Weekly Newsletter #3 - 17 Feb 2021
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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200 Years of Catholic Education Launch - Tomorrow
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Update: Protecting Children – Mandatory Reporting and other Obligations – eLearn Module
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Education Updates and Professional Learning Opportunities
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
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Diocese of Ballarat Scholarship
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Showcase your School’s Achievements in CECV’s Annual Report - Reminder
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Diocesan News and Events
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Invitation to Nominate a CSPV Parent Representative
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Rural Education Awards
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Newsletter Email List
Reflection
Ash Wednesday
We have chosen to fast
Not with ashes but with actions
Not with sackcloth but in sharing
Not in thoughts but in deeds
We will give up our abundance
To share our food with the hungry
We will give up our comfort
To provide homes for the destitute
We will give up our fashions
To see the naked clothed
We will share where others hoard
We will free where others oppress
We will heal where others harm
Then God’s light will break out on us
God’s healing will quickly appear
God will guide us always
God’s righteousness will go before us
We will find our joy in the Lord
We will be like a well-watered garden
We will be called repairers of broken walls
Together we will feast at God’s banquet table
Christine Sine
Godspacelight.com
(Used with permission)
From the Executive Director
Thank you to everyone who acted quickly on Friday afternoon when the circuit breaker lock down was announced. I’m grateful for everyone’s efforts to cope with the situation. Being able to draw on the experiences of 2020 was very helpful for us all. As many of you would be aware, grade 5 and 6 students and teachers from St Aloysius Primary School, Redan visited the Queen Victoria Market during a school camp last week, which is now a Tier 1 COVID site. I would like to congratulate the School leadership team, led by Michael Kennedy and Narelle Cox, for their excellent response to this situation. I would also like to thank members of the CEB team who provided excellent support to the school.
Yesterday we alerted all DOBCEL Primary Principals to our new arrangements for a Zoom video conference this Friday to deal with some urgent matters in relation to DOBCEL Policies, and in particular the Child Safe suite of policies and the Instrument of Delegations workshop. Below is a copy of the new arrangements.
Leadership Gathering Update
In light of the urgency around the DOBCEL Policies and Procedures roll-out and the Instrument of Delegations implementation it has been decided in to have a virtual Zoom meeting this Friday 19 February, at 9:30am.
In collaboration with the Zone chairs, we have chosen this Friday, as Thursday could be quite hectic with a return to school for students highly likely. Friday was also set aside for the Primary Principal Zone meetings.
Zoom Meeting Details
Topic: Diocesan Leadership Gathering
Time: Feb 19, 2021 09:30 AM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83705856707?pwd=MGNIYk5jOGZybklZL3pUc0ZsVTFMUT09
Meeting ID: 837 0585 6707
Passcode: 020061
Agenda
Please see the Agenda outline below, and also note that further documentation will be sent out on Friday morning prior to the Gathering. Sarah Quinn has sent an Outlook calendar invitation for your convenience.
LEADERSHIP GATHERING AGENDA - FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2021 | ||
9.30 am | Acknowledge of Country and Prayer | John Meneely |
9.45 | DOBCEL Policies and Procedures Roll-out, | Tom Sexton |
10.30 | Break | |
10.45 | DOBCEL Instrument of Delegations Workshop | Tom Sexton |
11.30 | Conclusion – Principal Zone meeting as decided by each Zone | Principals’ Zone Networks |
Retirement Announcements: Julie Duynhoven and Chris Robarts
We are at once delighted and saddened to announce the retirement of Julie Duynhoven from her role as Assistant Director: Business Services and Chris Robarts as Education Consultant: Northern Zone, with Catholic Education Ballarat.
Julie Duynhoven’s involvement in Catholic education in the diocese of Ballarat spans forty-two years, beginning at the (then) Catholic Regional College, Camperdown where she started as a teacher aide before undertaking studies to eventually become Business Manager at both Mercy Regional College, Camperdown and Emmanuel College, Warrnambool. Julie moved into the Catholic Education Office in April 2000 to assume the role of Finance Consultant and then Finance Manager, offering wise and prudent financial leadership and advice to CEB and the schools of the diocese, occasioning her appointment as Assistant Director.
