Weekly Newsletter #14 - 17 May 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Condolences - Dr Therese D'Orsa
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Our Diocesan Community – Issue 2, 2023
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Homily at Funeral Mass for Fr Bob Maguire – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne
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Family Fee Assistance (FFA)
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Catholic Education Update
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Activating Real World Learning with Zoos Victoria
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Student Wellbeing Team Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Blessed…..
This week's reflection, Blessing by Jim Quillinan invites us to reflect upon the connection between Laudato Si Week (May 16-24 in Australia) and blessing. What is blessing?….What is blessed?…..How are we a blessing?…..
Next week is Catholic Education Week. The theme of Let the Words you Speak Always be Full of Grace (Colossians 4:6) is integrally connected to blessing. Our words of grace and our actions are indeed blessings each day for ourselves, our students, families and colleagues as we participate in this grace filled work of Catholic Education.
From the Executive Director
As we lead into celebrating Catholic Education Week I would like to express my gratitude and thanks for all who are involved in the grace filled work of Catholic Education. In a rapidly changing world, you provide our students with a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow in mind, body and spirit. Thank you for your unwavering support, patience, and encouragement to help our students overcome challenges, discover their talents, and realise their full potential as we all strive to live out our vision: As partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.
I am looking forward to our Diocesan Leadership Gathering this Thursday and Friday in Horsham where we will be looking at Family Engagement with a particular focus to reigniting the relationships post-pandemic lockdowns.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Condolences - Dr Therese D'Orsa
The Diocese of Sale honours the memory and contribution to Catholic Education of Dr Therese D’Orsa who died suddenly on 7 May 2023.
Therese was the Director of Catholic Education and Director of Religious Education in the Diocese of Sale from 1997 – 2007.
In her extensive career in Catholic education, Therese was a passionate advocate for student learning outcomes, and teacher and leader formation and professional development. Her work was grounded by her very strong faith in God and her desire to help schools and institutions of higher learning make real for their communities the presence of Christ and the building of the Kingdom of God.
In her tenure as Director of Catholic Education and Director of Religious Education, Therese provided inspirational and strategic leadership to Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale, advancing the mission of the Church by leading, collaborating and advocating between the Office, schools, parishes and diocese. Therese gave leadership to the enhancement and promotion of Catholic identity in the schools, and represented the Catholic Education Office on state and national bodies.
As Director, Therese developed and fostered a spirit of co-responsibility, stewardship, dialogue and governance between the Catholic Education Office and the schools and parishes of the Diocese. She ensured that the evangelising mission of the Church inspired and guided Catholic education. In order to achieve this, Therese oversaw the appointment, mentoring, professional development and appraisal of key staff in Diocesan schools, and provided a stable and continuous presence for the school communities.
Therese was a true teacher. She worked extensively with Principals, leaders of Religious Education and teachers to help them recognise the vocational element of their roles, assisting them in responding to the call to serve the mission of the Church through their work with young people in our schools. In all that she did, students were at the heart of her ministry. Every decision was oriented to meeting their diverse needs and helping them come to know the God who loved them.
In her most recent role, Therese was a respected Professor of Mission and Culture at BBI-TAITE, providing academic leadership and governance. Together with her husband Jim, their work was published widely in both missiology and education.
We give thanks to God for the witness of Therese, her leadership and her passion for learning.
We extend our deepest sympathy to her beloved husband, Jim.
May Therese be welcomed into Paradise and rest gently in the promise of God’s eternal glory.
Our Diocesan Community – Issue 2, 2023
Planning for the second issue of Our Diocesan Community (ODC) 2023 is underway and the Editorial Committee invite your contributions. They will continue the 2023 themes of the International Year of the Millet / Synod of Synodality / Plenary Council.
They are hoping to gather stories and experiences in the Catholic community – schools, parishes and agencies from all around the Diocese. You are also invited to share significant events that may have taken place over the last few months in your parish, school community and agency.
This issue of “Our Diocesan Community” is hoped to be delivered in the week beginning July 17 so the latest date for submissions to this issue is Friday, June 2, 2023. Articles should be approximately 250 words maximum in length and accompanied by photos where possible. Photos should be sent as separate JPEG files (not inserted into a Word document). Material can be sent to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au.
A reminder that when sending in photos, permission should be sought from those in the pictures. From time-to-time, these photos will also be used in other diocesan publications.
Article Submitted by Julie Boyd & Jane Collins for the ODC Editorial Committee.
