Weekly Newsletter #10 - 5 April 2023
-
Reflection
-
Easter Message 2023 from Bishop Paul
-
From the Executive Director
-
EBA Update for Staff
-
Christian Meditation
-
Catholic Education Update
-
People and Development Update
-
Holy Week & Easter Season Resources
-
Student Wellbeing Team Update
-
Learning and Teaching Update
-
Save the Date – SIMON User Conference 8th & 9th of May
-
Staff News
-
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
A Reflection for Holy Week by Joan Chittister OSB
Easter confronts us with the greatest challenge of them all: faith in darkness. Just because we know that what we’re doing is right does not mean that it will be easy. It certainly does not mean that even our best efforts will prevail. It finally does not mean that what we live for will happen in our lifetime.
Mary Magdalene is our model. She was one of the women who, according to Luke’s Gospel, “followed Jesus, supporting him out of their own substance.” She banked her whole life on the fact that the vision of this Jesus would come to fullness.
She believed in him and everything he believed in: She believed in the Beatitudes. She believed that the curing of cripples was a more important moment in time than even the celebration of the Sabbath. She believed in women as he did and in the poor as he did and in the reform of the synagogue. As he did. She believed in him first, before anyone else, and she followed him to the end, even when all the others had disappeared.
She followed him in the light and, finally, like the rest of us, she followed him in darkness. She went to the tomb, to the place where it was clear that failure lay. But she went in the faith that what had come to life in her because of him, even if suppressed in the world around her for a while, could not die. Not in those who had been touched by him. Never in her. Not really.
It was then that she found him risen. Gone. Beyond the grasp of those living in whom there was no life and who had wanted him dead so that their own death-dealing could go on.
The message to us is a clear one. When we follow Jesus, the path is often through darkness to what looks to the world—to us—like failure and defeat. But when we ourselves carry the message of Jesus—when we live the life of Jesus here and now, when we, too, confront the world around us with the blessedness of those poor, those outcast, those foreigners, those women, those voiceless for whom Jesus gave his life—we carry within ourselves the promise of new life. We live the ongoing message of the Resurrection itself: What comes in the name of Jesus will not die.
From https://joanchittister.org/word-from-joan/easter-message
Let us Pray.
Jesus arrested, judged, found guilty and condemned to die is held captive overnight. If I were arrested and held this night what would I be found guilty of?
That I made friends with people irrespective of their colour, creed or class….
That I shared my bread with the poor….
That my words… and actions… brought healing and forgiveness….
That I made justice and didn’t count the cost ….
That I sought the truth and then spoke of it….
That I recognised my neighbour and loved them as my very self…
That I met God along the way in the healing and forgiveness I received….
That I accepted hospitality at many different tables….
That I was changed by the lives of others….
…. and often repented my arrogance and foolishness
in encountering their wisdom …
That friends and strangers sometimes paid the price for me….
That I never sought out suffering...
….. but journeyed with it to the best of my ability...
That the love of those about me taught me to love myself before God...
You call us out of brokenness to mend and remake your creation.
Grant us the courage to stay with all those who are held captive.
In the name of Jesus who is good news.
Amen.
Pat Pierce/CAFOD
Easter Message 2023 from Bishop Paul
I write these words on March 30, 2023, exactly a year before we celebrate a special jubilee, the 150th anniversary of our Diocese of Ballarat. It was on March 30, 1874, that Pope Pius IX issued a decree establishing the western part of Victoria as a distinct diocese, with the Murray River as the northern boundary and the sea as the southern boundary. We continue to echo the Pope's decree in our diocesan vision statement, beginning with the words "We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea."
Our 150th anniversary next year will be an opportunity for each community throughout our diocese to remember those who have gone before us, those who have laid the foundations of our parish and school communities and the social services and health care in our diocese today. The anniversary will also be an opportunity to review our history, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, celebrating the achievements and recognising the failures to live our Christian faith to the full. It will be a chance to take stock of where we are now and look ahead to how we can live as a truly Christian community, sharing the good news of Christ, in the years to come.
Since my last Easter message, the Australian Plenary Council has met to consider a wide range of issues of concern to our Catholic community throughout Australia. The Council encouraged us to find ways in which all the members of the Church might be engaged in the life of the community and share in the mission to spread the gospel. In a similar vein, Pope Francis has called us to develop a "synodal" way of living in which the whole community walks together. He has highlighted the value of listening to one another as we all seek to discern what the Holy Spirit wishes us to do in response to the many challenges facing the world in our time.
