Weekly Newsletter #9 - 29 March 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Flag-Raising Ceremony at Damascus College, Mount Clear
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Resource Smart Schools
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Catholic Education Update
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Holy Week & Easter Season Resources
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Student Wellbeing Team Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Save the Date – SIMON User Conference 8th & 9th of May
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CRT Primary School Program
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Palm Sunday
This coming Sunday, 2nd April, is Palm Sunday. The following reflection by Ana Siufi RSM explores what may be some of the implications of Palm Sunday for Christians today.
“Many took palm branches and came out to meet him shouting: Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13)
Daily, we see many people break promises and forget the lessons or advice they give. There are plenty of examples of erratic or clearly contradictory behaviours and discourses in our own lives, communities or institutions.
In Jerusalem 2,000 years ago, the arrival of a teacher, healer and prophet who worked wonders and spoke with authority elicited a welcome full of enthusiasm, songs and honours, with palm branches and cloaks laid to make a path for the borrowed donkey on which he was riding. Surely Jesus still held the memory of this a few days later when he had to face the betrayal, conspiracy, denials, fear, flight and abandonment of the disciples, who shouted condemnation or were indifferently silent. He loved this complicated humanity to the end, and he teaches us how to love it ourselves.
Palm Sunday reveals to us a humanised God who fully accepts human contradictions. God embraces us as we are: passionate or asleep, liberated or full of prejudices, capable of shuddering and crying as well as anesthetizing and killing, admirers or despisers of beauty and holiness, fighters for justice or sold-out traitors, pouring out tenderness or enjoying torture, defending peace or waging wars.
Palm Sunday, yes, marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time of year for Christians. It may also be a day for Christians to ponder what they are entering into on a daily basis? Or who or what needs welcoming?
https://www.sistersofmercy.org/palm-sunday-welcoming
Let us Pray, a prayer for Holy Week.
Broken Bread
God, whom we meet in bread and wine,
fill us with your compassion,
that we may hear the cries of the hungry
and reach out to those in need.
Engender in us a thirst for justice,
that the hungry will be satisfied
and the rich sent empty away.
Roll away our apathy
that, with arms outstretched,
we may offer life in place of death
and hope in the face of despair.
Amen.
Annabel Shilson-Thomas/CAFOD
From the Executive Director
DOBCEL Board News
It is with sadness that I announce that DOBCEL Board Chair Tracey O’Neill has submitted her resignation from the Board to Bishop Paul, effective at the end of the 2023 school year.
A message of thanks from Bishop Paul:
Hello Everyone,
I write to express my appreciation for the service that Tracey O’Neill has provided to our diocese as the inaugural chair of Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL). Tracey has fulfilled this role since DOBCEL began in 2019. She has advised me that she will conclude her time in this role when her current appointment finishes at the end of this year. As I share this news with you, I take the opportunity to express my thanks to Tracey for the outstanding contribution she has made to Catholic Education in our diocese over these five years.
When Tracey began as DOBCEL Chair, she brought with her a rich experience of service in our diocese and beyond. She had been a member of the Ballarat Diocesan Schools Advisory Council as well as the School Council of Loreto College Ballarat. She had been a member of the Council of Catholic School Parents Australia and had chaired that national parents’ council for six years. In accepting the appointment as the first chair of DOBCEL, Tracey realised that she was taking on a challenging task. There was much to do in fulfilling government requirements for the establishment of the new diocesan education company. Together with other board members, Tracey travelled around the diocese to meet with local communities to discuss the new arrangements for the governance of schools. There were detailed negotiations with each parish to clarify the various responsibilities of the parish and DOBCEL in regard to parish schools. In all this, Tracey worked with both energy and patience, with an eye to what would be best for each school community. Since the new governance arrangements have been in place, Tracey has continued to lead the DOBCEL Board as they seek to build on the foundations laid in Catholic Education in our diocese from the earliest days.
Tracey has provided fine leadership to the DOBCEL Board. She has given ready support to the Executive Director of Catholic Education and the staff of Catholic Education Ballarat at the diocesan level. She has shown a personal interest in each school in our diocese. She has been an advocate for Catholic Education at diocesan, state and national levels. On behalf of our whole diocesan community, I offer Tracey our thanks for her service and I pray for continued blessings upon her.
God bless you all.
Paul Bird CSsR
Bishop of Ballarat
I too thank Tracey for her dedication to Catholic education and especially her commitment to the Diocese of Ballarat as the inaugural Chair of Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Ltd. As Bishop Paul has outlined, Tracey has provided great service to our diocese over a long period of time. Tracey will leave a great legacy which will hold DOBCEL in good stead over the coming years. Tracey has been passionate about the DOBCEL Board being visible in all of our schools and of holding regular Board meetings around the diocese to better understand the needs of each individual school. Tracey has also been a huge support to me, she has spent many hours behind the scenes providing wise counsel, fierce advocacy and empathy as we tackle complex challenges together. I would also like to thank Felix, Tracey’s husband, for his support and understanding whilst Tracey has devoted her time and energy as Chair of the DOBCEL Board.
