Weekly Newsletter #35 - 8 November 2023
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Reflection
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Letter from the Bishop
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From the Executive Director
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Condolences
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Australian Teacher Workforce Survey Victoria - Closing This Friday!
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Wellbeing Update
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People and Development Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Remembrance Day - A Story of Past Present and Future
On Saturday, November 11th, it is Remembrance Day. It is a day for us as a community to remember and reflect upon the sacrifices that those who have gone before us have made and to think of those who are currently serving in the defence forces. In light of the tragedy that is unfolding in the middle east and for the war that continues in Ukraine, it is timely for us to relentlessly pursue peace and justice everywhere and all times- by beginning with our own words, actions and attitudes.
Invitation to prayer…
We pray that we will bring justice and peace.
For all those affected by war in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel and throughout the world: for those serving in areas of conflict, for all who feel they must fight when there seems no other choice: for their families who wait in fear and anticipation for their safe return, for those who don’t return… In peace we pray.
We pray that we will bring justice and peace.
For the world that in so many places stands on the brink of war: for organisations that work for peace where peace seems most unattainable; for wisdom and courage for all political leaders… In peace we pray.
We pray that we will bring justice and peace.
For all people everywhere: for peace between people of different religions; for peace among those who share the same faith; for reconciliation and healing that will one day lead to unity… In peace we pray.
We pray that we will bring justice and peace.
For peace in our neighbourhoods and streets; for peace in our homes; for peace within each human heart, For peace always in our own hearts… In peace we pray.
We pray that we will bring justice and peace.
Amen
Adapted from https://www.stbrendans.qld.edu.au/we-will-remember-them-remembrance-day-2019-reflection/
Letter from the Bishop
Hello Everyone,
I am very pleased to announce that one of our seminarians, Xuan Cay Trinh, will soon be ordained deacon.
The diaconate ordination will be celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Ballarat at 10 am on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
I ask your prayers for Cay as he prepares for his ordination.
God bless you all.
Paul Bird CSsR
Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat
From the Executive Director
Last Wednesday I had the privilege of announcing Pasi Sahlberg's pivotal role as our Professor in Residence for the next four years. Pasi will play a crucial role in our initial efforts to shape DOBCEL's upcoming Strategic Plan. In line with our ongoing preparations for the strategic planning process, I encourage you to reflect on the insights shared in an article authored by Pasi, which explores the vital partnership between parents and schools. On Friday the CEB Leadership team will view the thought-provoking film Most Likely to Succeed as a stimulus piece as we begin to think about our new strategic plan.
Since last week I have visited the following schools: St Alipius Ballarat; St Thomas More Alfredton and Damascus College Mt Clear. It was a privilege to speak with the Grade 6 and Yr 11 student leaders at these schools. It was yet another good reminder of the impressive young people we have in our schools. The buzz for the upcoming school holidays and Christmas period was definitely in the air!
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Images from visit to St Alipius Parish School on their Science Day.
Condolences
Jim Sheedy
We extend our thoughts and prayers to the Sheedy family on the recent passing of Jim. Jim Sheedy was a Principal in the Diocese at St Alipius in the early 1990s and went on to Principalships at Williamstown and Caroline Springs after leaving Ballarat. Jim’s wife Therese worked as a Psychologist within the CEO in Ballarat and then at Loreto College.
Jim’s funeral will take place at 11am on Friday 17November at St Augustine’s, Yarraville.
Gerry Willis
A long serving member of St Patrick’s College Ballarat, Mr Gerry Willis, passed away at home unexpectedly on Sunday. Gerry commenced as a teacher at St Patrick’s in 2011 and taught Maths, Food Technology and Religious Education. He also served the College as Year 7 Co-ordinator and acting Head of Junior School.
Please keep his wife Jenny, children Patrick and Ruby and the St Patrick’s community in your prayers at this sad time.
Australian Teacher Workforce Survey Victoria - Closing This Friday!
The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey 2023 is closing in Victoria on Friday 10 November 2023. By spending 10-15 minutes sharing your story you'll help build a sustainable teaching profession.
To access the survey, look for an email that was sent from the Victorian Institute of Teachers on 31 October 2023.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Making a Scene at Christmas
To spread a Christmas message of peace, love and family, this year the "Making a Scene at Christmas" display will be spread across two locations.
Bridge Mall
500 nativity scenes will be displayed at Bridge Mall and will be curated by Fiona Tonkin and Kay Paton. This display will be held between December 5 – December 22.
Please contact Fiona for more information and educational programmes.
Diocesan Archives
A smaller more intermediate display will be held in the archives. Visitation is by bookings only and numbers will be restricted. Staff will be informed prior to any school group visiting. This display will be exhibited between November 20 – December 22, 2023 and January 4 – January 20, 2024. This display has a traditional Maltese nativity scene and handmade wooden displays.