Most recently Julie has been instrumental in navigating School Transfer Agreements with fifty-six schools of the diocese as their governing authority migrates to DOBCEL. Her role as the inaugural Public Officer of the DOBCEL Board has ensured financial surety during this landmark transition period into a new governance structure.
Julie will continue full time in her role until the end of term 2. She will then work in a part time capacity for the rest of the year.
Chris Robarts’ vocation to education in the Ballarat Diocese began as a teacher at St Mary’s School in Swan Hill in 1977. Chris’ career then took him to St Joseph’s Primary School in Charlton in 1984, followed by the Principalship at Sacred Heart Primary School in Mildura in 1989, then to St Michael and John’s Primary School in Horsham in 1999. In 2005 Chris accepted the role at CEB as Education Consultant for the Northern Zone, based in the Horsham Office.
Chris has always been a model of ‘faith in action’, giving witness to the Gospel and inspiration to all who have had the pleasure of working with him. His passion, integrity and commitment to education and leadership, and in particular to his colleague Principals, is evident in the procedures and structures that he has established.
As a staff member of Catholic Education Ballarat, Chris has always been a strong advocate for the Northern Zone of the Diocese, ensuring that their voice is present in all decisions that are made. Chris’ extensive knowledge and expertise is also evident in the many policies and documents that he has contributed to and have been published during his time in the role of Education Consultant. This includes (but is not limited to) the School Improvement Framework and the CHECS document, the SAC Guidelines, and Principal documentation including Induction and Mentor programs.
Chris will continue in the role of Education Consultant in a full time capacity until the end of Term 2. Chris will then work in a part time capacity for the rest of the year.
Recruitment for Julie’s and Chris’s replacements will commence shortly, with the aim of the successful candidate commencing in the role in late Term Two or early Term Three, 2021. This will allow for a thorough induction and hand over from Julie and Chris to the successful candidates.
The DOBCEL Board and the Diocesan Education community wish both Julie and Chris many blessings as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
200 Years of Catholic Education Launch - Tomorrow
Tomorrow we will celebrate a significant milestone commencing next week with the national launch of the Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia. The national launch will be streamed virtually at 10am and 2pm (AEDT) on Thursday 18 February via the 200 Year Celebration website to allow for our communities across the county to join in the celebrations.
During the launch, the Chair of the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP will release the Australian Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Letter titled, 200 Years Young, which recognises the contribution of religious, clergy and lay people to the foundation of Catholic education, and the distinctive role Catholic schools play in educating and forming young people of faith and service in their communities.
This is a free virtual event for educators, leaders, students and their families in Catholic schools, education offices and universities.
Update: Protecting Children – Mandatory Reporting and other Obligations – eLearn Module
Catholic education is currently working with the Department of Education to reset the ELMO platform to enable staff in schools to complete the eLearn module - Mandatory reporting and other legal obligations by the end of Term 1. There are a number of technical matters to resolve.
In the meantime, staff who have completed the eLearn module within the past 12 months should wait until they receive an automated notification from ELMO to complete the module again. Normally this occurs one month prior to the anniversary of when the module was previously completed. At this stage, we appreciate that this may result in some staff not completing the module before the end of Term 1.
Catholic schools will be provided with another update once the matter is resolved - there is no need to contact DET if you are experiencing issues accessing the eLearn module.
Thank you for your understanding.
As per the Circular (29 January 2021) please contact Tim O’Farrell via email or on 03 5337 7135.
Education Updates and Professional Learning Opportunities
Victorian Curriculum Webinars
To support teachers who may be new or who wish to refresh their understanding of how to implement the Victorian Curriculum F–10, the VCAA is hosting a series of webinars across Semester 1, 2021.
This series of webinars will provide an overview of specific curriculum areas in primary and secondary school settings. Each webinar will cover a specific curriculum area, starting with its aims, how it is structured, where to find both curriculum documentation and support resources and how to assess against the achievement standards. In each webinar, opportunities will be made available for participants to put their questions to the relevant VCAA Curriculum Manager.
Of particular interest may be the two webinars on the new EAL Curriculum on 23 February (primary teachers) and 2 March (secondary teachers).
