Weekly Newsletter #32 - 18 October 2023
Reflection
The Work of Reconciliation Continues
In light of the referendum on Saturday many conclusions can be drawn and much commentary made. Catholic Education Ballarat, informed and guided by Catholic Social Teaching walks in solidarity with all First Australians.
Julie Edwards, The Chief Executive Officer, from Jesuit Social Services offers the following observations
“Reconciliation commits us to address the enduring impacts of colonisation and the many disadvantages faced by First Nations people that we see in our work every day, including their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system and poorer health and living standards.
“A Yes referendum result could have made a lasting difference in the lives of First Nations peoples. Nevertheless, we continue to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and advocate for stronger investment to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and adequate resourcing to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, who are best equipped to meet their communities’ needs.
“We encourage the Australian public to stand in solidarity and raise our collective voice to support First Nations peoples in their desire to determine their own lives and flourish.”
Furthermore the Catholic Church in Australia is guided by a speech given to First Australians in 1986, by St. John Paul II, when he emphasised the importance of welcoming the contribution of First Nation Peoples. In an address to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples he said.
You are part of Australia and Australia is part of you. And the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others. – Pope John Paul II, Alice Springs, 29 November 1986 This speech has clear implications for The Church and beyond.
These poignant reflections, both from Jesuit Social Services and St. John Paul II offers much to the dialogue and how we continue upon the path of reconciliation and justice.
Invitation to Prayer
May the Spirit within us
Be a source of healing and consolation
May the Spirit within us strengthen us when we feel weak,
Warm us when we are cold-hearted,
Bend us when we are stubborn
Move us when we are uncaring
Guide us in the way of love.
May we allow the Spirit within
To empower us in all we do.
Amen
Morwood, M (2018) Prayers For Progressive Christians - A New Template Kelmor Publications Sunbury
From the Executive Director
A small group of CEB staff attended the National School Improvement Colloquium in Fremantle that was held from Sunday until yesterday. It was very worthwhile to hear about and learn from other Catholic systems of how they were tackling the challenge of school improvement in their system. Tracey Ezard, the keynote speaker, spoke with passion about the concept of Ferocious Warmth - The head and the heart of leadership.
I look forward to our Diocesan Leadership Gathering in Horsham next week. This will be our final in person gathering of Principals, CEB staff and Priests for the year. We will spend time discussing progress on our 2023 priorities, planning for 2024 and have a key focus session on Leadership Capabilities led by Professor Stephen Dinham. Stephen has worked with CECV to develop a Catholic standard to sit alongside the AITSL Leadership Standards which he was instrumental in developing. Stephen will unpack some of the current theories and practices of leadership capabilities and instructional leadership.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) 2024 Applications Open
The Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) enables middle leaders from across three country Dioceses (Ballarat, Sandhurst & Wagga) to engage in a residential 7-day professional development program with a significant focus on the skills, knowledge and capabilities for effective middle leadership within a Catholic context.
The program provides opportunities for participants to identify their effective leadership practice and apply this within their own school context through a spaced learning model, and a coaching program.
Applications for the 2024 program close on Friday 10 November, 2023.
For further information, application form and principal endorsement please see attachments below.
Catholic Identity & Mission Update
CTC Online Information Session
You are invited to Catholic Theological College's Online Information Session on Monday 30 October at 7.30pm (AEDT). Please see this flyer for more information.
Registration is essential. Click here to register.
In this session meet Course Advisors and learn about study options at CTC, including the wide range of courses and units that can be undertaken online and/or face-to-face. Click here for the 2024 timetable.
Enrolments for 2024 open Wednesday 1 November 2023. Contact CTC for an application package.
Walk the Aussie Camino - New Student/Teacher Immersion Opportunity
Articles submitted by Kate Lawry.
Learning and Teaching Update
Graduate/Early Career Teacher Support
As a Graduate/Early Career Teacher (first 3 years) within the DOBCEL system of school, we would like to provide the opportunity to engage with you to reflect on your successes as an early career teacher and an opportunity to discuss where you may need additional development that can be supported at a system level.
All Graduates and Early Career Teachers are welcome to participate. Those who have been a participant of the 2023 Program will receive an invitation to participate in a one-to-one engagement via Microsoft Teams for approximately 30 minutes in duration.