Teach in Australia: Ireland Recruitment Trip
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, Maree Baker, myself and two colleagues from the Sandhurst Diocese will be travelling to Ireland on 19 April and returning 5 May.
Advertising material is currently being published around Ireland and Northern Ireland and I ask that if you have any Irish contacts, either in Australia or Ireland, that you forward them the web address below so that it can be shared wide and far.
We are looking forward to meeting as many prospective teachers as possible that are considering coming to Australia to teach, during our visit.
School Visits
Late last week and over the last 2 days I have again hit the road visiting schools in Edenhope, Casterton, Portland, Swan Hill, Donald, Charlton, Warracknabeal, Nhill and Horsham. It is such a joy to be so warmly welcomed into our schools and to see the care and dedication of our teaching staff and the thriving students.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Flag-Raising Ceremony at Damascus College, Mount Clear
Yesterday, Damascus College staff and students were joined by special guests for a significant moment, as they flew the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Flags for the first time.
Damascus in collaboration with the local indigenous community, have been working on a Reconciliation Action Plan that formalises the College’s commitment to reconciliation. This important flag-raising ceremony is one of the many ways the College demonstrates their commitment to reconciliation through this plan.
Damascus College also recognises that their charming campus rests on the sacred land of the original inhabitants, the Wadawurrung people. The community is encouraged to walk gently and sensitively on the sacred site.
We commend Damascus College on their efforts as they continue towards reconciliation, acknowledging the harm and hurt directed towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Article Submitted by Amber Innes.
Resource Smart Schools
With term 1 almost over, it's time to reflect on how your sustainability actions have gone so far. You might not realise it, but if you haven’t logged on to the new RSS online platform in the last 6 months, you are not currently considered an active RSS school.
We want all schools who have been Resource Smart Schools in the past, to continue the great work and log into the new system. Note the grants and awards outlined in this update.
Article Submitted by Dr Susan Crowe.
Catholic Education Update
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership Opportunities.
An initiative developed by the Victorian Government to support the professional growth of teachers and educational leaders, the Academy offers evidence-informed, inspiring professional learning to Victorian school teachers and leaders.
More information can be found on their website.
Teaching Excellence Program.
The Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) enables highly skilled teachers to extend their capacity for exemplary teaching.
The TEP is a year-long professional learning experience, grounded in key discipline areas, practitioner inquiry, teacher agency, reflective practice, and contemporary research.
Open to Victorian government, Catholic and Independent schools, the TEP is Australia's first advanced professional learning program for highly skilled teachers.
The program is designed for teachers with a minimum of 3 years teaching experience. Supported by a team of master teachers, participants engage in a diverse range of learning activities, including conferences, discipline-based masterclasses, elective workshops, cross-sectorial Teaching Excellence Learning Communities (TELCs).
More information and how to register your interest for the 2024 intake can be found here.
Mystery and Mission: The Art of Liturgical Celebration - September 28-30, 2023.
Registrations are now open for the National Liturgy and Liturgical Music Conference to be held at the Brisbane Hilton from September 28 – 30: Mystery and Mission: The Art of Liturgical Celebration.
International keynote presenters are Sarah Hart, one of the leading figures in contemporary Catholic music, and Dr Timothy O’Malley, professor of liturgical-sacramental theology and academic director of the Notre Dame Centre for Liturgy (USA).
These international guests will be joined by acclaimed local presenters: Rev Dr Tom Elich, liturgist and Director of Liturgy Brisbane, and Dr Maeve Louise Heaney VDMF, theologian and composer. In addition to these keynote presenters, there will be more than 50 workshops on offer across the three days.
The full program of keynotes and workshops on available from the Conference website. An early bird discount will apply to those registrations received by April 30, 2023.
ACRATH: Take the bitterness out of chocolate.
Easter chocolate is already on the supermarket shelves, so let’s recommit to using our chocolate dollars to buy slavery-free chocolate this year. It’s also the right time to tell our families, friends and communities about the exploitation of children in chocolate production. Encourage them to start buying slavery-free chocolate now – and to keep going after Easter.
You can find the Be Slavery Free Chocolate Scorecard here. The scorecard published in 2022 and updated before Easter, features most of your favourite brands and explains how they rate in several key areas including child labour, payment of a living income and the impact on climate.
Article Submitted by Dr Susan Crowe.
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.
Holy Week & Easter Season Resources
Easter Hope 2023.
The following resource has been designed for use in the Season of Easter. It has been created for staff prayer time.
