Weekly Newsletter #34 - 3 Nov 2021
Reflection
Action...
Living in regional Australia many of us are acutely aware of the impact of the climate on the well being of creation. If a crop fails – we know what that means for our farming communities. Over the summer of 2019-2020 Australia experienced horrific bushfires – something that some have described as an ecological disaster. The warming of the ocean is affecting the life of the Great Barrier Reef, and along our own Southern Ocean shore erosion is taking place. This is our context, one we understand well.
This week, as world leaders gather in Glasgow for The COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference, it is interesting to recall some of the key statements from Laudato Si written by Pope Francis – which speaks directly to the issues the world is facing regarding climate change.
Prophets are those who challenge the status quo, or add a disonate voice to the conversation. Pope Francis is a prophet for our time, adding a strong voice to the climate change conversation. From Laudato Si he says:
There is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced, for example, substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy. (26)
International negotiations cannot make significant progress due to positions taken by countries which place their national interests above the global common good. Those who will have to suffer the consequences of what we are trying to hide will not forget this failure of conscience and responsibility. (169)
True statecraft is manifest when, in difficult times, we uphold high principles and think of the long-term common good. (178)
In the coming week, let us reflect on ways we can begin to be prophets regarding climate change – through our conversations and actions.
From the Executive Director
Further to today’s reflection, at the most recent DOBCEL Board meeting, Dr Rachel Smith, CEB Education Officer: Social Justice, presented the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Social Justice Statement 2021-2022 entitled, “Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor” and Laudato Si’ Action Goals. I would recommend both documents to our school communities as we strive to deal with climate change in practical ways based on our Catholic theological tradition. Further information about the Australian Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement can be found here, and a local Ballarat response will be held this Saturday – see details further down this newsletter.
Last Thursday’s wind storm caused widespread damage across our diocese, including the closure of 14 of our schools. It also led to the postponement of Day 2 of our Leaders Gathering, and there are two sessions from Day 2 that are time sensitive. We have scheduled a virtual meeting for DOBCEL Primary Principals next Wednesday 10 November from 10am to 11:30am. The meeting link and agenda are available here.
CEB staffing updates
Anne Bone
CEB Learning and Teaching Education Officer, Anne Bone, has announced that, following a current period of Long Service Leave and accrued Annual Leave, she will conclude her time working within the Diocese of Ballarat on 30 June 2022. Anne, who has been primarily based in the Central Zone of the Diocese, has impacted positively on many schools and individuals over the course of her 16 year engagement at CEB through her role as Education Officer, colleague and friend. Anne’s time at Catholic Education Ballarat has been characterised by her commitment to increase student learning outcomes through improved learning and teaching, particularly in the area of Literacy.
Anne shared the following in communicating her resignation:
I have had the honour of working in Catholic education for 36 years in many capacities – classroom teacher, curriculum leader in many areas, and as an education officer. I have worked at the Catholic Education office for the past 16 years and have appreciated the opportunity to refine, build and share my skills as an educator. It has been a privilege to have worked alongside so many professional, dedicated and knowledgeable colleagues in pursuit of the vision of Catholic education.
We congratulate Anne on her years of service and wish her all the best in her retirement. We look forward to recognising and celebrating her contribution to CEB at the end of this year.
I am delighted to announce the following appointments to the Learning and Teaching team for 2022:
Julia Petrov
Julia comes to us from St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, where she is currently Director of Teaching and Learning. Julia has previously taught at Firbank Grammar, RMIT and Avalon College and has been a VCAA Assessor for VCE English. Julia is replacing Rachel McGennisken who has been appointed as Deputy Principal at Trinity College, Colac.
Julie Cooper
Julie is currently Leading Teacher at St James’ Parish School, Sebastopol. She has previously held the leadership positions of Deputy Principal, Religious Education Leader, Learning and Teaching Leader and PLC Leader at St Columba’s Primary School, Ballarat North and St Mary’s Primary School, Clarkes Hill. Julie has also taught at St Brendan’s Primary School, Bacchus Marsh. Julie is a qualified Reading Recovery and EMU teacher and has completed the Leading for Learning and Country Dioceses Leadership Program. Julie is replacing Anne Bone who is retiring.
Shay King
Shay is currently the Student Wellbeing Leader at St Aloysius Parish School in Redan and has previously held the leadership positions of Numeracy Leader, Literacy Leader and Curriculum Leader. Shay has previously taught at Lumen Christi, Delacombe, St James’ Primary School, Sebastopol and St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlton. She has completed the Leading for Learning program, is a qualified EMU teacher and has completed a Master of Education in Student Wellbeing. Shay is replacing Kathie Turkenburg who is retiring.
Casey Stoetzer
Casey is currently Deputy Principal and Learning Diversity Leader at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School, Merbein. He has previously held the leadership positions of Learning and Teaching Leader and Digital Technologies Coordinator. Casey has completed the Leading for Learning program and is currently part of the Brown Collective program. Casey has previously taught at Ouyen P-12 College. Casey is replacing Emma Rutherford who is on a one year secondment to St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura.
