Executive Director’s Update to Principals #39 - 31 July 2025

Loreto College Announcement

Please see the attached announcement from Melanie Robertson, Loreto Ballarat Board Chair.

Early Career Teachers' Retreat

A reminder to book in your early career teacher for the 2-day retreat – Halls Gap, Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 August 2025

The theme of this year’s retreat is "Pilgrims of Hope" and is for teachers in their first, second, or third year of teaching. The 2-day retreat is intended to provide early career teachers with the opportunity to learn, reflect and connect with peers - all in the beautiful surroundings of Halls Gap.

During the experience early career teachers will explore:

• Nurturing and caring for their own spirits.
• Making space for themselves in the busy life of a teacher.
• Exploring the themes of hope and pilgrimage.
• Making connections with the DOBCEL 2035 Strategy.

Venue: Centenary Hall, 117–119 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap, starting at 10am to allow for travel.
Catering: Provided.
Suggested Accommodation: Country Plaza Halls Gap, 141 Grampians Rd (to be booked by individual schools).
Cost: $170
To book: https://www.trybooking.com/DASUR

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact Jim Waight or Julie Cooper.

Should your school require assistance in sourcing CRTs to enable your early career teacher to attend, please email Vicki Dekker, Talent Acquisition Partner, who can provide you with contact details of CRTs who may be available to assist.

Welcome to Sarah Pope, Case Coordinator: Complaint Resolution

Next week we welcome Sarah Pope to the People and Development team as our Case Coordinator: Complaint Resolution.

Sarah brings over a decade of legal experience – the last seven as a lawyer at Heinz Law – and offers strong expertise in in litigation, dispute resolution, and case management. Her background in both the public sector and private law, along with her commitment to equity and justice, will be a valuable addition to DOBCEL.

Sarah commences on Monday 4 August and will be based in the Ballarat office. 

Principals will have the opportunity to meet Sarah at the next Diocesan Leadership Gathering in Horsham.