Executive Director’s Update to Principals #40 - 21 August 2023
Announcement of Appointment - St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Stawell
I am writing to inform you that we have appointed Mrs Bettina Bird as the new Principal of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Stawell. Bettina will begin at St Patrick’s on 30 October 2023.
Bettina comes to us from St Brigid’s College, Horsham where she has worked since 2011. Bettina previously worked in primary schools in Victoria including Ss Michael & John’s, Horsham, Jeparit Primary School, Natimuk Primary School and in 2007 and 2008, Bettina was employed at St Patrick’s, Stawell.
Bettina has completed a Bachelor of Education at La Trobe University and Master of Education at Charles Sturt University.
Bettina currently holds the position of Inclusive Practices Leader at St Brigid’s, Horsham. In 2022, she was appointed to the role of Acting Deputy Principal and was previously the Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning from 2018 to 2021.
Bettina has a strong focus on developing a culture of inclusiveness through child safe practices and best practice in learning diversity. She is passionate about supporting students in their educational journey and is excited to be part of the St Patrick’s school community.
Please join me in welcoming Bettina as the new Principal of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Stawell. Her experience, leadership skills and dedication to education will be a great asset to the school community.
Early Closure Principal Correspondence
Thank you for your response to the Time In Lieu (TIL) and end of year arrangements. This communication is drawing on the 34 responses that were received and the feedback provided through Zone meetings.
While there was some variance in responses depending on the Principal’s zone and the individual school setting, the feedback has led us to a position for 2023 that will subsequently inform 2024 calendaring.
Generally, Principals felt that they were growing in their ability to plan, approve and acquit TIL within the workflows of school life. Given that the CEMEA 2022 is being implemented halfway through this year, we are all experimenting to some extent on the best ways to acquit TIL.
Based on your feedback, it appears that two days at the end of this year would offset any TIL accrued throughout 2023 for most of DOBCEL Primary school staff. It was widely perceived that staff would benefit from the earlier finish, whether accrued or not, in this calendar year. We recognise that generally, the commitment of DOBCEL staff is extraordinary. The early finish supports all staff and will hopefully foster goodwill and demonstrate the intent of fairness as we move towards 2024.
I acknowledge that although this agreement may drive a more transactional relationship between employers and employees, this is not how our schools have operated historically. I have great hope that mutual goodwill and a commitment to student outcomes will remain the driving factor in the future.
DOBCEL Primary schools are encouraged to enact the following 2023 calendar:
- Student last day: Friday 15 December (normal finish time)
- Staff last day: Monday 18 December
- Gazetted last day: Wednesday 20 December
It would be common at this time of year to communicate end of year arrangements to families and I encourage you to advise families of these 2023 end of school year dates. You may have previously published school calendars; if so, it is at your discretion to advise that this is an adjustment to meet the changing operational needs of the school community. Please refer to the draft communication for parents/guardians attached below to assist where helpful.
If you receive follow up enquiries, you may refer to the changing educational landscape nationally, and that, to keep pace with evolving employment obligations, DOBCEL schools have needed to adjust school operations.
I am aware that some school communities felt that they will not need to finish earlier at the end of the year due to processes they have in place to support TIL. While these schools will be supported to continue as planned, there is merit in a consistent approach across all our schools. I encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have with your Education Consultant in the first instance, or with Matthew Byrne, Megan Ioannou or myself if needed.
Looking ahead to 2024, to provide clarity and support planning in relation to the acquittal of TIL, the calendar will reflect one closure day at the end of the year. We anticipate that with adequate planning and a greater operational knowledge of the Agreement, these 7.6 hours of ‘banked’ hours for the planned closure day will assist with the planning for your staff acquittal.
We have also included a second communication to families below which may assist you regarding morning drop off times and supervision (adjust from letter to newsletter format as required). It is not intended that this be used concurrently with the end of year arrangements, but it may assist your communication with families at an appropriate time.
Maree Baker, HR Manager and Jo Huntley, HR Advisor remain available for any questions you may have regarding the CEMEA 2022.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.