Weekly Newsletter #37 - 24 Nov 2021
Reflection
The Adventure Begins…
Humans are captivated by story – stories may be told orally, through written word, music or via the visual arts. Story engages our head and hearts, they dig deeply into our beings. Many of the best stories I have encountered involve adventure. These stories captivate, entertain and help us to reflect critically on the world and our place in it. “Stories are designed to force us to consider possibilities.” (William Baush)
Each of our lives involve adventure and our own stories. I wonder what your most exciting adventure has been? Adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Some are exhilarating, others terrifying!!! The word adventure comes from the Latin word ‘adventurus’ meaning “a thing about to happen”.
Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, the Season that is at the beginning of the Church’s Liturgical Year. There is a strong connection between the concept of adventure and Advent. It goes far beyond seeing the word Advent in the bigger word adventure!
Adventures often change people. Sometimes people gain new insights into themselves and to those around them. They may grow in confidence, resilience or even wisdom by the experience of the adventure. During an adventure there may often be times to stop and take stock of the situation. Like the example of the young man who travelled overseas for the very first time after finishing school. After six months of backpacking he had very little money left or nowhere to live. At this point in the adventure he had to reflect upon the options available to him. Should he go home? Or find a job and experience life living in a foreign city? Maybe get a loan from his parents to continue his travels? - so so many things to think about!
Advent is an invitation for Christians to reflect and get ready for “the thing that is about to happen” Maybe the Advent adventure is about reflecting upon Jesus being born each and every day – not just a celebration of an historical event. Christians in Advent may be called to reflect upon how they can be midwives – bringing something into the world. What of this Jesus story can be “born” or brought forth into the world today? The following prayer might express something of the adventure of this coming Advent Season:
Maranatha! (Come Lord Jesus)
Maranatha!
Open our eyes to the dignity of all people
And our ears to the cries of the earth.
Maranatha!
Let us walk in solidarity with the poor
And cleanse our world from oppression.
Maranatha!
Let us shout out for justice for all
And renew our hope for change.
Maranatha!
The Lord is coming
Let us share the Good News!
Amen.
~ Sue Cooper/CAFOD
From the Executive Director
As some of you may be aware there has been media coverage of the State Government’s proposals around the subject of, “The Equal Opportunity (Religious Exceptions) Amendment Bill 2021”. This is an important matter for the Catholic Church and many other religious organisations. Below is an open letter from Victorian faith leaders including our Bishop Paul Bird, which was published in The Age on 16 November. I would encourage you to read it – click the letter to enlarge it to full size.
Tomorrow I will be attending a virtual National Catholic Education Commission Rural & Remote Workforce summit. The attraction and retention of staff in rural and remote areas is a high priority for CEB, so this summit promises to be very relevant and worthwhile.
Tomorrow night there will be a Mass and end of year dinner in Horsham for Principals and Priests. It will be a great, and rare, opportunity for our Principals and Priests to catch up, reflect on the year that we have had and to farewell several of our colleagues who are retiring or are returning to their previous position after filling an interim principalship role in 2021. I am very grateful for their service in our diocese, some over a very long period of time. It will be great to have an opportunity to catch up in person after spending so much time behind screens in 2021.
We extend our deep condolences to the family of prominent Ballarat figure Barry James, whose funeral was held today at St Patrick’s Cathedral. We gratefully acknowledge Barry’s generosity in donating the land on which Lumen Christi Primary School was built in Delacombe.
Principal Announcements
St Patrick’s Primary School, Camperdown &
St Colman’s Primary School, Mortlake
I advise that Michael McKenzie will remain on Long Service Leave in 2022 until further notice.
I am pleased to announce that Tim Bourke has generously agreed to be the Interim Principal for St Patrick’s Primary School, Camperdown, for 2022.
Tim is a very experienced principal. He is currently the Principal of St Colman’s Primary School, Mortlake, where he has served since 2012. Prior to that Tim was the Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School in Coleraine for 1 year and Deputy Principal of Our Lady Help of Christians, Warrnambool East, for 5 years.