For further information, please contact Samantha Fabry, Diocesan Archivist.
Palms Australia Free Webinar - Neighbours Without Borders (NWB)
Palms Australia would like to invite you to attend a FREE Neighbours Without Borders (NWB) webinar on November 14 2023, from 2.30pm-3pm.
NWB is a comprehensive cross-cultural training designed to equip individuals and organizations with the tools and understanding needed to strengthen local communities by fostering meaningful engagement across cultural and generational boundaries.
Have you been able to integrate the Plenary Council decrees into your work and daily lives?
The NWB program is a targeted response to the outcomes highlighted at the recent Plenary Council. It was meticulously designed, with valuable input from the Justice and Peace and Pastoral Ministry Offices in several dioceses. NWB has emerged as a compelling solution to the Council’s decrees, particularly decrees 3 and 6, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, especially for marginalized communities such as women, the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees, trafficked individuals, newcomers, people with mental health conditions, and First Nations People.
Please, register your interest here.
Article submitted by Kate Lawry.
Wellbeing Update
The Inclusive Schooling Online Summit registrations are now open and next year it's FREE to access live and for the replay 48 hours post-summit. It will be held on March 28 & 29 (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. AEST each day), Please note March 29 is Good Friday.
There is an option to purchase an Extended Viewing add-on for an additional 60-day on-demand replay period (1st April to 30th May)
- $99 if booked and paid up to February 29
- $149 from February 29
Please find below the link for the registrations
2024 Inclusive Schooling Online Summit Tickets | TryBooking Australia
Student Wellbeing
In 2024, DOBCEL is partnering with School TV to support school communities on their wellbeing journey. This exciting health and wellbeing initiative will be rolled out in all DOBCEL schools with RI/MPJP welcome to engage SchoolTV at the DOBCEL discounted price.
Please see attached flyer for further information.
We also remind school leaders to complete the survey gathering your school’s contact details which can be accessed HERE. This survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Thank you to the 25 schools who have already responded - you will be hearing from the SchoolTV team shortly.
Mel Frost, Education Officer Student Wellbeing, will contact schools directly with an offer of support if you have been unable to complete the survey.
People and Development Update
Fact Finder Online Awareness Sessions - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by Converge International
Join us for our live online awareness sessions to learn more about our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
What will it cover?
Whilst EAP is an important part of your wellbeing, Converge International is able to provide more than just mental health support. During the session(s) we will remove all those myths and common misunderstandings you might have about our EAP.
Join our free webinar to learn more.
SESSION ONE – Principals and Leaders
| SESSION TWO – All Staff
|
Article submitted by Tania Lund.
Learning and Teaching Update
Updated Timeline for Victorian Curriculum 2.0
Victorian principals and system leaders received an update from VCAA during the past week on the release and implementation timeline for the updated Victorian Curriculum F-10:
- Mathematics was published in July 2023 and familiarisation is currently underway. The government and Catholic sectors will commence implementing the revised F–10 Mathematics curriculum from 2024, with full implementation in 2025.
- English will be published at the end of 2023, with familiarisation to continue in 2024 and sectors able to implement from 2025.
- English and Mathematics Levels A to D: Towards Foundation will be published at the beginning of Term 3 2024 to better align with the focus on these learning areas.
- All other curriculum areas will be published in June 2024. Familiarisation for these areas will commence upon publication and continue throughout 2025. Sectors will determine when they intend to implement these curriculum areas.
- English as an Additional Language and Levels A to D: Towards Foundation for all other curriculum areas will be published in November 2024. Familiarisation for these areas will commence upon publication and continue throughout 2025. Sectors will determine when they intend to implement these curriculum areas.
- Phase 2 languages will be published in November 2024. The publication dates for Phases 3 and 4 languages are to be confirmed.
Locating Your Work Within the Educational Landscape
Rationale:
In 2024 Diocesan schools are invited to engage with the research-informed principles of curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy that underpin the Education Landscape - a whole of system guide to strengthening our approaches to learning that are anchored in an ecological understanding of learner agency. The context and starting point for this professional learning is each school’s localised school improvement strategy and their aspirations for learners and their school community. Schools will be supported to translate these guiding principles into practice through an evidence-informed inquiry, embedded in their day-to-day work as designers, leaders, teachers, and learners, with colleagues and young people in their local communities.
Outcomes:
- Deeper understanding of learner agency that informs your approaches to curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy (schools will determine their focus).
- A ‘value add’ to your school improvement strategy informed by internal and external research that strengthens your approaches and outcomes.
- Skilful use of process and protocols that privilege dialogue, diverse perspectives, and critical reflection with discernment towards ways of ‘being’ a leader and learner that inspires commitment and action.
