Executive Director’s Update to Principals #49 - 18 September 2025

St Malachy's Primary School Edenhope - Principal Update

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jayne Brumby as the new Principal of St Malachy’s School, Edenhope, commencing in January 2026.

Jayne brings 18 years of experience in Catholic education and a strong commitment to faith-based leadership and inclusive learning. She holds a Bachelor of Education from RMIT University, a Bachelor of Arts (Teaching) from the University of Ballarat, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Religious Education from the Australian Catholic University. Jayne is also currently undertaking a Master of Play Therapy at Deakin University, reflecting her ongoing dedication to child-centred learning and wellbeing.

For the past six years, Jayne has served as Religious Education Leader at St Mary’s Primary School, Colac, where she has worked closely with staff, students, and parish to strengthen Catholic identity and foster a culture of dialogue and reflection. During her 18 years at St Mary’s, she has also been a Specialist EAL Teacher, supporting students from refugee and migrant backgrounds, as well as a Specialist LOTE/Auslan Teacher and classroom teacher across all year levels, including in multi-age and team-teaching settings. Jayne has led initiatives in recontextualising scripture, supporting staff formation, and embedding Laudato Si’ into school life through ecological awareness and action. Her leadership has extended to working in partnership with Parish Priests, developing sacramental programs, and creating rich opportunities for liturgy and prayer within the school community.

Her earlier teaching experience includes roles at Cobden Primary School, where she implemented oral language programs for Prep–Year 6 students, and Terang College, where she began her teaching career as a Grade 5/6 teacher in 2003.

Grounded in trauma-informed practice, Jayne has completed professional learning with Foundation House and the MacKillop Foundation, ensuring that student wellbeing remains central to learning and community life.

Jayne is an active parishioner of St Mary’s Parish, and looks forward to building strong partnerships with parents and the St Malachy’s Parish and the wider community.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Jayne Brumby as the new Principal of St Malachy’s School, Edenhope.

Workplace Delegate Rights

Understanding the role, rights and associated responsibilities of a workplace delegate (often referred to as a Union delegate/representative) is important.   

To assist your awareness on how this framework works under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)(Act) please click here for further information.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.