Weekly Newsletter #36 - 17 Nov 2021
Reflection
Lighthouses
Australia has over 350 lighthouses dotted along its vast coastline of 25,760 kilometres. As a child I was fascinated by lighthouses, this interest may have been started by a series of picture story books I loved by David and Ronda Armitage which focused on a lighthouse keeper and his life! Maybe it was from visiting the Port Fairy lighthouse each year, gazing up at it in wonder or seeing it flicker constantly in the evenings – guiding passing ships or the local fishing fleet. Who knows where this interest came from?
When I reflect upon lighthouses, I think about The Feast of Christ the King that is celebrated this coming Sunday. From a Christian perspective, this Feast celebrates the “lighthouse” that is constant in the lives of Christians – that is Jesus. When times are tough, or there are struggles or doubts or things seem hopeless, the referent point is always there. In the tumult, such as we have experienced these last two years through the COVID-19 pandemic, what motivates people? What is central? What contributes to making them the people they are and the way they live their lives?
In the title of “Feast of Christ the King” a variety of images may be prompted through the language. The language may even be an impediment or blocker. If we move beyond the language and dig a little deeper into what this celebration is about, we may discover something quite beautiful and life-giving. Something that may serve as a “lighthouse” in our own lives and that of all creation.
“To celebrate this feast, then, is to move in the direction of peaceful solutions to the conflicts in our world and away from the paths of violence and domination. It is to seek the truth in dialogue and to respond to the plight of those who suffer the pain of hunger, of persecution and of loss. It is to rule as God rules and not as Rome ruled. It is to look again at how we inhabit our world and to change our ways for the sake of truth and life, the present and future life of our beleaguered planet.” (Veronica Lawson RSM)
May the light continue to shine and guide, inviting Catholic education to life anew. May we be lighthouse keepers ensuring the light is always present, offering a path for the world with its many joys and sufferings – ensuring that the “lighthouse” of Jesus Christ the King, may provide an alternative path or kin-dom.
From the Executive Director
Today is the last day of VCE/VET exams. What a journey this group of students have been on over the past two years. It has been a journey of support for one another, resilience, challenge and perseverance for students, staff and families. It has also been a journey of hope, as despite all of the challenges, we have looked out for one another, we have discovered new ways to learn, to teach and to be together, and for many of us our resilience has grown. I am grateful for everyone’s contribution, big and small, to ensure each of our senior students has been given the opportunity to be successful during this challenging and historic time. I wish each of our senior students the very best for the future.
Principal announcements
St Mary’s Primary School, Warracknabeal
It is with great pleasure that I advise that Ms Nerrida Holland has accepted the Interim Principal role at St Mary’s Primary School, Warracknabeal. This appointment coincides with the retirement of Joy Quarrell as Principal at the end of this year. Prior to this appointment, Nerrida held the position of Inclusion and Diversity Coach at Sacred Heart College, Geelong and has held a range of Leadership and Teaching positions across Victoria and Queensland. Nerrida has a deep personal commitment to her Catholic faith, understands the importance of the Principal role for the community, and has demonstrated the capacity to build positive and productive relationships. Nerrida is keen to do the same within St Mary’s Primary School and the wider Warracknabeal community.
St Alipius Parish School, Ballarat East
It is also with great pleasure that I advise that Ms Emily Clarke has accepted the Interim Principal role at St Alipius Parish School, Ballarat East. This appointment coincides with the retirement of Eileen Rice as Principal at the end of this year. Emily currently holds the position of Wellbeing Leader and Learning Diversity Leader at St Alipius Parish School and has held a range of Leadership and Teaching positions there since 2014. The panel were very impressed with Emily’s proven ability to build collaborative teams; her clear vision for the future success of St Alipius and; the passion she has for Catholic education. Emily has a demonstrated strength in the leadership of wellbeing and embedding a culture of excellence, equity and empowerment of students. In her role as Interim Principal, Emily will continue to build strong relationships with students, staff, families and the wider Ballarat East community.
Please join me in offering congratulations and your full support to Nerrida and Emily as the Interim Principals of St Mary’s Primary School, Warracknabeal and St Alipius Parish School, Ballarat East, commencing in January 2022.
These interim appointments will be for the 2022 school year while a national recruitment search is undertaken for a new Principal for each school. The recruitment process will begin in Term 2, with a view for the new Principals to commence with their respective schools in January 2023.