- Localised Communities of Practice that regularly engage in collective learning around questions that matter as they seek to strengthen practice.
Participants – target audience
Primary and Secondary School teams of three educators. Ideally the team comprises a whole school leader, a teacher leader who has responsibility for leading the learning of teacher colleagues and a classroom teacher.
Pre-requisites
- School team attends an online orientation session in late 2023.
- School team has the capacity to commit to 2 spaced days of professional learning in Term 1 2024.
- A commitment to partnering with other schools in a Community of Practice and to participate in face to face and online sessions across the year (focus and times decided by school teams)
- A commitment to document and share learning with other school communities and colleagues in office locations.
Commitment
Each school team member is willing to:
- Be active, reflective, and investigative learners, prepared to take risks and open to learn from others.
- Partner with colleagues from other schools through a Communities of Practice, committing the time and resources necessary to deeply engage with each other and with the learning.
- Analyse different forms of evidence and to use the guiding principles as a lens to make sense of local learning contexts and priorities.
- To share the learning from your professional inquiry with others in a variety of ways and contribute to system wide learning.
Expressions of interest to Joe Ewing by 30 November 2023.
Telling a Story with Your School’s Data
Schools interested in either of the options for working with Dr Selena Fisk are asked to indicate this in the coming weeks so that arrangements and locations can be finalised.
Option 1: 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 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.
Participants are required to register by November 30.
Option 2: 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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Truth Telling in Education Webinar - Preventing Racism in Schools
Post-referendum, incidents of racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are escalating and Reconciliation Victoria is calling on all educators to increase strategies to prevent racism in our classrooms and schoolyards.
Jane Lewis (former Senior Adviser Education at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission) will explore the complexities of racism and offer strategies/resources to create a safer space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
- Date: Thursday 16 November 2023
- Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
- Cost: Free
- Register: via this link
Post-Referendum Actions for School/Early Learning Communities
Reconciliation Australia’s 'Reconciliation after the Referendum' webinar is now available on their website. In conjunction with this, Reconciliation Australia has put together a list of actions for schools and early learning services to take in response to the referendum, and focused on supporting your First Nations staff, students and community while sustaining your school/ service's commitment to reconciliation. Key actions include:
- Listen Before jumping into "action mode", schools and early learning services must listen to and be led by First Nations stakeholders as they determine when and how to respond to the outcome of the referendum.
- Prioritise the wellbeing of First Nations staff, students and community members, keeping in mind the impact that the result, media and the public conversation may have had on individuals and communities. View this article about the Referendum and Education for resources about wellbeing.
- Reflect We must all reflect on how we engaged our school and service communities in conversations about reconciliation before the referendum, and how we will more responsively engage in these conversations into the future.
- Recommit As you implement and refresh your RAP, ensure it responds to this moment and prepares us for a brighter future.
- Research what other schools and early learning services in your area, as well as organisations, have a RAP and think about broadening your reconciliation network.
Introductory Workshop on The Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
The government and Catholic sectors will commence implementing the revised F–10 Mathematics curriculum from 2024, with full implementation in 2025.
Throughout term 1 Julie Cooper and Teresa Hadden will facilitate introductory workshops for the F - yr.6 curriculum across the Diocese.
The content will include:
- Exploring the structure and introductory documents for the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
- Discover the similarities and differences between V1.0 and V2.0
- Map out a Scope and Sequence for the year demonstrating the interconnectedness of concepts.
- Focus on a key mathematical concept in each workshop and create I can statements and assessment ideas from F - yr.6
This professional learning is targeted at Primary Leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers.
Dates & Venues:
- 27 Feb: St. Paul’s Mildura
- 1 March: St. Patrick’s Stawell
- 4 March: St. Alipius Ballarat East
- 6 March: St. Pius X Parish Hall Warrnambool West
Registration details will be shared soon.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies
- Child Safe Standards Manager- fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Marketing and Communications Manager – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Executive Coordinator/Assistant – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Case Manager – Complaints Resolution – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 November)
- Psychologist – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 16 November)
- Speech Pathologist – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 16 November)
- Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 November)
School Vacancies
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 November)
- Classroom Teacher 2024 (Graduates encouraged to apply) – St Augustine’s School, Creswick – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 November)
- Classroom Teacher (Junior) - St Patrick’s School, Koroit – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 November)
- Multiple Subject Teaching roles – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing 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)
- Subject Teacher – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat - ongoing position at 1.0 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 – St Brigid’s School, Ballan – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 November)
- Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 0.23 FTE (closes 17 November)
- Head of Learning & Teaching Junior – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 November)
- Learning Support Officer – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 17 November)
- Learning Support Officer – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 24 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Charlton – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 24 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.