Weekly Newsletter #13 - 10 May 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Family Fee Assistance (FFA)
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CSPV Parent Connect News - May 2023
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National Families Week
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Catholic Education Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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People and Development Update
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Student Wellbeing Team Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
You can download this reflection here.
From the Executive Director
Thank you to Megan Ioannou for acting in my place while I was in Ireland recruiting teachers with Maree Baker and two colleagues from Sandhurst, Jenni Kennedy and Rachel Mays. uh Our trip generated a tremendous amount of interest from Irish teachers and the Irish media. We were supported in our endeavours by Gary Gray, the Australian Ambassador to Ireland. We have returned with almost 300 expressions of interest from Irish teachers; this is a number well beyond our expectations. Our next step is to sift through this list of teachers to see who meets our Visa criteria, 4 year degree and a minimum of 2 years teaching experience. Following that process we will need to confirm their willingness to travel to Australia, when they will be available and then set up online interviews. I look forward to briefing our principals at our upcoming Diocesan Leadership Gathering in Horsham on 18 and 19 May.
Yesterday and today the DOBCEL Board have met at St Joseph’s PS, Red Cliffs. As usual our Directors took the opportunity to visit schools on the way to and from the Board meeting, a task that they relish. The Board welcomed two new Directors to their first meeting, Fr John Fitzgerald PP of the Star of the Sea Parish, South West Coast and Mr Barry Bennett, a very experienced risk management expert. Last night the Board hosted a dinner for local SAC members, priests and principals.
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day. Mother's Day is an opportunity to show appreciation for all that mothers do and to acknowledge their important role in our lives. It is a day to express and remember with gratitude the countless sacrifices that mothers make on a daily basis, and to celebrate their unwavering love and devotion.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Family Fee Assistance (FFA)
The FFA scheme supports affordable Catholic education for families of primary students. Schools receive a grant allocation of per student eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF). Under the FFA scheme families who hold a means tested Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Pensioner Gold Card automatically qualify for a fee concession.
When processing FFA we encourage schools to require families to complete their school fee payment agreement for the year to meet their contributions.
Schools are able to accept and process applications up until 23 June.
Please continue to process applications for eligible families who held the relevant concession card on either the first day of term one (31 January 2023) or term two (24 April 2023).
The attached flyer outlines the scheme, and the attached Family Fee Assistance Scheme Concession Form can be used at the school for families making FFA applications.
Please reach out to our Business Managers, Matt Macdonald and Dean Pidgeon if you require further assistance.
CSPV Parent Connect News - May 2023
The May edition of CSPV Parent Connect News is now available.
This issue includes opportunities for parents to contribute their perspective on various areas in education as well as several webinars of interest in wellbeing and careers conversations with children.
Student voice also features with a webinar and resources on parent engagement in learning created by a student research team.
National Families Week
May 15-21, 2023.
Family Week is a perfect time to come together to celebrate the power of family relationships in all their diversities, and the importance they play in our lives and community.
CatholicCare Victoria's theme for Family Week this year is "Circle of Inclusion."
Resources from CatholicCare are available here. You can also visit the National Families Week website.
A Blessing for Families.
Heavenly Father, please bless our families with Your everlasting love.
Give our families strength to overcome hardship and difficulties.
Give our families courage to admit our faults and forgive others.
Give our families joy to live life to the full and spread our joy to others.
May all families find comfort, support and guidance under Your loving care.
Amen.
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/news/247/a-blessing-for-families
National Volunteer Week
May 15-21, 2023.
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers. This week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you and this includes people in our diocese, parishes and agencies. The theme for NVW 20232 is “We are the Change Makers.” This campaign celebrates the powerful impact volunteers make supporting individuals, communities and the nation.
The Volunteering Australia website has National Volunteer Week resources, certificates of appreciation, volunteer thank you gifts and merchandise available.
Prayer for Volunteers.
We pray for all those who volunteer in our parishes.
May we value the many talents and gifts that God has given to these people.
We thank them for generously offering their time to parish ministries.
For all these gifts, given out of your love, we thank you, God of all goodness.
Amen.
Articles Submitted by Julie Boyd, Pastoral Ministry Office.
Catholic Education Update
Universal Design for Learning.
We are now seeking expressions of interest in a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) program we are developing at CEB with a view to partnering with interested colleagues.
Universal Design for Learning can be understood as the prospective design of instructional goals, assessments, methods, and materials customised and adjusted to meet the individual requirements of all learners in our classrooms (CAST What is UDL?).
For further details please see the attached flyer.
Sorry Day Webinar - Secondary Schools.
To mark Sorry Day, Caritas Australia is offering a unique opportunity for secondary school students (Y10-12 only), parents and school staff to listen and learn from Uncles from Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC).
In this special event, you will hear from Uncle Widdy (#36) and Uncle Bobby (#24), two survivors of Kinchela Boys Home, one of the most notorious institutions associated with the Stolen Generations. Caritas Australia's First Australians Programs team will also speak about what truth-telling and intergenerational healing means to our partners.
Caritas recommends watching We Were Just Little Boys to determine the suitability of this webinar for your students.
- Date: 25 May 2023
- Time: 11-12 pm AEST
- Location: Zoom Webinar
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.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Seminar - The Biblical Prophets from Jewish & Christian Perspectives.
Presenter: Natalie Mylonas, Sessional Academic, Biblical Studies Faculty of Theology & Philosophy, Australian Catholic University
Date: Wednesday 25 May, 4:30pm - 5:30pm via zoom
By courtesy of Sisters of Our Lady of Sion Australia
("TAP" hours will be applied)
Article Submitted by Kate Lawry.
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
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.