In line with the calls of the Plenary Council and Pope Francis, I propose some steps for us as a diocese in the next few years.
First of all, I ask each parish to make 2023 a year when you focus on the leadership in the local community, through forming or developing further a parish pastoral council or leadership team according to your local circumstances.
In 2024, as well as celebrating the 150th anniversary of our diocese, we will hold a Diocesan Assembly, bringing together representatives of the leadership teams in our parishes and schools, to consider how we might develop the leadership in our communities in the future.
Following the 2024 Assembly, we could form a Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Council to help us fulfil our mission to share the gospel with the wider community, as well as helping us develop the pastoral services we provide throughout the Diocese.
Then, in 2025, the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Council would lead the preparations for a Diocesan Synod to be held in 2026-2027. That Diocesan Synod would consider how we are to implement the various decrees of the Australian Plenary Council in our diocese.
I hope that all our parishes and schools and all the organisations in our diocese will walk together in these steps over the next few years.
As we approach the great feast of Easter, I take confidence in the promise of the Risen Christ, that he will be with us as we gather in his name and as we seek to fulfil the mission he has entrusted to us. As we look to the 150th anniversary of our diocese, I give thanks that Jesus has guided our communities through the years so far and I pray that he will continue to guide us in the years ahead.
May the peace of Christ be with you always.
Paul Bird CSsR
Bishop of Ballarat
From the Executive Director
DOBCEL Board News
I am pleased to announce that Fr John Fitzgerald has been appointed as a new Director on the DOBCEL Board. Fr John will be well known to many of you as he has served in many parishes across our diocese. Fr John is the Parish Priest of the new Star of the Sea Parish which includes Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Koriot and surrounding districts. Fr John replaces Fr Kevin Moloney who has retired from the DOBCEL Board.
CECV Board Meeting
Yesterday the CECV Board Directors met at the Ballarat office of DOBCEL. It is the intention of the Board to hold a meeting in each Diocese this year. At yesterday’s meeting, one of the major topics of discussion was the transition to the new CECV Board which is to be implemented at the beginning of next year.
170th anniversary of St Alipius Parish School
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the 170th anniversary Mass of St Alipius Parish School; it was a great celebration that commemorated the school's 170 years of continuous education. I was delighted to see the attendance of a number of Mercy Sisters, former Parish Priests and former staff, whose unwavering commitment to St Alipius has been integral to its long-standing history.
The students of St Alipius did not disappoint in their enthusiasm and participation throughout the Mass, showcasing their deep rooted school spirit and community engagement. Overall, the experience was truly memorable and left all those in attendance with a deep appreciation for the school's rich legacy and vibrant culture.
Ireland Recruitment Trip: Teach In Australia website
Maree Baker and I will be travelling to Ireland on DOBCELs second recruitment trip from 19 April to 6 May. To support in raising the profile of our website and our trip, I am asking each of you to please click on this link: www.teachinaustralia.com.au The more clicks the higher on the Google search our website will sit. Feel free to ask family and friends to also visit the site, especially if you have any Irish contacts.
Acting Executive Director
Whilst I am in Ireland, Megan Ioannou will take on the role of Acting Executive Director in my absence. Please make contact through my Executive Assistant Kerrie Zammit or by emailing execdirector@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Leadership School Visit
Today the DOBCEL Leadership team held our monthly meeting at St Michael’s Primary School in Daylesford. We were warmly welcomed by School Captains Chelsea, Sophie and Penny who led us on school tours and then a fantastic Acknowledgement of Country and prayer session in their indigenous garden.
Happy Easter and Office Closure
As we approach the end of the Term, I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to you all for the hard work that you have done. I wish to advise that all CEB offices will close at 2.30pm on Holy Thursday, in line with schools.
I wish you and your families a happy and holy Easter break.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Image from CECV Board meeting held at DOBCEL Ballarat office.
Images from Leadership meeting held at St Michael's Primary School, Daylesford.
EBA Update for Staff
DOBCEL continues to support efforts to finalise the entire Agreement, with the inter-Diocesan bargaining group and the IEU, so that we may be in a position to go to vote in Term 2.
DOBCEL schools will continue to honour the already implemented changes including salary increases and back pay, recording of TIL for camps, SCT reduction, 30+8 model, and reduced extras for Secondary schools. These substantial changes are intended to have a positive impact on staff and their workload.
