Weekly Newsletter #7 - 17 Mar 2021
Reflection
Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. John 3:21
The recount of Nicodemus’s meeting with Jesus, featured in John’s gospel, is rich in imagery. Out of the darkness he meets Jesus in the light; out of the darkness of his searching he encounters Jesus, the light of the world. In scripture, darkness is associated with ignorance and deceit. To come into the light is an invitation to experience truth.
Last month, we witnessed the military coup in Myanmar, a country very close to the heart of our diocese. For a number of years, we have partnered with Catholic Mission to organize an immersion program for staff from across the diocesan education community. These have been rich experiences that have enabled Catholic communities in Myanmar to be empowered by the gift of education. Such empowerment is a threat to the military; a story often repeated throughout history. The lives of people that we have directly worked with are in danger because they know the liberation that comes through education and they refuse to be subjugated. Let us pray for these enlightened communities as they speak truth to the face of power.
Gracious God,
Your compassion for us draws forth our compassion for one another.
Our compassionate hearts encompass now the people of Myanmar.
We pray there is no further unnecessary suffering.
We pray for those already grieving.
We pray for the healing of those who are wounded.
We pray for wise national and international leadership so that this crisis does not deteriorate further.
We pray for the peacemakers that their work can flourish.
Guide us, we pray, in your compassion, as to how we might best assist in these days ahead.
This prayer and much that is in our hearts, we gather and pray in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
(adapted from National Council of Churches in Australia Solidarity Prayer for Myanmar)
From the Executive Director
The latest Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey report has been released this week, I am particularly passionate about principal wellbeing. One of the ways we can assist principals is to do what we can to reduce principals’ workloads. The CEB Leadership Team and the DOBCEL Board are reviewing and implementing elements of the Improving workload management practices across the Catholic Education System in Victoria (NOUS report) in an effort to reduce principal workloads. While the change in governance to DOBCEL has seen a short term increase in workloads as we roll out the policies and procedures and the associated work flows and processes, in the long term we are working towards reducing principal workloads in the areas that we can control.
Tomorrow I will be presenting, via Zoom, to all principals from the Southern Zone Principals’ meeting from 9:30 to 10:30am. A Zoom link has been sent out to all principals.
Damascus College and St Francis Xavier Announcement
We are excited to announce that Damascus College, Mount Clear and St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East will transfer their Canonical governance to DOBCEL in 2022. Further information on the announcement is available here.
Acknowledging our Principals and Leaders
As we celebrate 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia, and 172 years of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Ballarat in 2021, we acknowledge and celebrate our Principals and Leaders. Since the first school in our diocese opened in Portland in 1849, our leaders have continued to work in partnership to build inclusive and contemporary school communities where all students are encouraged to flourish.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
DOBCEL Policy Implementation Update
VRQA requires all DOBCEL schools to implement policies and procedures by mid-2021.
This Summary Document outlines the key points and changes in the below documents, along with actions required by schools by Thursday 1 April, and the document locations in eSORT.
- Health and Safety Committee (HSC) Terms of Reference
- OHS Consultation, Roles and Responsibilities Guide
Updated Policy Implementation Timeline
An updated version of the Policy Implementation Timeline is now available.
Professional Learning Updates
Implementing the EAL Curriculum Webinar Series
Our series of EAL curriculum webinars commences this Thursday 18 March at 3.45pm with a session on 'Identifying EAL learners'. Presented by CECV's EAL Leader Mollie Daphne, this webinar series is specifically developed for CEB schools and will provide opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussion and share experiences as we implement and report to the new curriculum throughout 2021. Register here.
Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years Information Virtual Meeting
The University of Melbourne's Larissa McLean-Davies will host a short presentation and Q&A session for the upcoming 'Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years' professional learning program on Wednesday 24 March at 11.15am. Principals and Learning Leaders will have received an invitation to this event. For more information please contact Rachel McGennisken.
Diocesan Leadership Awards Nominations - Reminder
On behalf of the DOBCEL Board, the Executive Director of Catholic Education Ballarat recognises outstanding service and leadership within our Diocesan schools and school communities.
There are three Diocesan Awards where a DOBCEL employee or School community member can be nominated to be recognised for their particular expression of leadership:
- The Partnership Award
The Catholic Leadership Award
The Fullness of Life Award
A reminder that nominations close this Friday 19 March and can be submitted via this form.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principal Vacancies
Principal - St Brigid’s College, Horsham
Contract, Full time position
Closes: Monday 19 April
CEB Vacancy
Speech Pathologist
Fixed Term, 0.8FTE Parental Leave replacement for 2021 school year
Location: Horsham
Closes: Monday 29 March
Schoolzine Website and eNewsletter EOIs Invited - Reminder
The opportunity to secure a new Schoolzine website and eNewsletter solution at a special Diocesan price of approximately 50% off is currently available. See our information page and FAQ document for more information on increasing your school’s digital engagement with existing and prospective families.
Expressions of interest for Phase 2 are open until Thursday 1 April. To request a quote and initiate the process for your school, submit an EOI form or contact Emma Newman via email.