Weekly Newsletter #26 - 25 Aug 2021
Reflection
This week we keep in our hearts our sisters and brothers in Afghanistan.
“I join in the unanimous concern for the situation in Afghanistan.
I ask all of you to pray with me to the God of peace, so that the clamor of
weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue,”
Pope Francis, 15 August 2021
The Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.
The Social Justice Statement 2021-22 provides theological foundations to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement reflects on creation in and through the Trinity; the sacramentality of all created things; the wonder and beauty available to the contemplative eye; and the need for conversion and change of life.
In the Statement, the Bishops invite the whole Catholic community to join them in taking up Pope Francis’ invitation to a seven-year journey towards total ecological sustainability, guided by seven Laudato Si’ Goals. These goals are: response to the cry of the earth; response to the cry of the poor; ecological economics; sustainable lifestyles; ecological spirituality; ecological education; and community engagement and participatory action. Find out more here.
God of all creation, the heavens tell of your glory and
the earth is full of wonders that sing of your goodness.
Sun, moon, stars and sky, rain, snow, wind and water,
animals, birds, trees and flowers: all are shaped by your loving hand.
Open in us an attentiveness that recognises and
welcomes the holy that enfolds us and calls our name.
Form us to be people who delight in life as
your gift to be revered, savoured, and nourished.
AMEN.
From the Executive Director
As we are now back in lockdown, it is worth noting some good news in regards to NAPLAN – in this morning’s Victorian Press Conference, Deputy Premier and Education Minister James Merlino announced that Victorian students have received ‘phenomenal’ NAPLAN results that ‘clearly lead the nation’ in a range of disciplines across year levels, with significant improvement shown in some areas. This includes students from government, Catholic and independent schools.
I congratulate all students on these outstanding results, and I thank and commend all educators, principals and families for supporting them to achieve such success. This news is testament to the strong partnerships we continue to build between school and home, a positive outcome of the challenging circumstances we have found ourselves navigating together over the past 18 months. As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and this excellent outcome clearly demonstrates that the provision of these fundamentals enables our students to flourish.
At our recent Leadership Gathering, one of the sessions revolved around our Wellbeing Review – led by the report’s author, Ian Claridge. Since then, Ian has briefed the DOBCEL Board and finalised the Wellbeing Review Report.
The Wellbeing Review Report makes the following recommendations:
- That the Diocese immediately creates and funds the role of Implementation Manager to lead the work of wellbeing service reform outlined in this report. In addition, the creation of Professional Practice Leaders in the areas of psychology, speech pathology, learning diversity and wellbeing should be explored as a priority.
- The Executive Director develop terms of reference and establish an implementation team to be formed under the leadership of the Implementation Manager. The Executive Director should then appoint implementation team members based on their capacity to lead change. Such members could include at least one education consultant, primary and secondary school principals (two from each of the current zones), Professional Practice Leaders in psychology, speech pathology, learning diversity and wellbeing. A Zone Leader should be brought onto the implementation team once appointed.
- The Implementation Team, under the leadership of the Implementation Manager, develops a two/three-year project plan and implementation plan that includes a communication strategy, priority improvement areas outlined in the report, roles and responsibilities, budget, and timeline. At a minimum the plan should address:
- A review of the current allocation of wellbeing services’ resources by CEB to schools using broader data sets to optimize equity across groups of schools.
- Consideration being given to allocating wellbeing resources to networks of schools (zones of practice) and that these resources be supplemented by school contributions (NCCD funding) and documented in partnering agreements and workforce plans developed and negotiated within each zone of practice.
- Investigation of the possibility of piloting a partnership between the Ballarat Diocese and Royal Far West for the provision of health and wellbeing services to those parts of the Diocese for whom a regular and timely service has been a challenge, or where services need to be supplemented.
- Wellbeing team members review and confirm their team vision using the Actioning Inclusion (2021 Draft) document, ensuring it aligns with the Diocesan vision and is consistent with team beliefs and values.
- Staff examine their own beliefs and values using a co-constructed model developed by Dr Julia Atken ‘Designing from the Inside Out’. When completed, a set of practice principles should be developed against the five areas of the proposed professional practice framework with a continuum of practice created and documented for each area (collaboration, assessment, planning, intervention & leadership).
- The intervention process described in the Actioning Inclusion (Draft) be examined against the practice framework described in this report, as the former focuses on teacher practice and the latter on support staff and clinical practice. This will be essential in agreeing to a system wide practice framework.
- That a statement of service priority template be developed with key performance indicators and targets to be met by each zone of practice. Targets could include such things as service response times, timely delivery of follow up strategies, etc.
