Weekly Newsletter #3 - 15 February 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Connect with the DOBCEL Catholic Education Ballarat Platforms
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2023 College Awards Assembly at St Joseph's College, Mildura
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2023 Principal Appointments
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Visit to Ballarat Pastoral Ministry Office
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Professional Learning Calendar
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Student Wellbeing Team Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Resources for Lent 2023
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Apology to the Stolen Generations - Unfinished Business
On Monday 13th February we commemorated The Apology to The Stolen Generations. This apology took place in the national parliament in Canberra in 2008. The experience of The Stolen Generations is in the living memory of families from across our diocese. We walk with them in solidarity and love, remembering their immense pain. This occasion reminds us that as an educational community we are founded on the Dream of God for the world, this includes hope, peace, justice and reconciliation for all. The following reflection is a poignant summation of this part of our history.
In the Apology, the Australian Government spoke on behalf of all Australians in recognising that Australia had acted wrongly in removing Indigenous children from their parents. The removal was dictated by the disrespectful claim that the children were defined, not by their shared humanity, but by their race. This disrespect caused lasting damage to the children affected, to their families and their descendants. It was possible only because of the Indigenous experience after the colonisation of their land. This was one of invasion, massacres, displacement, expulsion from land and the cultures it nurtured, violation of sacred places, the taking away of their children, discrimination enshrined in law and in custom, racism and condescension within Australian life, and imposed marginalisation. It obscured the heroic story of endurance, resistance, guarding of culture and language, organisation, pride and constant struggle for justice that were also part of Indigenous experience.
Fr. Andrew Hamilton SJ, in
https://catholicoutlook.org/a-reflection-for-the-anniversary-of-the-national-apology-to-the-stolen-generations/
May our words of sorrow be accompanied by concrete actions as we journey into the future.
Let us pray
God of all Creation,
We who have come from every land give thanks for Australia;
This earth that feeds us; The shores that bind us; The skies that envelop us in freedom.
We stand together, united as one people; Proud of our ability to work together; Grateful for our gifts; Nourished by our diversity and our harmony.
Yet we turn to the original owners of our land, and see, too, what has been taken from them.
We weep for their loss of freedom, of country, of children - even of their very lives. We stand in awe at their survival and in debt for their land.
We have shadows in our history which if unfaced diminish us. We have taken without asking; our nation has taken without asking;
Lives are wounded. We see the pain, feel the sorrow and we say sorry.
Let us look back with courage, see the truth and speak it. Let us look around with compassion; see the cost and share it.
Let us look forward with hope; see what can be and create it.
Give us courage to face the 'truth' compassion to share the burden.
Strength to play our part in the healing - And hope to walk forward to a place of justice, with courage, compassion, strength and hope,
We will walk together on the journey of healing.
Amen.
Acknowledgement and thanks to The Religious Education Team, Brisbane Catholic Education for this prayer
From the Executive Director
I look forward to seeing all our Principals at the Diocesan Leadership Gathering (DLG) in Horsham tomorrow and Friday. This is our first Diocesan Leadership Gathering for 2023. These meetings are very important as they are an opportunity for colleagues to join together from across the Diocese.
This Diocesan Leadersip Gathering will be focussing on Formation in Catholic Identity and Mission along with updates being provided on various matters including the current EBA negotiations. These meetings provide great opportunities for consultation and workshops.
As leaders, we are all working together in partnership for the benefit of all school communities across our diocese.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Connect with the DOBCEL Catholic Education Ballarat Platforms
2023 College Awards Assembly at St Joseph's College, Mildura
Everyone at the college enjoyed a wonderful first full week of the school year. On Monday 6 February, the college recognised excellence at the College Awards Assembly.
Highest achievers from the Class of 2022 returned for the Assembly to collect their awards, including College Dux Caterina De Maria, Proxime Accessit Maria Petrolo, VCAL Award for Excellence winner Molly Heeps, and Georgia Phillips, the winner of the Year 12 Spirit Award. Awards also went to those who achieved academic excellence last year in Biology, English, Health & Human Development, Dance, and Studio Arts. In addition, the college distributed internal scholarships to several current students. Congratulations to all the award winners and scholarship recipients.
Years 7 and 8 continued to settle into their new routines, students in Years 9–12 immersed themselves in Seminar Days. Always a big hit, the college hosts respected facilitators to conduct workshops that incorporate interactive activities, music, and more. These days allow each year level to learn life skills, have fun, and – most importantly – bond as a cohort.
Award Winners
- College Dux – Caterina De Maria
- Proxime Accessit – Maria Petrolo
- VCAL Award for Excellence – Molly Heeps
- Year 12 Spirit Award – Georgia Phillips
- ATAR Above 90 – Caterina De Maria
Academic Excellence Recipients
- Studio Arts – Matilda Kelly
- Biology – Anthony De Maria, Lily Lawrence
- Dance – Nathan Zappia
- English – Maria Petrolo
- Health & Human Development – Maria Petrolo, Anna Joseph, Millie Kuhne, Rebecca Calvi
Mercy Academic Scholarship Recipients
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Year 11 Founding Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Recipients
- Emmalee Beggs - Anna Maria Doyle Scholarship
- James Bell - Ursula Frayne Scholarship
- Jessica Birch - Mary Vincent Whitty Scholarship
- Kaunanga Fangaloka - Elizabeth Harley Scholarship
- Olivia Kambouris - Juliana Hardman Scholarship
- River Southwell - Elizabeth Moore Scholarship
- Neve Tingey Clare - Augustine Moore Scholarship
Article submitted by Communications and Events Manager: Tracy Aston
2023 Principal Appointments
Over the coming weeks you will be introduced to Principals that have been appointed for 2023.
