic that will continue to walk through you. The Holy Land retells an ancient vision that challenges and humbles.
Ballarat Lifestyle Travel is yet to confirm the full itinerary so please peruse the 2023 Diocesan Holy Land Pilgrimage Experience as indicative of possibilities.
To register your preference of pilgrimage please complete the Holy Land Pilgrimages Survey 2024
For full details please see the attached flyer below.
Stewardship Update
Policy Update
The following policies has been finalised and ratified:
- Risk Management Policy
- Risk Management Framework
The intention of the Risk Management Policy and Framework is to promote and embed a culture of effective risk management by using a holistic approach to integrate risk management in all decision-making processes and to provide a consistent approach to managing and reporting on existing and emerging risks across DOBCEL Schools and CEB for oversight by the DOBCEL Board.
These documents support the DOBCEL Board, CEB and schools in adopting a single and consistent approach to risk management, in alignment with Board expectations and Victorian legislative requirements.
Principals are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the content of these documents to support the implementation of appropriate risk management processes to anticipate risks, to assess risks and avoid excessive risks; and that responses to risk are proportionate and effective.
These documents will be available through eSORT from Monday 21 August 2023 and will be distributed with instructions to Compliance and Risk Officers for their implementation as required.
Any enquiries regarding these documents should be directed to Andrea Warr.