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. The online learning will be presented through Microsoft Teams. Participants are asked to ensure that this platform is allowed through their school system.
Sessions:
- 9.00am Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country & Prayer
- 9.10am Rise ‘n Shine: Waking Up to Good Pedagogy with Barak Rosenshine
- 10.00am Designing Learning for All: Universal Design for Learning
- 11.20am Data Storytime: Using Data to Inform the Next Step
- 12.20pm Help! My New Student Doesn’t Speak English: Taking the First Steps with a New Arrival.
- 1.40pm Mind Your Language! - Teaching Mathematics vocabulary
- 2.40pm Bringing It All Together
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.
Reflection of Data Literacy Day with Selena Fisk.
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
Term 3: Reconnecting part 2 through an online webinar
- Wednesday 2nd August 4:00 – 5:00pm Register here
Sharing of your action learning journey (Format of this to be confirmed)
- Tuesday 5th Sept
- OR Thursday 7th Sept
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.
Auslan Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) Conference.
Staff from most Ballarat Diocese Auslan TCL schools (St Patrick’s Nhill, OLHC Murtoa, St Brendan’s Coragulac, St Mary’s Donald, St Mary’s Sea Lake and St Francis Xavier Ballarat) attended the inaugural Auslan TCL Conference, held in Ballarat on Monday 24th April.
Conference participants enjoyed presentations from keynote speaker, Mr James Blyth, a well respected member of the Deaf community and Managing Director of Auslan Consultancy. James shared insights about the history of Auslan and its development over time. Participants also enjoyed a panel presentation by Deaf community members which included James Byth, Darren and Briana Beath (Auslan in the West) and Chantelle Stacey, language assistant. CEB staff members, MACS language coaches and Auslan teachers from Sacred Heart, Colac, St Patrick’s Camperdown and St Mary’s Colac also attended the event.
Some participant feedback below:
“It was absolutely fantastic! The presenters and interpreters were wonderful. Hearing about the personal experiences of the Deaf community members as they went through their own schooling was the most valuable part. I absolutely hope that this conference becomes an annual event and look forward to continuing my learning!”
“It was fabulous and very well planned. The presenters and interpreters were exceptional - articulate, insightful and showed great humour.”
Free online CECV beginner language classes.
Free online CECV language classes to build teacher confidence will continue to be delivered in Term 2. They are intended for beginner level and will be provided in Auslan, Italian, French, Indonesian and Japanese. All are welcome to attend.
Dates below, please register here.
- Thursday 18 May, 4:30 - 5:30pm
- Thursday 1 June, 4:30 - 5:30pm
- Thursday 15 June, 4:30 - 5:30pm
Diocese of Ballarat Online Professional Reading Book Club with Dr Andrea Truckenbrodt.
Dr Andrea Truckenbrodt is returning to the Ballarat Diocese to lead a series of five webinars for Years 5 - 9 language teachers around the topical issue of student engagement and disengagement.
Teachers will read and discuss chapters of the newly released book Reimagining Student Engagement by Amy Berry. You can read more about the book here. Teachers will unpack the content and make links between the ideas in the book and their own school contexts. Andrea will provide support materials and guide the professional conversations.
The five sessions will be held online on Wednesdays throughout June - October from 4:00 – 5:15pm. It is expected that teachers will attend all sessions. The group size is limited to 15 participants. Catholic Education Ballarat will supply your school with a free copy of the book.
The dates are:
- Introductory session #1 - Wednesday 21 June
- Session #2 - Wednesday 26 July
- Session #3 - Wednesday 16 August
- Session #4 - Wednesday 13 September
- Session #5 - Wednesday 11 October
Please register here if you are interested in attending this Professional Learning series.
Articles Submitted by Learning and Teaching Team.
People and Development Update
The Passionate Nutritionist.
Mel Bald is a degree qualified Geelong nutritionist, as well as having qualifications in Exercise Science. Mel is all about helping achieve optimal health through nutrition, lifestyle strategies and using the science of behaviour change to help healthy habits stick. Feel free to check out Mel’s Website and Blog.
We are fortunate to have Mel share another one of her recipes with us!
We hope you enjoy and would love to hear your experience, please send any comments to Tania Lund.
Recipe: Hearty Chicken, Lentil & Veggie Soup.
It’s soup weather and this one has the benefit of being high in protein due to the combination of chicken and lentils, which will keep you full for longer. Lentils are a great prebiotic fibre source, which feeds our good gut bacteria so that we have a happy gut.
It is a great option for lunches as it can be frozen and reheats well.
See the recipe below!
Flourish Wellbeing eMagazine – May 2023.
The May 2023 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- National Sorry Day: Truth and action combined.
- Do you need a work detox?
- Podcast – Self-care.
Also in this edition:
- Don’t forget to move.
- The importance of Vitamin B12.
- Is the Employee Assistance Program for you?
- Quiet quitting.
- Why walk when you can run!
- Digital accessibility: Ensuring inclusivity in the digital world.
- And more…
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit the Converge International website.
Articles Submitted by Tania Lund.
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.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Visiting Teacher: Learning Diversity – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 15 May)
- Speech Pathologist – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 22 May)
- Senior Education Officer: Learning Diversity – ongoing position at 1 FTE (closes 22 May)
- Education Officer - Student Wellbeing and Youth Services – ongoing position at 1 FTE (closes 22 May)
Principalship Opportunities.
- Principal - St Pius X Parish School, Warrnambool West (Closes 5 June 2023)
School Vacancies.
- Assistant Principal – Staff and Culture – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 May)
- Humanities and Indonesian Teacher – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed-term position at 0.90 FTE (closes 15 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)
- Physics Teacher – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 June)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 23 June)
Article Submitted by Sarah Hanley.