Weekly Newsletter #26 - 23 August 2023
Reflection
Blessed…..
A very familiar piece of scripture for many Christians is The Beatitudes. In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus invites his followers to reflect upon what 'blessed' means.
Jim Quillinan explores this in the following reflection, Along the track - Blessed.
Invitation to prayer
Every action of ours is blessed;
Every action a wonder
A privilege:
When we see
When we speak
When we hear
When we sing
When we love;
When we remember
When we hope
When we see possibilities
For this we give thanks
Amen
Morwood, M (2018) Prayers for Progressive Christians Kelmor Publications: Sunbury p.180
From the Executive Director
Irish Recruitment Update
I’m very pleased to advise that Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) has completed the vetting process for potential Irish teaching candidates. This week DOBCEL schools with long term vacancies have been provided with a list of Irish teachers to interview to fill these long term vacancies.
I look forward to welcoming our Irish recruits to our diocese in readiness for the start of the next school year.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Pastoral Ministry Office Notices
109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees – Sunday, September 24, 2023
The theme of Pope Francis' Message for this year's World Day of Migrants and Refugees is "Freedom to choose whether to migrate or stay."
The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) has created online resources, including the Migrant and Refugee Kit 2023, a liturgy for primary and secondary schools, homily notes, and prayers of intercession, to help celebrate this special day.
Resources are available from the Diocesan website.
Social Justice Statement 2023-2024
The Australian bishops’ have launched the 2023-2024 Social Justice Statement, "Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples".
Copies of the statement and resources are available from the Diocesan website.
Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated on August 27.
Our Diocesan Community – Issue 3, 2023
Planning for the final issue of Our Diocesan Community (ODC) 2023 is underway and the ODC Editors invite your contributions. Continuing the 2023 themes of the International Year of the Millet/Synod of Synodality/Plenary Council, they are looking to gather stories and experiences in the Catholic community around the Diocese. You are invited to share significant events that may have taken place over the last few months in your parish and school community.
Please note the latest date for submissions to this issue is Friday, 8 September, 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.
Speech Pathology Week 2023
Certified speech pathologists mean better quality of life for our community in the Diocese of Ballarat.
The ability to be understood and to understand others is a life skill that is compromised for more than 4.4 million Australians with disability who may need intervention and support from a speech pathologist in their lifetime, but many don’t know who can help them. New online resources can help people decide if a certified speech pathologist – 'A certified speechie' can help.
At any age or stage of life people can experience communication difficulty or barriers to communication.
Did you know that 1 in 7 Australians will experience communication difficulty in their lifetime?
Any communication difficulty, mild or complex, may be a barrier for a person to interact with others and participate in everyday activities. With the right supports, every person with communication difficulty can overcome these barriers and live a good life.
Speech Pathology Australia President, Kathryn McKinley believes the new resource will also give people a greater understanding of how certified speech pathologists can help to improve quality of life for people with communication difficulty.
"At any stage or age there can be new barriers that affect our ability to communicate and that can be very isolating and affect our ability to participate in life. If you or someone you care for is having difficulties, you are not alone, and help is available."
"The only way to be assured that you are receiving care from someone with appropriate and up to date training is to make sure that they are a 'certified speechie'," said Kathryn.
A certified speech pathologist is approved for NDIS funding, private health insurers and Medicare.
About Certified Practising Speech Pathologists
Certified Practising Speech Pathologists (CPSP) are university educated and trained to assist people with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
- How to know if you need to see a certified speech pathologist
- Seeing and choosing a certified speech pathologist?
Communication in Early Childhood
Infants and young children are learning the basics of communication. In the first five years there is an amazing burst of development and learning. The Communication Milestones Kit lists milestones for talking and understanding for children from birth to five years of age.
Communication for school aged children
Children use their communication to learn and interact with others. Through communication, they learn to:
- make friends
- follow rules and instructions
- tell stories
- play games
- learn new skills name and express emotions.
At school, children learn more advanced speaking and listening skills, and learn to read and write. Communication is essential for learning at school, enabling children to: argue and persuade explain, reason, problem solve learn new ideas and words learn complex words for example in maths and science.
Visit the Communicating for Life online resources.
For information about Speech Pathology Week click here.
Contact your region’s Speech Pathologist:
- Robyn Cranage- rcranage@ceob.edu.au
- Chelsea Harris- charris@ceob.edu.au
- Bec Free - rfree@ceob.edu.au
- Miranda Pearse- mpearse@ceob.edu.au
- Ashleigh Freckleton- afreckleton@ceob.edu.au
- Sarah Macdonald- smacdonald@ceob.edu.au
- Sally Anderson- sanderson@ceob.edu.au
Speech Pathology Australia is the national peak body representing more than 13,500 speech pathologists. The Association supports and regulates the ethical, clinical, and professional standards of its members, as well as lobbying and advocating for access to services that benefit people with communication and swallowing difficulties.
Article submitted by Robyn Cranage.
Research in Schools
Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) welcomes research in schools in the Diocese. The proposed research must be of high quality and contribute to the potential educational benefit of the school/s. Ethical requirements will be consistent with the provisions of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The impact upon and the time and effort required by students and staff as participants will be taken into consideration.