Stacey Atkins from St Pius X Primary School in Warrnambool West will replace Tim at St Colman’s. I am very grateful for Tim and Stacey’s willingness to put the common good of the diocese before their own school and personal needs.
I am also very grateful to Annie Judd and the leadership team at St Patrick’s for leading the school through this challenging time.
CEB Staff Announcements
Maree Baker
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Maree Baker as Manager: HR. Maree is currently Senior Manager People and Capability with Western Victoria Primary Health Network and has previously been General Manager Workforce Strategy and Services with the Department of Justice and Regulation. We will welcome Maree into her new role on 13 December.
Chris Young
I am also delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Young to the Finance team in the Ballarat office. Chris is currently a Payroll Officer with St John of God Healthcare – Group Services and will join our Finance team as Payroll Administration Officer in January 2022.
Jacqui Righetti
It is with great pleasure that I announce Jacqui Righetti’s 12-month secondment to the role of Manager: Safeguarding and Standards for 2022. Jacqui will replace Tim O’Farrell who has accepted a secondment to the position of Education Consultant (Secondary) for the 2022 school year. Jacqui’s passion for, and commitment to, the rights of every child will serve her well in this role, and her knowledge and expertise in the field of learning diversity will support further connection between the People and Development and Wellbeing Teams. Jacqui will commence her new role in January.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Updated Directory and Organisational Chart
An updated DOBCEL Directory and CEB Organisational Chart are now available.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Extension of time for gaining or maintaining CECV Accreditation
Please be advised of the extension of time given to teachers gaining or maintaining CECV accreditation for 2020-2021. The following documents provide details:
System Improvement Updates
Learning and Teaching Updates
2022 RenewALL Regional Languages Professional Learning
RenewALL Regional is an exciting new professional learning program tailored for primary and secondary Languages teachers in regional areas, developed by Catholic Education Ballarat and Catholic Education Sandhurst. This year-long program introduces contemporary, quality Languages pedagogies with workshops focusing on using language, time and data. RenewALL Regional is ideal for Language Leaders, Primary (F – 6) and Secondary (7 – 10) teachers of all Languages and Language Assistants. It is designed for staff with varying levels of experience and for those wanting to reinvigorate their language teaching after remote learning. It is also suitable for schools considering or implementing a Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) approach to Languages. RenewALL Regional is an excellent opportunity to network and connect with Languages teachers across two Dioceses.
Participants will join six online sessions and also participate in a school visit to observe target language in action on Wednesday 4 May (Term 2). CRT costs to cover attendance at the school visit will be covered for all participants who register for RenewALL Regional by Wednesday 1 December, 2021. The location of the school visit is likely to be in either Ballarat or Hamilton/Warrnambool areas. It is anticipated the location of the school visit will be confirmed in the next two weeks. There are no registration costs for RenewALL Regional.
Please see flyer for more information about RenewALL Regional. Register now via Google Forms.
Reading Recovery Australia: Working in Partnership with Schools
The Reading Recovery Australia website offers schools, leaders, teachers and families a wide range of information to deepen understanding about Reading Recovery.
These links will take you to the following information:
- What is Reading Recovery?
- Current Research and Studies
- Benefits of Reading Recovery
- Information for Families
- Teacher Training
- Working with schools
Reading Recovery Professional Learning 2022
Reading Recovery Professional Learning for New Reading Recovery Teachers
Reading Recovery teachers are trained over a full school year. Schools choosing to train a new Reading Recovery teacher need to plan for the Reading Recovery teacher to teach a minimum of four Reading Recovery students each day (one-year model) or a minimum of two Reading Recovery students per day (two-year model).
It is recognised that Reading Recovery Professional Learning influences a classroom teacher’s practice. To enhance professional learning at a school level, a regular turnover of Reading Recovery teachers is recommended.
Reading Recovery Ongoing Professional Learning (RR OPL) 2022
Experienced Reading Recovery teachers participate in six ongoing professional learning sessions during the year via WebEx, together with onsite professional learning opportunities with Reading Recovery colleagues and the Reading Recovery Tutor.
Please contact Helen Bettes for further information regarding Reading Recovery Professional Learning in 2022.
