Weekly Newsletter #25 - 16 August 2023
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Student Accident Insurance
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Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child Real-World Change Team Award 2023
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Catholic Identity & Mission Update
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National Science Week: August 12 – 20, 2023
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Student Wellbeing Update
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Wellbeing Team Update
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Staff News
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
An Unconventional Woman
Yesterday, 15th August, was the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. The place of Mary in the Catholic Tradition has prompted deep faith and reflection over many centuries. The following article by Elizabeth A Johnson continues this exploration for the 21st century.
Giving birth in a homeless situation; fleeing as a refugee with your baby to a strange land to escape being killed by military action; losing a child to unjust execution by the state, our newspapers yield up these icons of suffering even today. Mary is sister to the marginalised women who live unchronicled lives in oppressive situations. It does her no honour to rip her out of her conflictual, dangerous historical circumstances and transmute her into an icon of a peaceful, middle-class life robed in royal blue.
What would be a theologically sound, spiritually empowering and ethically challenging view of Mary, mother of Jesus the Christ, for the 21st century? Our answer leads along the path of remembrance in the communion of saints. To relate to Miriam of Nazareth (Mary) as a partner in hope in the company of all the graced women and men who have gone before us; to be encouraged by her mothering of God to bring God to birth in our own world; to reclaim the power of her dangerous memory for the flourishing of suffering people; and to draw on the energy of her memory for a deeper relationship with the living God and stronger care for the world, this theological approach fits at least one pattern of contemporary spirituality.
When the Christian community remembers like this, Mary the friend of God and prophet inspires the lives of women and men alike. The unconventional woman and her child conceived outside the patriarchal family structure begin fulfilment of the divine promise. Nothing is impossible for God.
Johnson, E (2000) Mary of Nazareth: Friend of God and Prophet In America Magazine 17/6/2000
Invitation to prayer
Blessed are you
who bear the light
in unbearable times,
who testify
to its endurance
amid the unendurable,
who bear witness
to its persistence
when everything seems
in shadow
and grief.
Blessed are you
in whom
the light lives,
in whom
the brightness blazes—
your heart
a chapel,
an altar where
in the deepest night
can be seen
the fire that
shines forth in you
in unaccountable faith,
in stubborn hope,
in love that illumines
every broken thing
it finds.
Mary, may your faith, hope and love inspire us today and always
Amen
Richardson J (2015) Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons. Wanton Gospeller Press: Orlando, Florida
From the Executive Director
School Visits
Last week I had the opportunity to visit St Joseph’s, Hopetoun, St Mary’s Sea Lake and St Mary’s Swan Hill. I thoroughly enjoyed being shown around by the enthusiastic student leaders and am thankful to the staff and Principals for hosting me.
Ballarat Diocesan Secondary Principals Meeting
Thanks are extended to St Mary MacKillop College Swan Hill for hosting the BDSP meeting on Friday last week. We all enjoyed dinner and conversation on Thursday night. The Principals and CEB staff were very impressed with the breakfast that the College VET Hospitality students prepared and served us prior to the meeting.
Leadership Meeting
On Monday this week, the CEB Leadership team met at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School in Wendouree for our monthly meeting. Having students lead us on a tour of the school is always a highlight and one of the best ways to gain an insight into the school! This month the Wellbeing team presented a case study for our Leadership team to understand the complexities of life in schools and the implications for all stakeholders, regular updates and a review of the draft 2024 calendar. It is the intention to publish the final version of the 2024 DOBCEL/CEB meeting calendar in the first week of Term 4.
Victorian Government Building Fund for Non-Government Schools 2023 – 2024
The launch of the Victorian Government Building Fund for Non-Government Schools 2023 – 2024 originally scheduled to open on 8 August has been delayed by the State Government. The program is now expected to launch and be open for applications on 24 August and will close 13 October.
Please do not let this delay prevent you from working towards preparing your application.
Further details regarding CCG information sessions to support your application will be provided over the coming weeks.
Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers are with the St Joseph’s College, Mildura community on the sad passing of staff member Trudi Louchard (Sakkas) who passed away on 1 August. May she Rest in Peace.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Images from Leadership meeting at OLHC, Wendouree.
Welcome at office - Riley, Bella, Grace, Riley
Acknowledgement of Country and Prayer - Alfie, Piper, Ryan and Scarlett
School Tours - Ethan, Ciahrnne Jaide, Liam, Sadie, Winston, Estelle, Rosie, Rachel
Student Accident Insurance
Please note that a CECV memo will soon be circulated to principals, business managers and school governors in relation to Student Accident Insurance in schools, advising the current policy will expire on 31 October 2023, and that CECV is unable to renew on behalf of schools within the system. As previously communicated, DOBCEL is reviewing all insurance arrangements and will advise of revised arrangements going forward, including the school accident policy.
