Weekly Newsletter #33 - 25 October 2023
-
Reflection
-
From the Executive Director
-
World Teachers Day 2023
-
Pastoral Ministry Office Notices
-
Finance Update
-
Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) 2024 Applications Open
-
Sustainability in Schools Month
-
Wellbeing Update
-
Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal
-
Learning and Teaching Update
-
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
‘Not the end of the journey’: NATSICC releases statement on referendum result
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) has released the following statement in response to the unsuccessful outcome to the Voice to Parliament referendum.
"When we started this journey, we knew it would not be easy. We knew that there were many hurdles to overcome. This has been the case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 200 years. Our strong culture and spirituality have helped us to survive through challenges, and an unsuccessful outcome to the Voice to Parliament referendum is just another challenge that we will face with dignity, respect and without losing hope.
Throughout this journey, we, the members of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), have placed an emphasis on fostering respectful dialogue and providing Catholics with information to help them make their decision. We are proud to have maintained the stance that all people are created equal in the image of God and thus deserve to be respectfully treated, regardless of their stance on the referendum question.
Guided by the Catholic social teaching principle of subsidiarity, we (along with most First Australians) saw the value in a mechanism for our voice, and the voices of our children and grandchildren, to be heard in parliament and the potential for tangible outcomes to improve the day-to-day lives of our people. We also acknowledged that this was not the only way forward, but a step on the journey of reconciliation.
We accept that, for a variety of reasons, the Australian people have decided that an enshrined Voice is not the way to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Constitution, or don’t see it as useful to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gain an equal footing on metrics such as life expectancy, health and socioeconomics. What we must not accept is that this signals the end of the journey. Statistics from the Closing the Gap strategy show that we cannot maintain the status quo. We now call on those that espoused alternatives to champion Indigenous-led ideas and initiatives that will address these practical issues, and for all people in this country to work for reconciliation.
Fear, confusion and misinformation have impacted relationships between communities, families and friendships. The biggest tragedy we face as a nation is to hold onto resentment and disagreements, allowing them to fester and divide us further. As Colossians 3:13 says, ‘Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ Embracing this spirit of forgiveness can pave the way for shared healing and unity.
As we look towards the future, we are heartened by the impact and response to the One Journey, Together website. Thirty Catholic organisations, including the peak bodies for Catholic health, education and social services, congregations and groups, articulated their support of the Voice and will be valuable allies as we move forward in our shared work of reconciliation.
The path of reconciliation and unity is a long one, but it is one that we must tread with unwavering faith and determination. The challenges we face are not insurmountable, and with the collective strength of our communities and the guidance of our faith, we can envision a brighter future for all.
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13)
With this hope in our hearts, we, the members of NATSICC, will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are certain that our family, the Catholic Church, continues to walk alongside us. As Chaplain to NATSICC, Bishop Charles Gauci joins with us in these thoughts and prayers, and hopes that ‘we be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance so that we can grow together in the way Jesus teaches us.’
We believe that together, with love, understanding and the grace of God, we can build a future where every individual is recognised, respected and cherished."
From the Executive Director
Last Sunday at the opening of the National School Improvement Colloquium, we had a powerful Welcome to Country ceremony led by a local indigenous elder and her grandchildren, less than 24 hours after the results of the Voice referendum. For me and perhaps for many others, it was difficult to know how to react to the No vote. What could I say to this hurt and sad local indigenous elder and her grandchildren? What could I say to others? I found the words written by The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), poignant and helpful for me, hopefully you will find the same. There are more reflections and resources to come.
…. Our strong culture and spirituality have helped us to survive through challenges, and an unsuccessful outcome to the Voice to Parliament referendum is just another challenge that we will face with dignity, respect and without losing hope……
I look forward to our Diocesan Leadership Gathering in Horsham tomorrow. In my Executive Director update I will be speaking about the process of discerning the DOBCEL Board’s next strategic plan. The following discussion paper recently published by Michael Fullan and Joanna Rizzotto, "Teacher Power Can Be the Force for Education. What Would That Look Like?" is well worth considering as we prepare to develop our next strategic plan.
The DOBCEL Board Directors visited a number of schools prior to meeting in the Ballarat office yesterday. Thank you to the following schools for graciously hosting the Directors: St Brigid’s, Ballan; St Patrick’s, Gordon; St Francis Xavier, Ballarat; St Columba’s, Ballarat; Emmaus, Mt Clear; St Aloysius, Redan; St Mary’s, Clarke’s Hill and St Alipius, Ballarat. Both the students and the Directors enjoyed the visits as can be seen by the photos below.