This week we introduce to you Ben Shields and Emily Clarke.
Visit to Ballarat Pastoral Ministry Office
On Tuesday, Alexander J. Brodie (Marketing & Communications Advisor) and Amber Innes (Marketing & Communications Assistant) accepted an invitation to visit the Pastoral Ministry Office in Ballarat. It was a pleasure to meet Jane Collins, Fran Peterkin and Julie Boyd to discuss the landscape of content delivery and engagement across both offices, and how each compliment the other in helping connect good news stories across the Diocese.
During the visit, Alexander and Amber were given a tour which included the newly redeveloped Archives, containing many items on display that represent important times throughout the history of the Diocese.
Article submitted by Alexander J. Brodie
Professional Learning Calendar
The Professional Learning Google calendar on the DOBCEL website will be populated in the coming days.
This will contain links to allow you to register for upcoming events.
Article submitted by Sarah Johnson
Student Wellbeing Team Update
Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Increase your capacity to support student’s mental health. Mental health first aid strategies are taught in an evidence-based training program authored by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia.
The course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
- Dates: 15th & 16th of March
- Cost: $156
- Participants / Target Audience Teachers, school nurses, LSO’s, year level coordinators, administration staff, (anyone in the school community).
For further information contact Brooke Nester
Learning and Teaching Update
Pretend Play Professional Learning Opportunity.
St James’ Parish School, Sebastopol are offering all schools the opportunity to participate in Pretend Play professional learning in 2023.
- Where: St James’ Parish School Hall. Vale Street via church car park
- Date: Monday, February 20, 2023
- Facilitators: Professor Louise Paatsch and staff from St James’ Parish School
- Time: 9.30am-2.00pm
- Booking: Contact School Administration on 03 53358750
This presentation discusses the melting pot of pretend play, that is, the explanation of why pretend play is linked to language, narrative, metacommunication, metacognition, social competence, self-regulation, problem solving and creativity. In particular, this presentation goes into depth on the links between pretend play and oral language and narrative. Underpinning this knowledge, a brief introduction will be made into the neurobiology of play and how play can impact on brain development in children.
The development of the skills involved in pretend play will be presented as a background to the Pretend Play Checklist for Teachers. The administration and scoring of the Pretend Play Checklist for Teachers will be presented in detail.
The presentation will be supported by videos of children playing. Analysis will be undertaken on the play skills observed and what this would mean for the child’s oral language.
Staff at St James’ will present Pretend Play in action from P-6. Tours of each Learning Community will support the transfer from theory to application.
Please contact St James for further information and to register your interest.
Professional Learning Opportunity For School Staff: Data Literacy.
Dr Selena Fisk will be working with educators from across the Ballarat Diocese in March.
The video links below offer an insight into Selena’s work:
Selena Fisk is a data storyteller, whose work with educators aims to bring data to life assisting in evidence-informed decisions.
There will be a focus on developing strategic approaches to the collection, collation and usage of data and equipping school staff at all levels to have highly effective conversations about data to allow informed decisions to be made based on evidence.
The learning will take place throughout the year as outlined below:
- Term 1 - face to face with Selena Fisk.
- Terms 2 & 3 - webinars facilitated by CEB Teams.
- End of Term 3 - presentation of school’s Action Research Learning.
The face to face dates in term one will be from March 20th-24th in four locations-
- March 20th - Mildura
- March 21st - Horsham
- March 22nd - Warrnambool
- March 24th - Ballarat
Please note: locations and venues will be confirmed based on registrations, which will close on Thursday 16th February 2023. Each face to face day is 9am-3pm.
Cost - $100 per person; morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Please contact your Education Officer for any further questions.
Country Education Partnership.
CEP are offering a Professional Development Series through 4 webinars in March.
The Autumn series will focus on the demands associated with working in the education industry and balancing educators' own health and well-being. Specifically designed by educators, for educators, this season consists of 4 highly interactive sessions.
- Stay informed on the latest industry trends and strategies to enhance your own well-being.
- Learn from experts in the field and discover new ways to navigate the challenges of the education industry.
- Participate in highly interactive sessions that provide participants with the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback from educational industry experts.
Sign up now and take the next step towards professional growth and well-being.
Please email Samantha Meerbach for further information.
City Country Partnerships Grants Program.
As part of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Australian Government is investing $24.6 million in the City-Country Partnerships (CCP) Program to improve school education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The program supports the establishment of formal partnerships between high-performing metropolitan schools and remote schools with a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to boost outcomes of Indigenous students, particularly in reading, mathematics, attendance and school completion. See further information here.