- Work with principals to identify and gradually phase in zones of practice/collaborative networks across the Diocese and gradually appoint zone leaders to co-ordinate services and develop partnering agreements and service priorities. Governance arrangements should move to a diocesan coordinating group of principals after the implementation phase (see page 88, Ryan, Kimber Report 2016)
- That professional learning priorities be identified to support the implementation of the new practice framework and that schools are provided with contemporary information in relation to evidence informed programs to avoid the ‘program for every problem’ phenomenon
(www.evidenceforlearning.org.au/research-and-evaluation/evidence-reviews/)
I look forward to working with schools as we implement these recommendations. These recommendations and the implementation plan will be discussed in more detail with principals in the coming weeks and at our next Leadership Gathering in Term 4.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
System Improvement Updates
Wellbeing Updates
Speech Pathology Week – ‘Communication is everyone’s right’
The CEB Speech team work in both primary and secondary schools across our diocese, to support students with varying communication difficulties including speech, language, reading, writing, voice and fluency problems. We work individually with students, in small groups, in boost groups, as well as in classrooms alongside class teachers. We partner with schools through consultation, teacher planning, professional learning for teachers and Learning Support Officers, parent workshops, Dynamic assessment and ‘Wrap around the Learning’ (WATL) meetings. We have been engaged in the Oral Language Supporting Early Literacy initiative across our diocese since its inception into the diocese over 10 years ago. Our professional association, Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), has produced this resource for speech pathologists who work in schools.
There are 1.2 million Australians with communication disability. Our diocesan Speech Pathologists work to ensure that communications is everyone’s right.
Speech Pathology Week, from 22-28 August, is an opportunity for the Diocesan Speech Pathology team to highlight the week’s theme: Communication is everyone’s right. We are proud to focus on the critical importance of communication in all of our lives and its foundational role in academic, social and emotional wellbeing and learning.
Find out more about Speech Pathology Week.
Learning Diversity Newsletter
The Term 3 Learning Diversity Newsletter is now available.
This term’s focus is Speech Pathology. Meet our CEB Speech team, read recommended articles around speech and the impacts of COVID-19, mask wearing, social stories and PD opportunities. Find out about the new ABLES – RUBY Platform, and other Learning Diversity updates.
Learning and Teaching Updates
Schools Responding to COVID-19 Remote Learning – Webinar
On Monday 13 September, from 4pm - 5pm, educators from across the Ballarat Diocese will gather online to discuss the ongoing challenges to learning and teaching presented by COVID-19. During this informal discussion we will be introduced to some current research about managing a blended approach to learning and we will hear from schools who have implemented successful and innovative practices during periods of remote learning.
You are warmly invited to join this webinar – register here. Please consider sharing a question or a challenge, or take the opportunity to showcase a successful practice or a useful resource. Some schools may opt to attend this webinar together as a staff group, in which case one registration on behalf of the group will suffice.
The HIVE Live PD Session – Engaging tools for Remote Learning
As we enter week 2 of remote learning across the diocese, teachers are looking for new ideas to work with students online. Kevin Cummins (Learning Technologies) from CEB will be running a 30 minute PD session on the following areas to demonstrate some easy to use resources you may have missed.
- Using Google Jamboard as a live interactive whiteboard online
Teachers will find this useful for any number of teaching and learning activities for collaboration and visualising thinking in an easy to use digital space. - Using Canva to create great-looking art/design, and interactive thinking tools
Kevin will demonstrate what the education version of Canva offers students and teachers and how it is helpful for creativity and creative thinking. - Tapping into Computational Thinking and Coding through Blockly Games
This fun game-based learning resource is an excellent gateway to coding and creative thinking. In addition, it provides ‘gamified’ learning opportunities for students struggling with engagement at the moment.
We appreciate that teachers are drained after a long day of remote learning, so Kevin will keep this to a very tight live 30-minute session. To be join this session, visit The HIVE on Monday 30 August at 3pm. We hope to see you there.
Remote Learning Packages
The NSW Education Department has 4 weeks of Guided Learning packages available here. Teachers may find these resources useful when planning for remote learning.
New online course on effective feedback
“The key question is, does feedback help someone understand what they don’t know, what they do know, and where they go? That’s when and why feedback is so powerful, but a lot of feedback doesn’t—and doesn’t have any effect.” ~ J.Hattie
21st century educators know and value the power and vital importance of effective feedback. John Hattie’s meta-analyses tell us that effective feedback has an effect size of 0.73 - almost double the ‘hinge point’ of 0.4. Working collaboratively in school teams to intentionally improve feedback practices is a research-based, cost-efficient improvement strategy that is applicable across all grades and subject areas.
Would you like to learn more about effective feedback? The new asynchronous short course for educators An Introduction to Effective Feedback is now available on Canvas.
Reminder: Learner Agency in Action – Partnering to Co-create an Educational Landscape
School teams across the Diocese are invited to share stories of learner agency and school innovation to contribute to the co-creation of an educational landscape for Catholic Education communities.
The professional learning will be facilitated by Dr Jayne-Louise Collins and will focus on:
- sharing and collaboratively analysing learning conversations with young people
- reviewing current research with particular attention to the fields of learner agency and the ECSI context
- crafting and sharing narratives of school-based innovation to strengthen future possibilities.
To support this process, guidelines for conversations with young people will be provided by email after registration.