This Friday is World Teachers Day (WTD). To all our teachers we thank you for educating, inspiring, and supporting our students as we pursue fullness of life for all. Please see the Blessing video for World Teachers Day created by the Catholic Identity and Mission team, below you'll also find a DOBCEL WTD video. Further AITSL resources for you to use are available under the Learning and Teaching section of this newsletter.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Images from Board visits to St Alipius PS,
St Brigid's PS & St Columba's PS.
World Teachers Day 2023
Let’s celebrate our educators! World Teachers Day (WTD) is celebrated on Friday 27 October 2023.
We appreciate everything you do. The inherent value you have to our schools and the contributions to the success of your students does not go unnoticed.
We want to celebrate and recognise the achievements, successes, and hard work our educators carry out each and every day.
Pastoral Ministry Office Notices
Celebrating the "End of an Era" at St Brendan’s Primary School, Dunnstown
All are invited to celebrate the ‘End of an Era’ at St Brendan’s Primary School, Dunnstown on Saturday, 25 November, 2023.
Please feel free to pass this invitation on to anyone that you think may be interested. More information is available from the diocesan website.
Liturgy Formation at Ballan – Sunday, November 5, 2023
The Diocesan Liturgical Commission is hosting a Liturgy Formation Session at St Brigid’s Church Ballan Gathering Space on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Bishop Paul Bird CSsR will celebrate Mass at 10.30am with the formation program beginning at 12.00pm on the topics of Sunday Assembly of Word & Communion and scripture reflection. All welcome to attend.
The program for the day and registration information is available from the diocesan website. Register via this link or by scanning the QR code.
Diocesan e-News
To read the latest edition of the diocesan e-News, click here.
Diocesan Youth Booklet
The Ballarat Diocese has produced a booklet which outlines opportunities to assist young people on their faith journey. There is information about a variety of youth ministry and young adult activities, as well as details on faith formation, social justice and outreach initiatives. A range of social media networks and online forums offering choices for young people to connect with the wider Catholic community is also included.
In addition, there are links to resources to support young people in prayer and spirituality. There is information about reflection days, festivals, immersions and pilgrimage experiences for them to take part in to grow in their faith, and qualifications available in theology, ministry formation, training and much more.
With the support of Bishop Paul Bird CSsR, the booklet has been distributed to all secondary schools for Year 12 students and senior school leavers. If you have any questions or would like more copies, please contact the Pastoral Ministry Office.
Articles submitted by Julie Boyd.
Finance Update
Fee information on school websites
A reminder for all primary principals and administration staff to review their school website and ensure the following wording is incorporated.
“We welcome all students and their families who share or respect our Catholic faith, values and traditions. Catholic education is supported by State and Federal funding, with families contributing the balance of the cost of educating their children. At times, some families are unable to meet their commitment to the full costs of education. As a Catholic school system, we ensure fee relief mechanisms are available to support families in time of need. We encourage these discussions on enrolment or as these needs emerge.”
Please refer to the August Memo regarding Fee Information previously circulated following the Admin workshops. This is located in Knowledge Banks in the School Finance & Administration Resources folder. This memo also provides guidance for the layout of fees on your website.
Business Managers will follow up with all schools during their Term 4 visit.
Article submitted By Paul Jans.
School Student Broadband Initiative
To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with school age children with no internet at home access to free nbn for one year under the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).
Access to the SSBI will become easier, with the announcement of a National Referral Centre that parents/carers with school students can contact directly to check their eligibility.
Victorian families with students enrolled in Prep to Year 12, who do not have an active nbn connection (or had one in the previous 14 days) but can access a standard nbn service at their premises can become eligible with an application to the National Referral Centre.
You can find more information about the NRC on Anglicare Victoria’s website available here: Student Internet Program - Anglicare Victoria or contact Financial Accountant, Jordan Smith.
We encourage School’s to ensure that their families are aware of the Australian Government initiative which may allow them to access a free nbn internet connection.
The links below contain the promotional and information packs which have been provided directly from the initiative for distribution to families.
Article submitted by Jordan Smith.
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.
Sustainability in Schools Month
Throughout November, Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools program and partners will host 20 free workshops for teachers, environmental educators and councils on topics of circular economy, climate adaptation, biodiversity, water conservation and much more.
