Executive Director’s Update to Principals #49 - 22 November 2024
DLG Week 8 (Video Conference)
I remind Principals of the DLG Week 8 (VC) scheduled for next Thursday, 28 November, from 10:00am to 11:00am.
Please note that a new meeting invitation and VC link will be sent out later today, and Kerrie Zammit’s meeting invitation sent earlier in the year will be deleted to ensure that all Principals have the VC link.
Calling for Nominations - DOBCEL Board Consultative Committees
The DOBCEL Board is now inviting people interested in helping shape the direction and development of Catholic education in the diocese to nominate for a position on one of six consultative committees commencing in 2025.
Principals are encouraged to promote this invitation by sharing the flyer below within school communities and networks.
Let’s work together to connect with as many potential applicants as possible!
Applications close Sunday, 19 January 2025.
People and Development – Important Update re new Enterprise Agreement
Dear Principals
Whilst it is an extremely busy time for you and your school as we head towards the end of the year, we are seeking your feedback in preparation for the consultation and bargaining phase for the new EA in 2025.
As the leader of your school your insight matters, and we are keen to understand what has worked well for you and what you feel may need review.
Whilst there will be various opportunities for you to share your thoughts and experiences in the future; In the first instance, this Principal Survey has been developed to gather your feedback on critical aspects of the current Agreement, particularly around class sizes, time in lieu, and teacher workload.
DOBCEL is also committed to undertaking communication with you directly throughout the bargaining consultation process next year as this will be crucial in shaping an Agreement that best serves everyone.
It is requested that both the survey and its questions remain confidential and are not shared with others.
The link below will take you to the CEVN website and provide you with important information to assist you in understanding what feedback we are seeking, both from Primary and Secondary Principals.
I encourage you to complete the survey and thank you in advance for your participation in this important process.
Actions Required:
Please complete the Survey through the dedicated CEVN page by 20 December 2024. The CEVA Information Sheet can be viewed via the link/s below which also contain the link for the survey.
EB Consultation Primary Principals
EB Consultation Secondary Principals. For F- 12 schools, please complete the secondary survey.
For all enquiries, please contact the relevant diocesan representative: –Ballarat: 03 4344 4350 - Tina Phillips on tphillips@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or Jo Huntley jhuntley@dobcel.edu.au
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST for Ireland Pilgrimage (September 2025) now open
Expressions of Interest are open for the Ireland Spiritual Heritage Pilgrimage for Principals on 14th - 28th September 2025.
Below is the 2024 itinerary, indicative of the possible program and costs (approx $13,000 in 2024).
Costs are to be shared 1/3 each between participant, school, and DOBCEL.
Please register your expression of interest by 6 December via this registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/XHUbxtV1wV
Visitor and Contractor Induction Management module - Passtab
Over the past 12 months, DOBCEL and a selection of schools have worked with Passtab to develop a Visitor and Contractor Induction Management module which would allow schools to ensure that all contractors, volunteers and visitors to the school are provided with an induction that is appropriate for the activities they are undertaking while at the school; and are recorded on the appropriate checklists. This is a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Once the initial induction is completed, contractors, volunteers and visitors would be provided with a quickpin which can then be used at any DOBCEL school. This means that an induction is only required once and the evidence to meet all regulatory requirements is made available to all schools.
In addition to the induction module, Passtab offers the following features:
- Guaranteed Compliance: Ensures your school meets all Ballarat Catholic Education Visitor Management requirements via the confirmed Passtab DOBCEL account default settings.
- Effortless Verification: Features automated, live validation of Working With Children Checks to enhance child safety on campus.
- Streamlined Inductions: Allows for easy completion and automatic updates of inductions for contractors and volunteers, ensuring all information is current.
- Document Management Simplified: Automatically stores contractor insurance documents and sends reminders for renewals, minimising administrative burdens.
- Pre-registration: Invite contractors and volunteers to complete your Induction and Compliance requirements prior to arrival for quick sign in at the iPad.
- Compliant sign ins only: Non-compliant people are not granted sign in, so you have complete confidence in your state of compliance.
- Easily Auditable Reports: Comprehensive reporting, searchable data, option to add comments to records, audit ready, exportable to CSV.
- Integrated Student Management: Integrates with SIMON to manage student early leavers and late arrivals efficiently.
- Extended SIMON Capabilities: Offers additional SIMON integration options for self roll marking and issuing class passes, streamlining classroom management.
- Flexible Access Points: Supports multiple entry methods, including iPads or QR codes, linking to consolidated emergency reports for enhanced safety protocols.
- Centralised Contractor Management: Upcoming access to the Passtab network will centralise contractor management across all Ballarat Catholic schools, facilitating better oversight and coordination.
To assist schools that are not currently using Passtab or do not have the premium subscription which includes the new Induction module, DOBCEL is offering assistance with the provision of funds to encourage these schools to change their Visitor Management System or upgrade their current system. This funding would include all software and hardware requirements to run Passtab and the initial year’s subscription costs.
If you are interested in participating in this scheme, please email Andrea Warr with your approval to change your school’s Visitor Management System and your school’s best contact to forward to Passtab.
If you have any questions regarding this scheme, please contact Andrea Warr on 0498 490 749.