Executive Director’s Update to Principals #40 - 7 August 2025

Sacred Heart Primary School Update

I am pleased to confirm that Suzie McManus will continue in the role of Principal at Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton.

Suzie has demonstrated strong and effective leadership, bringing extensive experience, professional expertise, and organisational capability to the role. Her ongoing appointment provides important stability and continuity for Sacred Heart and the broader Western Trinity network, particularly during this period of transition with new Principal appointments across the region.

Sincere thanks are extended to Suzie for her continued commitment to Sacred Heart and for her leadership and support across the Western Trinity.

Diocesan Leadership Gathering (DLG) Horsham – 14-15 August 2025

The agenda for next week’s Diocesan Leadership Gathering with GM Sponsors held in Horsham on Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15, is below.

If possible, we encourage you to bring your 'Grow and Let Go' findings from the Network Collaboration Day to refer to during this session. 

Please note the following:
Venue:  Church of Christ, 91 River Road, Horsham
Start time Thursday 14 August: Due to a full agenda with the additional GM Sponsors presentations, the meeting will commence at 9.00am instead of the usual 9.30am.
Mass: Mass will be held at Ss Michael & John’s Parish, 13 McLachlan Street, Horsham at 5.00pm
Dinner: Bull and Mouth Hotel, 83 Wilson Street, Horsham commencing from 6.00pm

There will be no bus pickup for dinner.

Zone meetings will take place on Friday 15 August and agendas will be communicated via your Zone Chairs.

If you are not able to attend the gathering, please communicate your absence to Tom directly at tsexton@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Request to Update SALT LMS School Administrator Details

As part of ongoing improvements to the SALT Compliance LMS, we’re streamlining user accounts and enhancing reporting to minimise the administrative burden as much as possible. A key step in this, is ensuring that we have accurate school administrator details to improve consistency, communication, and support for schools.

In order to do this, please access the spreadsheet linked below to review the accuracy of your school data and/or update the information contained:

• Column B – This should contain the general principal email address for your school.
• Column C – This should contain the nominated local school administrator details for your school – this is the contact person at your school who is responsible for creating SALT accounts and providing local support.

Accurate details will help us maintain effective communication and support for your school.

Please update this spreadsheet by 20^th August 2025. For questions, please contact salt@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Thank you for your continued support.

Safeguarding Update

AI Deepfake Information for Schools

There are growing risks associated with deepfake technologies. School leadership must be familiar with this information to support and advise staff and their school communities effectively. Deepfakes – including images, video, audio, or text – are highly realistic but false media created using artificial intelligence. First developed in 2017, deepfake technologies have rapidly proliferated and are now widely accessible through AI-powered apps and online tools. Deepfakes are now recognised as a form of image-based sexual abuse and AI-facilitated abuse, causing significant emotional, reputational, and psychological harm.

Reporting Obligations – Mandatory Reporting

DOBCEL have responsibilities for the safeguarding of children and young people as required by Ministerial Order 1359: Implementing the Child Safe Standards- Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools and School Boarding Premises.

Mandatory Reporting is a legal requirement under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (VIC) to protect children from harm related to sexual abuse, physical or psychological injury or abuse. In all Victorian schools, registered teachers, school principals, early childhood workers, registered psychologists, school counsellors and all people in religious ministry are mandated to report a reasonable belief of child abuse to child protection authorities outlined in the Four Critical Actions for Schools, Responding to Incidents, Disclosures and Suspicions of Child Abuse.

Applications now open: 2026 School Community Improvement Grants

The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation is offering funding of up to $5,000 for six new school-led projects that aim to improve the welfare of school communities across the diocese. All DOBCEL primary schools are eligible to apply, with successful projects to be delivered in 2026. Applications close 10 November 2025, with outcomes announced in December.

To learn more and apply, follow the links below.