The month of professional learning will simultaneously promote the wonderful environmental actions undertaken by Victorian school communities through the hashtag #SiSMonth.
Follow the ResourceSmart Schools Humanitix page for more information.
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
Wellbeing Update
Wellbeing Team - Project Delivery Lead
The Claridge Wellbeing Review has informed the leadership and work of the wellbeing team since it was conducted in 2021. To further support the delivery of the recommendations of the review, including embedded systems of agreed practices across communities of schools and alternate models of service support, we have recruited to a project role to accomplish this work. This role - titled Project Delivery Lead - is intended to examine elements of current practice and service delivery models in light of the review and work to establish communities of practice and support schools to embed these. A ‘project approach’ with stakeholder engagement, data gathering and goal setting to involve all Wellbeing Team service streams will be coordinated by the Project Delivery Lead.
We are pleased to announce that Mrs Christine Goonan has been appointed to the Project Delivery Role. Christine brings extensive experience working across the fields of health and education. Most recently Christine has worked as a Branch Manager Health Wellbeing and Specialist Services within the Department of Education. In the selection process Christine demonstrated excellent knowledge of school system frameworks, multi-tiered support strategies, disability Inclusion, mental health reform and student service provision as well as significant experience in project management and delivery.
Christine will commence work at DOBCEL on November 1, 2023.
Article submitted by Tony Perkins.
Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal
We would appreciate you including our Gaza Crisis Appeal in your school bulletins this week and over the coming weeks. Please adapt the following information to your layout. There is a QR code for printed bulletins.
For further information, please contact Caritas Community Engagement Resources Manager, Nicole Dobrohotoff.
Learning and Teaching Update
Happy World Teachers Day: Friday October 27th
World Teachers' Day is our chance to celebrate and show appreciation for the teachers in our diocesan schools. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) has launched the ‘Hats off to teachers’ campaign, encouraging everyone to share a ‘hats off’ selfie to celebrate teachers.
AITSL’s Celebration Kit is full of engaging resources to help you celebrate this World Teachers’ Day including:
- logos and graphics
- school newsletter content
- posters
- social media images
- photobooth props
- email signatures
- thank you cards and gift tags
- classroom activities
- virtual meeting background.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) Education Programs
In the past week the 2024 ACMI Education program has been announced with a variety of creative learning opportunities and experiences designed to teach new digital skills and knowledge to primary and secondary students and teachers.
Supported through the Department of Education’s Strategic Partnerships Program and Creative Victoria, the ACMI Education program highlights emerging technologies across film, TV, digital games and digital art.
Online education resources are also available for teachers on the ACMI website including free lesson plans to help teachers use video games in the classroom and recordings of the professional learning series Demystifying artificial intelligence: Unlocking AI’s potential for teachers.
See the ACMI website for more information.
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 (½ day) ‘Maintaining Momentum’ (Wednesday 17th 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.
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.
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
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.
Feedback on the Primary Leaders of Learning Network for 2023
In 2023 the CEB team established a Primary Leaders Of Learning Network, inclusive of all leaders of curriculum. To assist us with planning for 2024, we invite you to share your thoughts by Friday 27th October about the structure of this Network and the Professional Learning opportunities which were provided in 2023.
The link to the survey is here.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies
- 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)
- Specialist Teacher – Lumen Christi School, Delacombe – fixed term position at 0.34 FTE (closes 30 October)
- Classroom Teacher – Lumen Christi School, Delacombe – fixed term 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, Full Time / Negotiated Part Time – St Joseph’s School, Penshurst – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 November)
- 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)
- Learning Support Officer - Extensive needs – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 November)
- Learning Support Officer –St Coleman’s School, Mortlake – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Phys Ed/Health Teacher – St Colman’s School, Mortlake – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Deputy Principal & Catholic Identity Leader – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Learning Community Leader (Year 5 & 6) – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Learning Community Leader (Year 3 & 4) – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Learning Community Leader (Prep-Year 2) – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- 2024 Learning Support Officer (FTE 0.72) – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 0.72 FTE (closes 6 November)
- 2024 Learning Support Officer (FTE 0.54) – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 0.54 FTE (closes 6 November)
- 2024 Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 November)
- Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 November)
- School Finance Administration Officer – St Augustine’s School, Creswick – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Deputy Principal 2024 - Classroom Teacher – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 November)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 0.23 FTE (closes 17 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.