Weekly Newsletter #21 - 20 July 2022
Reflection
From the Executive Director
This Friday evening the Ordination to the Priesthood Mass of Willam Lowry and Matthew Restall will take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat at 7:00PM, to which all are welcome to attend. For those unable to attend, the Mass will also be live-streamed via this link.
This is a very exciting occasion for William, Matthew and our Diocese. We send our best wishes and prayers to both men as they begin this important Ministry, and we look forward to welcoming them into the schools of our Diocese.
There has been increased media attention surrounding recent state government recommendations regarding the usage of masks in schools. This spotlight has also included the Circuit Breaker initiative that was put forth to Ballarat Diocesan Principals several weeks ago.
As was conveyed in our COVID Update to Principals on Monday, we strongly recommend adults and students aged 8 and above wear face masks indoors until the end of Winter. This measure will help reduce both COVID and flu infections in our schools. On Monday I received my 4th COVID-19 vaccination. I strongly recommend our workforce receiving their 4th COVID-19 vaccination.
An updated version of the DOBCEL Directory is now live on the website, which can be found via this link. As this is a fluid document, it will be updated on an ongoing basis.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Catholic Education Update
Children’s Book Council of Australia.
You are invited to the Children’s Book Council of Australia Judges’ talk at Campion Books, Ballarat on Saturday 6 August. Please view the flyer below for further information and register yourself here.
Religious Education and Pedagogy (REAP).
The Religious Education and Pedagogy (REAP) program will be offered again in 2023 for another 2-year cycle and this time we’ll be offering it in Ballarat and Mildura.
Please view the letter below for more information and register your schools’ interest in this via this link by this Friday 22 July.
For further information, please contact Gina Bernasconi.
People & Development Update
Face Masks.
With the rising number of cases of COVID-19 and influenza across the state, it is again strongly recommended by the Department of Health that face masks are worn in indoor settings, including schools and offices. This is because wearing masks is effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
In practice, this means that the Victorian Government is recommending that, through to the end of winter, students aged 8 and over and staff wear masks in shared indoor spaces including when in class, except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication or when a particular activity requires the removal of a mask.
Masks are not required to be worn outdoors but can be worn when physical distancing is not possible. This recommendation should not constrain student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.
Thank you for supporting a safe learning and working environment.
Reduction of Testing and Isolation Exemption Period.
The period of time when someone is considered a recently confirmed case and therefore exempt from testing and isolation requirements has been reduced to 4 weeks. Previously, this period was 12 weeks.
This means, staff or students that have recovered from COVID-19, are not required to get tested or isolate/quarantine again if you they are re-exposed to a case within 4 weeks of ending your isolation period.
After 4 weeks, the relevant advice must be followed depending on the type of contact.
Additionally, where a student or staff member who is a household contact wishes to attend school (and not isolate for 7 days) they must:
- Continually test negative using a rapid antigen test, on at least 5 days out of the 7-day period (ensure tests are spaced at least 24 hours apart)
- wear a mask indoors when outside your home (for those over 8 years of age)
- notify their employer/school, and
- not visit hospitals or care facilities.
More information is available via the coronavirus.vic.gov.au webpage. See links here for close contacts and COVID-19 cases.
Infection prevention and control online learning launched.
A free, online learning package has been launched to help people understand infection prevention and control (IPC) and the simple steps to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
The IPC eLearning package was developed by the Department of Health and contains six bite-sized modules that can be completed in about ten minutes.
It can be accessed by anyone on a mobile or desktop device with a reliable internet connection.
The eLearning package is especially helpful for people working in non-clinical roles in education, public and community health, aged care and disability and industry.
It was developed by the Victorian Department of Health’s IPC experts and educators and extends on IPC training delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic for a range of sectors.
Access IPC eLearning here.
Access the fact sheet here.
For more information, email COVID19InfectionControl@health.vic.gov.au
Flourish eMagazine – July edition.
The July edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
In this edition:
- NAIDOC week – Get up! Stand Up! Show Up!
- A growth mindset and the workplace
- The effects of alcohol on the body and mind
- Children and Self Esteem (an interview with psychologist Melissa Sadlo)
- Digital solutions for the EAP
- What is psychosocial risk?
- Managing menopause and the power of exercise
- Non hungry eating
For information about the Employee Assist Program (EAP) visit Converge International’s website.
Learning & Teaching Update
Expressions of Interest - Learner Agency Professional Learning 2023.
Schools interested in undertaking the Learner Agency Professional Learning program, in partnership with Dr Jayne-Louise Collins from Ed Partnerships, are asked to register their interest via this form.
Please see the attached information or contact Sue Paulka for further information.
2023 Teaching Excellence Program.
The Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership aims to improve student outcomes by increasing the effectiveness and impact of teaching and school leadership practice in our schools through the design and delivery of specialised professional learning programs. The Academy’s flagship offering is the Teaching Excellence Program, a one-year initiative aimed at further developing exceptional teachers from Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools.
Please read and view the testimonial below from one of our current participants;
"This year I have been participating in the Teaching Excellence Program in the Technologies stream. I am currently working at St Mary's in Warracknabeal and felt that this program would enhance my teaching practices and bring me up to date with current Technology teaching skills. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the program to date and am looking forward to the next 6 months.
I have enjoyed the mix of online and face to face classes and conferences and being able to meet colleagues from across the state, not only in Technology but in other discipline areas as well. I have explored my own teaching and looked at the areas I need to improve so I can teach my students more effectively. Through this exploration, I have changed my teaching approach to give my students more learner agency. This is my focus for my inquiry project throughout the second half of the year.
I highly recommend anyone applying for TEP in 2023. The experience will enable you to not only examine your own practice through teacher inquiry and reflection but also give you access to high quality professional development."
For further information, you can contact me at fholland@smwarracknabeal.catholic.edu.au and view my Video Testimonial here.
Teachers can now view the eligibility requirements and register their interest in the program via the Academy’s website. Those who register will be notified when applications for the program open and will also receive information about the selection process. Places are available for both primary and secondary teachers in the following discipline areas:
- English, including English as an additional language
- Mathematics
- Health and Physical Education
- Languages
- Science
- Technologies
- The Arts
- Humanities
The program is a unique professional learning opportunity that includes access to experts in discipline areas, participation in master classes, membership of a Teaching Excellence Learning Community, support to conduct practitioner inquiries in classrooms, and a focus on enhancing and demonstrating dispositions that support development and growth as a teacher.
The program will consist of a combination of face-to-face professional learning, online and in class learning. Through the Teaching Excellence Program, teachers will have the opportunity to deepen teaching excellence and advance their professional practice through disciplinary knowledge, the science of learning and contemporary pedagogies.
Eligible teachers are invited to register their interest in the Teaching Excellence Program via the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership website. Applications close August 31.
Professional Learning.
On Friday August 5th the CEB Mathematics team will facilitate an online professional learning day. There will be three workshops throughout the day and each will go for approximately 90 minutes. As the learning is online, there is the flexibility to move in and out of sessions as you are able. All teachers within your school are invited to participate in any sessions which may be of interest to them.
There is no charge for this professional learning.
You are invited to register for the workshops you are interested in through via this Google form by Tuesday 2nd August.
A meeting link will then be shared with registered participants.
Workshop 1 - 9:15 - 10:45am
Leading Learning
This session will be facilitated by Matt Sexton, Director of the Mathematics Teaching and Learning Centre at ACU.
The focus for this session will be to:
- Build capacity as a leader
- Explore meeting protocols
- Structure engaging meetings which support a range of learning styles.
Workshop 2 - 11:30 - 1:00pm
New Australian Curriculum
This session will be facilitated by Rachael Whitney-Smith from ACARA.
The focus for this session will be to:
- Provide an overview of the new Australian Curriculum, with an emphasis on the Mathematics Curriculum.
Workshop 3 - 1:30 - 3:00pm
Unpacking Data
The focus for this session will be to:
- Explore data tools.
- Discuss the use of Mathematical data to plan for teaching and learning.
Wellbeing Update
OLT - Understanding Hearing Loss.
Understanding hearing loss and its impact on student learning and helping to develop strategies to assist students within the classroom. Use this link to register for the event.
Student Wellbeing - Out of Home Care - Designated Teacher Training.
A two part training series to help participants understand the Designated Teacher role delivered by LOOKOUT Centre team members.
The Designated Teacher is the first point of contact for, and is the advocate of students in Out of Home Care, within their school. If your school does not have a designated teacher, this training is highly recommended.
This two-part training will be held on the following dates:
- PART A: Tuesday, 9 August 2022: 10am - 11.30am
- PART B: Tuesday, 9 August 2022: 2pm - 3.30pm
Parts A & B will assist participants gain an understanding of:
- the experience of children in out of home care
- attachment and trauma theory
- the requirements of the Out of Home Care Education Commitment
- the importance of culturally responsive schools
- the role of DFFH
- the role of the Designated Teacher
- the role of LOOKOUT Centres
If you would like more information about this training, please contact lookout.swv@education.vic.gov.au or studentwellbeing@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Hour of Power - Strengthening Student Attendance.
Please see the flyer below for more information.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Office Vacancies.
- Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes Thursday 21 July)
- ICT Support Officer and System Administrator – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes Monday 25 July)
- Payroll Officer – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closing 1 August)
School Vacancies.
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed-term position for 2023 at 1.0 FTE (closes 22 July)
- Classroom Teacher Roles – expressions of interest for 2023 – Marian College, Ararat – (closes 25 July)
- Head of Staff Development (new Senior Leadership role) – Marian College, Ararat – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 July)
- Drama/Production Coordinator – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 July)
- Director of Faith and Mission (POL 4) – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 August)
- Classroom Teacher with POL 2 – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE for Term 4 initially (closes 30 August)
- Class Teacher (T4 Parental Leave Replacement/Acting POL 2) – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – 1.0 FTE (closes 30 August)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier, Ballarat East (closes 9 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North (closes 18 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 18 December)
Opportunity External to the Diocese of Ballarat.
- Deputy Executive Director – Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Brisbane – to commence prior to January 2023, by negotiation (closes 3 August)