There is a focus on entering into dialogue around the themes of resurrection, struggle and 'the fleshing of God's beauty' Included are reflections by Richard Rohr OFM, Joan Chittister OSB and Daniel O'Leary.
Catholic Agency for Overseas Development - Holy Week Prayers.
A collection of Holy Week prayers from CAFOD.
Holy Week Prayers
A Prayer/Reflection for Good Friday.
This resource refers to a Church space but it could take place in a variety of settings.
Good Friday Prayer Around the Cross
JRS - Stations of the Cross.
A guide for prayer and reflection to accompany Jesus on his journey as we pray for renewal of our earth and for those forced to flee from its destruction.
Stations of the Cross focusing on climate change and the impacts on the world
The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross is a traditional way of praying during Lent. We pray this familiar prayer to be with Jesus Christ who walked this journey, carrying the Cross, the instrument of his death, out of love and commitment to us.
Way of the Cross
CHA - Easter Reflections.
The Catholic Health Association in the United States produced these reflections in 2022. They may be useful for staff prayer and reflection during the Easter Season.
Easter Reflections
Diocese of Sandhurst - Leaflets.
Each year The Diocese of Sandhurst creates leaflets to assist prayer and reflection during Lent/Easter. The Following two leaflets are for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday 2023.
Ignatian Sprituality - Reflection.
A reflection on Holy Week from Ignatian Spirituality.
How to Do Holy Week
The Great Triduum of the Church Begins.
This resource was developed to be used during the pandemic. It provides a good structure for a staff prayer for Holy Thursday.
Holy Thursday
Easter Sunday.
This is an excellent prayer for staff to celebrate Easter Sunday.
An Easter Sunday Reflection
Jesuit Resources - Easter Prayers.
A list of prayers that may be suitable for use in your context during the Easter Season. Please personalise them for your setting.
Easter Prayers
Resources Submitted by Jim Waight.
Student Wellbeing Team Update
National Student Wellbeing Program - (Formerly National School Chaplaincy Program).
Funding round 2024 - 2027
What is currently known as the National School Chaplaincy Program will enter a new funding round in 2024. The program will be renamed the National Student Wellbeing Program which recognises the roles of both chaplains and student wellbeing officers.
Advice provided to CECV suggests that the Department of Education will provide application details to schools at the commencement of Term 2 and schools will have 4 weeks to complete an application. We are providing this information today as a forewarning in the hope that time to complete the required application is factored into your planning for the first 4 weeks of Term 2.
We will forward application details to schools as soon as they are made available. We have been advised that the application process will be quite similar to that which took place in 2020. In preparation, Schools that did apply in 2020 are advised to locate your previous application to familarise yourself with the detail that will be required.
While the pool of Commonwealth funds will provide funding to a small percentage of schools within the Diocese of Ballarat it is advantageous to us a Diocesan Education Community to ensure we receive the maximum funding possible from this source.
Any questions regarding the National Student Wellbeing Program 2024 - 2027 funding round can be directed to Tony Perkins.
Responding To Challenging Student Behaviour in the Least Restrictive Manner – Training Opportunities.
CEB engages the services of Team Teach for the purpose of providing training in how best to respond to challenging behaviours that may expose students and staff to the risk of physical harm. Training provided by Team Teach aligns with the principles and practice of School Wide Positive Behaviour Support.
In 2022 several DOBCEL schools engaged in a variety of training options provided by Team Teach.
Team Teach offers Level 1 and Level 2 ‘Positive Behaviour Support Training’ and ‘Train the Trainer’ courses. See outlines of standard training options here. Please access this Training Options link to explore the possible options.
CEB has the potential to offer training courses facilitated by Team Teach as a shared professional learning for multiple schools. A minimum of 10 participants would be required. Costs would need to cover venue and facilitator expenses. Location of interested schools would determine the training venue, i.e. if 10+ from Mildura were interested then we would facilitate training in Mildura.
Please email Tony Perkins if you are interested in a shared training option.
Wellbeing Leaders Network.
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.
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.
Articles Submitted by Student Wellbeing Team.
Learning and Teaching Update
Structured Literacy Project Newsletter.
Schools across the Diocese are invited to keep up to date with the latest news regarding Structured Literacy which involves a number of our primary schools at different levels of commitment.
Please click here to access the newsletter.
Reflection of Data Literacy Day with Selena Fisk.
Staff from school communities across the Diocese gathered last week for professional learning with Dr Selena Fisk. Selena worked with groups in Mildura, Horsham and Ballarat, encouraging participants to examine their collection, visualisation and data storytelling practices, with a view to increasing efficiency and effectiveness and decreasing the time leading to action for students.