CEB has been approached and approved a number of requests for research in schools.
As always it is the Principal who makes the decision as to whether they participate in research or not.
Current applications are:
- Music, Resilience and Wellbeing - University of Melbourne
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Project - University of Melbourne
- Quantum Girls (Aims to improve female students' attitudes towards STEM subjects by introducing modern quantum science concepts that have direct relevance to our daily lives. And it seeks to provide professional development opportunities for teachers so that they can confidently teach students about modern science and quantum computing) - University of Western Australia
- School Road Safety Survey - Wallis Social Research (for Road Safety Education Victoria)
- The impact of timetable changes on School Leadership, Teachers, and Students in Victorian Secondary Schools - University of Melbourne
Article submitted by Dr Susan Crowe.
People and Development Update
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Key Services
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has so much to offer, click on the links in the box below for more information, or contact Tania Lund, Staff Wellbeing & Engagement.
For convenient, private, and short-term professional counselling services our EAP service is there to support you. To learn more about Converge resources, news, and events log into the Converge Portal Dashboard:
- Username – Converge
- Password - eap
- Organisational Code - DIOCQODQ
Article submitted by Tania Lund.
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.
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.
Learning and Teaching Update
Victorian Curriculum Mathematics Version 2.0: Now Available
The latest iteration of the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum (F-10) is available online.
VCAA has compiled 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: Understanding the Mathematics Learning Area and changes (Primary)
- August 30th 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.
EMU Ongoing Professional Learning 2023
On Monday, August 14, 2023, teachers from across central and southern schools from the Ballarat Diocese gathered at Lumen Christi Delacombe, to learn more about the Principles of Extending Mathematical Understanding and applications for the classroom. This second day of professional learning was facilitated by Associate Professor Ann Gervasoni from Monash University.
Feedback from participants included:
“It was interesting to work with the children and support each other with questioning. There was certainly a big range of ways the task was run. Ranging from giving children time to discuss and think, to just telling them how to do the task, which required no thinking on the part of the child.”
“The vertical learning is a winner for me.”
“Having the chance to work with the students was amazing.”
“Very informative session. I’ve come away with a lot to support my math teaching.”
“I like the investigation work where one task can give so much across many ability levels.”
Now would be a great time to start thinking about training a teacher in EMU for 2024. If we receive enough interest from around our Diocese a training group could be offered in Ballarat rather than Melbourne.
For those who are EMU trained and would like to engage in EMU Ongoing, we will be continuing to run these days in 2024. This professional learning is also open to any classroom teacher, come with one or more from your school!
Primary Leaders of Learning
At our recent Primary Leaders of Learning session participants engaged in Q&A with Caithlin and Daniel from ACER about the PAT testing - both Linear and Adaptive, when and how, benefits and reports for each. This presentation was followed by Breeana Wade with the NEW Faces on the Data tool. This tool can be found in your DOBCEL Schools Hub and the NEW tool will update your current data from Week 3 in Term 4.
Here is the recording if you were unable to attend and/or would like to share with your staff team. An email was sent to all Primary Leaders of Learning with a table of “chapters” for easier access.
Please reach out to your Education Officer for further follow up.
Free Professional Development Series: The Spring Series Starts Today!
CEP's free online professional development series; the Spring Series will be kicking off this afternoon, 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
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 26 October 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
Expressions of Interest for 2024 Master Teachers-in-Residence
EOIs are now open for the Academy’s 2024 Master Teachers-in-Residence from excellent, motivated teachers across the Victorian government, Catholic and Independent education sectors to join the Academy as Master Teachers-in-Residence for a period of 12 months.
Critical to the success of the Academy’s Teaching Excellence Program (TEP), is the attraction and recruitment of highly skilled and motivated Master Teachers. Their role includes the facilitation and co-design of the discipline and place-based work at the centre of the TEP.
The Master Teacher roles will be based at the Melbourne site, with regional and remote work an essential part of the provision of the TEP. There will be an online information session about the roles Wednesday 30 August at 4pm – 5pm. Register here.
Detailed information about the role and the position description here.
If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please email Justine Mackey, Principal-in-Residence, Teaching Excellence Division or phone 0417 810 693.
To express interest in the role, applicants should email Justin by 11:59 pm AEST on Sunday 3 September 2023 with:
- a brief response to the selection criteria as they relate to the Master Teacher role
- your current CV.
Effective Teaching of Reading and Spelling Conference - ACU Ballarat
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 29 August: 3:30 - 4:30
- Wednesday 30 August: 3:30 – 4:30
- Thursday 31 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 to register or download the flyer below
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 Friday 8 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 Friday 1 September to Anne Ruddell.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principalship Opportunities.
- 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.
- 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)
- Classroom Teachers -St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat- fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 September)
- Finance Officer - Accounts Payable – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 September)
- Classroom Teacher - St Michael & John’s School, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 September)
- 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)
- Classroom Teachers – St John’s School, Dennington – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 September)
- Subject Teachers - Expression of Interest for all subject areas commencing 2024 – Marian College, Ararat- ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 September)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North (closes 2 October)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.