Find Expression of Interest Form here.
For any questions please contact Andrew Lloyd (Director City Country Partnerships Program | Yadha Muru Foundation) via phone 0410 063 871 or email andrew.lloyd@yadhamuru.org.au
Secondary Schools; Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years (ILSY) Professional Learning.
ILSY Learning Area Leader Professional Learning Program (ILSY LAL PLP)
In 2023, CEB will continue to partner with the University of Melbourne (UoM) Graduate School of Education (MGSE) to provide the ILSY PLP for Learning Area Leaders (LAL) from the domains of Technologies, The Arts, and Health and Physical Education (HaPE). Its purpose is to build the capacity of faculty team members to explicitly and systematically lead sustainable improvement in student learning outcomes using a disciplinary literacy approach.
The workshops will be facilitated by Professor Larissa McLean Davies and Dr Pauline Thompson from the University of Melbourne. It is recommended that schools send multiple participants including Learning Area Leaders and Year 7 and 8 teachers from Technologies, The Arts, and Health and Physical Education (HaPE) domains. Details for schools to register will be available in January 2023. Further information about the ILSY LAL PLP can be found here.
ILSY Whole School Implementation Team (WSIT)
The ILSY Whole School Implementation Team (WSIT) is designed to build leadership capacity in schools by providing explicit instruction in developing and implementing a whole school literacy improvement framework. It involves one face-to-face day, online coaching and online sessions. Further information about the ILSY WSIT PLP can be found here.
VCE English and Literature Improvement Network.
MACS will also continue their VCE English and Literature Improvement Network with a particular focus on resources for the new study designs. Teachers will need to register to join the professional learning program through the CEVN website. If they were involved in the program last year, they will still need to register to be included in this year’s program.
Further details can be found here.
If you require further information, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) via email or phone 0432 499 683.
Upcoming Languages Professional Learning.
Beginner language classes.
CECV will offer beginner language maintenance classes in Auslan, French, Indonesian, Italian and Japanese this year. These classes are intended for specialist language teachers or Teachers as Co Learners teachers who wish to build their confidence with pronunciation. They will provide opportunities for you to explore basic grammar and main points of difference between English, teach you beginner level interactional skills and to develop cultural understanding.
Classes will be held on Thursday afternoons from 4.30 - 5.30pm. Class dates for Term 1 are Thurs 16 Feb (introduction), 2 March, 16 March, 30 March. Register here.
Dr Gianfranco Conti, Friday 24 February.
Dr. Gianfranco Conti is returning to Melbourne to run a professional learning day on his Extensive Processing Instruction (E.P.I.) approach for CECV staff at the Catholic Leadership Centre, East Melbourne on Friday 24th February.
You may choose to attend Dr Conti’s face to face workshop (AM), CECV face to face collaborative sessions with our Language team (PM), or Dr Conti’s online workshops (PM).
Select your preferred options when you register.
Languages online book club, 1st March – 13th June.
A professional online book club with Dr Andrea Truckenbrodt will be offered in Semester 1 for CECV Languages teachers.
Registrations close 18th February. For more details, please see here.
Articles submitted by Joseph Ewing
Resources for Lent 2023
This year, Ash Wednesday is on 22nd February. The following resources may be useful for staff prayer and reflection during Lent.
These resources are intended for adult formation. They can be used by individuals, at a whole staff prayer gathering or in a way that best suits the context of your school community.
2022 Stations of The Cross: Renew the Earth Resource - JRS USA.
Access here, this booklet may be suitable for staff prayer each week during Lent.
Lenten Prayers.
This site provides several prayers that may be suitable for staff prayer during the Season of Lent.
Parish Booklet - Project Compassion 2023.
A Project Compassion 2023 Parish booklet that includes checklists to help run Project Compassion in your parish/school along with this year's stories, weekly reflections, prayers of intercession, fundraising guidelines and a list of who to contact for further information.
This may be suitable to use with the staff of your school.
The Hand Examen: A prayer for all - The Summit Online.
The hand Examen, is not a prayer that has been formulated particularly for the Season of Lent, though it may be a meaningful way that adults can enter into prayer. View here.
2023 Daily Reflection - Action Calendar to Cultivate Creation Justice.
A calendar that outlines concrete actions for each day during the Lenten journey. It is from an American perspective but could be modified for your context.
Download calendar here.
Mercy International Association: Ash Wednesday Prayer Service.
A prayer service for adults to use on Ash Wednesday from “Mercy World”.
Article submitted by Jim Waight
Family Lent Calendar 2023.
Download this free calendar for practical ideas to help families journey through Lent.
Resource submitted by Julie Boyd
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Capital Works Project Delivery Officer – Ballarat Office - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes Monday 20 February)
- Talent Acquisition Partner – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes Monday 27 February)
- Executive Assistant to Deputy Director: Catholic Education – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 March)
School Vacancies.
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 February)
- Learning Support Officer – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East – fixed-term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 17 February)
- Classroom Teacher of English, Humanities and Art – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 24 February)
- Junior Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s Catholic School, Charlton – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 February)
- Learning Support Officer – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 February)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 23 June)
Article submitted by Jo Huntley