CEB staff announcement
Kate Lawry
I am delighted to announce that Kate Lawry has accepted the position on Leader: Catholic Identity & Mission for 2022 after an Expression of Interest process. As you are all aware Kate has acted in this capacity in the second half of this year and has performed very well in this role. I have great confidence in Kate’s ability to lead Catholic Identity & Mission team and to ensure their work is more holistically linked and permeates throughout CEB and in particular the Learning & Teaching, Wellbeing and Education Consultants teams. Congratulations Kate.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
DOBCEL Policy Implementation Update
The DOBCEL COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy is now available in eSORT and requires action by Tuesday 30 November. Refer to this summary document for further details.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Scope and Sequence to support Awakenings Curriculum in primary schools
Religious Education Leaders and Principals – please see the attached letter about the Scope and Sequence to support Awakenings Curriculum in primary schools.
Advent resources
Advent this year commences on Sunday 28 November. Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year where we will be entering into Year C which focuses on The Gospel of Luke. This letter from Jim Waight, Education Officer: Formation for Mission, provides access to resources you may find useful.
System Improvement Updates
Learning and Teaching Updates
Reading Recovery Bulletin
The Reading Recovery Bulletin is now available. Please contact Helen Bettes for further information.
Leading for Learning – the full suite of offerings
- Leading for Learning
The Leading for Learning in a Catholic Education Context program (L4L) has been designed specifically for the Catholic school context, described by the Enhancing Catholic School Identity Project (ECSI), to inform, guide and support the professional learning and development of current and aspiring leaders in Catholic schools. See the L4L Flyer for further details.
- Leading for Learning – Journey Continues
This program has been designed to build on and extend learning for those who have completed L4L. The program seeks to enable the development and integration of the personal, spiritual and professional life of emerging leaders to lead for flourishing, and excellence for all in our schools informed by the current context of Catholic Education.
The long term aim of the program is to enable the development of excellence in educational leaders in Catholic schools ensuring leadership succession across rural and regional communities in our diocese. See the L4L – JC Flyer for further details.
- Leading for Learning: Senior school leaders enhancing Catholic school identity through the prayer renewal process
In a context that is increasingly detraditionalising and pluralising, ECSI research has confirmed that there is a direct correlation between personal and communal prayer life and the enhancement of Catholic identity.
This program aims to support the development of personal and communal prayer life by means of the prayer renewal process and the 10 Characteristics of Prayer in a Catholic Dialogue School, led by participating school leadership teams. See the L4L – Prayer Renewal Process Program Description for further details.
Applications for these 2022 programs will be available on Eventbrite from Wednesday 24 November.
Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years (ILSY) Professional Learning Program
On Friday 12 November, secondary Principals and Deputy Principals from the Diocese of Ballarat, CEB staff and Literacy colleagues from the Melbourne and Sandhurst Dioceses gathered in Ballarat to celebrate the Action Learning Projects that have been undertaken this year by ILSY participants from 10 secondary schools, as part of the ILSY professional learning program (PLP). CEB would like to congratulate all ILSY participants and commend them on their outstanding participation in the PLP under such extraordinary circumstances.
The day was facilitated by Associate Professor Larissa McLean-Davies and Dr Pauline Thompson from the University of Melbourne Graduate School of Education. As part of her Master of Instructional Leadership, Rachel McGennisken, CEB Senior Education Officer, also presented data that had been collected during the course of 2021 ILSY PLP. All attendees were impressed by the rigour and quality of the presentations which identified the participants’ learnings, successes and challenges throughout ILSY, the evident impact the Action Learning Projects have had on student learning and the participants’ passion to create and influence positive change in their schools to improve literacy learning.
The next phase of ILSY will provide two professional learning opportunities:
- ILSY Executive Leaders
- ILSY Professional Learning Program for Learning Areas Leaders, focusing on Humanities, Science and Mathematics.
Further information and registrations for 2022 will be available shortly.
Wellbeing Updates
Expression of Interest: Youth Mental Health First Aid
If you are looking to increase your staff capacity to support student’s mental health, this national accredited training will assist.
The course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Course participants learn about adolescent development, the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems in young people, where and how to get help when a young person is developing a mental illness, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
Schools may be interested in training a core team of staff (Co-ordinators, Teacher Advisors, House Leaders etc), staff volunteers or whole staff.
