Executive Director’s Update to Principals #37 - 24 July 2025

Enterprise Agreement Update

As you will be aware, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), on behalf of DOBCEL and other Catholic school employers, has formally notified the IEU and the ANMF of our intention to begin bargaining for a new Enterprise Agreement. Staff were also advised of this earlier this week.

Our aim is to secure improved pay and conditions for staff as soon as possible.

We are committed to working collaboratively with the IEU and ANMF to achieve a positive and timely outcome.

To keep employees informed throughout the bargaining process, a dedicated website has been established: www.eb.catholic.edu.au. Principals and employees will also continue to receive updates directly from DOBCEL or VCEA directly.

Thank you for your continued contribution to the success of our schools and communities.

2025 Census and Special Circumstances Webinar

Schools are reminded to complete key administrative requirements ahead of the 2025 August Census.

Please register the relevant members of your admin team to attend the upcoming Census webinar to ensure your school is fully prepared.

Verify and submit your school’s August Census via CEVN by COB Friday, 1 August 2025.

Submit any Special Circumstances applications, along with supporting documentation, to sc@macs.vic.edu.au by Friday, 8 August 2025.

For further detail and information, please refer to the VCEA Circular, released on 18 July, which has been linked below. 

Emergency Management Training

Department of Education – Emergency Management Training Sessions Now Open to Catholic Schools

The Department of Education (DE) is once again extending an invitation to Catholic schools to participate in its annual Emergency Management Training Sessions. These sessions are designed to support school leaders and staff with best-practice approaches to emergency management within the education context.

Each session will run for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and will cover key seasonal updates, the development and implementation of Emergency Management Plans (EMPs), and strategies for effective preparedness, response, and recovery. The content will be consistent across all sessions, with opportunities for live Q&A.

Sessions have been grouped by region to ensure any localised risks or queries can be addressed by the relevant DE regional staff. While participation is entirely optional, principals and relevant staff are strongly encouraged to attend a session that suits their availability.

A full list of dates, times, and Webex links is available below and you are encouraged to select a session that suits your schools schedule best.

For further information, schools may contact Tom Kernick – Emergency Management and Risk Advisor at: tkernick@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

This is a valuable opportunity to align your school’s emergency planning with sector-wide expectations and updates, and to engage with experienced regional emergency management staff.

Our Futures Year 7/8 Vaping Prevention Program

The Our Futures Vaping Prevention Program is now available free to all secondary schools across Australia, offering a proactive, curriculum-aligned approach to addressing vaping among young people.

Developed by leading prevention experts at the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre, the program is specifically designed for Year 7 and 8 students and aligns with both the National and Victorian Health & Physical Education curriculum. It supports schools in tackling the behavioural and wellbeing drivers behind vaping in a way that is student-centred, flexible, and easy to implement.

What’s Included?

• Four self-contained 20-minute modules, each with comprehensive teacher guides and lesson plans.

• Fast and simple setup — less than 10 minutes, allowing teachers or wellbeing staff to integrate lessons with minimal preparation and no additional resources required.

Access the Program Now

The program is available now for all secondary schools. Schools are encouraged to explore how it can support their health and wellbeing curriculum.

Register or Learn More:

• Register your school: Our Futures Vaping Prevention Program Registration

• Preview the first lesson: Teacher Trial Access

• Program information: Learn more about the program

Contact for Enquiries:

For further information, contact Joe Ewing:
Phone: 03 4344 4350 | Email: jewing@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Policy Update

A new Modern Slavery Policy has been released, replacing the previous Anti-Slavery Policy.

The document, along with instructions for implementation, was released via eSORT 1 July 2025. 

CARSOs have also be advised of the update.

Enquiries can be directed to Victoria Fara: vfara@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.