Weekly Newsletter #15 - 24 May 2023
Reflection
‘Let the Words you Speak Always be Full of Grace’ – Colossians 4:6
How we speak and how we are open to be changed through dialogue, has been subject to deep consideration in many different circles – political, social, ecological, theological. Dialogue opens us to the other, to learn and to change – it is an openness to be moved or influenced and allow for the spirit to be present – this is the invitation our 2023 theme for Catholic Education Week offers.
The way we live and act and the words we speak provide insight into the very essence of our individual being. Our use of language, with expression and gestures, brings us into engagement with others. Most regularly this engagement is through conversation or dialogue. For people of faith, this dialogue may be with the divine or transcendent.
As we celebrate Catholic Education Week the words of Pope Francis, may inform, form and transform our lives and work we all do in Catholic Education.
“Dialogue is born from a respectful attitude toward the other person, from a conviction that the other person has something to say. It supposes that we can make room in our heart for their point of view, their opinion and their proposals. Dialogue entails a warm reception and not pre-emptive condemnation” 2013 Pope Francis
Dialogue includes speaking, listening and more. May the words we speak in the encounter of dialogue always be full of grace.
Let us pray
Loving God, give us hearts that speak words of grace.
Let us imitate the Good Samaritan, who does not turn away from suffering.
Help us listen. May we listen to those who struggle daily for dignity.
Let us hear your voice in the stories of those on the margins.
Help us always see what binds us together as sisters and brothers.
Help us to heal. May we be willing to stand in the place of others.
Let us be open to difference that we may arrive at understanding.
Help us to seek reconciliation and justice.
Help us respond. May we be moved to action.
Let us work with others of good will, finding solutions together.
Help us seek the common good and dignity for all.
Give us the courage to respond like the Good Samaritan, setting aside divisions to attend to the needs of the other.
May we know and see your love present in and beyond our communities, made real in the ways we love one another, always ensuring the words we speak are full of grace.
Amen.
Adapted from The United States Catholic Bishops Conference.
From the Executive Director
I look forward to acknowledging our 30 year service recipients and award winners at our Catholic Education Week Mass and Awards dinner on Friday evening. This occasion will serve as a platform to honour these long serving individuals who have selflessly devoted their time, expertise and unwavering commitment to the grace filled work of Catholic Education. Their remarkable contributions have undoubtedly shaped the lives of countless students, nurturing their intellectual, spiritual and moral development.
Our Diocesan Leadership Gathering last Thursday and Friday in Horsham had a strong focus on Family Engagement and its importance for our school communities. Bishop Paul joined us to celebrate Mass, which was followed by dinner. We are grateful for the priests who were able to take time out of their busy schedules to join us for Mass and dinner.
On Monday the CECV Board met with the CECV Implementation Committee to work on the plans for the transition to the new CECV structure later this year. Yesterday the CECV Board met to conduct its regular board meeting. Agenda items included discussion on ECSI, Early Childhood provision, Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, Governance and enrolment trends along with regular committee and financial reports.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
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.
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
As we celebrate the 8th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, we encourage you to view the film The Letter as described below, and then to perhaps indulge the senses in viewing Tim Winton’s 3-part documentary Ningaloo Nyinggulu currently airing on ABC.
A better future is in our hands.
The Letter, tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. The exclusive dialogue with the Pope, included in the film, offers a revealing insight into the personal history of Pope Francis and stories never seen since he became the Bishop of Rome.
An interview with Tim Winton by Eureka Street’s David Halliday, describes the awe-inspiring reverence Tim Winton holds for the natural world reminding that “An ecosystem is a locus of creativity, a reminder of the divine impulse.”
The ABC is currently airing a 3-piece series on WA locations and ecosystems Tim encounters with nature as described in his literature. He says, “It is an invitation as well as a kind of celebration, a glorying in the wonders and miracles of this place, one of the last pieces of God’s body — as Hildegarde von Bingen called creation — that’s still intact enough to be itself.” It really is a treasured time to view God’s sacred creation through Tim’s eyes. Episode 2 featured last night.
Relationships and Sexuality Education - Fullness of life for All.
Registrations Now Open!
Professional Learning for the Diocesan Scope and Sequence.
Fullness of Life for All is taking place on Wednesday 14th June, at this stage, the venue is 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 school settings.
To register click here
Article Submitted by Jim Waight.
Social Justice Event at Trinity College - the School of St Jude.
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.
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: This afternoon: 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
Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Moments for healing this country.
Catholic Social Services Victoria in conjunction with Catholic Social Services Australia have developed a series of three webinars – Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Moments for healing this country - designed to provide information and assist people to proactively engage with the upcoming referendum on Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and a Voice to Parliament.
