Weekly Newsletter #33 - 27 Oct 2021
Reflection
Keepers of the Coals……
‘The Irish have a custom of burying warm coals in the ashes at night in order to preserve the fire for the cold morning to come. Instead of cleaning out the cold hearth, people preserved yesterday’s glowing coals under beds of ash overnight in order to have a fast-starting fire the next day. Those of us in school, working with parents at home, are the keepers of the coals.’
– C Glesson SJ , ‘A Canopy of Stars’, p 90
Next week the Catholic community celebrates two significant feast days. These are All Saints Day (1 November) and All Souls Day (2 November). In commemorating these two feast days, the Church celebrates the role of people who have gone before, who are recognised officially by the Church community or not, for their work in bringing about the Reign of God, or by partnering with God in bringing God’s great dream for creation to reality.
Another way of expressing this is they have been sharers of the Good News. In these two great celebrations, the Church community acknowledges with joy these bearers of the Good News and remembers them in prayer.
What might these two events mean for school communities today? Maybe through the two days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day people might be invited to reflect upon how they can be ‘keepers of the coals’ (and spreaders) of the Good News of Jesus. We make the fire according to our context and experience – this fire will be different from generations past. In fact it is impossible to be the same as yesterday's fire – though we take inspiration from those who have gone before – igniting and tending the great fire of transformation in the 21st century.
From the Executive Director
Our Term 4 Leader’s Gathering for our principals will take place tomorrow and Friday mornings. I’m looking forward to seeing all of our principals on screen tomorrow.
We are inviting Expressions of Interest for interim principals at St Mary’s Primary School, Warracknabeal and St Alipius Primary School, Ballarat East. I strongly encourage you to consider these interim principal opportunities in these very well run schools with very supportive communities.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the following schools that have had to manage COVID outbreaks recently and have had the additional workload to act as contact tracers:
- St Patrick’s Primary School, Camperdown
- St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura
- St Joseph’s Primary School, Red Cliffs
- St James’ Parish School, Sebastopol
- St Mary’s Primary School, Swan Hill
Thank you to our Teachers!
“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.” (unknown)
Victoria will celebrate World Teachers’ Day on Friday 29 October 2021, to recognise and celebrate teachers’ incredible contributions to their students and school communities. It has never been more important to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, to celebrate the outstanding efforts of teachers in our schools, across Australia and the world during this pandemic.
So much has been asked of teachers through the pandemic. We are aware of the considerable time effort behind the scenes to adapt to new and changing learning environments and to support students and families through the unfamiliar.
The strength, love, and commitment we have witnessed across the Catholic schools in the Ballarat Diocese is inspiring. Importantly, your contributions continue to guide students to grow as resilient learners.
As partners in Catholic education, we are grateful for the passion you bring as a Catholic educator and the positive impact you make on the lives of our future generations, for the fullness of life for all.
End of Year Finishing Date for 2022
The DOBCEL Attendance Policy and Procedures makes provision for when the gazetted finishing date for a year falls on a Tuesday that students can conclude on the preceding Friday. Therefore for 2022, the last day for students will be Friday 16 December, 2022.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Reminder: Schoolzine Website and eNewsletter EOIs Invited
The opportunity to secure a new Schoolzine website and eNewsletter solution at a special Diocesan price of approximately 50% off is currently available. See our information page and FAQ document for more information on increasing your school’s digital engagement with existing and prospective families in 2022.
Expressions of interest for Phase 3 are now open until Friday 5 November. To request a quote and initiate the process for your school, please submit an EOI form or contact Emma Newman via email.
Updated Directory and Organisational Chart
An updated DOBCEL Directory and CEB Organisational Chart are now available.
From the Bishop
As you may have seen, the Victorian Government has announced new COVID regulations to come into effect from 6pm on Friday October 29. The attached document gives details for gatherings of various kinds and a summary of the provisions that relate to gatherings in churches.
God bless you all.
Bishop Paul Bird CSsR
System Improvement Updates
Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) 2022 Applications Open
This Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) enables middle leaders from across the three Victorian country dioceses to engage in a residential 7-day professional development program with a significant focus on the skills, knowledge and capabilities for effective middle leadership within a Catholic context.
The program provides opportunities for participants to identify their effective leadership practice and apply this within their own school context through a spaced learning model, and a coaching program.