Leading 4 Learning in a Catholic Education Context
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 and L4L Program Description for further details, and register here. For further information contact Marg McDonald on 0408 115 094.
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 and L4L Program Description for further details, and register here. For further information contact Marg McDonald on 0408 115 094.
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 and register here. For further information contact Gina Bernasconi on 0438 523 530.
People and Development Update
Reminder: 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. The 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.
Business Services Update
Credit Card Changes for Smaller Primary Schools
Following feedback from primary schools and with the support of the Audit and Risk Finance Subcommittee, the DOBCEL Board agreed to amend the Instrument of Delegation for credit card issuing to remove reference to school size.
This amendment allows primary schools of less than 400 students who currently have access to one credit card (issued to the Principal) to apply for a second card for the Business Manager or Deputy Principal if required. This change will support more efficient card purchasing within schools.
Where an additional card is issued, the card purchasing limit for the month is shared with the Principal’s card to ensure there is no additional financial exposure per month. Processes for review and approval of expenditure remain as per the current financial delegations (Item 2.3.34).
Card purchasing remains an area of audit testing to ensure that review and approval processes are working appropriately.
Applications for an additional card can be made via the Catholic Development Fund, with the Principal and the Manager of Finance and Accountability to approve applications. Please contact Matt Macdonald or Dean Pidgeon if you require further information.
From Around the Diocese
November Edition of ‘Our Diocesan Community’ Now Available
The November edition of ‘Our Diocesan Community’ is now available.
We would appreciate your support in promoting this magazine to your school communities, as it is important that we continue to share the good news stories of our schools, parishes and agencies across the diocese.
A reminder also that if your school community has a good news story to share with others in the diocese, we welcome articles and photos for publication in ODC and the diocesan e-News. Please forward to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Rural and Remote Schools – Employment Opportunities for 2022
The opportunity to teach in rural and remote schools offers professional challenge, career development and inclusive communities. As we approach the end of Term 4, some of our schools are still seeking teaching staff for 2022. If your school is unable to offer you extended employment for 2022, or if you are moving to new communities for personal or family reasons, we would welcome the opportunity to consider you for positions in other DOBCEL schools still looking to fill vacancies.
If you could please share this recruitment opportunity across your professional and personal networks, that would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact Jo Huntley, HR Advisor, at jhuntley@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 5337 7123 for further information.
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies
- Education Consultants (2)– Central and Mid-North Zones - upcoming opportunity for Term 2 2022 – information pack available and applications to open in the new year
- 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)
- Psychologist – to commence January 2022 (Mildura Office) – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 7 December)
- Speech Pathologist – to commence January 2022 (Ballarat Office) – fixed-term position at 0.9 FTE (closes 7 December)
School Vacancies
- Psychologist or Counsellor – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 November)
- Maths/Science Teacher – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 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)
- Graduate Classroom Teacher – St James’ School, Sebastopol – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Classroom Teacher (Junior) – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Warrnambool – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Teacher – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Wendouree – fixed-term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 30 November)
- Italian Language Assistant – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed-term position at 0.16 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s School, Camperdown – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 December)
- Classroom Teacher (Years 5/6) – Ss Michael and John’s Primary School, Horsham – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East (closes 10 December)
From Other Dioceses and Beyond
Reminder: 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 with 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.
Reminder: 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.
School Chaplain Vacancy
Your Dream School Programs are a School Chaplaincy Provider that works with schools and churches to find candidates for chaplaincy positions in local schools. The Department of Education school in Mortlake is looking for a School Chaplain for 2 days per week and this is a paid position.
Applicants require an endorsement letter from a local church they attend, Certificate IV in chaplaincy, youth work, community services, or ministry or equivalent. (Equivalent study contains these two units: CHCCCS016 Respond to Client Needs and CHCMHS001 Work with People with Mental Health Issues). Please also note that degrees such as teaching, social working, nursing, counselling, and psychology cover those particular units. Applicants are able to work and study at the same time and must obtain a current Working with Children Check.
For further details, see the flyer and FAQs, and for a copy of the position description or for more information call 1300 792 856.
Recruitment Opportunities in Other Dioceses
The following recruitment opportunities are currently available in other dioceses: