Weekly Newsletter #27 - 31 August 2022
Reflection
Listen to the Voice of Creation.
The Season of Creation begins on September 1, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations. The following reflection from the Catholic Bishops of Ireland explores this important Season.
The theme for the Season of Creation 2022 is “Listen to the Voice of Creation”. The burning bush is the Symbol for the Season of Creation 2022. Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice.
On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt. Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice.
In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation, to the voices of those who suffer the impacts of climate change, to the voices of those who hold generational wisdom about how to live gratefully within the limits of the land. These are voices of the Earth. The global Christian family is called to awaken to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and with each other and to encourage our parish (and schools) communities to do the same, “for we know that things can change!” (Laudato Si’, 13).
Let us Pray.
Creator God,
You created us to live with the birds of the air, animals of the land and sea, trees, flowers, plants and our brothers and sisters around the world.
Open our minds, touch our hearts and guide us in ways of care and concern for all you have gifted us.
We ask this in Your name. Amen.
Season of Creation Resources.
The following resources may be useful for staff and student prayer reflection and action during the Season of Creation that starts on 1st September and concludes on 4th October.
What is The Season of Creation?
Prayer Service for the Season of Creation
https://catholicearthcare.org.au/
From the Executive Director
Last week I took the opportunity to visit schools in our Southern Zone. On 25 August I was welcomed at St Colman’s Mortlake and St Patrick’s Koroit. Lucky for me, Book Week was taking place and I joined the St Patrick’s staff in dressing up as Gru and the Minions! On 26 August I was welcomed to St John’s Dennington, St Patrick’s Port Fairy and All Saints Parish School Portland.
On 28 August, I was honoured to attend the 175th anniversary of All Saints Parish, Portland. All Saints Parish is the oldest Parish in the Ballarat Diocese, having been founded in 1847 by Bishop John Bede Polding OSB. A celebratory Mass led by Bishop Paul was held with Parishioners and invited guests, followed by a luncheon and a commemorative tree planting.
Special thanks must be made to the staff of All Saints and in particular to Kerri-Ann O’Keefe for her set up of displays and powerpoint presentations that depicted the Parish’s history. It was also Fr Gregory’s 30th anniversary of his Ordination. Fr Gregory kindly donated an altar stone for our new CEB chapel altar, enabling a connection from the oldest parish in the Diocese to our new Gillies Street chapel.
On 29 August, the CEB Leadership Team met in the Horsham office. The day was an opportunity for the group to discuss Speech Pathology services and work in priority risk groups, as well as a delegation workshop.
The Leadership Team will next meet on 10 October in the Ballarat office.
Yesterday I attended our regular CECV Board meeting in Melbourne. Key issues discussed included CECV funding, our State election advocacy, COVID and an update on the CECV review.
Tomorrow I look forward to our online Diocesan Leaders Gathering at 10am (please note: new time). The main item on the agenda will be an update on the industrial agreement negotiations.
The celebration of Father's Day takes place this Sunday, which gives each of us an opportunity to show appreciation to both fathers and father-like figures in our lives.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Catholic Education Update
Making a Scene at Christmas.
Making a Scene at Christmas is an education experience about the Birth of Jesus as told in the Gospels and illustrated by Nativity sets.
There are over 400 nativity sets that explore the two Gospel stories, the enculturating of the birth of Jesus and social justice issues. There are also coins of the period as well as frankincense and myrrh.
Over the past ten years Kay and Fiona have travelled the Diocese setting up the display and taking the program into both Primary and Secondary schools. During the past two years however, due to COVID-19 restrictions they have set up the display in a shop front in Ballarat.
Kay and Fiona are ready to travel to schools again and currently they are finalising their plans for Term 4, 2022. They ask any interested schools to contact Fiona to negotiate a school visit.
Please contact Fiona via her email address: fiona.tonkin@ballarat.catholic.org.au
Learning & Teaching Update
University of Melbourne Masters Study Opportunities.
Catholic Education Ballarat (DOBCEL) has been offered places in two subsidised Masters courses of study through the University of Melbourne in 2023 and 2024.
Please see the attached information brochures for the two places via the heading links.
Master of Education in Evidence Based Teaching (MEBT) at University of Melbourne
This course is designed to give teachers access to the most contemporary evidence base to inform their teaching and improve student learning.
Master of Instructional Leadership (MIL) at University of Melbourne
This course is designed to build the capacity of teachers, middle leaders (and senior leaders) in schools in evidence-based practice.
The 2023 Ballarat Schools Cohort will undertake these courses at the reduced cost for the total course of $19,264 (over 2 or 3 years) rather than the standard cost of $32,046.
To receive this price, we require a cohort of 10 participants.
Those offered places in the Ballarat 2023 cohorts of MEBT or MIL will do so with the support of their principal or employer and cost sharing will follow the DOBCEL Study Support Policy requirements.
Cost sharing will require the contribution of a third of the costs from each of the participants, the employing school and CEB.
Applicants are to be currently employed at a school in the Ballarat Diocese or in CEB and need to have the endorsement of the current Principal (or Team Leader for CEB staff). Applications that already have the appropriate accreditations to teach in a Catholic school and to teach RE will be preferenced.
Limited places exist in both of these courses. Please complete this Expression of Interest form by Friday September 9.
For enquiries contact: Susan Crowe or Sue Paulka
Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading.
In response to a growing demand for professional learning and partnership in relation to The Science of Reading and Structured Literacy, DOBCEL is providing a four-tiered, opt-in approach to partnership with schools.
After the recent Diocesan Leadership Gathering, principals were asked to indicate their professional support requirements in 2023, and the option for Science of Reading/Structured Literacy emerged as a clear priority for many of our schools.
This flyer will provide you with the information you need about each level of support available. Contained within it, you will also find a short explanatory video, and an Expression of Interest form. This form is separate from the one filled out on the Professional Learning 2023 survey, as it relates specifically to the Science of Reading/Structured Literacy option.
A webinar will then take place on Thursday, September 8 at 4:00pm, providing schools with further information and the opportunity to ask questions. This will assist you to determine whether or not this option will fit your School Improvement Framework and 2023 Annual Action Plan goals, and if so, what might be the appropriate level of partnership for your context.
Register now via this link for the webinar.
People & Development Update
R U OK? Day.
Thursday 8 September is R U OK? Day, and a reminder we need to stay connected and make asking 'are you OK?' a part of our everyday. That way if someone we know is struggling with something big or small, they'll know we care.
You don't need to be an expert to ask someone, 'are you OK?'.
Try and make time for regular chats about life's ups and downs so you can build trust. That way when someone is struggling, they'll know you care and will feel comfortable opening up to you.
It helps to choose the right time and place for a meaningful conversation.
- On breaks from work or study
- When exercising or doing activities together online
- When you're spending time together socially
- When you're doing an activity side-by-side
- When you're sharing a meal
- When you're travelling together, even a short trip can be a good time to talk
Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed. Because a conversation could change a life.
As part of the Wellbeing Webinar Series with Converge International, we will be running a session dedicated to R U OK? on Monday 5 September at 4pm. Information and a link to this webinar will be sent out soon.
If you need immediate crisis or emotional support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Converge International, which is available to all staff and families on 1300 687 327.
R U OK? is a national charity dedicated to inspiring all of us to have regular, meaningful conversations to support anyone going through a difficult time. For more information visit ruok.org.au
There are some great resources available online, especially for schools and the workplace. Click here to access.
2022 Wellbeing Webinar Series.
Together with Converge International, we are delighted to share with you the 2022 Wellbeing Webinar Series with the first session commencing on Monday 5 September dedicated to R U OK? Day.
Looking after yourself is important, and we encourage you to make it a priority. Each session offers different insights and strategies for supporting our own and others’ wellbeing.
All seminar details, including session links, are available via the attached document via this link.
Staff News
Damian Foster.
We are pleased to announce that Damian has been the successful applicant for the position of Manager: ICT and Cybersecurity. Damian joined us back in March this year and will be leading a team of two: Chinmayi Alturi who commenced last week and Noel Linayao who commences early October.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies.
- Classroom Teachers; Position of Leadership (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)
- Digital Technologies Teacher – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Warrnambool – fixed-term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 2 September)
- Classroom Teacher – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Warrnambool – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
- Year 7 & 8 Teacher – St Mary’s School, Robinvale – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
- Primary Teacher Positions (2) – St Mary’s School, Robinvale – fixed-term positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
- First Aid Officer/Administration Support – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
- Learning Area Leader Mathematics (POL 3) – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing teaching position at 1.0 FTE with POL tenure (closes 2 September)
- Teaching Positions for 2023 – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
- Classroom Teacher 2023– St Thomas More School, Alfredton – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 September)
- Classroom Teacher 2023 – St Thomas More School, Alfredton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 September)
- Timetabler and Logistics Coordinator – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 September)
- Classroom Teacher 2023– St Patrick’s School, Gordon – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 September)
- Classroom Teacher – St John’s School, Dennington – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 September)
- Director of Faith and Mission (POL 4) – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 September)
- Classroom Teachers – St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Maryborough – both ongoing and fixed term at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 September)
- Classroom Teachers – St Mary’s School, Hamilton – fixed-term positions at 1.0 FTE and part-time (closes 12 September)
- Primary Teachers (Various Positions) – St Michael and St John’s School – fixed-term positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 September)
- Classroom Teachers – All Saints Parish School, Portland – fixed-term positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 September)
- Classroom Teacher 2023 – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 September)
- Classroom Teacher 2023 – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October)
- Classroom Teacher – St James’ School, Sebastopol – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October)
- 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)