Applications for the 2022 program close on Friday 12 November, 2021. See further information and and application forms.
Study Sponsorship Applications Closing Next Monday
Applications are closing for Diocesan Sponsorship for 2022 next Monday 1 November. Sponsorship is on the basis of:
- 1/3 CEB contribution;
- 1/3 School contribution and
- 1/3 Participant contribution
except where Accreditation to teach Religious Education is the reason for the study. In these cases, CEB contributes 2/3 of cost and the school contributes 1/3. Sponsorship is for the cost of unit fees and does not include student amenities fees. See further details and the application form.
Learning and Teaching Updates
Scaffolding Literacy Professional Learning
With the easing of restrictions, the Scaffolding Literacy professional learning days with Misty Adoniou, planned for Warrnambool on November 15 and Ballarat on November 17, 18 and 19 will go ahead face to face as planned. Please contact your Learning and Teaching Education Officer if you have any questions.
People and Development Update
Day for Daniel
Day for Daniel is coming up on Friday 29 October. Information has been circulated to your school’s Child Safety Officer by Safeguarding and Standards Manager, Tim O’Farrell.
Business Services Updates
Vehicle Update
A disrupted supply chain due to COVID-19 was further complicated with a large factory fire in Japan at a major global semiconductor supplier. Currently all vehicle makes and models are proving difficult to source and delays in delivery are up to 8 months in some cases.
As a result, we have amended our procedures for vehicle changeover. From 25 October 2021 vehicle changeovers will be extended to 3 years or 75,000km or 4 years if under 60,000km (at 3-year trade period).
Taking this change into consideration, all vehicles on order may be reallocated to other drivers to effectively manage the fleet. Staff with vehicles on order should not be contacting the Dealership directly, with all queries to go through the Fleet Co-Ordinator.
If you have any questions, please contact Aileen Loader on 0438 358 320.
School Shade Sails Fund – CCG (Vic) Ltd Grant Applications
For your further information regarding the School Shade Sail Program, Catholic Capital Grants (Victoria) Ltd have provided the Circular to principals and all school governors of Catholic schools in Victoria.
We also advise that for DOBCEL schools that the procurement of any shade structure must be in accordance with DOBCEL procurement process and Instrument of Delegation which requires:
- A minimum of 3 written quotes for items between $15,000 and $99,999.
- If minimum quotes are unable to be sourced or costs are greater than $100,000, then please refer to the Assistant Director of Business Services, Paul Jans.
Schools should also note that they are only able to enter into contracts with Victorian Building Authority (VBA) Registered Builders to install the shade structure.
You can check if your proposed builder is VBA Registered Builder on the VBA website.
Reminder: Applications close on Friday 12 November.
Should you have any queries regarding this program, please feel free to contact either Ashley Wiseman or Penelope Irish.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principal Vacancies
- St Mary’s Primary School, Warracknabeal – to commence January 2022 (EOI closes 5 November)
- St Alipius Parish School, Ballarat East – to commence January 2022 (EOI closes 5 November)
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies
- Deputy Director: Catholic Education – to commence January 2022 (closes 12 November)
- Deputy Director: Stewardship – to commence January 2022 (closes 12 November)
- Manager: Human Resources – to commence December 2021 (closes 7 November)
- Manager: Safeguarding and Standards – to commence January 2022 (closes 4 November)
School Vacancies
- Assistant Principal/Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s School, Creswick – 2-year contract at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 October)
- Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s School, Creswick – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 October)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Augustine’s School, Creswick (closes 29 October)
- Classroom Teacher – St Michael & St John’s School, Horsham – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 October)
- Assistant Principal – St Michael’s School, Daylesford – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 November)
- Classroom Teacher (The Arts) – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed-term at 0.8 FTE includes 0.2 intervention support (closes 1 November)
- Classroom Teacher (PE) – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed-term at 0.8 FTE includes 0.2 intervention support (closes 1 November)
- Specialist Teachers (Performing Arts/Visual Arts/Science/PE – St Mary’s School, Ararat – fixed-term at 0.4 FTE (closes 3 November)
- English/Humanities Teacher – Trinity College, Colac – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 November)
- Design & Marketing Officer – Damascus College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE or 0.8 FTE by negotiation (closes 3 November)
- Specialist Teachers (Performing Arts/Visual Arts/Science/PE – St Mary’s School, Ararat – fixed-term at 0.4 FTE (closes 3 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 November)
- Student Welfare Leader – Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac – fixed-term at 0.8 FTE (closes 5 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Warracknabeal – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 November)
- Arts/Visual Communication Design Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Hamilton – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Specialist Teacher (The Arts, Languages, Science or Technology) – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed-term at 0.6 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud (readvertised) – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 November)
- Performing Arts Teacher – St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballan – fixed-term at 0.2 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Sea Lake – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East (closes 10 December)
From Around the Diocese
Upcoming Forum: Listening, learning… change
Cry of the Earth Cry of the Poor – a Ballarat response to the Australian Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement will be held on Saturday 6 November from 10am – 3pm. This free event can be attended via some parish hubs (COVID restrictions depending) or independently via the Zoom platform. Register through Eventbrite. Printed brochures are available through your parish or downloaded here. Further information is also available on the diocesan website.