While order owned secondary schools may already be in negotiation for future insurance provision with other providers, DOBCEL will be able to offer an option for the Student accident Insurance if required.
For any further information please contact Paul Jans, Assistant Director: Business Services.
Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child Real-World Change Team Award 2023
St James’ Primary School staff were awarded the Centre's "Real Change Team Award" for Digital Play. The award recognises practice change due to integrating the Philosophy of Technologies in a play-based approach to learning and teaching at St James’ Parish Primary School.
The partnership between the CI Paatsch, AI Edwards, school leadership and teachers in the early years of schooling has been established over the past 18 months to enhance understanding of the lived experiences of children’s digital worlds and the ways that these can be represented and enacted in a play-based learning approach.
Read more about St James' Parish School Real-World Change Team Award here.
Catholic Identity & Mission Update
You are Invited to the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Meditation Online Information Session
Catholic Theological College is running an Online Information Session for the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Meditation on Monday 4 September at 7.30pm. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
For anyone interested in attending the information session, registration is essential. Click here to register.
Webinar Invitation – Nostra Aetate: Interfaith Conversations For Today
In the spirit of Nostra Aetate, Garratt Publishing – in conjunction with Yarra Theological Union – invites you to a new four-session webinar series exploring other religious traditions from a Catholic perspective.
- When: Monday Evenings – 4, 11, 18 September, 9 October
- Time: 7:00–8:15 pm (AEST)*
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Cost: $33.00 incl. GST (covers all four sessions) Excludes Trybooking fee.
- Registration: Via Trybooking. Click here or the button below.
Articles submitted by Kate Lawry.
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.
National Science Week: August 12 – 20, 2023
From deadly science to a multisensory book exhibition. From a national quantum and dark matter road trip to a national science quiz. This is a small glimpse into the exciting programs for National Science Week 2023.
With over 1,700 in-person and online events, Australia’s annual celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has something for everyone.
National Science Week is a big part of the Australian Government’s approach to science engagement and inspiring Australians to pursue a career in STEM.
Learning and Teaching Update
Victorian Curriculum Mathematics Version 2.0: Now Available
All schools will now be aware that, after some delay, the latest iteration of the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum (F-10) is available online.
VCAA is compiling a comprehensive suite of support resources, including introductory webinars, professional learning opportunities and companion documents. Some resources will focus on key areas of change and unpack the revisions in a more detailed and nuanced manner to support primary and secondary teachers and curriculum and school leaders.
Introductory webinars for school principals, curriculum leaders and teachers will be conducted live from 4:00 - 5:00pm (registration is required) during August and these will continue to be available on-demand.
- This afternoon: Introduction: Key Changes to the Victorian Curriculum F-10 Mathematics Version 2.0
- August 23: Understanding the Mathematics Learning Area and changes (Primary)
- August 30: Understanding the Mathematics Learning Area and changes (Secondary)
Additionally, a suite of professional learning modules will be released in early Term 4 and will be available throughout the period of familiarisation and implementation (including into 2024 and 2025).
CEB Learning & Teaching staff are currently working with the new documentation to discern how local support might best complement the VCAA resourcing.
Free Professional Development Series: The Spring Series Starts next Wednesday!
CEP's free online professional development series; the Spring Series will be kicking off next week! The first session will take place online on Wednesday 23 August, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
The Spring Series will focus on a range of topics that are essential to the success of a school. From school culture and connection to community to staffing strategies and recruitment to retention, this series has some amazing sessions that you don't want to miss out on! 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.
Session one is shaping up to be a big one, with the focus point being Building a Strong and Sustainable School Culture.
Session 01: Building a Strong and Sustainable School Culture
- Date: 23 August 2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Key Speakers: Daniel Wells, Assistant Principal, Korumburra Primary School, Jane Langley, Jane Langley, Principal, McArthur Primary School, Tyron Paspa, Director, Regional Division, Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.
Sign up for Session 1
Session 02: The Blueprint for Effective Student Well-Being
- Date: 30 August 2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Sign up for Session 2
Session 03: Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Building Strong Community Connections
- Date: 6 September 2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Sign up for Session 3
Session 04: Staffing Strategies: From Recruitment to Retention
- Date: 13 September 2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Sign up for Session 4
Data Literacy : Sharing Your School’s Journey
The final phase of this spaced professional learning which commenced in Term 1 with participants engaging with Dr. Selena Fisk will culminate with primary schools presenting to colleagues in a regionalised or online setting their school’s journey on either the 5th or 7th September.
