Executive Director’s Update to Principals #41 - 10 October 2024

'The Commonwealth at 75' publication launched at Westminster Abbey today

As you are aware, Executive Director Tom Sexton has been recognised as a thought-leader in education in Australia in The British Parliament Trust's commemorative publication – 'The Commonwealth at 75'.

The publication celebrates examples of leadership, innovation and development across the 56 nations of the Commonwealth and was officially launched at Westminster Abbey, London earlier today (our time).

We are very proud of Tom's involvement and especially pleased that a regional education leader was included in the publication.

DOBCEL Chair Terry Harney and wife Marie joined Tom and his wife Ann for the event.

Read the full story and see photos  here:  

Ballarat Catholic Bishop's Charitable Fund - 2025 School Community Improvement Grants (closing 15 November)

The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation, incorporating the Ballarat Catholic Bishop’s Charitable Fund (“Foundation”) will make funding available to six Catholic Primary Schools for new projects that aid in the improvement of the welfare of their community within the Diocese of Ballarat.

Up to $5,000 will be made available, per project, delivered during 2025. Any DOBCEL primary school can apply for the grant through the grant process, as outlined on the Diocese of Ballarat web site: https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/services-agencies-2/stewardship/catholic-diocese-of-ballarat-foundation/

Grants will be awarded to the six schools within the diocese that best meet the criteria for community improvement that show impactful support toward the mission and objectives of the Foundation. This includes, but not limited to, providing relief, comfort and support for those suffering disadvantage within the Diocese.

All proposals will be assessed and considered at a meeting of the Foundation on November 28, 2024, with successful applicants being notified in early December 2024 and funds delivered in February 2025.

Grant applications will close on November 15,  2024. Initial queries or questions in relation to the grant process or grant documentation, can be directed to the Foundation Secretary via email: foundation@ballarat.catholic.org.au.

Social media safety - newsletter resources and fact sheets

Please find attached below newsletter resources and fact sheets to support schools and parents to help keep students safe online and what to do if they are involved in an online incident.

Secondary School Immunisation Program - newsletter and social media resources

Thunderstorm asthma - school newsletter resources

Please see below communications material to assist you to promote management of Thunderstorm asthma risks in your school newsletters.  

OHS Update - Concussion

Please see below an OHS Update containing vital information about managing incidents of concussion. This includes noting that when a student suffers a concussion at school it is deemed a Worksafe notifiable incident.

Please see attached an updated information poster to be displayed in First Aid rooms of what to do if a concussion occurs at school. This is to be used in conjunction with the Concussion Recognition Tool 5 Concussion Recognition Tool 5.

Psychosocial Risk Assessment eLearning training reminder

A reminder to please complete the eLearning module assigned to your school on the topic ‘Psychosocial Risk Assessment eLearning’.

The training links were sent in early July to the nominated email addresses; if you did not nominate an email address it would have been sent to the school principal email address.

The email was sent by Converge International through their LMS from noreply@mygo1.com.

There were two emails sent, one to set up an account to access the learning system and the second advising you have been assigned the course containing a link directly to the start page.

If you set up your account and access the training you then have 12 months access to the course, however you need to log in prior to the end of October to create your account.

If you have any questions, please contact Leah Crough lcrough@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0419 687 893.

Information on the training is available via the flyer linked below.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, it is greatly appreciated.  

Universal Speech Screening for Foundation Students - Opt-in now

The Catholic Education Ballarat Speech Pathology (SP) Team is pleased to offer all schools an opportunity to opt-in to universal speech screening for all foundation students in Term 1, 2025.

If you would like to participate, please opt-in by clicking on this link and completing your school details no later than 15 October. The SP team will then contact you or your LDL with further information.