Weekly Newsletter #11 - 26 April 2023
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Reflection
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From the Acting Executive Director
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EBA Update for Staff
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2023 General Achievement Test (GAT) session times
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2023 Australian Lonergan Workshop
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Catholic Education Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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World Communications Day - May 14 2023
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Southern Zone Catholic Library Network
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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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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Resurrection?
The following two reflections, explore possible implications of resurrection in the lives of Christians in the contemporary world.
"It’s Easter. There is new life beginning everywhere–in the earth around us and, if we will, in our souls. Both kinds of life, however, must be cultivated.
It is an exercise in “yes,” this slip-slide from summer to autumn, from dark to light, from Lent to Resurrection. Yes to today; yes to tomorrow; yes to life again. We all come out of the tomb of Lent new and bright with promise. It is “yes” to our life now, however old, however jaded we may be. It is the rediscovery of possibility again.”
Joan Chittister OSB from Jamberoo Abbey 15/4/2023
“Who does not seek Resurrection? Who does not seek a full and fuller life? Did Jesus not promise, “I have come that you may have life, life in abundance” (John 10:10)? How am I Resurrection … and Life for others?
To be Resurrection for another I need to be Resurrection for myself. That means I cannot dwell in despair and death and anger and oppression and submission and resentment and pain forever. I need to wake up, get up, rise up, put on life even when days are dark and my soul is down and shadows surround me everywhere…. I have to listen to the voice that says:
Be resurrection’...’ Be born again. And again. And again. Rise up and be counted. Rise up and imbibe the good news deeply - that death does not conquer, that life, not death, has the last word…”
Acknowledgement: Matthew Fox https://cac.org/daily-meditations/be-resurrection-2023-04-13/
Let us Pray.
Living God, your bringing new life from death opens us to the reality of your promise to never leave us.
Trusting in this promise, may we live in confidence, wonder and commitment to our world that daily experiences Resurrection.
We ask this through the resurrected Christ and the revitalising Spirit.
Amen.
Acknowledgement: Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart https://www.sosj.org.au/prayer-resources/
From the Acting Executive Director
I extend a warm welcome back to all staff, students and families as we begin our journey together through term 2. In keeping with the Easter season and the theme of great hope and renewal, may this term bring you a wonderful sense of growth and celebration in all aspects of your school community.
Across our diocese, ANZAC day has featured prominently in the social media posts over the last few days. I wish to acknowledge all schools, students and staff who were involved in and supported local ceremonies. Our engagement in our wider community during these occasions promotes a sense of connection, compassion and gratitude. Thank you for your dedication in this public space.
In the coming weeks we will have the opportunity to reflect on the place of Catholic education in our personal and local contexts. I hope that your planning and preparation for Catholic Education week provides your school community with a platform on which to celebrate the wonderful contribution and characteristics of our system of schools.
Best wishes for the term ahead.
CEB Staff Meeting
On Thursday 20 April at the termly CEB staff meeting held at the Damascus College Event Centre, we welcomed the following staff to the CEB fold (see staff photo below):
Back row: Leah Crough, Gab McKinnis, Emily Delves, Amber Innes, Jo McKee, Paul Brown, Trish Forrest, Brendan Chalmers, Sarah Hanley, Elena Silak
Front row: Joe Ewing, Maddi Wallis, Vicky Hodgson, Cam Prenc, Doris Milesivic, Noel Linayao
The gifting of a lit candle, handed to each staff member by their Manager, symbolises the light of the risen Christ.
Ireland Recruitment Trip
From all accounts, Tom, Maree and the Sandhurst representatives are having a very successful trip. With advertising in full swing prior to the meet and greet dates (billboards, radio spots and interviews, online articles) and the Jobs Expo, we are receiving a substantial number of enquiries which is most encouraging - 130 at last count!
Please see Irish Times article referencing their time at the Job Expo.
The team also received an invite to the Australian Embassy where they met with Mr Gary Gray, the Australian Ambassador to Ireland. This was a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable insights into how to best approach our recruitment initiative in Ireland, and to learn more about this great country.
Megan Ioannou
Acting Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Images from ANZAC ceremonies.
Image from CEB Staff meeting.
Images from Dublin Jobs Expo and meeting at Australian Embassy.
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.
2023 General Achievement Test (GAT) session times
For secondary schools across the Diocese please note that the 2023 GAT will be held on Thursday 15 June as follows:
Section A of the GAT will start at 9 am, providing a break of 2 hours between sessions.
All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence are required to sit Sections A and B of the GAT.
Students enrolled in one or more VCE VM Unit 3-4 sequence or Senior VCAL unit are required to sit Section A only.
2023 Australian Lonergan Workshop
The theme of the 2023 Workshop is An Organon For Our Time: Connecting Theory and Practice.
The theme takes its cue from Fred Crowe’s 1980 Marquette Lecture, Method in Theology: An Organon for our Time. In his lecture, Fred Crowe SJ locates Lonergan’s Method in Theology within the context of two key works that influenced the development of Western science: Aristotle’s Organon (with its focus on logic) and Francis Bacon’s Novum Organum (with its focus on the empirical). He then goes on to suggest that Lonergan is proposing a new Organon, an Organon for the future.