These sessions will enable participants to share their Action Learning and to learn with and from each other.
Refer to the email sent by Teresa Haden for further details.
Amplifying Secondary Student Voice: Professional Learning Session
Yellow Arrow facilitates leadership training for secondary students. The organisation is offering a short professional learning opportunity/promotion of services:
- When: 9am - 11am Thursday 7th September 2023
- Where: Over Zoom - register via Eventbrite to get the link: Eventbrite link
- What: Join us for an engaging and interactive professional learning session hosted by Yellow Arrow, focused on promoting student voice and empowering leaders beyond the formal student leadership program.
“At Yellow Arrow, we believe in fostering a culture where every student's voice is heard, and leadership opportunities extend far beyond the formal student leadership roles. This session will delve into practical strategies that empower students to take charge and make a difference in their schools. This will be a hands-on session, with opportunities to connect with teachers from other schools and share with them.”
Quality Teaching Model
The Quality Teaching (QT) Model provides a conceptual foundation for classroom and assessment practice. Developed by Associate Professor James Ladwig and Laureate Professor Jenny Gore from the University of Newcastle, the Model provides teachers with a shared understanding around what we mean by quality teaching informing discussion and analysis of classroom and assessment practice, student engagement and matters of curriculum. It empowers teachers to enrich student learning through a collaborative, teacher-driven framework that enables participants to analyse and improve their practice.
Currently the Australian Government is funding the “Strengthening Induction through QTR” project for early career teachers and key colleagues.
Further information about the QT Model and this professional learning opportunity can be found below.
QTR – Opportunity for Early careers teachers and their key colleagues
National Education Summit 2024
Organisers of the 2024 Education Summit are calling for educators who are willing to share their experience, ideas and case studies at the 2024 National Education Summit events:
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on Friday 14 & Saturday 15 June 2024
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Friday 2 & Saturday 3 August 2024
Key Pillars of the National Education Summit:
- STEM across the Curriculum
- Capacity Building School Libraries
- Diverse Learners
- ADHD
- The Spectrum
- Mental Health/Anxiety
- Wellbeing
- Classroom of the Future
- AI in the Classroom
- Sustainability in Schools
You will find an overview of each pillar in the ‘Call for Presenters’ portal.
Sessions will form part of a range of conferences and free program of events including traditional presentations, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions.
If you would like to submit an Expression of Interest to present, please complete the online form here before October 26th 2023.
Beginner language classes
CECV is offering online beginner language classes again this term in Auslan, French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese from 4.30 - 5.30 on Thursdays. Register here.
Term 3 dates:
- Thursday 24 August
- Thursday 7 September
- Thursday 12 October
- Thursday 26 October
- Thursday 9 November
- Thursday 23 November
- Thursday 7 December
These classes will:
- Support you with pronunciation
- Provide opportunities to explore basic grammar and understand the main points of difference in sentence structure from English
- Teach you beginner level interactional skills (asking simple questions and giving short answers)
- Teach you about the cultural differences conveyed in language at that level
Sounds Write Open Day.
Please find attached information regarding a Sounds Write Open Day at Camperdown College in Camperdown on 28 August and 11 September.
Please refer to the flyer attached for more details and registration.
Student Wellbeing Update
ReLATE (Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments) Model Webinars
The MacKillop Institute, in partnership with DOBCEL, invite you to join one of our information webinars about the ReLATE (Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments) model and how this can be implemented and supported within your school.
ReLATE is a research and evidence informed model which supports schools to create the preconditions for improved teaching, learning and wellbeing for all, in the school community.
We will be offering the following webinars:
- Tuesday 29th August: 3:30 - 4:30
- Wednesday 30th August: 3:30 – 4:30
- Thursday 31st August: 9:30 – 10:30
If you would like to attend, please register by sending an email, by Monday 28th August, to esther.cini@mackillop.org.au indicating which session you would like to attend. A link will be sent to you prior to the session.
Primary Student Wellbeing Leaders Network - Central & Southern
An opportunity to share knowledge, engage in dialogue and learn together. This network provides opportunities for Student Wellbeing leaders in the DOBCEL Central and Southern Zone schools to connect, addressing common challenges and celebrating successes.
This session will focus not only on what's happening in our schools, but pay particular attention to Social and Emotional Learning with a spotlight on Respectful Relationships.
Click here or download the flyer below to register
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.
