Weekly Newsletter #12 - 3 May 2023
Reflection
You can download this reflection here.
From the Acting Executive Director
Leadership Team Meeting
Yesterday the Leadership Team met at St Thomas More Primary School in Alfredton. Student leaders (Campbell Treloar, Emily Pickle, Will Stokes, Lilley DeBono, Harry Pelly, Charlie Lemmon, Lenny Manley, Stella Lamb and Marcus Williamson) took us on a tour of their beautiful school grounds and then led us in prayer and Acknowledgement of Country, which came with words and actions - a lovely way to begin our meeting.
The Leadership Team come together on a monthly basis. This month’s topics included the CECV Digital Re-imagination Project, reviewing observations and feedback from our Staff Engagement Survey as well as a case study focussed on the Excursions, Camps and Travel Policy.
We look forward to welcoming a number of presenters to our next meeting which will be held at St Alipius Parish School, Ballarat East.
Blessing and Opening of the St James' Parish School Arts & Early Learning Centre
On Friday I look forward to attending St James’ Parish Primary School’s official blessing and opening of their Arts & Early Learning Centre.
DOBCEL Board
On Tuesday and Wednesday next week, the DOBCEL Board will travel to Red Cliffs to hold their next meeting. They are looking forward to visiting schools in the North and Mid North Zones.
Executive Director Returns
Following an extraordinarily successful recruitment trip to Ireland, Tom and Maree Baker will return to our shores on Monday. To date we have received over 260 expressions of interest. The HR teams at both Ballarat and Sandhurst have already begun to review all the applications. We look forward to hearing from Tom about this trip upon his return.
Megan Ioannou
Acting Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Our Diocesan Community - March 2023
The March edition of 'Our Diocesan Community' is out now!
Click here to read about the good news stories of schools, parishes and agencies across the Diocese.
If your school community has a good news story to share with others in the Diocese, please forward articles and photos to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au for publication in ODC and the Diocesan e-News.
Catholic Education Update
Laudato Si Week.
This year to celebrate Laudato Si’ week, Catholic Earthcare is hosting an online ‘Action’ event. The theme for Laudato Si’ week this year is ‘Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity.’ And what better way to have hope and give hope than through action.
In 2 hours, participants will engage in 10 actions, designed to help bring forth an Integral Ecology and care for creation. All 10 actions are in some way inspired by Laudato Si’ and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
The event will be held over zoom and is FREE!
Date and time: Wednesday 17th May 2023 4pm – 6pm AEST.
Bookings are essential, please register here and feel free to share with your friends, family and community.
Graduate Teacher Program (Primary and Secondary).
An opportunity for Graduate Teachers in the 2nd and 3rd year of teaching is being offered as part of the Graduate Teacher Program, on Monday June 19th 2023. (Venue TBC)
The chance to reconnect with peers and to be offered strategies for different topics including:
- Community and Parent Engagement
- Positive Classroom Management
- Coping with stressful environments
will be presented by experienced personnel from CEB.
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.
Articles Submitted by Dr Susan Crowe.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Exploring the Brigidine Charism.
The Brigidines have had a long association with the Diocese of Ballarat, involved in the Ministry of Catholic Education both in primary and secondary schools.
On 17th May, there is a formation day that will explore the Brigidine Charism and the invitation that this offers to our own ministry in Catholic Education. The day is planned to take place at The Country Plaza Halls Gap commencing at 9.30am, the day will conclude at 3.00pm.
Please register HERE
For further information contact Jim Waight ph 0417869912
Relationships and Sexuality Education - Fullness of life for All.
Professional Learning for the Diocesan Scope and Sequence Fullness of Life for All is taking place on Wednesday 14th June at the Country Plaza Halls Gap. The day will commence at 9.30am and conclude at 3.00pm.
This opportunity is designed for primary school educators and will explore the theological underpinnings of the resource and an opportunity to unpack the content and how this may look in individual settings.
Registration details to follow.
For further information contact Jim Waight ph 0417869912
Articles Submitted by Jm Waight.
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.
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
National Student Wellbeing Program (Formerly National School Chaplaincy Program) Funding Round 2024 – 2027.
Further to update contained in the Weekly Newsletter #10 - 5 April 2023 we anticipate that there will be communication via CECV COMS this Friday regarding the next round of funding for the National Student Wellbeing Program (Formerly National School Chaplaincy Program).
As mentioned previously it is advantageous to us as a Diocesan Education Community to ensure we receive maximum funding possible from this source. It is our belief that the majority of DOBCEL schools would qualify for this funding. The Wellbeing Team is keen to support your efforts in better understanding the application process.
Any questions regarding the National Student Wellbeing Program 2024 – 2027 funding round can be directed to Tony Perkins.
Out of Home Care.
LOOKOUT is offering Designated Teacher Training.
Ticket sales are available now and will end on 12 May at 12:00pm.