In the Workshop, the significance of Lonergan’s Method in Theology as a new Organon for the future will be explored and what is at stake in bringing theory and practice together. Mr David de Carvalho, Chief Executive Officer of ACARA, will be presenting at the Workshop.
- Please note that participation is possible via a Zoom link.
- The context of the Workshop can be found using this link: 2023 Australian Lonergan Workshop – Lonergan Australia
Please also find attached fliers for the two key events of the workshop and a program of the weekend activities.
Article Submitted by Geoffrey Brodie.
Catholic Education Update
CTC Online Accreditation Hours Available.
In May 2023, the popular online lecture series, Engaging Your Faith will return. Eighteen stand-alone sessions on a range of themes will be presented by members of the lecturing staff. For further information, please see flyer.
These sessions would be an ideal opportunity to explore the possibilities offered at CTC for personal, theological, and spiritual development. Topics include:
- Explorations in the Bible
- Vatican II, the Catholic Church, and being a Catholic
- Spirituality, mysticism, poetry, and meditation
- Science & faith issues
- Interfaith relations
Cost: $25 per session or $40 if seeking teacher accreditation.
Book and pay directly through the Catholic Theological College website.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
ACU Centre for Liturgy Public Lecture 2023.
You are invited to join the first ACU Centre for Liturgy Public Lecture for 2023 which will take place on Monday May 8, 2023, 10am-11.30am AEST via Zoom.
The Rev Canon Dr Lizette Larson-Miller will speak on the topic: “I am what I ritualise: identity, theology, and liturgy in a secular context.”
These days, there is a lack of alignment between the domestic church (the household or family) and the official church, which can result in a lack of reinforcement and continuity, a shift of popular religiosity from an extension of the official liturgy to a parallel expression of ritual desire, and a tendency to disrupt or ignore the notion that rituals shape us, as the online world enables us to shape or curate our own ritual expressions. This lecture will discuss important questions arising from this set of circumstances, including: Who are we? What does theology have to do with it? And do our liturgies and rituals need to adapt or resist these changes?
Dr Larson-Miller is an expert liturgical scholar and is currently the Huron Lawson Professor of Liturgy at Huron University College (a college of the University of Western Ontario) in London, Ontario, Canada. She is also the Canon Precentor of the Anglican Diocese of Huron, and past president of Societas Liturgica and the IALC (International Anglican Liturgical Consultation).
Her particular interests span liturgical history (especially late antiquity and early medieval liturgical developments), rites and rituals with the sick, the dying, and the dead, and contemporary sacramental theology and sacramentality. She holds two degrees in music, an MA in liturgical studies from St. John's University (Collegeville), and a PhD in liturgical studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. Her most recent book was Sacramentality Renewed: Contemporary Conversations in Sacramental Theology Liturgical Press, 2016).
To join what will be a fascinating discussion, register here. Registrations close on 5 May.
Article Submitted by Kate Lawry.
Easter 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.
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
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.
World Communications Day - May 14 2023
To mark World Communications Day, the Australian Catholic Media Council proposed we host a reflection/catechesis session on Pope Francis’ message for the Day. Social media collateral will be provided next week, but the message seemed to lend itself to some deeper examination for those of us working in Catholic communications.
Bishop Paul Bird CSsR of Ballarat, who served as editor of Majellan magazine for 13 years before being appointed Provincial of the Redemptorists and later Bishop of Ballarat, has agreed to offer his reflection on the message, followed by a time for questions and discussion.
The teams link to the meeting on the day is below, the time needs to be clarified at this stage.
- Microsoft Teams meeting: Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting.
Meeting ID: 412 412 404 210
Passcode: h6jEXi
Further information to follow, Gavin Abraham, Media and Communications Director, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference encourages reading the message before this event, if possible. Find here.
Southern Zone Catholic Library Network
The focus of the Library PD event is to assist Library Staff achieve the following Goals:
Continuously develop the Library contribution to whole school learning provision, a quality library collection that is diverse and meets the needs of 21C learners, and promote independent thought and a love of reading.
- Date: Friday 12 May – 9.00am-3.30pm
- Venue: Warrnambool Library, 8 Kepler Street, Warrnambool
Author: Kgshak Akec
Book: Hopeless Kingdom
- Cost to Attend: TBC but approximately $100 (depending on number of attendees) – includes morning tea and lunch
- For: Primary and Secondary School Library Staff – Teacher Librarians, Librarians, Technicians, Volunteers – government, independent and Catholic school library staff
Please find further details and agenda via attachment below.
For further information, contact Marg Sinnott, Emmanuel College, Warrnambool.
Student Wellbeing Team Update
Wellbeing Newsletter Update Term 1.
Please find below the Student Wellbeing Team Term 1 Newsletter.
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.
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.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Payroll Administration Officer– ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 May)
School Vacancies.
- 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)
- Assistant Principal – Staff and Culture – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 May)
- Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher – OLHC Primary School, Wendouree – fixed-term, parental leave position at 1.0 (closes 5 May)
- English and/or Religious Education Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 May)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 23 June)
Article Submitted by Sarah Hanley.