OLT Understanding and Supporting Behaviour - VC
This course is open to LSOs when attending with a Class Teacher and requires to attend 2 online sessions from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on Thursday August 24th and Thursday October 26th and 20 hours of self-paced online course.
This course aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of those working with children and young people with behavioural difficulties to support inclusive practice:
- Understanding behaviour
- Assessment for Learning
- Interventions
- Case Studies
Presented by: Maria Richards & Patrice Rickard
Wellbeing Team Update
The Wellbeing Team is currently addressing a number of recruitment matters. Updates of this information have been provided in various forums. Tony Perkins, Leader Wellbeing offers the following in summary.
Senior Education Officer Learning Diversity – Lisa Templar has been appointed to the position vacated by Susan Rampling in May this year.
Education Officer Learning Diversity – Jacqui Pierce has been appointed to the position vacated by Lisa Templar. Jacqui will work with schools in the Central and Southern regions of the Diocese.
The appointment of Lisa and Jacqui to these roles does mean that we can now confirm the allocation of our Education Officers Learning Diversity to specific schools as indicated by this table.
Visiting Teacher – Sensory Impairments – Teischa Coughlan has been appointed to the position of Visiting Teacher Sensory Impairments. Teischa replaces Kelly Pails and will work with students with sensory needs in the Central Zone.
Education Officer Student Wellbeing – Mel Frost has been appointed to the role Education Officer Student Wellbeing and will join the Student Wellbeing Team which currently comprises Liz McIntyre, Anne Ruddell and Brooke Nester. Mel is currently transitioning from her position on the CEB Learning and Teaching Team.
Positive Behaviour Specialist - Ashleigh Graham has been appointed to the newly created position of Positive Behaviour Specialist. Ashleigh will commence work at DOBCEL on August 21, 2023.
Psychologist Ballarat – We are currently recruiting to fill the vacancy created by Janette Trento’s departure.
Wellbeing Team Project Delivery Lead – this newly created position has been advertised. The role of the Wellbeing Team Project Delivery Lead will be critical to establishing networks of agreed practice across the Diocese to ensure optimal delivery of wellbeing services in schools aligned with the key findings of the 2021 Wellbeing Team Service Delivery Review. These well-being services will be in line with:
- Actioning Education for All – A guide for a Whole of System Approach to Inclusive Practices for Catholic education Ballarat.
- CECV Intervention Framework “Actioning education for All – A Guide for a Whole of System Approach to Inclusive Practices for Catholic Education Ballarat”.
- DOBCEL Student Wellbeing Framework.
Owing to the diverse size and location of schools within the Diocese of Ballarat, the availability of support services is variable. A key element of this role is to facilitate equitable access to required services for students in schools of the diocese regardless of their location. This may entail cross-school brokering of services or engagement of appropriate professionals.
Staff News
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Page as our Social Justice Education Officer, commencing Term 4 2023.
This is a new role with a primary purpose of promoting and implementing the principles outlined in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, and for overseeing our Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network responsibilities.
Sarah comes to us from St Francis Xavier Primary School where she is currently an Environmental Education Specialist Teacher, RAP Leader and Level Leader.
Article submitted by Jo Huntley.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principalship Opportunities.
- Principal - St Patrick's Primary School, Koroit (closes 21 August)
- Principal - St Mary's Primary School, Clarkes Hill (closes 15 September)
Catholic Education Ballarat.
- Wellbeing Team Project Delivery Lead – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 August)
- Education Officer: Learning and Teaching (Primary) Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 August)
- Education Officer: Learning and Teaching (Primary) Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 August)
School Vacancies.
- Subject Teachers - Expressions of Interest for all Subject Areas commencing 2024 - St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 August)
- Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 August)
- Performing Arts Support Officer – Damascus College, Mt Clear – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 21 August)
- Finance Officer – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 23 August)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Timetabler (POL 3) – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Teaching and Learning Leader: Learning Diversity (POL 3) – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Teaching & Learning Leader: Learning Resources (POL 3) – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- House Leader (POL 3) – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Teachers (including Graduate Teachers) – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Director of Faith and Mission (POL 4) – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Science Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Accounts Payable Officer – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 25 August)
- Teaching Opportunities 2024: Expressions of Interest – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 August)
- Learning Support Officer – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – fixed term position at 0.72 FTE (closes 28 August)
- Teaching - English, Religious Education & All Other Areas – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 August)
- Assistant Rowing Coordinator – Damascus College, Mt Clear – fixed term position at 0.3 FTE (closes 8 September)
- 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)
Opportunities outside the Diocese
- Director of Catholic Education - Catholic Education, Wilcannia-Forbes (closes 23 August)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.