This PD will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday 7 October - Mildura
- Friday 8 October - Horsham
- Monday 18 October - Warrnambool
- Tuesday 19 October - Ballarat
Please register via Eventbrite. Venues will be decided based on registrations.
People and Development Updates
Updated Remote Learning Guidance – Safeguarding Children and Young People
Updated guidance documents for staff, students and parents in schools utilising remote learning systems are below. The documents are based on guidance provided in 2020 and have been updated for the current period of remote learning. Schools wishing to use the documents are to contextualise them for the local setting.
- DOBCEL Staff Utilising Remote Learning System Guidelines
- DOBCEL Student and Parent Utilising Remote Learning System Guidelines
Please note:
- These documents are supplied as ‘Word’ documents, and the areas in green font are to be contextualised and changed to black font.
- The document should be saved as a ‘pdf’ before circulation within the school community.
R U OK? Day – 9 September 2021
This year’s theme for R U OK? Day is “Staying Connected”. We know the most powerful way for staff to feel connected is through relationships with their colleagues and the support they experience. It’s an understatement to say it’s been a trying year.
We’ve all experienced major disruption in our lives, whether in lockdown, remote learning, returning onsite, and at times somewhere in between. We have a way to go to get through this pandemic and we need to pace ourselves and focus on what matters. For many, what matters most is maintaining solid relational connection with our workmates and feeling supported by them. This helps us all cope a little better and get through this year in good shape.
What can you do to acknowledge R U OK? Day 2021:
- Is your gut instinct saying someone might not be doing so well? Perhaps they’re just not themselves and you’ve noticed a change in what they’re saying or doing? You’ve got what it takes to ask “are you ok?” and make a difference. Start a conversation, get involved.
- For students, learning how to support their peers and talk about how they feel is an important life lesson, so where better to start than in the classroom? These resources for primary, secondary and tertiary educators and institutions will help students everywhere start a conversation. Access R U OK? resources for educators.
- We are working with our EAP Partner, Converge International, for an online seminar for Thursday 9 September (likely from 3.30 to 5.30 pm). If you’re interested in joining us, put this time aside in your calendar now. More to follow.
Staff wellbeing support through Converge International
Catholic Education Ballarat, on behalf of the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL), has contracted services with Converge International to support staff wellbeing.
The contract provides a range of services under an Employee Assist Program, commonly referred to as the EAP. For information about these services and how to access them, please review Staff Wellbeing Converge International Services.
For school leadership, there are options to support you in your leadership and caring for the wellbeing of your staff. These services may be beneficial in addition to the other services and support available in partnership with Catholic Education Ballarat. We encourage you to access the services as they may be helpful. For information about these services, costs and how to access them, please review Converge International additional services.
If you would like to access additional EAP brochures or wallet/business cards for your school, please submit your request by the end of Term 3, via this form (one request per school). Note you can also provide an email address for digital resources.
For more information about the EAP or Converge International, contact Ange Jones via email or on 0400 831 040.
Final Session: Wellbeing Webinar Series – Converge International
The series of online seminars in partnership with Converge International continues next week. These one-hour seminars provide different insights and strategies for supporting our own and others’ wellbeing. Hosted by Converge International on GoToWebinar, these sessions are open to all Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education employees.
For more information, contact Ange Jones (Assistant Director People and Development, Catholic Education Ballarat) via email or on 0400 831 040.
Recording of Past Seminars
Each recording will be available for 30 days following the seminar. Recordings of the first three sessions are now available (updated) and session handouts can be accessed via the seminar overview.
Final Seminar
Session 6: Looking After Yourself and Others Post-Crisis
Tuesday 31 August, 4.00 – 5.00pm
See full details and handouts
Register for Session 6
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies
- POL 3 Leadership and Management – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 August)
- Classroom Teachers for 2022 – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East – fixed-term for 2022 at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 August)
- Director of Community Development – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – full time, ongoing (closes 27 August)
- Risk and Compliance Manager – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – full time, ongoing (closes 27 August)
- Head of Science Faculty – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – 12-month POL at 0.2 FTE and ongoing teaching position at 0.8 FTE to commence Term 4 2021 (closes 27 August)
- Teaching Positions 2022- St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 August)
- Classroom Teachers for Years 3/4 and 5/6 – St Mary’s School, Hamilton – initially fixed-term for Term 4 2021 at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 August)
- Counsellor – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – 12 month fixed-term position from October 2021 at 0.2 FTE (closes 10 September)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East (closes 10 December)
From Around the Diocese
Reminder: Mercy Regional College Alumni Night – Early Bird Pricing
Tickets are now on sale for the Mercy Regional College Alumni Night, to be held on Saturday 9 October at Noorat. See further details and purchase your tickets.
Early bird pricing is available for tickets purchased before Tuesday 31 August.
From Other Dioceses and Beyond
Australian Catholic Education News
The latest issue of Australian Catholic Education News (19 August) from NCEC is now available.
Recruitment Opportunities in Other Dioceses
The following recruitment opportunities are currently available in other dioceses: