Weekly Newsletter #37 - 22 November 2023
Reflection
Solemnity of Christ the King
This coming Sunday, 26 November is The Feast of Christ the King. This is a major celebration on the Liturgical Calendar. What does such a feast offer today's world? Veronica Lawson RSM explains it in the following way
The Feast of Christ the King brings the church year to a close. It invites us to consider ways to achieve the things that make for peace. If we wish God’s reign of peace to be realised on planet Earth, then we might heed the invitation of Pope Francis (in both Laudato Si’ and more recently in Laudate Deum) to engage in “grateful contemplation of God’s world” and in daily gestures that “break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness.” We might also take seriously his urgent plea to become a synodal church, listening to one another and walking together in faith and hope.
- Veronica Lawson RSM
Reflection:
King is your word not mine;
Friend I am, and not very choosey,
pagans and prostitutes,
publicans and sinners,
grace is my kingdom.
King is your word, not mine;
Servant I am, no one beneath me,
feet washer and waiter,
serving the least,
love is my kingdom
King is your word, not mine;
Physician I am, all free of charge,
touching the leper,
expelling the demons,
health is my kingdom.
King is your word, not mine;
A seer I am, seeing God’s word
in mustard seed and yeast,
wildflower and ravens,
truth is my kingdom.
King is your word, not mine;
Tradesman I am, honing my craft,
familiar with wood,
hammer and nails,
hope is my kingdom.
© B.D. Prewer 2002
Found at https://misacor.org.au/item/2075-liturgy-notes-for-the-feast-of-the-reign-of-christ
From the Executive Director
School Visits
To round out my school visits across the Diocese, I had the opportunity to visit the following schools in the north of the Diocese this week. Thank you to the following schools, their students and staff for hosting my visits: St Mary’s Robinvale; OLSH Merbein, Sacred Heart Mildura, St Paul’s Mildura, St Joseph’s College Mildura, St Joseph’s Red Cliffs and St Patrick’s Nhill. I will also be visiting Marian College Ararat this afternoon.
DOBCEL Board Meeting
The Board Directors met at St Patrick’s School, Nhill yesterday afternoon, followed by a dinner attended by local Principals and SAC Chairs. Our special guest for the evening was Emma Kealy MP.
Today the Board meeting continues with two key focus area presentations.
Professor Pasi Sahlberg engaged in a discussion with the Board concerning key aspects related to our upcoming Strategic Plan. These included:
- Identifying instances of effective practices observed in high-performing school systems worldwide.
- Offering an analysis and critique of the Global Education Reform Movement.
- Encouraging Board dialogue on the characteristics of high-performing Catholic school systems.
- Exploring optimal strategies for an effective consultation process and determining the non-negotiables of the board in this regard.
Adam Pearce from Resonate presented his draft findings on our proposed new media and communications plan. DOBCEL has engaged Resonate to propose a range of activities that will support:
- Enrolment growth in key markets and consolidation in others
- Improved understanding of value proposition among schools
- Improved ability to communicate success
- Ability to specifically target market segments
- An enhanced Catholic education brand
- A sustainable marketing support model
- Enhanced ability to attract and retain staff
Thank you to the Grade 5 and 6 students who led the Directors in Acknowledgement of Country, prayer yesterday and a school tour today. A highlight was the National Anthem sung and performed in sign language.
Week 8 DLG
A reminder to Principals that the DLG VC will take place this Thursday at 10am via the Zoom link sent to your calendars.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
St Patrick's, Nhill Students Performing the National Anthem in Sign Language Images from visit to St Patrick's, Nhill.
St Joseph's Primary School - Hooptime Tournament!
The St Joseph Penshurst School Community are super proud of their wonderful Year 5/6 students achievements at the recent hooptime tournament in Hamilton!
The students went into the tournament with the focus of playing to the school values of Caring, Compassion and Community. The students have been practising hard with their coach Mr C on the basic fundamentals in preparation for the tournament and through their energy, effort and enthusiasm were successful in winning the tournament. The students will now go represent our school community at the state final on December 8 at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
The team wishes to thank all the parents who have come to support and Mel Ellis who has given up her time to score every game.
Best of luck to all!
Article submitted by Brendan Clifford.
Caritas Australia
Caritas Australia thanks you for continuing to promote our Gaza Crisis Appeal. As the situation continues to deteriorate, Caritas Australia is continuing to respond and we have further ways the Australia community can support this vital humanitarian work. They would appreciate your continued support by sharing the information below.
Caritas Australia Gaza - Bulletin Notice
Journey with us this Advent
Caritas Australia’s Advent resources invite participants to journey through the four weeks of Advent, reflecting on Scripture and sharing in the stories of our sisters and brothers around the world. Each resource explores Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love, with a special focus on justice and the idea of integral ecology that Pope Francis emphasizes in Laudato Si’ (2015) and Laudate Deum (2023).
Visit the Caritas website to find Advent resources tailored to primary schools and families, secondary schools and youth groups, and parishes and individuals.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Staff Prayer Resources for Advent 2023
Advent commences on Sunday 3 December. The following resources may assist with staff prayer in your school/college during the Season of Advent.
These can be adapted to best meet the needs of local context and communities.
Advent 2023 with Anticipation and Joy Caritas Australia Advent Parish Booklet Advent Resources for Secondary Schools Advent Simplicity Challenge - Ignatian Solidarity Network | Laudati Si’ Cosmic Advent Wreath Prayer of the Church Advent Advent with Mary MacKillop Advent Resources - IgnatianSpirituality.com |
Resources submitted by Jim Waight.
Shifting views of Israel and Palestine
Are you ready to learn from insights, and about constructive actions going on behind the scenes between Palestinians and Israelis?
Teresa Pirola, a long-time student of Israel has something to say into this space. Have a look as well for what Teresa suggests we can do to help!
Eureka Street - Shifting views of Israel and Palestine
ECSI 101
This might be exactly what you’re looking for – only you didn’t realise it till now! ECSI 101! (Enhancing Catholic School Identity 101).
Also known as, Aggiornamento Series in Open Learning ECSI 101.
ECSI 101 is spaced learning offered by Prof. Robyn Horner and Dr. Teresa Brown from ACU. It’s for beginners, you don’t need to have any ECSI knowledge, you don’t need to be in the Religious Education classroom – and there are no essays! It commences in April 2024.
ECSI 101 offers “small bites of theological conversation for people with questions”, Please click here for details.
Feel welcome to contact Gina Bernasconi if questions remain for you.
Articles submitted by Gina Bernasconi.
Relationships and Sexuality Education
FULLNESS OF LIFE FOR ALL
Our diocese has a Relationships and Sexuality Scope and Sequence, titled Fullness of Life for All. This scope and sequence begins in Foundation and extends to Year 10. Bishop Paul, in his introduction of the Scope and Sequence explains
“I am very pleased to introduce the Fullness of Life for All resources designed to assist in Relationships and Sexuality Education. The material has been prepared to help teachers in the sensitive task of guiding students to understand the important issues of personal relationships and sexuality as part of their overall learning.”
The content of this Scope and Sequence is deeply aligned to and based on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and Catholic Anthropology. Content is from the Health and PE component of the Victorian Curriculum and Resilience Rights and Respectful Respectful Relationships is referenced throughout.
The approach to the process of learning and teaching in Fullness of Life for All is informed by the theology of the Enhancing Catholic School Identity Project (ECSI) taking seriously the dialogue between the context of the world we live in and the Catholic Tradition.
This Scope and Sequence has both a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. A Nihil Obstat means that the resource contains nothing contrary to Catholic Faith or Morals. In this case it was granted by a Moral Theologian. An Imprimatur is given by the local bishop to indicate that the resource has been granted permission to be used in his diocese. It is extremely rare for materials used in the area of Relationships and Sexuality Education to possess both an Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat. Both these give teachers and schools absolute complete confidence in what and how to teach in the area of Relationships and Sexuality Education. It also enables Catholic Education Ballarat to fully support schools with the implementation of the Scope and Sequence.
Professional Learning opportunities for primary school staff (teaching and non teaching) is taking place early next year across the zones on the following dates: (Venues TBA)
- Central Zone: 19/2/24
- Mid - Northern Zone: 27/2/24
- Northern Zone: 21/2/24
- Southern Zone: 14/2/24
Professional Learning could possibly be attended by a representative/s from each primary schools then individual school plans could be developed in collaboration, emanating from these sessions. Bernie Tolan, Education Officer Secondary RE is available to run professional learning in our secondary Colleges as required.
Other Resources:
Recently, many schools may have received information packages/resources from a variety of commercial and other providers outlining products and resources including curriculum materials for Relationships and Sexuality Education. The content of these materials unlike “Fullness of Life for All” are not explicitly based on the Health and PE component of The Victorian Curriculum, or linked to Awakenings nor do the materials have a current Nihil Obstat, or an Imprimatur for use in The Ballarat Diocese.
Very few, if any, Relationships and Sexuality Education materials in Australia are based on the theology of ECSI. Fullness of Life for All is explicit in its links to ECSI and is in fact underpinned by the theological building blocks of it. Bishop Paul in a letter affirming ECSI highlights
“It (ECSI) also involves an approach to teaching and learning that encourages dialogue with one another and with the world around us. It seeks to understand and present the Catholic faith in the context of our present society.”
Dialogue is the starting point of Fullness of Life for All - which is essential in the present context.
For further information regarding Fullness of Life for All and how your school/college may implement it please contact Jim Waight (Primary) 0417869912 or Bernadette Tolan (Secondary) 0484828611.
Article submitted by Jim Waight.
Learning and Teaching Update
VCE Assessment- Analysing Your School’s Results
VCAA is inviting schools to participate in a series of professional learning sessions early next year on analysing their VCE results. These sessions are for school staff responsible for delivering the VCE and wanting to use data available through the VCE Data Service and VCE External Assessment Results Service.
These sessions will build knowledge and skills in using the VCE assessment results to:
- identify strengths and weaknesses in your school’s VCE performance, particularly VCE studies
- inform professional learning discussions with teacher colleagues around improving student outcomes.
The training will be delivered in 4 modules each offered on 3 dates:
- study score and statistical moderation
- external assessments and indicative grades
- VCE Data Service and adjusted scores
- Student Longitudinal Progress
If you are interested in participating in the sessions, you will need to register for each separately. Once you register, a link and instructions will be sent to you before the session.
Go to Analysing your school’s VCE results page for more information on dates and registration.
Introductory Workshop: The Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
During term 1, Primary Leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers are invited to engage in introductory workshops on the F - Yr.6 Victorian Mathematics Curriculum. These sessions will be facilitated by Julie Cooper and Teresa Hadden, Primary Education Officers from CEB.
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 material will then be shared across the Diocese.
The format of this professional learning has been trialed and modified based on participant feedback by Teresa Hadden with 3 schools in the Southern Zone during term 4.
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.
Locating Your Work Within the Educational Landscape
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 has the capacity to commit to 2 spaced days of professional learning in Semester 1 2024, with ongoing engagement to be negotiated. Dates for this professional learning will be negotiated with school teams based on location and availability.
- 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:
Schools that are interested in participating are asked to contact Joe Ewing in the coming week and are required to attend an online orientation session on November 30 at 4.00pm.
Telling a Story with Your School’s Data
If you are interested in developing your school’s data literacy skills you need to register to be part of our 2024 cohort! Registration Link
Option 1: Data Storytelling: The Next Chapter.
Dr Selena Fisk makes data collection, analysis and storytelling relatable and real. Develop a data literacy skills for all staff with school wide practices that inform instruction and enable strategic decision making. Sign up today to partner with Selena throughout 2024.
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)
Schools who have not previously worked with Selena are encouraged to register. To make the most of your engagement in the PL make yourself familiar with Selena’s work or join our Data Storytelling LMS.
Participants NEED to register by November 30. Registration Link
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
CEP's highly successful online professional learning has concluded for 2024.
Specifically designed by educators, for educators, this season consisted of three highly interactive online sessions. The recordings from each of the all seasons are available for viewing.
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.
Engaging Students in their Mathematical Learning
Professional Learning for Leaders of Mathematics and Classroom Teachers Facilitated by Michael Ymer.
Rationale: To impact on teacher practice from planning through to teaching of engaging Mathematical tasks.
Focus / Learning Intentions
- Explore classroom management strategies
- Identify mathematical tasks which are engaging for ALL students
- Enhance participant’s knowledge of the Mathematical curriculum
Dates
- 13 May – Ballarat
- 14 May – St. Patrick’s Koroit School Hall
- 15 May – Horsham
- 17 May - Mildura
Registration links will be made available soon.
Opening the Doors Foundation: Financial Grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
The Opening the Doors Foundation provides grants to families to assist with the extra costs incurred in the schooling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary or secondary school students. The 2024 Grant Round is now open, with a closing date of 12 April 2024. For students to commence the 2024 school year with the necessary items, the ideal time to apply is now or before the start of Term 1.
Full criteria and guidelines are included on the Opening the Doors Foundation website and the Opening the Doors Foundation Application, but the following points may prove helpful for families who are considering applying:
- The Applicant (child) must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- The Applicant must be enrolled in a Catholic or Independent educational institution located within the State boundaries of Victoria.
- The Applicant can only submit one regular grant per year.
- First time applicants must provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality Certificate, which must be in the child’s name. If a Confirmation Certificate is not obtainable, please contact the Foundation as applicants may be able to submit a Statement of Recognition (Recognition of Aboriginality Form) instead.
- The Foundation supports the extra costs of school. This does not include 'fees'.
- Items already purchased cannot be reimbursed.
- Maximum grant amounts are included in the app.
- Applications will not be accepted after the closing date - 12th April 2024.
Pertinent information:
- Website: Opening the Doors Foundation; Foundation Application Criteria and Guidelines
- App link: Opening the Doors Foundation Application
- Phone: 0401 487 414 or 1300 236 356
- Email: enquiries@openingthedoors.org.au
- Closing date: 12 April 2024
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies
- Fit4Life Wellbeing Team Members – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 November)
- Teacher of Biology, Science, Environmental Science, Math – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 November)
- Teacher of Digital Systems, Materials Design, Systems Engineering & IT – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 24 November)
- First Aid Officer- Administration Support – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing 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)
- Food Technology Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 November)
- Learning Support Officer/s – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 0.7 FTE (closes 27 November)
- Learning Support Officer – St Thomas More School, Alfredton – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 November)
- Learning Support Officer – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 0.74 FTE (closes 27 November)
- Librarian – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 November)
- Student Counselling Practitioner – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 November)
- Learning Support Officers – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 November)
- Deputy Principal – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Canteen Assistant – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 0.63 FTE (closes 1 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.