Weekly Newsletter #21 - 19 July 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Graduate Retreat – Primary and Secondary
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Catholic Identity & Mission Update
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ResourceSmart Schools
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People and Development Update
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Universal Design for Learning
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Student Wellbeing Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Season of Creation Art Competition
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Finding the Well
This week’s reflection, by Jim Quillinan, is a rich exploration of the metaphor of wells in our lives. It speaks directly to our work in Catholic Education.
We are most grateful to Jim and The Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited, who have generously allowed us to reproduce it.
From the Executive Director
Last Friday I visited St Augustine’s Parish Primary School in Creswick. It was an opportunity to meet with new Principal Michael Heenan, as well as tour the school.
The Leadership Team meeting took place on Monday at St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat. The team were warmly welcomed by students and participated in a wonderful Acknowledgement of Country by the following students: George, Sully, Isa, Felicity, Lola and Leo. The focus of this month’s meeting was the CEB work plans, their priority alignment and where we aim to be at the end of the school year. This was a very worthwhile discussion on the progress of CEB in working towards our Catholic Education priorities that were established in partnership with DOBCEL principals in late 2021 to be delivered in 2022 and 2023.
This week I have been in Melbourne attending the CECV Board meeting and the Catholic Capital Grants meetings for both Primary and Secondary schools.
Next week, the DOBCEL Board will meet at St Malachy’s School in Edenhope. The Directors are looking forward to visiting schools in all zones on the way to and from their meeting.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Graduate Retreat – Primary and Secondary
This is an invitation to all teachers, both primary and secondary, in the first three years of their career.
As has been advertised on the Diocesan Professional Learning Calendar, The Retreat for Graduates is taking place on the 10th and 11th August 2023, in Hall’s Gap at The Country Plaza, 141 Halls Gap Rd.
Accommodation at the venue to be organised by the school.
This retreat experience seeks to provide early career teachers with a welcome to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Ballarat, and support graduates by providing spiritual nourishment and space as they grow in the awareness of calling, ministry, and mission within Catholic Education.
- Who: primary and secondary, in the first three years of their career
- When: 10th and 11th August 2023
- Where: The Country Plaza, 141 Halls Gap Rd
Catholic Identity & Mission Update
Bibliodrama – Bringing Sacred Texts to Life in the Classroom
Professional Development opportunity for Religious Education teachers
Most simply described, Bibliodrama is a form of roleplaying in which the roles played are taken from the biblical texts. Students inhabit the characters in the text and bring their interpretations to the scene.
This workshop is designed for classroom teachers. It will be a hands-on exploration of the fundamentals of Bibliodrama. There will be a number of practical applications throughout the day and some working with script development.
- Date: Wednesday 4 October
- Venue: Sovereign Park Motor Inn, 217-229 Main Road Ballarat. Courtyard Conference Room
- Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm
- Cost: $60
- Register: Trybooking
Please direct inquiries to Justin McInerney.
Article submitted by Justin McInerney.
Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently released a new social media platform in competition with Twitter, called Threads. For many people, this social media shift has prompted a pause button in a love-hate relationship with how the internet fundamentally works. It might surprise you to learn that the Vatican has something useful to say into this space.
Dialogically we might ask, who is my (social media) neighbour? To inform this current question, the Vatican Dicastery for Communication has issued a document titled "Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media."
Spoiler! It is not a short document - and is worth checking – it might be helpful personally; to inform learning and teaching; in policy development and more.
Article submitted by Gina Bernasconi.
ResourceSmart Schools
Professional Development Opportunities
Sustainability Victoria’s Education Team has a comprehensive calendar of online events coming up to support you.
The following events are open to all Victorian schools and stakeholders:
- 24 August: Fighting food waste at your school
- 7 September: Sustainable learning activities in the classroom: Passive solar house design
Junior Landcare is running a special letter writing campaign that’s calling on kids to share what they love most about the environment and the steps they’re taking to protect it. Whether you write your letters as a class, school or youth group; individual, early learning centre or family – we want to hear from you.
To help get your creative juices flowing, they've created a curriculum-linked learning activity, as well as letter templates, free to download. Upload a picture of students holding up their letters during the month of September for your chance to WIN a visit from Costa to your school.
Get more information on how to enter
ResourceSmart Schools Term 3 Information
- Biodiversity module
- 28 July: Schools Tree Day
- 7 September: National Threatened Species Day
- Involve the community in your biodiversity related celebrations and create a school learning story (Biodiversity module action C1.2)
- Energy module
- 12 to 20 August: National Science Week: Innovation, powering future industries
- Work with your student action team in the development of energy efficiency activities (Energy Module actions C2.1, C2.2)
- Waste module
- July: Plastic Free July
- 7 to 13 August: Keep Australia Beautiful Week
- Participate in waste activities with your school community (Waste Module action C3.2).
- Log on to ResourceSmart Schools Online to record your actions
Article submitted by Dr. Susan Crowe.