All webinars will be recorded and made available on the VCAA F–10 Curriculum webpage.
Literacy Professional Learning
A reminder that registrations are open until Friday 19 February for the Scaffolding Literacy Leaders professional learning day for leaders of Literacy. The learning will be facilitated by Misty Adoniou and is being held in Ballarat on 24 February 2021.
This day aims to support school leaders to engage with their teaching teams, in preparation for the Scaffolding Literacy workshops throughout the second half of 2021.
The learning will focus on:
- Reviewing the sequence of lessons in the Scaffolding Literacy process, particularly the learning intentions and learning theory behind each step in the sequence.
- Inviting participants to share both their successes and challenges from their past experiences with the implementation of the Scaffolding Literacy process.
- Selecting quality mentor texts, developing teachers’ language knowledge and embedding Scaffolding Literacy within existing school literacy approaches.
See further details and registrations or contact Samantha Meerbach.
Other Education Updates and PD Opportunities
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principal Vacancy
Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Warrnambool
Contract, Full time position
Closes: Monday 15 March
CEB Vacancies
Psychologist
Permanent, full time
Location: a negotiated choice of Mildura, Horsham or Swan Hill locations
Closes: Monday 22 February
Human Resources Advisor
Fixed Term, Full-time position
Location: Warrnambool
Closes: Monday 1 March
Speech Pathologist
Permanent, Full-time position
Location: Warrnambool
Closes: Monday 1 March
Education Officer – Wellbeing (Secondary Schools)
Permanent, 0.5 FTE position
Location: a negotiated choice of Mildura, Horsham, Swan Hill, Ballarat, Warrnambool office locations
Closes: Monday 1 March
Diocese of Ballarat Scholarship
Each year The Ballarat Diocesan Finance Council awards a scholarship to support a student from each secondary college in the Diocese moving into Years 11 or 12.
Successful recipients of the award will have demonstrated:
- leadership potential and student advocacy,
- community involvement characterized by actions for justice
- consistent academic application reflective of a commitment to study
One such recipient from 2020 was Louise Tamer from Emmanuel College, Warrnambool. Louise is currently in Year 11 and is an all-round high achieving student who consistently achieves excellent academic results, participates in school sporting events, regularly helps at school and parish masses, is a year level leader, and excels in public speaking. Her public speaking achievements include winning the Rostrum Voice of Youth national final in 2019 and the Lions Club Youth Public Speaking competition in 2020. She has also been recognised in the Moyne Youth Achiever Awards, and is an active participant of social justice and community service programs, such as being a member of the Young Vinnies, and last year during the COVID lockdown, wrote letters to the residents of Lyndoch Living in Warrnambool.
Congratulations to Louise as one of eleven worthy recipients of the 2020 Diocese of Ballarat Scholarship.
Showcase your School’s Achievements in CECV’s Annual Report - Reminder
Submissions are open to submit stories showcasing student, teacher and school awards from the 2020 calendar year in this year’s CECV Annual Report. Thank you to the schools who submitted highlights for last year’s CECV Annual Report (starting on page 28).
Submission details:
- A short blurb and a high resolution photo is required for each story
- Expressions of interest close on Friday 19 February
- Final content is due by Wednesday 24 February
For enquiries contact Emma Newman by email or on 5337 7186.
Diocesan News and Events
Year of St Joseph
Resources and monthly reflections are available to download. Diocesan prayer cards will be distributed to parishes and schools in the coming weeks.
Music for the Year of St Joseph
Don Stewart, a parishioner of St Joseph’s Warrnambool, was asked to write a song in 2019 to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the founding of the parish. Don is offering “Joseph’s Song” for use freely in the diocese in liturgy, prayer and reflection during this year of St Joseph. There are two versions of this song – one for parishes and schools named in honour of St Joseph and one for communities and parishes that are not named after St Joseph, but would still like to celebrate this year. Listen and download the songs from www.acornmusic.com.au/listen. For copies of the of the lyrics, musical notation and guitar chords for the song, please contact Don via the website www.acornmusic.com.au or via email. Conditions of use are:
- The copyright notice: Copyright©Don Stewart, 2020 appears on all printed or digitally displayed copies of the song; and
- That usage of the song is reported to the copyright collection agency - One License.