Please see the Expression of Interest for further information about possible training formats.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please call Brooke on 0447 946 223 or email bnester@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.
Be You Professional Learning Opportunity
Join us to explore and grow your understanding of the concepts surrounding student school refusal. Join Be You Facilitators Emily Schultz and Angelina Smith, along with Associate Professor Glenn Melvin from Deakin University; John Dean, District Clinical Leader and Registered Psychologist from School Link and Got It! Programs, and Be You Clinical Lead Matt Fromson to expand your understanding of school refusal and explore the practical strategies to support children and young people.
The In Focus Webinar: Understanding School Refusal webinar will be held on Wednesday 24 November from 3.30pm-4.30pm – register here.
People and Development Update
Expressions of Interest now open:
Pathways to School Leadership program 2022/2023
The Diocese of Ballarat is committed to fostering inspiring leadership in service to our Catholic education communities. In 2022/23, DOBCEL will again partner with The Brown Collective to offer Pathways to School Leadership: Leading with impact. Designed and facilitated by Stephen Brown this program is targeted at supporting newly appointed and aspiring principals and school leaders for ongoing growth and development.
For more information about the program, how to apply and key dates please refer to the following:
- Pathways to School Leadership (program) Overview
- Pathways to School Leadership (overview) of the Brown Collective
- A letter for you to share with prospective participants outlining key dates and how to apply
- Principal endorsement, understanding the financial and time commitments and key dates (Word document)
Note applications, along with the Principal Endorsement Form, must be submitted by Monday 29 November, 2021 to Ange Jones, Assistant Director: People and Development. Outcome of applications being communicated by Friday 3 December, 2021. Should you require any further clarification on course details or the application process, please contact your Education Consultant or Ange Jones.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies
- Psychologist – to commence January 2022 – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Education Officer: Wellbeing (Secondary) – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 29 November)
School Vacancies
- 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)
- Classroom Teacher (The Arts and Intervention Support) – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed-position at 0.8 FTE (closes 22 November)
- Head of Art Faculty/Teacher – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – fixed-term position at 1.0 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)
- Junior Classroom Teacher (with the possibility of a Leadership Position) – St Mary’s School, Clarkes Hill – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Classroom Teacher (Junior) – Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Warrnambool – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Graduate Classroom Teacher – St James’ School, Sebastopol – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Italian Language Assistant – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed-term position at 0.16 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East (closes 10 December)
From Around the Diocese
An unexpected visitor at St Patrick’s School, Stawell
A 2-metre red-bellied black snake was not what a non-suspecting grade 2 student from St Patrick’s School, Stawell was expecting to discover in his school bag. Nor was his alerted teacher, principal and finance officer upon being informed that “I saw something move in my bag.”
The school’s emergency management plan was quickly enacted with the startled teacher swiftly evacuating the oblivious students from the area and the ice-cool principal zipping the bag shut and moving it to a safer location. The lateral thinking admin officer was eventually able to rustle up a snake-catcher – from Ballarat mind you – who 90 minutes later safely removed the equally startled reptile; with business as usual restored.
It’s been that kinda year!!
From Other Dioceses and Beyond
Australian Catholic Education News
The latest Australian Catholic Education News (11 November 2021) is now available.
Deakin University Farm-to-School survey
Want to increase the flow of healthy, locally grown food at your school, while supporting the local and regional food economy?
Deakin University’s Farm-to-School team invites all Victorian schools to participate in a survey about how your school buys, uses and disposes of food through our survey. The results will help to identify how schools can be supported to provide healthy and sustainable food.
Register your school for the Farm-to-School survey.
New CEV Catholic Encyclopedia Bible
The new CEV Catholic Encyclopedia Bible (CEB) has arrived. Created specifically for Australian Catholic students, the CEB is already being praised as “an extraordinary resource for students and their teachers”, a resource that will draw children closer to God’s word.
Endorsed by the Most Reverend the Archbishop of Brisbane and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Mark Coleridge, the CEB will engage students with sacred scripture and support religious curricula in schools across Australia. An illustrated timeline and over 350 colour images help provide context and bring the Bible to life with captions especially written for school use.
You can explore some sample pages by downloading the sampler. Comprehensive Teachers’ Notes have also been prepared to help teachers use the Encyclopedia in class and engage more fully in God’s word. Special discounts are also available for school purchases.