Executive Director’s Update to Principals #62 - 06 November 2025

Student Wellbeing Attendance and Engagement Survey

At our DLG, Tony Perkins presented an update on the Student Wellbeing Attendance and Engagement project which is currently seeking school leadership input. This short survey seeks a Diocesan-wide snapshot of current attendance practices across our schools. Your feedback will help identify areas of strength, challenge, and opportunities for support and will form the basis for further inquiry and discussion with schools and school leaders. In 2026 we will be exploring engagement and belonging more deeply, however we would also like some initial feedback to inform how we progress in relation to our Strategy 2035.

For those Principals who were unable to attend DLG, we invite you to please complete the survey which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete by selecting the link below.

Student Agency – Schools that Listen: Session Selection

We are excited about our first Student Agency Educator sessions which will take place on Thursday, 20 November, 9:15 am - 12:00 pm and Friday, 21 November, 9:15 am - 12:00 pm.  

You only need to attend one session and do not need to attend on the same day as your Student Agency Facilitator.  

To assist our planning, please indicate which Student Agency Educator session you will be attending via this link by Wednesday, 12 November.

There will be breakout activities throughout the session. Please ensure you are on an individual computer so you can participate in discussions. Dr Jean Stiles has also requested that we bring a photo of ourselves in Year 12 - graduation, formal or a casual shot. 

There are a few schools who have not yet registered their Student Agency Facilitator. Please could this be done as soon as possible via this link. 

Expression of Interest: Principal in Residence at the Academy of Teaching and Leadership

The Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership is inviting expressions of interest for two Principal in Residence positions (1.0 FTE and 0.8 FTE).

This 12-month opportunity (with potential extension) offers principals and assistant principals the chance to influence system-wide leadership, shape professional learning, and collaborate across education sectors.

Participation in the Principal in Residence program offers a valuable opportunity for DOBCEL leaders to contribute to system-level work, deepen their leadership capability, and share fresh insights and connections that strengthen our collective leadership across schools.

EOIs close: Wednesday 12 November
Information session: Tuesday 11 November, 4:15 – 5:00 pm click here to register

For additional information contact: peter.saffin@education.vic.gov.au

Click here to view further information regarding the role on the Victorian Academy of Leadership site.

Tomorrow’s VCEA circular will also highlight this exciting opportunity. 

Seasonal Bushfire Preparedness – Summer 2025–26

Dear Principals, 

As we move into the warmer months, it is important that all DOBCEL schools and their communities remain aware of the seasonal conditions and associated risks that can impact school operations and wellbeing. 

Seasonal Outlook 

The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range outlook for Victoria (October to December) indicates: 

• Above-average rainfall, which increases the likelihood of localised flooding. 
• Above-average daytime and overnight temperatures. 
• A heightened risk of heatwaves and bushfires. 

Spring and summer also bring an increased chance of severe weather, including strong winds, torrential rain, large hail, and thunderstorms. These events can contribute to elevated fire danger and other localised hazards. 

Additionally, conditions this season may increase the likelihood of thunderstorm asthma events. People with asthma (diagnosed or undiagnosed) or seasonal allergies are at greater risk of respiratory distress during such events. Schools should continue to remain alert to health warnings and ensure staff are aware of the appropriate first aid response. 

Key Timeframes 

• Fire Danger Period: The Country Fire Authority (CFA) may declare the Fire Danger Period as early as the end of October, extending through to May depending on local conditions. Timing varies by municipality, so schools should stay informed through official CFA announcements. Fire Danger Periods by municipality can be viewed using this link. 

• Thunderstorm Asthma Forecasts: Available every day as a two-day forecast during Victoria’s grass pollen season, typically from 1 October to 31 December. The Department of Health posts forecasts daily here. 

Acknowledgement of Preparedness 

We wish to sincerely thank all school principals, leadership teams, and staff for their continued diligence in maintaining Emergency Management Plans (EMPs) and ensuring their completion for the current season. Your ongoing commitment to preparedness and safety across DOBCEL schools is deeply appreciated. 

These collective efforts ensure that our communities remain ready for potential bushfire, storm, and flood risks, and that students and staff are kept safe and informed during emergency situations. 

Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) 

All DOBCEL schools listed on the 2025–26 Bushfire At-Risk Register have been formally notified of their current category status. 

As per Department of Education and VCEA guidance, all BARR and Category 4 schools must close on days rated as Catastrophic in their respective fire weather districts. 

Bushfire Preparedness Actions 

Emergency Management & Planning 

• Ensure all staff are familiar with their roles and responsibilities under your Emergency Management Plan. 
• Ensure that all staff are aware and understand their emergency response procedures and incident notification processes as outlined in their school’s EMP. This includes procedures for adverse weather and flooding not just for bushfires. 
• Ensure that termly drills are conducted as required. Those schools on the BARR are required to complete an Evacuation/Code Red drill during Term 1 and Term 4.  
• Record lessons learned from recent evacuation or lockdown drills and integrate improvements into your EMP. 
• Check that key staff know how to activate internal and external communication chains and who to contact during an emergency. 

Bushfire and Property Readiness 

• Rectify any outstanding BARR audit actions and recommendations identified during your school’s recent 2025 BARR audit cycle. 
• Complete arborist recommendations by ensuring any vegetation or tree-risk items flagged in audits have been actioned or scheduled for completion. 
• Keep grass short (under 100 mm) and clear combustible materials such as leaf litter, sticks, and bark mulch around buildings. 
• Verify that gates, driveways, and emergency vehicle access routes are unobstructed. 

Excursions, Camps & Student Activity Locator 

• Ensure that all camps, excursions and activities are logged into the Student Activity Locator at least 3 weeks prior to the event taking place, as per DOBCEL policy. 
• Review travel routes beforehand by identifying any potential fire-prone areas along planned routes and confirm contingency arrangements. 

Health and Safety Preparedness 

• Ensure all staff understand the steps of asthma first aid and know where student medical plans are kept. 
• Verify that asthma relievers, epinephrine auto-injectors, and first aid kits are stocked and within expiry. 
• Encourage staff to set up VicEmergency watch zones for their local area and to stay informed about warnings and conditions. 

If you require any further information or support feel free to contact DOBCEL’s Emergency Management Advisor on 0436 312 624 or tkernick@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Recent Changes to Fixed-Term Contracts

Fixed Term Contracts- recent changes

• Any employee offered a fixed term contract must be provided with the Fixed Term Contract Information Sheet (FTCIS) at offer of employment.     
• This information sheet provides details about the rules around when a fixed term contract can be entered into.
• This most recent FTCIS applies to any fixed term contract beginning after 1 November 2025. 
• For those commencing prior to that date, the previous FTCIS applies.
• The updated FTCIS  is now available from the Fair Work Ombudsman website and it also contains updated exemption terms which include ending or extending some temporary exemptions for some sectors or making an exemption for some sectors ongoing. 

Please ensure this updated version is used by your administration staff who are responsible for issuing contracts.