The two part training will be held on the following dates:
- PART A: Monday 15 May 2023 - 10:00am - 11.30am
- PART B: Monday 15 May 2023 - 1:30pm - 3.00pm
All schools are required by the Department of Education to have a trained Designated Teacher to ensure they are compliant with ‘The Partnering Agreement’.
To support this requirement, the SWVR LOOKOUT Centre is providing an opportunity for schools to complete Designated Teacher Training in 2023.
Please share this information with your school leadership and colleagues who may be interested in taking on the Designated Teacher role in the future.
The Designated Teacher role supports schools to deliver improved education and wellbeing outcomes for students in Out-of-Home Care (OoHC).
If your school requires Designated Teacher training for staff please register from the link below.
Designated Teacher Training Online - Term 2, 2023
Be You Educator Wellbeing.
- 21st June, 3.30 – 4.30pm
This session is open to all school staff across the Diocese. It will explore the 'Be You Wellbeing Plan for Educators'. The plan is designed to help you support your own mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and address the unique challenges you may experience as an educator.
It will assist you to consider practical strategies and resources you can use to promote and protect your wellbeing both in and outside of work. It will also help with planning ways to manage difficulties or disruptions at work, and to identify paths for help-seeking.
Details and registration information for this online session can be found here.
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
Primary Leaders of Learning (PLoL)- Thursday 25th May 9am-3pm (VC).
Target Audience:
- Primary Leaders of Learning
- Mathematics, Literacy, Curriculum Leaders
- Classroom Teachers
YOU are invited to a day of professional learning ONLINE.
This day will include two keynote addresses plus optional workshops to learn from leaders and teachers in our Diocesan schools about their progress in:
- Rosenshine’s instructional principles
- Data storytelling,
- Universal Design for Learning,
- Mathematics problem solving,
- Feedback for the busy classroom
Register online via the following link.
The Primary Leaders of Network has been designed to provide opportunities to:
- Build leadership capabilities
- Communicate Curriculum updates
- Develop data literacy capabilities
- Foster partnerships for participants to learn from and with each other - Communities of Practice
- Engage in professional dialogue with a focus on pedagogical approaches and practices
- Share best practice
Primary Leaders of Learning - Future dates for your diary.
Term 3:
- Tuesday July 25 (VC) 9:00am - 3:00pm - online sessions (VC)
- Register online via the following link.
Term 4:
- Thursday October 19 (VC) 4-5pm VC
- Register online via the following link.
Data Storytelling: Ongoing and Developing Work in Schools.
Attendees of Dr Selena Fisk’s data storytelling days in Term 1 are 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
Attendees are asked to register their attendance via the links below.
Michael Ymer - Teaching the 4 Operations.
Michael’s work in classrooms, takes workshop ideas away from the conference room and into the classroom.
Issues that will be a part of each modelled session include -
- Managing maths materials
- Organising classroom layout
- Engaging reluctant students
- Offering success at different levels
This day will be activity based with a range of ideas that will help teachers investigate the stepping stones to teaching and learning addition, subtraction multiplication and division.
- Date: 5th June
- Time: 9am - 3pm
- Location: St Columba's School, Ballarat
See flyer below for further detail.
Aboriginal & 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.
The momentum for Australia to become a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all has been building for many years. This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme encourages all Australians to Be a Voice for Generations. There are many ways we can do this in our workplaces, communities, homes and social settings. The CECV Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Working Party has created a document of websites and other resources that may prove valuable in celebrating this week.
National Reconciliation Week Prayer
For the first time, the afore-mentioned Working Party has written a prayer to celebrate National Reconciliation Week. All Victorian Catholic schools and offices are invited to join in unity and voice by saying the prayer during the week.
If you have any queries, please contact Jeanette Morris (Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education) on 0408 360 098 or email.
Digital Child x ACMI Seminar Series - 'The Social Worlds of Children's Digital Play'.
You are invited to the next event in the Digital Child x ACMI Seminar Series:
'The Social Worlds of Children's Digital Play'
- Date: Thursday 1st June 2023
- Time: 5.00pm–7.30pm (AEST)
- Location: ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne or online via Zoom
For further details and registration see here.
Articles Submitted by Learning and Teaching Team.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Visiting Teacher: Learning Diversity – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 15 May)
School Vacancies.
- Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher – OLHC Primary School, Wendouree – fixed-term, parental leave position at 1.0 (closes 5 May)
- Science Teacher – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 0.7 FTE (closes 8 May)
- Development and Communications Leader – Trinity College, Colac – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 May)
- Assistant Principal – Staff and Culture – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 May)
- English and/or Religious Education Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 May)
- Old Collegians and Foundation Co-ordinator – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 19 May)
- Physical Education Teacher – St Michael & St John’s School, Horsham – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 May)
- Exam Supervisor – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – casual position (closes 2 June)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 23 June)
Article Submitted by Jo Huntley.