DOBCEL has agreed additional entitlements provided for in the new Agreement will be backdated to the start of T1, 2023 for DOBCEL staff as agreed following a “yes” vote.
DOBCEL continues to recognise the extraordinary work of staff in our schools and offices and continues to work to bring the entire agreement before employees as soon as possible.
Christian Meditation
Christian Meditation: a silent imageless ‘deep prayer of the heart’, taught by the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM).
This is a short transformative meditation that deepens spiritual life and aids the search for God within ourselves. Find more at the WCCM wesite or contact Kerry James.
Catholic Education Update
Caritas Australia introduces Catholic Social Teaching Card Sets 31 March 2023.
Caritas Australia has launched its first-ever Catholic Social Teaching (CST) Card Sets in Australia, taking its existing Catholic Social Teaching Toolkit and resources, and creating an accessible and portable way to integrate CST principles for schools, parishes and workplaces.
The set of 38 cards includes photos from Caritas Australia programs, Bible verses, quotes and prayers and can be used by individuals or groups. “We developed this resource to help people deepen their understanding of the principles at the heart of our work towards social and ecological justice,” said Michael McGirr, Caritas Australia’s Mission Facilitator. The CST Card Set also includes activity prompts, reflection questions and information about the Laudato Si’ Action Goals.
Sets are available for $40 per set or $35 per set for bulk orders of 10 or more, including GST and postage. Learn more about the CST Card Sets or order today from the Caritas website.
For any questions contact: Jessica Stone 0490 684 867.
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.
People and Development Update
Flourish Wellbeing eMagazine – April 2023.
The April 2023 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- What is neurodiversity?
- Pronouns & the workplace
- Podcast – Preventing the flu.
Also in this edition:
- Solutions for Manager burnout.
- Plant-based milks: What are the choices?
- Move more, age better.
- Early mental health intervention.
- COVID-19: Where to now?
- And more…
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
Article Submitted by Tania Lund.
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
The CEB Wellbeing Team offers their sincere thanks to all within the Diocesan Education Community for your continued engagement throughout Term 1 2023. Engagement with the Wellbeing Team comes in many forms and for many reasons - the willingness of our school communities to work in partnership with CEB staff is greatly appreciated.
Through this Term the Wellbeing Team has sought to respond to feedback from school leaders gathered in 2022 with a key focus being to provide greater clarity regarding existing processes and procedures. School based Learning Diversity Leaders engaged with CEB Wellbeing Team staff to better understand referral pathways, assessment practices and the underlying principles that inform our practices. Continuing efforts to build further clarity in Term 2, the Wellbeing Team hope to engage Principal Networks in this work.
Please find linked an updated version of the Student Services Consultation Request Guidelines. These guidelines provide the context of our work, information regarding funding support and wellbeing services as well as the legislative requirements which inform practice.
The Student Services Consultation Request Guidelines are provided as a reference point for schools and contain multiple links to further information.
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.
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.
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
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
Staff News
Susan Rampling, Senior Education Officer Learning Diversity, has resigned her position at CEB. Susan is currently on Long Service Leave and will officially conclude her time at CEB on May 26, 2023.
Susan’s contributions to education have been both significant and extensive, stretching across education sectors and Diocesan borders.
Susan’s advocacy for the rights of all students, particularly those with disabilities, has been unwavering. She has combined her passion for inclusive practices with clear strategic intent to support growth in practice across all tiers of education within Diocese of Ballarat Catholic schools.
We will find an opportunity to farewell Susan in a manner that recognises the significance of her contribution to our Diocesan education community. In the interim we offer our thanks and appreciation.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principals.
- St Augustine’s Parish Primary School, Creswick – to commence Term 3 or by negotiation (closes 17 April)
- Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – to commence Term 4 (closes 24 April)
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Office Administrator and Support Analyst (SIMON) – full-time, ongoing position (closes 21 April)
School Vacancies.
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Donald – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 April)
- Learning Support Officer – Lumen Christi School, Delacombe – fixed-term position at 0.56 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)
- Administration and Compliance Officer (Executive Office) – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 April)
- Executive Assistant to The Principal – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 April)
- Learning Support Officer – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed-term position at 0.86 FTE (closes 23 April)
- Administration Position – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 28 April)
- PE Teacher – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 28 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.