Breeana Wade
Breanna is currently Assistant to the Principal with responsibility for Learning and Teaching and Systems & Management at St Joseph’s Primary School, Red Cliffs. Breeana has completed the Leading for Learning program and has previously held the leadership positions of IT Leader, Digital Technologies Specialist and Peer Coach at Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura. She has previously taught at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School, Merbein and St Francis Xavier Primary School, Wentworth. In this new role for 2022, Breeana will be on secondment from St Joseph’s Primary School, Red Cliffs, and will be replacing CEB staff who are on leave and staff who have been redeployed within the organisation.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
EOIs closing for Schoolzine Website and eNewsletter special pricing
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 this 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.
From the Bishop
Continuing Dispensation from the Obligation to Participate in Mass on Sundays and Other Holydays
Now that the government COVID restrictions have eased and we are able to have more people gather or worship, some have asked about the obligation to participate in Mass on Sundays and other holydays. I rejoice that we can now welcome more people into our churches to celebrate the liturgy. However, there are still limitations, such as the density quotient, and so we are not able to gather as fully as we would wish.
Until further notice, as long as there are government restrictions on gatherings, all Catholics in our Diocese of Ballarat will continue to be dispensed from the obligation to participate in Mass on Sundays and other holydays. Those who may not be able to attend Mass on a Sunday or other holyday may still honour the day by personal prayer and perhaps by following a Mass online. I note also that there may be opportunities to participate in Mass on weekdays and I encourage everyone to do so when they can.
God bless you all.
Bishop Paul Bird CSsR
DOBCEL Policy Implementation Update
The DOBCEL School Capital Funding Policy is now available on eSORT and requires action by the Principal and school Finance Officer/Business Manager by Saturday 20 November. See further details.
System Improvement Updates
Reminder: Country Dioceses Leadership Program 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.
Wellbeing Updates
Learning Diversity Newsletter
The Term 4 Learning Diversity Newsletter is now available.
Business Services Updates
CCI storm update
CCI is contacting all clients that may be impacted by storms and high winds and reports of damage across south eastern Australia last week. Please see further details about lodging a claim, along with risk and safety considerations after a storm or high winds.
Playground compliance, safety audits and inspections
Facilities owners and those with management control (this includes school principals and governing authority) have responsibilities under Australian Standard AS/NZS 4486 and AS 4685 to:
- Undertake regular visual and operational inspections of playgrounds to identify hazards
- Source external independent comprehensive 5 yearly Compliance and Safety Audits and annual inspections of playgrounds by qualified contractors
Over recent years some schools have independently managed these required Playground Compliance, Safety Audits, and Inspections whilst others may not, but have requested some further assistance from CEB to complete to ensure the health and safety of students using the equipment.
As part of the transition to DOBCEL, the benefits of centralisation and CEB’s continuous efforts to assist schools with compliance, risk and improve safety for all students and staff, CEB is currently undertaking a tender to find a suitably qualified contractor to support schools with their obligations around Playground Compliance, Safety Audits, and Inspections. It is intended that this tender will be sent out in Term 4 with a successful company being appointed before the end of the year with further and more detailed communication to follow at that time.
In the meantime, additional information regarding Playground Safety can be obtained on the CECV website.
Essential Safety Measures Program – upcoming inspections
For those schools participating in the 2021/2022 Essential Safety Measures (ESM) Program, Axiom Safety & Compliance will be contacting you in the next week or so to arrange dates and times for their next visit.
Visits will be arranged for the last two weeks of November, as they have found this timing suits schools better than if scheduled later in the year.
During the visit they will be conducting required periodic inspections including Paths of Travel to Exits and Exit Doors and confirm that technicians nominated to carry out the inspections of the Emergency and Exit Lights, Fire Equipment etc. are completing the manuals as required for compliance.
We would encourage Principals and Compliance Support Officers to be present for the meeting and site walk if possible, to enhance the understanding of Essential Safety Measure requirements.
As Axiom will be travelling between schools during this period, some minor flexibility with times in the event of holdups may be required, and they will advise in the event they are running late.
All representatives of Axiom Safety & Compliance will provide proof of vaccination on arrival and will comply with the current COVID restrictions and requirements in relation to wearing of face mask etc.
If you have any questions relating to this please contact:
- Ashley Wiseman, CEB Manager: Planning & Infrastructure on 5337 7133 or awiseman@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
- Gary Walker, Axiom Safety & Compliance on 0448 861 155 or gary@theaxiomgroup.com.au
Reminder: 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.
People and Development Update
November Flourish health and wellbeing eMag now available
The November edition of Flourish health and wellbeing eMag is now available.
In this issue, read about:
- Men’s Mental Health
- Mental fitness leadership coming out of lockdown
- Back to school - the challenges facing children and parents as schools re-open
- Re-entry anxiety - why coming out of lockdown (again) can be difficult
- Campaign raising awareness about abuse in the workplace
- The workplace response to domestic and family violence
- Is being kind worth it?
- … and more
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
- 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)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Ararat – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 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)
- Classroom Teacher – St James’ School Sebastopol – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East (closes 10 December)
From Around the Diocese
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor – Ballarat response
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
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-orders are open until this Friday 5 November – see further details.
Australian Catholic Education News
The latest edition of Australian Catholic Education News (29 October) is now available.