Weekly Newsletter #5 - 1 March 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac - Ash Wednesday Liturgy.
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2023 Principal Appointments
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Diocesan Leadership Awards Nominations Open - 2023
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Catholic Education Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Save the Date – SIMON User Conference 8th & 9th of May
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Student Wellbeing Team Update
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People and Development Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
The Terrain of Lent
The following reflection invites Christians to explore Lent through the concept of terrain.
The Season of Lent calls us into a landscape. Though the imagery of wilderness is dominant in Lent, this is not the primary terrain that this season invites us to enter.
We enter Lent to enter our own earth, to make a pilgrimage into our own terrain. We move into this season to look at our life anew, to consider what has formed us, where we have come from, what we are carrying within us. Lent invites us to look at the layers that inhabit us: our stories and memories, our imaginings and dreams. This season invites us to notice what in our life feels fallow or empty, where there is growth and greenness, what sources of sustenance lie within us, where we find our inner earth crumbling to reveal something new.
Lent opens our own terrain to us, that we might meet anew the God who lives in every layer of our life.
~ Jan Richardson From Jambaroo Abbey - notes for the first Sunday of Lent 2023
Let us pray
Creator God
Still our restless spirits ...
Calm our racing minds ...
Centre our being ...
Let our longing linger.
Let it take root
and create a beautiful yearning space
that has the time to ache ...
Slow us down for the fast.
Silence the siren voices ...
Wait for our weary wanting
to meet our need and find common ground ...
Hold back the driving beat of our hearts
and let the drums of our internal wars fall silent ...
Slow us down for the fast.
Before the journey begins ...
Before the wanderlust calls us ...
Before the wilderness beckons ...
and breaks our searching spirits ...
Slow us down for the fast.
Amen.
~ Sally Foster-Fulton
From the Executive Director
Today DOBCEL Chair Tracey O’Neill and I hosted a Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) Implementation Committee (CIC) meeting with James Merlino: the newly appointed CIC Chair, Jim Miles: CECV Executive Director and Verity Pearson: CECV Project Manager. Mr Merlino was appointed to this role in January 2023 along with committee members Lynn Glover and Michael Avery.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the renewal of the CECV and transition to a fully independent CECV Board including;
- purpose and functions
- Seeking DOBCEL’s perspective on matters of importance to achieve a successful renewal of CECV, and
- opportunities for engagement and consultation throughout the renewal.
The meeting was very positive with James Merlino looking forward to meeting with Bishop Paul and our DOBCEL Board in the coming months.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac - Ash Wednesday Liturgy.
Last week students from Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac celebrated the beginning of Lent with an Ash Wednesday Liturgy held at school.
The Year 4-6 students attended the Ash Wednesday Mass held at St Mary’s Church in Colac. During the Lenten Season of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, some of the children from Sacred Heart will be embarking on a journey of 'Forgiveness' to receive their Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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 Narelle Cox and Mary Hogan.
Diocesan Leadership Awards Nominations Open - 2023
DOBCEL is proud to again sponsor the Diocese of Ballarat Leadership Awards recognising outstanding service and leadership within the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Ballarat, our school communities and Catholic Education Ballarat.
The Diocesan Award categories are:
Partnership Award
Nomination criteria for staff or community members who demonstrate:
- a commitment to enhancing partnering between the School, Catholic Education Ballarat, Parish, or the local community that enhance learning for students;
- ongoing witness to partnership in Catholic education and an active presence in the education, parish, diocesan and/or local community;
- promotion of Catholic education as partnership in local and/or extended community.
Catholic Leadership Award
Nomination criteria for staff who demonstrate:
- leadership that provides active witness to God’s presence in education, parish and/or diocesan community which enhances Catholic identity;
- excellence in leadership around Religious Education, spirituality, liturgy, religious art, social justice, the founding charism, evangelisation and/or ecology.
Fullness of Life Award
Nomination criteria for staff who demonstrate:
- leadership that leads to fullness of life for colleagues and/or students;
- excellence in education, staff formation or professional learning, student learning and/or;
- educational innovation for demonstrated commitment to evidence-based practice in education.
Nominations are invited via the Nomination Link until Thursday 16th March 2023.
Catholic Education Update
Aggiornamento Series in Open Learning ECSI101.
As part of the Professional Formation Activities in Theology and Catholic Identity 2023, Australian Catholic University is offering engagement through the Aggiornamento Series.
If this is of interest, please contact Kate Lawry or Gina Bernasconi.
Article Submitted by Kate Lawry.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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.
Caritas Booklets - Project Compassion 2023.
Caritas has some wonderful resources to be used in the schools to assist students engage in Project Compassion during Lent 2023.
This Project Compassion Fundraising Booklet is more compatible to the needs of students than the parish resource below.
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.
Garratt Lent Calendar 2023.