The purpose of these conversations is to provide personalised systemic support and to inform the future development of our Early Career Support Program. It provides a complementary support structure to the nurturing environment of your school at a time of year when you may be challenged by the diverse demands of the teaching profession. We are keen to hear what is working and what we can improve in the future.
Those who have not received contact and would like to participate should contact Sarah Hanley: Talent Acquisition Partner.
For further support please contact Fiona Murphy, Manager of Organisational Development.
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.
Data Storytelling: Dr Selena Fisk Returns
Dr Selena Fisk worked with primary and secondary staff across our diocese during Term 1 of 2023, assisting in the process of Data Storytelling - using relevant data effectively and collaboratively to identify both areas for school growth and also celebrate areas of success.
Selena is returning to work in Victoria during 2024 and is partnering with our diocese to again work with schools aiming to maximise their use of data and to shrink the time between collecting learning data and acting on it. Interested schools have two options for working with Selena:
Data Storytelling: The Next Chapter
Schools who have previously engaged with Selena Fisk will continue their learning and refinement of practice using data to inform instruction and strategic decisions. Early in the year schools will identify a data project within their school that will improve data processes and present their work in Term 4, receiving feedback from Selena. Note the early date in Term 1.
Dates:
- Term 1
1. Selena Fisk PL ‘Data Storytelling & Framing a Project’. (Ballarat: Wednesday 7 February)
Where: Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre
Register here
2. VC Coaching / Project Circle with Education Officer. (Date TBC) - Term 2
1. Selena Fisk online webinar ‘Maintaining Momentum’ (Wednesday 17 April) - Term 3
1. VC Coaching / Project Circle with Education Officer. (Date TBC) - Term 4
1. Selena Fisk PL ‘Data Storytelling’. (10 October)
Cost:
- Catering (TBA)
Please note, schools who have not previously worked with Selena are welcome to register, but familiarity with Selena’s work or engagement with the Data Storytelling LMS is recommended.
Data Champions
Selena’s work with Data Champions is a deeper examination into the particular data literacy needs of key staff members and the contextual particularities of participating schools. Participating schools will receive ongoing contact and feedback from Selena Fisk including 8 days face to face with Selena, morning & afternoon tea on each day as well as a copy of each of Selena's four books.
Dates:
- Term 1
Shepparton: Thursday 14 & Friday 15 March 2024 - Term 2
Wangaratta: Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 May 2024 - Term 3
Ballarat: Tuesday 30 & Wednesday 31 July 2024 - Term 4
Bendigo: Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 October 2024
Cost :
$1800* per participant. This cost includes workshops, ongoing contact, books and catering. Travel and accommodation costs would be met by participating schools. Program viability relies on a minimum of 10 diocesan participants.
*Amount based on participation minimum. Costing is based on a sliding scale dependent on numbers.
Schools interested in Data Champions are asked to contact: Samantha Meerbach or Joe Ewing.
Primary Leaders of Learning Network
Primary Leaders of Learning are invited to our last 2023 Network Meeting on Thursday 19 October from 1:30 - 3pm via VC
This network is for leaders to connect with each other, to learn from and with each other, to develop leadership skills and opportunities.
The agenda for this Network meeting is:
- What You Reading For? - Share what you are reading/listening to right now
- PAT Spot Docs Session - A follow up and feedback session
- Mathematics Hub - An overview and opportunity to explore
- New Mathematics Curriculum - a proposed plan for exploring this in 2024
- Year 1 Phonics Check - a story from assessment to analysis and then post assessment
- Data Story Telling - what schools have done in 2023 from the Selena Fisk PL to now and opportunities for 2024
- Communities of Practice - examples and opportunities for you
- and some forward planning for 2024 - where you will set the dates for future Network meetings and the content that would support you best.
Bookings close TODAY at 6:00PM Register here
CEP’s FREE Professional Development Series
The Summer Series is the last series for 2023 following on from CEP's highly successful previous seasons of professional development.
Specifically designed by educators, for educators, this season consists of three highly interactive online sessions.
The first session starts Wednesday 1 November 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Session 01: A Principal’s Guide to Starting In a New Rural Setting
- Date: 1 November 2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
- Key Speakers: Peter Seal, Principal, Orbost P-12, Amy Weavell, Principal, Moonambel Primary School, Mark McLay, CEO, Country Education Partnership and Brendan Ryan, Consultant, Country Education Partnership.
