Weekly Newsletter #35 - 10 Nov 2021
Reflection
Avenues…
On Thursday 11 November, we will commemorate Remembrance Day.
A particularly Victorian way of remembering those who went to war was the planting of Avenues of Honour. Take a moment to reflect, especially on the places you have driven throughout our state – each town usually contains a memorial to World War One. This memorial, more often than not, contains an avenue of trees. No matter how small the town is, there standing proud and strong are these everlasting tributes. In fact as I reflect, they are present in nearly every town I think about!!!
These trees, no matter where they are, could be viewed metaphorically – pointing to something deeper. Firstly they are a symbol of life and growth – they need to be nurtured and cared for – as humanity and all of creation does, maybe they remind us of the fragility and sacredness of life. Once established, the trees are permanent – as the planters of the trees probably envisaged – their loved one’s sacrifice would be permanently remembered. The trees themselves, together with the name plates in some Avenues help us remember each and every person who served. Powerful symbols – ones that still speak clearly to us today.
An avenue by its very nature goes somewhere. Where are these Avenues of Honour taking us? Where are we invited to journey in 2021? These trees could be a symbol of love and peace. Maybe that's what they remind us of? The trees cannot be taken for granted, that is, they still need to be cared for and tended, they call each generation to be stewards of them, entrusting them and what they represent to future generations. Those dreams of the young men and women who went to war also need tending in our world today. The dream of freedom for all, the dream of everlasting peace and the dream of hope in a future that is better for all. Our Avenues of Honour and the memory of past generations may be calling us anew to go on a journey – one not of just remembering but one of hope and action.
Pope Francis explains what the journey of hope could look like, hope he says:
“speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… Hope is bold”. (Greeting to Young People at the Padre Félix Varela Cultural Centre, Havana, Cuba (20 September 2015): L’Osservatore Romano, 21-22 September 2015, p. 6)
Our Avenues of Honour indeed could be speaking to us of something that is deeply rooted in every human heart. Let us be bold in planting these “new saplings” for a new generation, inspired by the memories contained in our beautiful Avenues of Honour. Lest we forget.
From the Executive Director
As a parent of a currently serving Australian Defence Force member, Remembrance Day takes on more significance than it previously did for our family. We perhaps selfishly hope that he and his colleagues are not deployed on active duty, we hope that if they are deployed they carry out their duties well and return home safely and above all we hope and pray for peace in our world. Lest we forget.
Last night I came across the following quote that resonated with me. It made me think about how we as a society deal with the notion of failure and mistakes. Food for thought for us all:
“Children in school should learn how to fail, how to make mistakes, and how to ‘fail well’ – how to turn failure and mistakes into learning opportunities. In real life, at home, and in a workplace, the courage to fail and take lessons from failure is a valuable asset. Success is often the result of ‘good failure’ that becomes learning experiences, trial runs and building blocks for success.”
CEB Staff Announcement
Janine Hillman
Janine Hillman, who has worked with CEB as Executive Assistant and DOBCEL Project Officer since August 2018, has tendered her resignation, effective at the end of 2021. The position was initially a short term 6 month contract, it soon became apparent that there was considerably more work involved. I am very grateful, as is the DOBCEL Board, that Janine agreed to stay on until the end of this year. Janine has worked relentlessly in the background on the documentation and formalities required for DOBCEL and was instrumental in its formation. She has supported myself and the DOBCEL Board effectively and efficiently to attend to the rigours and complexities attached to company business, including the transfer of 58 schools across to the new governance model. I would like to acknowledge the enormous workload that Janine shouldered when we were preparing and submitting all of the documentation required for the change in governance. Janine has navigated all tasks expected of her competently, with attention to detail, and in a timely manner. Colleagues have enjoyed Janine’s friendly presence, generosity of time and assistance, not to forget her delightful sense of humour. We wish her every blessing as she enjoys retirement with her husband Roger and embarks on other interesting outlets in the future.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
System Improvement Updates
Country Dioceses Leadership Program 2022 applications closing this Friday
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 this Friday 12 November, 2021. See further information and application forms.
Learning and Teaching Updates
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education funding applications for primary schools
Applications for additional funding to assist in the educational support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in primary schools for 2022 are now open. Applications are due by Friday 12 November.
MAI Canvas course
The CEB Mathematics Team have created a short course about the Mathematics Assessment Interview. The course is designed for participants to gain clarity around what the Mathematics Assessment Interview is, how to administer it and how to analyse the results to inform instruction.
The course can be accessed in the Dashboard of Canvas on The HIVE. It is available now and will remain as part of the Canvas Suite throughout 2022.
Please contact your Education Officer if you need further information. If you have trouble accessing the Canvas Platform, please contact Kev Cummins.
Cybersafety Sessions on offer to schools (Every Term, Every Student)
Marty McGuaran is offering online and face-to-face internet safety and digital citizenship workshops that may be of use to schools in 2021 and 2022 looking to understand and promote cybersafety within their school community.
The sessions come with a range of aligned curriculum resources and support to ensure students, staff and parents are informed and empowered around the use of technology at school and home.
Wellbeing Updates
Mental Health in Primary Schools Pilot Program
We are very excited to announce that St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Stawell will be involved in the Mental Health in Primary Schools Pilot in 2022. The MHiPS Pilot is a Victorian Government initiative, designed to promote a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. The Pilot provides the school with funding during 2022 to employ a teacher-qualified professional as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator who will lead a whole-school approach to mental health prevention and early intervention approaches that are embedded in the classroom.
Celebration of School Practice – St Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool
The link below connects you with an article shared by Ben Sacco from the MacKillop Institute. While the article is a promotion of the ReLATE model, it draws on the experience of one our DOBCEL schools which speaks highly of the commitment that exists across the Diocese to support the wellbeing of all.
School leadership: Enhancing learning environments through trauma-aware practice.
Business Services Updates
School Shade Sails Fund – CCG (Vic) Ltd grant applications close this Friday
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 this 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
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)
School vacancies
- 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)
- Teaching positions – Maths/Science, Health/Psychology, English/Humanities, PE/Health, English, Humanities/Economics – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing/fixed-term positions at PT/1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Classroom/Specialist Teachers – St Patrick’s School, Koroit – 2 fixed-term positions: 0.8 FTE and 0.4 FTE (closes 15 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St James’ School, Sebastopol – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Colman’s School, Mortlake – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 November)
- Teacher – St Michael & St John’s School, Horsham – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Brigid’s School, Ballan – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 November)
- Wellbeing Officer – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed-term position at 0.7 FTE (closes 19 November)
- Teachers: English/Humanities, General Science, Religious Education – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing/fixed-term/casual positions at PT/1.0 FTE/casual (closes 22 November)
- Education Support: Learning Support Officers – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing/fixed-term positions (closes 22 November)
- Bus Driver – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – fixed-term position at PT (closes 22 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Donald – fixed-term at 0.6 FTE (closes 22 November)
- Secondary Teacher – Italian – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – fixed-term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 23 November)
- Secondary Teacher – Mathematics, PE, Geography, HSIE – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 November)
- Learning Support Officer – Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mt Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East (closes 10 December)
From Around the Diocese
Vicar-General’s newsletter
The Vicar-General’s November newsletter #25 is now available.
From Other Dioceses and Beyond
Recruitment opportunities in other dioceses
The following recruitment opportunities are currently available in other dioceses: