Weekly Newsletter #28 - 7 September 2022
Reflection
A reflection for the beginning of the Season of Creation - by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ
The Season of Creation is a month that brings together people from different Churches to attend to the Environment. It invites us to listen to the cry of the environment and to reflect on what we must do as individuals, as citizens, workplaces, nations and as the world to address the urgent threat of global warming.
To listen to the cry of creation is not like shutting out all other sounds in order to hear a single bird’s cry in a forest. The environment is around us, within us, above us, beneath us and beyond us. Its voice is the voice of the universe. When we listen to the cry of one part of the environment to which we have responsibility, we are led also to attend to all the relationships that compose our environment and to the way in which they interact with one another to form the world in which we live.
Care for the environment will embrace all our relationships, ranging from those with the air we breathe, the food we eat, the things we buy, the way we travel, dress, speak, listen and work, to our relationships with ourselves, with family, friends, hospitals, people who are homeless and excluded, schools, workplaces, banks, politics and with our world.
Care for the environment is not one single aspect of our lives. It embraces all aspects of our lives.
Let us Pray.
May God who established the dance of creation,
Who marvelled at the lilies of the field,
Who transforms chaos to order,
Lead us to transform our lives and the Church, to listen to the voice of all creation,
That reflects God's glory.
Amen
(The CTBI Eco-Congregation Programme)
From the Executive Director
This week I was delighted to attend the National Catholic Education Conference in Melbourne. With the theme of ‘The Future is Listening’ the conference featured many of our colleagues from the Diocese. This included Bishop Paul, Directors of the Board, Principals, teachers and CEB staff.
The aim of the NCEC was to bring together school and system leaders, educators, clergy, religious, students and educational professionals. Researchers, families and other groups interested in Catholic Education also were pleased to attend. The large attendance was inspiring. We gained invaluable knowledge about future directions to continue the flourishing of vibrant Catholic learning communities across Australia.
The Conference challenged us with a range of thought-provoking keynote speakers and high-quality workshops. Overseas presenters brought a welcome perspective to the Conference. It was a truly engaging opportunity to learn, reflect and explore powerful ideas about our Catholic culture, faith and identity.
As promised earlier in the year, the 2023 calendar is now available. Thank you to those who assisted in putting this together. Please see below for a link to the calendar. Should you have any questions about the calendar, please email the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Kerrie Zammit.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
NCEC Conference 2022 - Wednesday Morning Prayer.
This Prayer was produced by members of the Catholic Education Ballarat team, and was presented to attendees on the Wednesday morning of the Conference.
DOBCEL CEB Meeting Calendar 2023
Please download the calendar via the link below.
People & Development Update
WGEA Reporting 2021/2022.
DOBCEL submitted its first Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) report in June this year as required under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. This report includes data relating to staff across each of the primary and secondary schools governed by DOBCEL, and its Catholic Education offices.
Please download the report snapshot via the link below.
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.
The first session of our Wellbeing Webinar Series was held this week (RUOK? Day), thanks to Converge International for facilitating. For those who missed the session I will send through the link of the recording as soon as it is available.
The next session - Maintaining Motivation - will be held on Thursday 15 September 4pm to 5pm.
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.
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.
Staff News
Marg McDonald.
Marg has tendered her resignation as Senior Education Officer: Learning and Teaching, effective January 2023. Marg’s contribution to Catholic Education over the past 13 years has been invaluable and she goes with our appreciation on behalf of all those she has worked, learned, and partnered with during this time.
We will formally recognise Marg’s contribution later in the year and wish her well for a long and happy retirement.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principalship Vacancies.
- St Patrick’s Primary School, St Arnaud (closes 3 October)
- St Joseph’s Catholic School, Charlton (closes 3 October)
School Vacancies.
- 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)
- Learning Support Officer – St Patrick’s School, Gordon – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 September)
- Timetabler and Logistics Coordinator – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing 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)
- Range of Leadership and Teaching Positions – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (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)
- Educational Psychologist or School Counsellor – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 September)
- Deputy Principal/Specialist Teacher – St Patrick’s School, Port Fairy – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (3-year tenue for Deputy role) (closes 30 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)
Brisbane Catholic Education Opportunity.
- Senior Manager Religious Education – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE to commence November 2022 (closes 25 September)