- FIRST SESSION DATE: Thursday 25 May 2023
- SECOND SESSION DATE: Thursday 29 June 2023
- THRID SESSION DATE: Thursday 27 July 2023
TIME: 4.00 pm - 5.00pm AEST
WHERE: Via Zoom
COST: $12.00 per session or $30.00 for all 3 Sessions. CSSV and CSSA members free of charge
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 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.
At the Country Education Partnership’s AGM 2023, held May 5th, we were treated to a couple of guest speakers, a panel discussion and a couple other presentations.
One of those speakers was Andrea Del Monaco, the Deputy Secretary of Schools Workforce, Victorian State Government. Andrea gave an update on the challenges and reported on the key foci which includes: increasing supply for our Schools Workforce, including redistribution with conscious recognition and impacts on equity across the state and across sectors, incentives to rural and remote areas, distribution of ‘permission to teach’, number of applications to advertised positions and management of planned leave and mentoring of graduates.
CEP have been working with Andrea advocating for workforce strategies and conditions in rural and remote areas, including the following programs of which you may be aware:
- TFI Targeted Financial Incentives and centrally funded CRT premiums.
- International Teacher Recruitment Initiative and migration advice.
- Teach Rural pilot that supports PSTs to undertake placements in rural and regional schools (subsidised accommodation, creating networks, welcome packs).
- 2023 Teach Today Teach Tomorrow programs with eight ITE providers commissioned to deliver 1200 salary supported employment- based teaching degree over the next three years (mainly post graduate / secondary focused)
- Reengaging teachers to return to the profession (connections to schools, flexible arrangement, resume writing, coaching and training)
- Principal Wellbeing continues to be a focus with many Principals in rural schools.
Questions and comments from the room included: Challenges with accommodation and child-care everywhere; supply of replacement teachers, cleaners and grounds people; incentives for individuals vs incentives for schools for creative school-based solutions; small school loading is not enough to cover the challenges small school Principals face including the ability to fill out part-time positions to provide for a full time position that my attract applicants or to retain them.
For more information about who and what CEP is go to www.cep.org.au.
Alternatively you can contact Mark McLay or Samantha Meerbach.
CEP Winter Series - Professional Development.
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 visit this link
Sounds Write Open Day.
Please find attached information regarding a Sounds Write Open Day at Camperdown College in Camperdown on May 30th and June 6th.
Please refer to the flyer attached for more details and registration.
Articles Submitted by Learning and Teaching Team.
Wellbeing Team Update
NCCD Evidentiary Requirements Guidance.
Last week’s CECV comms included a CECV Circular – 2023 NCCD evidentiary requirements.
This document contained a further link to CECV – NCCD Evidentiary Requirements Guidance.
This information was passed on directly to school Learning Diversity Leaders.
Any questions about the guidance provided should be directed to your school’s CEB Education Officer Learning Diversity.
Team Teach – Positive Behaviour Support Training.
Responding to challenging behaviours in the school setting requires a multi-tiered system of supports which build the necessary universal practices as well as supporting effective responses to specific behaviours of concern.
DOBCEL has a commitment to align practices with the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support Framework.
TeamTeach – a recognized external provider - has a number of training options which may support school-wide approaches to positive behaviour support with particular attention to Tier 3 responses.
“Our Positive Behaviour Support Level Two course is held over two days and is designed to deliver proven, safe strategies for anyone managing challenging behaviour in medium-risk settings. It provides an understanding of the causes of challenging behaviour, along with respectful, supportive and practical strategies for de-escalation and crisis intervention.
All techniques that we teach are situated within an approach to behaviour management which seeks to minimise the need for physical intervention and maintain positive relationships.”
More information can be found on the TeamTeach website.
Schools may wish to engage TeamTeach directly or alternatively a cluster of schools may choose to send staff representatives to a combined schools training day at a central location which CEB could arrange on your behalf. This may be a more cost-effective way to engage in this training.
If you would like to pursue a shared option such as this please contact Tony Perkins or Anne Ruddell for further information.
Be You Educator Wellbeing.
- 21 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 Wellbeing Team.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- 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.
- 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)
- French Teacher Term 3 2023 – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – fixed-term position at 0.73 FTE (closes 1 June)
- 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)
Deputy Principal – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 June)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal (closes 23 June)
Opportunities outside our Diocese.
- Managing Director – Catholic Institute of Western Australia – to commence January 2024 or by negotiation. Please click here to access additional information about this opportunity.
Article Submitted by Jo Huntley.