Homily at Funeral Mass for Fr Bob Maguire – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne
For those interested, please click here to read Archbishop Mark Coleridge's homily for Fr Bob Maguire.
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.
Catholic Education Update
Graduate Teachers.
Registration is now open for 19th June 2023 for the Graduate Teacher Day for the 2nd and 3rd year teachers in both Primary and Secondary Schools.
The venue for the professional learning is St Mary’s Parish Centre, Ararat and it will commence sharply at 9.30 am.
Use this link to register at Trybooking.
Teachers will explore how to cope with stressful environments in their teaching and personal lives. They will also be given strategies for positive classroom management and the opportunity to look at community/parent engagement.
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
Activating Real World Learning with Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria is inviting Primary and Secondary leaders and teachers in catholic schools to opportunities to co-design great real world learning activities, through the context of Zoo challenges.
In addition to caring for both iconic and cryptic endangered species, Victorian zoos need to consider the welfare and experiences of their visitors and being a world leading conservation organisation.
Supported by Zoo educators these days at the end of terms 2 and 3, will enable your team to plan exciting interdisciplinary projects across many areas of the curriculum in an inspiring environment.
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)
New display in the Diocesan Archives titled “Faith At War”.
This display explores Priests from the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat who served during WWI, WWII, in Vietnam and Afghanistan.
Priests that enlisted from the diocese could serve as Chaplains either, in the Australian Army, Australian Royal Air Force or the Australian Royal Navy. Other Priests worked at RAAF bases at Ballarat, Hamilton and Nhill where they served men and women working for the A.I.F.
Chaplains from the diocese became highly respected for their determination to serve alongside troops both in the trenches, and on the front-line. They continually placed themselves in danger operating in the most appalling conditions where “only the devout Christian” could “hear the still small voice above the cannon” or battlefield.
To view the display please contact the Archivist – Samantha Fabry via email.
The Diocesan archives are open Monday to Friday through bookings only.
Online Intensive Unit: Teaching Meditation and Prayer.
Catholic Theological College is running the online unit Teaching Meditation and Prayer over two Saturdays in June and two Saturdays in October. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
This unit is designed to assist educators to develop skills in teaching meditation and prayer within the classroom and other school contexts. The emphasis is on silent meditation and establishing places of silence in a contemporary context.
Teaching Meditation and Prayer may be undertaken as a single unit for credit, as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate award, or simply for personal enrichment (no assessment/credit). The unit is typically taken as part of the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Meditation, which is recognised by Meditation Australia.
The unit may also be eligible for maintaining accreditation for teaching in Catholic schools. Teachers should check with their local education office.
Article Submitted by Kate Lawry.
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
Article Submitted by Jim Waight.
Learning and Teaching Update
A New Chapter: Structured Literacy News.
The latest edition of A New Chapter the Structured Literacy newsletter is available at this link.
In this issue:
- Reflections & celebrations
- Registration details for ‘Come and See Week’
- Term Three network day registration
- AERO - A great resource for pedagogy and curriculum design.
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.
For advice on how to join without a Teams Account click here.
Sessions:
- 9.00am Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country & Prayer
- 9.10am Rise ‘n Shine: Waking Up to Good Pedagogy with Barak Rosenshine
What are the research based pedagogical practices that are present in the practice of effective teachers? A discussion around Rosenshine’s pedagogical principles with an opportunity to share practice. - 10.00am Designing Learning for All: Universal Design for Learning
How should learning be designed to ensure accommodation for a wide range of abilities in Tier 1 instruction?
An introduction to the principles behind Universal Design for Learning, with examples of best practice from the Ballarat Diocese. - 11.20am Data Storytime: The Revised PLC Health Check and Using Data to Inform the Next Step
With many diocesan schools engaging with the work of Dr Selena Fisk, we hear from one school who has enhanced their data practices. Hear their story and join the discussion around effective use of data. - 12.20pm Help! My New Student Doesn’t Speak English: Taking the First Steps with a New Arrival.
Most schools experience the exciting experience of a new student to the school without proficiency in English. This presentation will list the essentials in welcoming a new EAL student, creating a supportive environment for them and the first steps to functional basic English. - 1.40pm Mind Your Language! - Teaching Mathematical Academic Vocabulary
To become a proficient Mathematician, students and teachers need to understand Mathematics Academic Vocabulary. This session will explore key maths terminology from F - Yr. 6 and how to engage students in developing an understanding of the terminology. - 2.40pm Bringing It All Together
Learning reflections, connections and upcoming Primary Leaders of Learning events - 3pm Finish
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.
