Executive Director’s Update to Principals #48 - 12 September 2025

Update regarding Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Murtoa

Please refer to the below statement from Executive Director, Tom Sexton.

Southern Zone Education Consultant 2026

DOBCEL is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Andrew Watson to the role of Education Consultant – Southern Zone from the commencement of the 2026 school year. Andrew will be known to some as a former senior leader at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, and Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown and Noorat. He was also the principal of Thomas Carr College in Tarneit.  Andrew then moved into the Catholic Education Office, Ballarat as Education Consultant for secondary schools before assuming the Deputy Director’s role.  Andrew has most recently been the Executive Director for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga and is excited to return to Western Victoria.  Andrew has an extensive career in Catholic education as a teacher, principal, consultant and system leader. He holds extensive qualifications in leadership and theology, which have provided rich foundations for his strategic educational leadership. 

DOBCEL is fortunate to have immediate access to Andrew, as he is currently working with Megan Ioannou and the Stewardship team in the role of Manager: Risk and Assurance in an interim capacity while recruitment is underway to fill this position long-term. 

We extend our congratulations to Andrew.

Leave Coverage

Several senior Leaders within DOBCEL are currently on or about to go on Leave.  Principals are advised of the following contacts if seeking support.

Student-Free Days and School Closure Days 2026

Schools are currently planning for 2026. In that planning will be the consideration of student-free and school closure days to achieve school improvement and staff formation for mission. The Professional Learning Calendar will be circulated in the coming weeks to assist you in your scheduling.

Please refer to the documentation (linked below) to support your understanding of the definitions and procedures relating to allocating Student-Free Days and School Closure days. 

When planning your school calendar, please keep in mind formation opportunities in Catholic identity for your staff. One student free day each year must be designated to this purpose. This day should be part of a staff formation plan and reflect the intentional, ongoing and reflective nature required for formation for mission.  

There are 6-8 approved student free days for the 2026 school year

• First day of gazetted school year
• Last day of gazetted school year
• At least one day for Catholic formation of staff
• Three further days
• Optional two student-free days for collaboration opportunities with at least one other school in the diocese.

Please complete this survey before 31 October 2025, and direct any questions to your Ed Con or Matt Byrne as you plan your 2026 Calendar.

Principals are asked to send themselves a copy of their response for reference. You will be prompted to do so after pressing 'submit'.

Student Agency Forum - Facilitator Details

As discussed at the DLG yesterday, principals are asked to provide the details of their school’s Student Agency Facilitator by Monday, 3 November 2025 (Week 5) via the following online form: Student Agency Facilitator Form.

Further information about the Student Agency Forum, including a sample role description, is available on Canvas. Principals have now been added to the course and can access resources directly.

Login instructions are linked below, and the link to these instructions is also included in the survey form.

Dates for the Student Agency Forum have been collated and attached below. 

SWPBS Information Session

We’re excited to offer a session for schools either starting or refreshing their SWPBS journey. 

Where does your school currently sit with SWPBS implementation? Whether you're just beginning in Phase 1 or progressing through Phase 2, this session is a chance to reconnect with the updated SWPBS Implementation Guides and reflect on how effectively your school is applying the framework. 

 📅 Date: Wednesday the 8th October 
📍 Locations: Horsham Office / Ballarat Office (choose the most convenient) 

Join us to hear about our renewed commitment to SWPBS and explore how we can support your school's journey.

2025 Australian School Leader Occupational Health & Wellbeing Survey

The 2025 Australian Principal Health & Wellbeing Survey is now open for new registrations at healthandwellbeing.org.

This national survey is confidential, independent, and designed to capture the experiences of school leaders across Australia — especially those in rural and remote communities whose voices are vital to a complete picture.

By participating, principals receive a personalised report on their own health and wellbeing, while contributing to research that informs government policy and drives system-wide support initiatives.

The 2025 survey is shorter and more accessible, ensuring every leader’s experience is heard. Ongoing participants will have already received their link, but new participants are encouraged to register today.

Find out more in the flyer linked below and register at healthandwellbeing.org.