From Other Dioceses and Beyond
Catholic School Parents Victoria is seeking 2 members to represent Diocese of Ballarat parents
Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV), along with DOBCEL, are seeking two parents to nominate as sitting members of CSPV to represent parent voice and perspective in the Diocese of Ballarat.
As a sitting member delegate of CSPV, suitable parents will have the opportunity to contribute to the direction of CSPV in representing parents across Victoria in Catholic education. Personal and professional development is offered in this unique role, as is the opportunity to participate and contribute to CSPV projects and education reform and provide parents the opportunity for leadership and engagement in Catholic education at a system, state and national level.
Download the introduction booklet for further information and share this survey with parents in your school to express interest in joining CSPV as a sitting member delegate.
Catholic School Parents Victoria parent register
Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV), along with DOBCEL, invite principals to provide the opportunity for one parent from their learning community to connect directly with CSPV. Since 2007, CSPV has been committed to developing parents as partners in education, working collaboratively alongside educators to develop parent leadership, parent engagement in their children's learning and provide a forum for parent perspective on critical state issues in education.
Parent representatives provide a connection between CSPV and parents and principals in Catholic schools to share relevant information and resources to support parents as they guide their children's learning and development. Parent representatives are provided opportunities to contribute to the work of CSPV by providing their unique perspective through strategically managed forums.
Principals are required to nominate the parent of your choice from your school, please complete the CSPV Parent Representative Nomination Form to nominate your parent representative.
For more information, please contact Rachel Saliba, CSPV Executive Officer on 0419 371 876, via executive@cspv.catholic.edu.au and visit www.cspv.catholic.edu.au.
Bicentenary Commemorative Book
From Humble Beginnings: Commemorating 200 years of Catholic education in Australia features a history of the oldest existing Catholic school in each diocese in Australia. This commemorative book is full colour and includes historical and contemporary images of the schools. It is available in paperback and hardcover versions and would make a great addition to school libraries or as a bicentenary momento. Pre-order your copy.
Recruitment Opportunities in Other Dioceses
The following recruitment opportunities are currently available in other dioceses:
- Catholic Education – Sandhurst Ltd
- Catholic Education – South Australia
- Catholic Education – Diocese of Wollongong
Synod of Bishops
Catholics across Australia are invited to participate in a period of local consultation for the next international Synod of Bishops, which has the theme, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission’. The People of God are invited to use a guided, prayerful reflection method to consider a series of questions and make submissions via an online portal. Those submissions will help the Bishops develop a national report to support the global process leading to an international gathering in 2023. Find out more.
Free online Open Day Information Sessions “Getting Started in Theology”
Catholic Theological College is offering online Open Day Information Sessions across November – topics will include ‘Getting Started in Theology’, ‘Pastoral and Spiritual Practice’ and ‘Mannix Library’ for anyone interested in beginning or extending their study journey. See details and bookings.
The National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) marks 25 years of service to the Church
To acknowledge this significant anniversary, Bishop Michael McKenna of Bathurst, who was General Secretary in 1996 when the then Pastoral Projects Office (forerunner to the NCPR) was established, will deliver a lecture, ‘How do we know what we don’t know?’. The lecture will look at how research and analyses undertaken by the NCPR have informed the planning for parish, school and other ministry developments, and have supported major Church initiatives, including the Plenary Council. The lecture is hosted by ACU and will be held online on Wednesday 17 November at 5pm (AEDT). There is no cost to attend. Register here.