All attendees at the Term 1 data storytelling workshops with Dr Selena Fisk are reminded of the upcoming reconnection webinars.
These webinars will provide schools with the opportunity to briefly present their progress since working with Selena, and to learn from the ongoing journey of other schools.
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 has developed a Voice, Treaty, Truth Resource which contains credible 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. There are many sources of information not listed and as more pertinent information is released, updated versions of the document will be made available.
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.
Two upcoming online opportunities you might find helpful are:
AN INDIGENOUS VOICE TO PARLIAMENT WEBINAR
Join Fr Frank Brennan, SJ, AO and Vicki Clark OAM as they explore the planned referendum suggesting an alteration to the Australian Constitution that establishes a First Nations Voice.
Frank and Vicki will outline the long road that has brought us to this historic moment in Australian history and cut through the political rhetoric to clarify how ‘the Voice’ will enhance the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – and all Australians.
DATE: Wednesday 24 May 2023
TIME: 5.00pm AEST
WHERE: Via Zoom
COST: Free
VOICE TO PARLIAMENT EXPLAINER SESSION
In an exclusive online information session, multi-award-winning filmmaker Rachel Perkins will speak to the upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament to assist teachers in understanding the significance of the Voice to Parliament (with reference to the Uluru Statement).
The session will offer deep insights into the increasingly complex public debate, now at play, and what it means for contemporary Australia and future generations.
DATE: Thursday 1 June 2023
TIME: 5.30pm–6.30pm AEDT
WHERE: Via Zoom
COST: FREE
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.
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 from 4:00 – 5:15pm. It is expected that teachers will attend all sessions. The group size is limited to 15 participants and registrations are filling quickly so don’t miss out! Please register by 26 May .
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. Please contact Lauren Gould or Andrea Truckenbrodt if you have any questions.
Country Education Partnerships held its AGM on May 5.
CEP is a cross-sectoral organisation of which DOBCEL is a member.
CEP is focused on enhancing learning opportunities and improving education outcomes for children and young people within rural and remote communities. CEP has a small workforce and a very active Committee of Management (of which a representative is from DOBCEL). CEP is funded through the Department of Education, the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and Sandhurst, philanthropic groups and memberships.
The last 12 months are captured in this Annual Report.
All our Diocesan schools are eligible to be members of CEP. The annual fee of $150 enables schools to access:
- Cluster support for those who seek to work together with other schools in innovative ways,
- Rural Youth Ambassador program for young people to develop leadership and advocacy skills,
- Advocacy and Representation on the key issues and challenges affecting your school,
- Teach Rural where CEP is working to support preservice teachers into rural schools,
- PD Online coordinated by CEP (check out the website for more details),
- Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Academies.
For more information about who and what CEP is go to www.cep.org.au.
Alternatively you can contact Mark McLay or Samantha Meerbach.
Following the success of the Autumn Series CEP are now offering the Winter Series of professional development webinars. This series will focus on the demands associated with working in the education industry and balancing educators' own health and well-being. Specifically designed by educators, for educators, this season consists of four highly interactive online sessions.
The first session starts on Wednesday 31 May 4:00pm - 5:00pm.
We will hear from leaders who are achieving success in challenging environments, and implementing techniques to help them not only survive but thrive in these challenging conditions.
Join us online on Wednesday afternoons throughout May and June to take the first step towards professional growth and well-being.
For more info: https://cep.org.au/upcoming-events/
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ceps-winter-series-tickets-636316689347
Articles Submitted by Learning and Teaching Team.
Student Wellbeing Team Update
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.
- 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)
- ICT Support Specialist – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 May)
- Education Officer: Positive Behaviour Specialist – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 May)
Principalship Opportunities.
Principal - St Augustine's Parish Primary School, Creswick (Closes 2 June 2023)
- Principal - St Pius X Parish School, Warrnambool West (Closes 5 June 2023)
School Vacancies.
- Term 3 Casual Relieving Teacher – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 May)
- Old Collegians and Foundation Co-ordinator – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 19 May)
- Maintenance Officer – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 22 May)
- Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s School, Nhill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 24 May)
- Physical Education Teacher – St Michael & St John’s School, Horsham – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 May)
- Mathematics Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura- ongoing 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.