This year, Garratt Publishing’s Lent Calendar is exploring the places where Jesus did his ministry.
Download the calendar below.
Enhancing Catholic School Identity website.
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.
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”.
Resources 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.
Save the Date – SIMON User Conference 8th & 9th of May
SIMON will be holding its User Conference on the 8th and 9th of May at the Uni Hill Conference Center in Bundoora.
The conference sessions and hands-on workshops will provide useful huge value for Principals, Teaching and Learning Staff, Administrators, Wellbeing and Marketing experts.
More details will be made available shortly.
Article submitted by Danny Gruber
Student Wellbeing Team Update
SIMON - Social Behaviour Platform.
The SIMON Social Behaviour Platform is an excellent way of recording, analysing and supporting students' needs around behaviour. The Social Behaviour work desk has a number of new functions addressing individual student needs and whole school systems and structures.
This platform is offered and available to all schools in our Diocese. If you would like to know more please do not hesitate to contact Anne Ruddell.
MTSS Behavour Management Strategies.
We welcome back Dan Petro - Presentation on MTSS towards behaviour. See information attached below.
- Trybooking Link
- Date: 16th of June
- Time: 9.30am- 3.30pm
- Location : Ballarat / Glowrey Room
- Cost: $70
Please note registration closes 9 June.
Wellbeing Leaders Network.
Secondary Wellbeing Leaders Network
- Registration Link
- Date: 30th of March 2023
- Time: 9:30am – 2:30 pm
- Venue: Damascus College, 1412 Geelong Road, Mount Clear
- Participants/Target Audience: School Wellbeing Leaders and members of their school teams (wellbeing coordinator/counsellors/pastoral care workers/psychologists/allied health professionals etc.)
For further information please contact Brooke Nester.
Primary Wellbeing Leaders Network
- Registration Link
- Date: Monday 3rd of April
- Time: 9:30 – 3:00
- Venue: St Alipius, 106 – 108 Victoria Street, Ballarat East
- Cost: Nil
- Participants/Target Audience: School Wellbeing Leaders and members of their school teams (wellbeing coordinator/counsellors/pastoral care workers/psychologists/allied health professionals etc.)
For further information please contact Brooke Nester.
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
Family and Community Engagement.
An opportunity for you to engage in conversations with Anne Henderson about her new publication "Everyone Wins!".
The attached brochure contains details of these webinars and how to register.
Webinar 1 Spotlight on Children will include reflections of local primary school students in conversation with Anne.
Articles Submitted by Student Wellbeing Team.
People and Development Update
Flourish Wellbeing eMagazine – March 2023.
The March 2023 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- International Women’s Day
- Technology Stress in the Workplace
- Podcast – Eating to lose weight.
Also in this edition:
- Harmony Week – cultural diversity in the workplace.
- What to do when an employee quits.
- Don’t worry, be happy! – International Day of Happiness.
- Exercise – How long before I see results?
- Budgeting for financial success
- And more...
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
The Passionate Nutritionist - Nutrition Habits.
By - Mel Bald
A little bit about Mel.
“I’ve always been a food lover. When I think about it, it was probably my nanna that instilled this in me, as she loved cooking from scratch, using what came from their farm where possible, and making cooking for large groups look easy. I have many fond and eventful memories of social gatherings around food, bringing family and friends together.
Food for me is about enjoyment, taste sensations, social connections and nourishment, and I hope to instil this in others.
I have a background of working in clinical nutrition, health promotion, corporate health and sports management.”
Attached is the first article that Mel Bald has written especially for our CEB Weekly newsletter.
Don’t Let Life Get in the Way of Your Nutrition Habits: How to stay on Track.
Article highlights include:
- Understand your habits.
- Setting goals.
- Make healthy eating easier.
- Set up your surroundings for success.
- Staying accountable and motivated.
Here is the link to Mel’s website and blog.
You can also follow Mel on Facebook and Instagram – the passionate nutritionist.
Article Submitted by Tania Lund.
Learning and Teaching Update
Primary Leaders of Learning.
March 1st VC 4-5pm (TONIGHT)
Primary school leaders of learning are invited to an online gathering on March 1st. This may include (but is not limited to) Leaders of Learning, Curriculum Leaders, Literacy Leaders, Mathematics Leaders.
The purpose of the gathering is an ongoing networking opportunity for learning leaders in diocesan primary schools, sharing content knowledge and pedagogical practice.
The agenda will include information sharing, examples of diocesan curriculum development work and a break-out opportunity to generate feedback for future learning.
Book here or go straight to our MEET and we look forward to seeing you there!
Professional Learning Opportunity For School Staff: Data Literacy.
The three dates for schools to engage with the work of Dr Selena Fisk are confirmed and there is still time for registrations to be received.
Selena Fisk is a data storyteller, whose work with educators aims to bring data to life assisting in evidence-informed decisions.