People and Development Update
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Change to online appointment booking
Converge International have launched Phase 1 of the new online booking portal.
Employees are now able to set up a personal profile allowing ease of access for booking future appointments, meaning you no longer need to fill out a web form or contact the 1300 number to arrange an appointment. The booking system is designed to give employees visibility and control when setting up an appointment. Phase 1 allows employees to:
- Access our Online Booking via Converge website securely, or via the Converge App.
- Book an appointment for Employee Assist (counselling services).
- Schedule appointments via telehealth only.
- View past and future appointments.
Please note: Online booking doesn’t replace our 24/7 phone line.
In the coming months Converge will launch phases 2 and 3 that will allow employees to book streams beyond Employee Assist, rebook with a consultant they have seen previously, cancel appointments and have face to face appointment capability.
To ensure employees are accessing the program under the correct organisation you will be required to enter our organisation’s unique user code - if you have already launched the Converge App this will be the same code required to access the app.
Organisation unique code: DIOCQODQ
Click here for more information.
Converge App
The Converge app uses award-winning technology to engage every employee and gives them the tools, autonomy, self-awareness, and motivation to take control of their health and wellbeing.Click here to learn more!
Alternatively, for help setting up the app check out the Converge App User Guide!
Converge Portal
To access resources, news and events go to the Converge International website and login to the portal:
- Username: Converge
- Password: eap
- Access the portal here
The Passionate Nutritionist - Eating for Optimal Energy
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.
We are fortunate to have Mel share her webinar on 'Eating for Optimal Energy'!
This webinar features information on a range of topics relating to nutrition and energy such as:
- How our energy is drawn
- Breakdown of macronutrients
- Blood sugar levels explained
- What a balanced plate looks like
- Meal ideas
- And so much more..!!
Click here to watch the 'Eating for Optimal Energy Webinar'!
Mel has also share with us a handout featuring some of her Top Tips for Optimal Energy!
Flourish Wellbeing Magazine - July 2023
The July 2023 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- Spiritual Wellbeing in the Workplace.
- Naidoc Week 2023: For Our Elders.
- Podcast – What is anxiety?
Also in this edition:
- Disconnect and take care of your health.
- What’s the problem with vaping?
- 6 reasons to practice gratitude.
- International Day of Friendship.
- Understanding diabetes.
- Facts about fats.
- End of financial year survival.
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
Articles submitted by Tania Lund.
Universal Design for Learning
Article submitted by Mel Frost.
Student Wellbeing Update
Social Emotional Learning – Masterclass with Professor Helen Cahill
Professor Cahill is the previous Director of the Youth Research Centre, and has been the Deputy Dean, in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She is a leading innovator of Australian school-based wellbeing interventions addressing mental health, social and emotional learning, resilience, gender education and drug education.
She has developed a number of violence-reduction, gender rights and sexuality programs. Including being the lead author of the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationship Curriculum for schools. Helen also sits on international committees with WHO and UNESCO to improve outcomes for young people worldwide. She specialises in the use of collaborative learning strategies as a transformative pedagogy within wellbeing education. Her passion is translating her research into classroom practice at the ground level and increasing the knowledge and capability of school leaders and teachers to help to build their confidence for positive change and outcomes.
- Date: Friday 18 August
- Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Venue: Mildura Rowing Club
- Cost: $70
- Registration: Click here
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)
The Student Wellbeing Team has also been blessed to partner and engage with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Werribee. They have generously agreed to welcome DOBCEL staff to their school and share their experiences of SWPBS. They will be discussing how they currently use SIMON, especially highlighting how they record over 1,000 commendations.
The date is set for the 8th of September onsite St Joseph’s Werribee, starting at 10.00am and concluding at 1.00pm.
If you would like to participate in this visit, please register you name and dietary requirements by the 1st of September to Anne Ruddell.
Student Wellbeing Boost
The Australian Government’s Student Wellbeing Boost provides one-off funding to schools to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of Australian students.
- All Victorian government and low-fee non-government schools will receive base Boost funding of $15,000 plus additional per student funding.
- Victorian Catholic schools will receive their funding allocation via a one off CECV bank transfer in July 2023 and are required to spend or commit to spending the money by 31 March 2024.
- The Schools Mental Health Menu may be used as a guide. The Menu includes initiatives that promote student mental health and wellbeing, enable schools to intervene early to support students and provide targeted and more individualised support for students who need it.
- Schools must spend their Boost funding on mental health and wellbeing activities, which may include:
- extra school mental health professionals, camps, excursions, sporting and social activities that improve students’ wellbeing; and proven student wellbeing, student engagement and mental health initiatives.
For any further information please contact Tony Perkins or Liz McIntyre.
Learning and Teaching Update
NAPLAN
The NAPLAN reporting information, documents and links to tailored information prepared for principals/teachers and parents/carers that are being progressively delivered to schools this week.