- Sign up for Session 1
If you are interested in submitting a question for Session 02: Q & A with Stephen Fraser, please submit this through the form below:
Session 02: Q and A with Stephen Fraser
- Date: 8 November 2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
- Key Speakers: Stephen Fraser, Deputy Secretary, School Education Programs and Support at Department of Education.
- Sign up for Session 2
Session 03: [BONUS SESSION] Staff Conflict Training for School Leaders
- Date: 15 November 2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
- Key Speakers: Kris Darmody from Fresh Start Mediation.
- Sign up for Session 3
The recordings from each of the all seasons are available for viewing. Watch them all here.
DIBELS Training - Term 4, 2023
DIBELS Training for 2023 is now complete. If you require further assistance please contact your Education Officer.
Further training will be available in 2024 and dates will be available on the Diocesan Calendar.
Engineering is Elementary: STEM Professional Learning by Questacon
Are you passionate about inspiring students through STEM?
Engineering is Elementary might be for you. It is an exciting and immersive professional development program developed by the Museuam od Science, Boston. They’re delivering the curriculum linked to Engineering is Elementary FREE to teachers across Australia.
Ballarat: Tuesday October 31 - The Windmills from 9am- 3pm (Melbourne and Bendigo on other days)
- Register Interest here
This inquiry-based PL will help you:
- Build confidence to teach and assess STEM subjevcts in K-6 classrooms.
- Develop your STEM teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of your students
- Engage students in critical thinking and authentic problem solving with the freeSTEM resource kit and unit of work
- Connect to a national network of teachers for ongoing collaboration and support.
Any questions? Email teachers@questacon.edu.au
PAT Session: Recording
Last week, CEB’s PAT Team presented a VC session on the new PAT resources and the PAT Faces on the Data tool.
You can access the webinar recording here:
- Introduction to DOBCEL's PAT Assessment Resources - Recording
- Passcode: .P+Nc82S
You can access the accompanying slide deck here:
Introduction to DOBCEL's PAT Assessment Resources - Presentation
PAT Faces on the Data tools and the PAT Resources site can be found on the DOBCEL Schools’ Hub, at www.dobcel.com
EAL Grapevine
The latest edition of the quarterly EAL Grapevine is available here.
This edition contains:
- Refugee strategy funding information
- EAL reporting
- PL opportunities
- A refugee story: Iraqi refugees
Emmanuel College: What we learned from our new refugee arrivals
Extending Mathematical Understanding training 2024
Have you started the conversation in your school in relation to training a teacher in the EMU Year 1 or Years 3 – 6 Specialist Teacher course for 2024?
The EMU Specialist Teacher courses provide professional learning for teachers to develop their expertise and leadership in mathematics. Underpinning the program is an accreditation process that ensures that EMU specialist teachers maintain ongoing learning in this essential curriculum area, have the expertise to deliver professional learning to colleagues, and work within a whole school approach to improving learning and teaching for all.
For a training course to be offered in Ballarat as occurred in 2020, Monash University as the facilitators would require at least 20 participants.
To provide you with a clearer understanding of what is involved and the course details below are the links to the training courses for 2023
Please discuss this with your Education Officer or email Teresa Hadden.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies
- VCE VM & VPC Teacher – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 October)
- 2x Full-time Classroom Positions – St Thomas’ School, Terang – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 October)
- Teacher- St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Classroom Teacher - Fixed Term (Parental Leave) – St Mary’s School, Donald – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- French Teacher - 2024 Contract – Loreto College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Primary and Secondary Teaching Positions – St Mary’s School, Robinvale – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Learning Support Officers – Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Learning Diversity Leader – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Classroom Teacher 2024 – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Classroom Teaching and Positions of Leadership Opportunities – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
- Classroom Teachers – Our Lady Help of Christians Schol, Wendouree – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 October)
- Generalist Classroom Teacher – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 October)
- Chaplain / Counsellor – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas fixed term position at 0.65 FTE (closes 23 October)
- Classroom Teacher x2 (Leadership Positions Available) – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 October)
- Classroom Teacher – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 October)
- Classroom Teacher – St Pius X School, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 October)
- VCE Teaching Positions commencing in 2024 – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 October)
- Classroom Teacher – St Brigid’s School, Ballan – fixed term at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 October)
- English/Humanities/Drama Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 October)
- Classroom Teacher - St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East - fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 October)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 3 November)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 November)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.