Through her sessions, Selena was clear about her convictions in relation to data use in schools:
- Students must be at the centre of data consideration
- Data informed - not driven
- Data should be used to measure and celebrate
- Data should always be triangulated to verify its accuracy
Attendees will be invited to join in online follow up learning opportunities in terms 2 & 3 on the following dates:
- Term 2: Reconnecting through an online webinar
Thursday 1st June 4:00pm – 5:00pm OR Wednesday 7th June 4:00 – 5:00pm - Term 3: Reconnecting part 2 through an online webinar
Wednesday 2nd August 4:00 – 5:00pm - Sharing of your action learning journey
Tuesday 5th Sept or Thursday 7th Sept
Registration will be through Trybooking, we will advise when a link is available.
Thanks to all schools who took part in this professional learning. Schools that did not take part but would like to join with this ongoing learning and dialogue should make contact with Learning and Teaching Education Officers.
Mathematics Professional Learning.
Intended Audience: EMU trained teachers, primary classroom teachers, leaders of Mathematics
These 2 connected days of professional learning will be facilitated by Associate Professor Ann Gervasoni. (Monash University)
They are designed to:
- Improve student outcomes with a focus on high quality learning experiences for all students;
- Build EMU teacher/ classroom teacher / leader capacity
Focus/ Learning Intentions:
- Enhancing participants capacity as an EMU and/or classroom teacher to lead mathematics teaching and learning in their school community;
- Facilitating dialogue around 3 levels of support for students;
- Unpacking student data and identifying the key barriers to being Mathematically proficient.
Dates: Monday 1st May and Monday 14th August
Location: Ballarat
Register here
If you have any questions please contact Teresa Hadden.
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
From the Heart: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Rachel Perkins.
As part of their conversation series A Better Future for All, Griffith University will be hosting an in-person and livestream event From the Heart: Kerry O'Brien in conversation with Rachel Perkins on Wednesday 29 March.
Rachel, an Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman, acclaimed filmmaker, producer and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, will be joining journalist Kerry O’Brien for a candid and powerful exploration of her life in art and advocacy. Rachel will be discussing the “central role she has taken in the fight for Indigenous constitutional recognition as a key supporter in the creation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart” whilst also providing “real insights to the struggle by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over generations to be heard in Australia’s corridors of power, leading to the referendum for constitutional recognition of the Voice”.
- Date: Wednesday 29 March 2023
- Time: 6.00 – 7.15p.m.
- Registration: via this link (online is free)
DOBCEL Schools’ Hub: DIBELS 8th Data Collection Tool.
Using DIBELS in your school but cannot work out those lengthy formulas or afford the m-class subscription?
A DIBELS data collection spreadsheet has now been added to the DOBCEL Schools’ Hub for your use, which includes the three benchmarking periods per year and per grade level for all recommended DIBELS assessments. These collection points calculate composite scores automatically and colour code each indicator of achievement according to the benchmarks set by DIBELS, in accordance with DIBELS 8th Edition norms.
If you are looking to use this spreadsheet in your school context and have any questions, please email Breeana Wade. Opportunities also exist for the customisation of this tool to include other assessments outlined in your school’s assessment schedule.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
The CECV Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Working Party are currently finalising a list of websites, webinar/media clips and other resources to provide more information to schools and offices on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
In the interim, the Uluru Statement is a beautiful resource that lays the foundation for the forthcoming referendum. The website offers the following insights on The Voice Model and also provides a really helpful sequence of FAQs.
By exploring the website there are opportunities to engage in yarning circles and other means of engaging with the process. If you have questions or would like to talk more, please contact Jeanette Morris (Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education) on 0408 360 098 or email.
Articles Submitted by Joseph Ewing.
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 insight and value for Principals, Teaching and Learning Staff, Administrators, Wellbeing and Marketing experts.
More details here.
Article submitted by Danny Gruber
CRT Primary School Program
A friendly reminder that the CRT Primary School Program closes next week on April 7.
For more information and how to enter, see attached documents below.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principals.
- OLHC Parish Primary School, Murtoa – to commence Term 3 or by negotiation (closes 31 March)
- St Augustine’s Parish Primary School, Creswick – to commence Term 3 or by negotiation (closes 17 April) – advertising to commence Saturday 18 March
- Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – to commence Term 4 (closes 24 April)
School Vacancies.
- Food Technology and Canteen Assistant – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 29 March)
- Primary Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Hopetoun – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 30 March)
- Year 2 Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 3 April)
- Year 6 Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 3 April)
- Property and Maintenance Manager – Mercy Regional College, Camperdown – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 April)
- Grounds Officer – Mercy Regional College, Camperdown – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 April)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Donald – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 April)
- Maths Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 April)
- Generalist Classroom Teacher – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE from Term 2 or 0.6 FTE will be considered (closes 7 April)
- Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher – OLHC Primary School, Wendouree – fixed-term, parental leave position at 1.0 (closes 5 May)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 23 June)
Article Submitted by Jo Huntley.