In addition, the VCAA Data Service (DS) was made available to schools on Monday 17 July. The VCAA DS includes a range of item level, student, and school reports including a new School Proficiency Summary report that provides an overview of school summary data for NAPLAN 2023, incorporating the proficiency standards and associated levels of achievement for each NAPLAN test area by year level.
DOBCEL Structured Literacy Project 2024.
Last week we hosted a webinar to explain the Structured Literacy Project and the various support levels that primary schools may wish to engage with in 2024.
- If you would like to view the webinar recording, you can do so by clicking here and entering the passcode 8psg5Y@@.
Please note that the recording is unedited, so you may wish to forward through the first few minutes and the last few minutes. You can also find details of the support levels on the Structured Literacy Website.
ALL primary school principals are asked to complete this form to indicate their early intentions for 2024. Please do so by the end of this week if you haven't done so already.
Your responses to this form will not constitute any form of commitment; they will merely guide our planning and resourcing. You will have a more formal opportunity to commit to the project later in the year, when we've provided more details and dates.
Data Literacy Reconnector: Individual School Journey Reflection
Attendees of Dr Selena Fisk’s data storytelling days in Term 1 are invited to join the online Data Literacy Reconnector on Wednesday 2 August 4:00 – 5:00pm.
- Register here
Registrations will close Tuesday 1 August
The format will be similar to the webinars in Term 2: an opportunity to provide an update on your school’s work, engage in clarifying dialogue with other participants and learn from and with each other.
Next phase of the journey Sharing of your learning journey on Tuesday 5 September or Thursday 7 September:
- The details of this will be shared at the webinar on Wednesday 2 August.
Primary Leaders of Learning (PLoL)- Tuesday 15 August 1:30 - 3:00pm
Target Audience:
- Primary Leaders of Learning
- Mathematics, Literacy, Curriculum Leaders
- Classroom Teachers
Focus: Build capacity of leaders and classroom teachers in the use of PAT Adaptive and PAT Linear.
The first part of this professional learning opportunity will be facilitated by Caithlin Power and Daniel O’Loughlin from ACER.
Structure: Q & A. Registered participants will be invited to provide their questions prior to the session to enable the team from ACER to address these questions within their session.
The second part of this professional learning session will focus on the Faces On the Data revised tool created by Breeana Wade.
- Register through this Trybooking link.
- Registrations will close Thursday 10 August.
Languages report from Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations Conference
Congratulations to Casey Cadmore, Languages Learning Area Leader at St Joseph’s College, Mildura who received a grant from the Modern Languages Teachers Association of Victoria (MLTAV) to recently attend the AFMLTA Languages Conference in Perth, both as a representative of her school and MLTAV. Over the weekend, Casey enjoyed a comprehensive professional learning program focused on best practice in Languages education (both in Australia and internationally), and excellent networking opportunities with language specialists from across Australia.
Casey noted that one of the most thought provoking items during the conference occurred during the keynote address by Joanna McPake, a Reader in Education at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. Her discourse focused on planning and implementing language education policy for the next generation, noting that language learners have resilience and analytical thinking, two of the 2023 key skills for workers, as recently identified by the World Economic Forum.
Casey also enjoyed a conference dinner presentation by Louka Parry, who is an educator and speaks five languages, including the Pitjantjatjara language. A quote that resonated with Casey during the conference was “the question is not why learn a language?” but “why haven’t you?” This incredible professional learning opportunity has re-ignited Casey’s passion for Languages education and her “cup is now full” after connecting with so many Languages educators. Casey thanks both her school and the MLTAV for enabling this experience to occur.
Season of Creation Art Competition
Each year, students across the country in our Catholic Earthcare Schools program are invited to participate in the Season of Creation Art Competition! This year, there are 2 categories – primary and secondary school, and 2 awards – the Archbishops’ award and the people's choice award. The people's choice award is decided by number of votes on Facebook.
To be in the running, all participants must get their teacher to send their entry in via email to catholicearthcare@caritas.org.au.
If you're not a registered school, feel free to sign up here.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principalship Opportunities.
Principal - St Patrick’s Primary School, Stawell (closes 24 July)
- Principal - Ss Michael and John's Primary School, Horsham (closes 7 August)
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Psychologist – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 25 July)
- Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 July)
- Education Officer: Digital Learning – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 July)
- Education Officer: Learning Diversity – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 31 July)
- Data Analyst - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 July)
School Vacancies.
- 2024 Secondary Teacher – Mercy Regional College, Camperdown – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 July)
- Director of Learning and Teaching – Mercy Regional College, Camperdown – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 July)
- Learning Support Officer – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 or 0.86 FTE (closes 21 July)
- 2024-2026 Positions of Leadership – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 August)
- Classroom Teachers – St Mary’s School, Ararat – 2 fixed term positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 August)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Donald - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 September)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North (closes 2 October)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.