The videos linked below offer an insight into Selena’s work:
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 learning .
Please note the change in the dates, which have been modified due to the number of bookings:
- Wednesday March 22nd - Mildura (Venue TBC)
- Thursday March 23rd - Horsham Service Centre 6A McLachlan Street (Possibility for online participation)
- Friday March 24th - Ballarat - Mercure Conference Centre, Main Rd. Golden Point
Each day is 9am-3pm.
Registrations will remain open for these dates:
Cost - $100 per person; morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Please contact Teresa Hadden or Mel Willis with any further questions.
Country Education Partnership.
Country Education Partnerships are offering a Professional Development Series through 4 webinars in March from 4-5pm.
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
Beginner language classes (online)
it is not too late to register! CECV has commenced offering 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 re Thursday 2 March, 16 March, 30 March. You can still register here.
Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom.
Most educators in the Diocese will have been engaged in thinking and discussion around the latest evolution in artificial intelligence, which for most is centred around ChatGPT. Whilst none of us are sure of all of the implications, there is agreement that this is a substantial change in the educational paradigm. Schools are encouraged to keep this conversation going.
The following links may be helpful to stimulate staff or small team discussion:
- I’m a revolutionary AI bot. I wrote this article to explain how I work
- How ChatGPT Kicked Off an A.I. Arms Race
How AI can be used meaningfully by teachers and students in 2023
- Revolutionise your study approach by using this free AI tool (ft. Chat GPT for students)
- Chat GPT and the Future of AI in Education
A holistic approach to the design of artificial intelligence (AI) education for K-12 schools
Foundations of Learning.
In 2022, an enthusiastic group of educators from St James’ Sebastopol, St Alipius Ballarat East, St Michael’s Daylesford, Lumen Christi Delacombe and members of CEB met to form a Community of Practice around the Foundations of Learning.
The group gathered with a common purpose to collectively understand the learning process in relation to neuroscience, cognitive psychology and sociology. Foundations of Learning recognises the modern mainstream school as a complex organisation. It also recognises that learning is a highly complex process.
The group connected fortnightly at the participating schools on a rotational basis, providing an opportunity to witness the impact of this learning in real time.
The 2022 Foundations of Learning group will continue to learn alongside one another and also have an opportunity to be a part of the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Research, a pilot course being run by The University of Melbourne in 2023.
Testimonials from 2022 participants
“Foundations of Learning, in conjunction with Agile Systems Design, enables educators to form deep understandings about the brain and the neural processes involved in learning; equipping practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to establish rich and dynamic learning environments. A practical and comprehensive approach to education that is transferable to all aspects of the curriculum and focuses primarily on the science of learning. Foundations of Learning supports educators to love what they do and to do it well.”
Kathryn Lynn - St Alipius, Ballarat East
“The Foundations of Learning has been an experience of developing clarity about mental models of learning - linking the concepts from multiple researchers to inform designs for learning. It has been valuable co-learning in making connections between theory and experiences to transform understanding about learning.”
Samantha Meerbach - Senior Education Officer - Learning and Teaching - CEB
Are you interested in Foundations of Learning 2023?
- To commence Term 2, 2023
- FOL will be run at participant host schools on a rotational basis
- 2 full days per term (6 contact days per year) plus asynchronous contact via Foundations Of Learning site
- Further information to follow.
Expressions of interest for Foundations of Learning in 2023 can be addressed to pfahey@sjsebastopol.catholic.edu.au
Mathematics Assessment Interview: DOBCEL Schools’ Hub.
For schools using the MAI, all materials associated with the testing have now been moved from The HIVE to the DOBCEL Schools’ Hub.
To access the MAI materials, you will need to be in your school’s page of the hub, for which you will need a password. If you have not accessed the hub before, please ask your school’s Education Consultant for the password. Moving the MAI resources to a password-protected site means that schools will no longer need to request access to the materials and wait for that to be granted in order to use them.
For assistance with administering the MAI or in analysing the data, please contact your Ed Officer. If you have any issues with accessing the materials via the hub, please email Breeana Wade.
Articles Submitted by Joseph Ewing.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Executive Assistant to Deputy Director: Catholic Education – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 March)
- Talent Acquisition Partner – Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes Monday 13 March)
- Compliance and Risk Support Officer (CARSO) – Ballarat or Horsham Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 March)
School Vacancies.
- Learning Support Officer – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 1 March)
- School Administration Officer – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 March)
- School Finance Officer – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 March)
- Learning Support Officer – Loreto College, Ballarat – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 March)
- Year 2 Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 14 March)
- Year 6 Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 14 March)
- PE Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 March)
- Speech Therapist – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 0.7 FTE (closes 17 March)
- Year 5/6 Teacher – OLHC School, Wendouree – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 March)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Donald – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 April)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 23 June)
Article Submitted by Jo Huntley.