DOBCEL-ACU PhD Cohort Initiative

Following the presentation by Associate Professor Steven Lewis and Associate Professor Jessica Holloway at DLG in Horsham, please find attached slides and an Expression of Interest form for the DOBCEL–ACU PhD Cohort Initiative.

This program offers DOBCEL teachers and leaders the chance to complete a part-time PhD while working in their current roles, with projects aligned to Strategy 2035 and supported by ACU’s leading researchers. Further details are included in the slides and a list of FAQs have been added to the EOI form.

Expressions of interest are to be returned to execdirector@dobcel.catholic.edu.au and close on Friday, 19 September 2025.

Amplify – A System-wide Opportunity for Our Schools

We are excited to share that DOBCEL is partnering with Amplify, an innovative music education provider, to strengthen music learning across our primary schools. 

What is Amplify? 
Amplify is a complete music education solution that combines proven pedagogy, digital infrastructure, and hands-on support to help every child experience the benefits of music. Their approach is evidence-based and practical, giving teachers the tools and confidence to deliver high-quality music education in every classroom. 

As global educational experts such as Sir Ken Robinson and Pasi Sahlberg have emphasised, the creative arts play a vital role in learning and development. I share this view strongly: music, drama and dance are not just enriching in their own right, but are proven to enhance literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing. 

The Benefits 
Amplify’s model makes implementation simple and sustainable. With a flat-fee structure, a clear opt-out process, and a dedicated local coordinator, schools can be confident of transparency and strong support. All contracting and invoicing will be managed centrally by DOBCEL, while Amplify takes responsibility for day-to-day operations. 

Schools that join will receive: 

• Direct training and resources for classroom teachers 
• Full access to Amplify’s digital platforms and curriculum tools 
• Prompt troubleshooting and instructional guidance 
• An initial onboarding report following school engagement 
• Ongoing termly reports  

A dedicated Amplify Ballarat Coordinator will oversee the program locally, serving as the primary point of contact for schools and DOBCEL. 

Fees 
The fees outlined below are calculated on the basis of all DOBCEL primary schools participating in each program. They are only achievable if the majority of schools commit to joining. Should fewer schools take part, costs may increase, so a system-wide effort is essential to keep fees affordable for everyone. Importantly, the programs deliver even greater value as additional subject areas are added, with the per-student cost increasing only marginally while significantly expanding the learning opportunities available. 

Getting Started 
Onboarding of participating schools will begin later this year, with the program to be fully in place for the 2026 academic year. Importantly, the system-wide cost works out to just $28 per student for the Full Performing Arts Program, including music, dance and drama, if all DOBCEL primary schools opt in, making this a cost-effective way to bring music education to life across our Diocese. 

From Executive Director, Tom Sexton 
“Our partnership with Amplify represents a significant opportunity to strengthen music education for every child in our Diocese. The evidence is clear: when students engage in the creative arts, whether music, dance or drama, they build confidence, enhance their literacy and numeracy and experience greater wellbeing. Amplify’s model, combined with strong local support and system-wide coordination, ensures that all our schools can deliver these benefits. I strongly encourage every school to take up this opportunity for the good of your students and our shared future.” 

Expressions of Interest 
Please indicate via the following survey link your preferred option of engagement with Amplify by Wednesday 17 September.

Pre-service Teacher Placements for 2026

As shared in the VCEA - September 2025: Catholic Online Mail for Schools (COMS), principals are reminded to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) survey to host pre-service teachers in 2026. The survey provides Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers with updated information on school contacts and placement availability, strengthening partnerships across Catholic education.

This EOI does not replace existing arrangements schools may already have in place, but will complement them by giving a broader picture of placement opportunities.

Please complete the survey by Friday, 19 September 2025, using the following link:

👉 2026 Pre-Service Teacher Expression of Interest Form

Please click the link below to read the VCEA notice.

Paid placements in Catholic schools will continue in 2026.

For further enquiries, contact Fiona Murphy at fmurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Safety Alerts

Please find linked below Safety Alerts #3 and #4 pertaining to lawn mower safety and celebrating Health and Safety Month in October.

For any questions, please contact Leah Crough.