Don would like to hear from communities about how they use the song and whether it was a helpful resource for the prayer life of the community.
Parish Secretary Position – Parishes of Bungaree and Gordon
The Parishes of Bungaree and Gordon are seeking to jointly employ a suitably qualified person to fill the position of Parish Secretary to support the business and clerical requirements for both parishes. The position is 12 hours per week for the Parish of Gordon and 5 hours per week for the Parish of Bungaree. Total 17 hours per week. Days of work are negotiable. More information is available from the Diocesan website. Applications close Friday 26 February.
Lenten Resources - Week 1
The Sandhurst Diocese kindly shares their Lent 2021 leaflets which invite reflection on excerpts from Pope Francis’ “Let us Dream”, together with insights and suggestions for action from one of the Australian Plenary Council Thematic Discernment papers. The leaflets are for individual reflection or small group reflection and discussion. The theme for week 1 is, ‘How is God calling us to be a Christ-centred Church in Australia that is humble, healing and merciful?’ These leaflets are available for download from the diocesan website Liturgy Resources page.
ACRATH Projects
Name your change in 2021 is the theme of two exciting ACRATH projects in the coming weeks. We hope you will join us in working for changes that could make a real difference to the lives of children, particularly in this, the UN declared Child Labour:
Zoom Webinar: On Monday 22 February at 4.30pm (Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney time) ACRATH will run its first education webinar for 2021. The one-hour webinar offers participants the chance to go into groups and learn more about the following resources and issues: Slavery-free Easter chocolate campaign and how to make the change; The “Make your school slavery-free” kit and how to get started; “Modern Slavery: A Kit for Senior Secondary Students” and how to use it; “Forced marriage” is happening in Australia. Register here.
Slavery-free Easter Chocolate Campaign: ACRATH’s Slavery-free Easter Chocolate Campaign kicks off on Ash Wednesday on Wednesday 17 February. This year we are asking people to name their change. What will you do in 2021 to help eliminate slavery or child labour? We have developed information and a range of resources including a poster school and parish bulletin notices. Importantly, ACRATH is hosting a fun zoom morning tea on Thursday 4 March at 10.30am. Pour a cuppa and join us as we chat about our slavery-free hopes, dreams, intentions and commitments in 2021. Let’s inspire each other to make a change. No need to register, just join us for five minutes or for 30 minutes here.
Invitation to Nominate a CSPV Parent Representative
Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV) is the peak state parent council representing the perspective of parents in Catholic education in all schools across Victoria. CSPV work in partnership with the Victorian Catholic Primary and Secondary Principals Associations, along with the Catholic Education Offices and Catholic diocesan Bishops to continue to promote Catholic education as a first choice for families and support schools to develop parent engagement and parent leadership in Catholic education across Victoria.
Principals are invited to nominate a parent representative to connect and liaise directly with CSPV. One parent representative will be the contact person to represent parents in your school, working alongside you as Principal in partnership to share information and act as a liaison with CSPV on matters of interest in education. The parent representative will not be required to attend CSPV meetings.
Download the CSPV Parent Representative Role Description and Nomination Form. For more information, please contact Rachel Saliba, CSPV Executive Officer or visit the CSPV website.
Rural Education Awards
The Rural Education Award will acknowledge the Inspirational and Innovative Educators, Education Leaders and Education Organisations who work collaboratively to provide learning within our rural and remote communities.
We invite rural learning communities (whether that be early years services, schools, or adult learning organisations) to nominate educators, education leaders, education teams, or clusters who have taken creative and innovative approaches to making a difference.
An amount of $6,000.00 will be provided to the successful nominee to be utilised in further developing the initiative.
Applications close on Monday 1 March.
Newsletter Email List
Thank you to the schools who have submitted email addresses for school staff to receive our Weekly Newsletter and periodic DOBCEL Board Updates.
Our mailing list is now close to complete, however if you have any additional staff you would like to add, please submit their details here. Conversely, if you require any addresses to be removed, please contact Emma Newman via email.
Please note that "All Staff" email addresses can be submitted, and only school email addresses will be added.