Weekly Newsletter #40 - 13 December 2023
- Reflection
- From the Executive Director
- Comparing the infancy Narratives with Foundation students at St Joseph’s, Warrnambool
- Celebrations at St Joseph's, Penshurst
- CDF Capital Investment Account Changes - 1 January 2024
- A Diocese is Born - ODC Article
- Victorian School Garden Program News
- People and Development Update
- Student Wellbeing Update
- Learning and Teaching Update
- Catholic Identity and Mission Update
- Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
An Advent Reflection
Advent and Christmas are associated with themes such as preparation, waiting, joy and hope. Another theme that could also be explored is being fully aware. Aware of what? The following poem gives some insight into the theme of being aware, celebrating the presence and awareness of God with us.
Where the Light Begins
Perhaps it does not begin.
Perhaps it is always.
Perhaps it takes
a lifetime
to open our eyes,
to learn to see
what has forever
shimmered in front of us—
the luminous line
of the map
in the dark
the vigil flame
in the house
of the heart
the love
so searing
we cannot keep
from singing,
from crying out
in testimony
and praise.
Perhaps this day
will be the mountain
over which
the dawn breaks.
Perhaps we
will turn our face
toward it,
toward what has been
always.
Perhaps
our eyes
will finally open
in ancient recognition,
willingly dazzled,
illuminated at last.
Perhaps this day
the light begins
in us.
- Jan Richardson
Richardson, J (20150 Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons Wanton Gospeller Press: Maryland
From the Executive Director
End of Year Results
We congratulate all VCE students on receiving their results earlier this week, and I thank our secondary schools for their support of these students. Equally, I thank all of our primary schools for supporting their Grade 6 students in their final year of primary schooling as they transition into their new secondary settings for 2024.
VCEA Announcement
The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), the renewed peak body for Catholic education in Victoria, has appointed James Merlino as its inaugural Chair. The VCEA was previously the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV).
In 2021, the Bishop members of the CECV commissioned an independent review into its role, governance and operations. An extensive renewal process followed, which culminated in an Annual General Meeting this week, when the Archbishop of Melbourne and the Bishops of Ballarat, Sale and Sandhurst accepted the VCEAs new Constitution, company name and the appointment of Mr James Merlino, Ms Lynn Glover and Mr Damian Murphy as Company Directors with Mr Merlino appointed as Chair.
Read the full media release here.
Leadership Team Meeting
The CEB Leadership Team met for the final time this year at St Aloysius Primary School in Redan. Thanks are extended to Narelle Cox, Principal and School Captains Thomas, Lucy, Wullaki, Madison and Ruby for their excellent school tours as one of their final official roles.
The Leadership team spent time discussing the School Review Process, the 14 pillars of ECSI and next year’s focus on working towards the DOBCEL becoming a High Performing System of Catholic Schools (HPSCS) guided by Pasi Sahlberg. You may be interested in this podcast featuring Pasi and William Doyle.
Final Newsletter for the Year
As we race towards the end of the 2023 school year, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you for being beacons of hope in a complex world. Thank you for the profound and positive impact you've made on the students, their families, and the staff within your communities. I extend my best wishes to everyone involved in Catholic education in our Diocese for a wonderful, holy, happy and restful Christmas season and very safe New Year.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Image from leadership meeting at St Aloysius Primary School, Redan.
Image with Thomas and Wullaki in front of artwork done by Wullaki's Father.
Comparing the infancy Narratives with Foundation students at St Joseph’s, Warrnambool
At St Joseph’s, after exploring both Luke and Matthews’s infancy narratives with students, there was a realisation on how challenging it was to identify the differences between the two accounts using commercial nativity sets. In response, the Foundation team developed and created moveable figurines of both the characters and the symbols. One set to match Luke’s Gospel account and one set to match Matthew's Gospel.
Each scene is now displayed in a shared space, side by side. One of the backgrounds is the stable and one a city. All students were invited and encouraged to manipulate the figurines to re-create each story. Students explained their understanding of each story and justified why they placed which character or symbol where.
Teachers saw these Gospel stories come to ‘life’, with the students showing interest and enthusiasm in their learning. It was a fun and engaging display, and the interactive concept was well received by the Foundation students. The students modelled, displayed, and shared a solid understanding and surprisingly were quite easily able to act and retell each story. The beautiful display was also appreciated by Foundation families, highlighting the important message behind each of the gospel accounts and inviting meaningful reflection on the birth of Jesus.
Article submitted by Cara Chisholm and the Foundation teachers, St Joseph’s Warrnambool.
Celebrations at St Joseph's, Penshurst
Mini Vinnies
St Joseph Penshurst students have been working in conjunction with Brian from their local Mini Vinnies to support the community. This semester the students have created Santa Sacks that will be shared with children in the community providing joy within their hearts and filling them up with wonderful presents.
Great work Brian and Mini Vinnies!
Hooptime Basketball
On Friday 8 September, St Joseph Penshurst year 5/6 students ventured off on a road trip to Dandenong Basketball Stadium to represent our diocese in the Future Allstars Hooptime State Finals.
Teacher, Brendan Clifford said, "words can’t describe what took place in front of our eyes except to simply say that 7 students rose above all expectations and made us proud. The students showed amazing collaboration, resilience and grit to win 4 out the 7 games to finish 9th out of 750 teams statewide. This achievement will go down as one the proudest moments in the school's history. Big shout out to Madi and Katie for scoring and to the school community who came and supported our wonderful children. I loved the opportunity to coach this amazing group and couldn’t be more proud."
Images and article submitted by Classroom Teacher, Brendan Clifford.
CDF Capital Investment Account Changes - 1 January 2024
Following changes to CDF banking arrangements as previously advised, primary schools with a Capital Investment Account will have their accounts transferred on 1 January 2024 to a new 6-month term investment account. This will offer an interest rate of 5.3% and align investment products in the CDF.
Funds will be available upon maturity and the CDF staff are happy to discuss options available once the term investment matures to optimise returns until funds are required for capital works.
Please contact Paul Jans or the CDF if you have any queries.
Article submitted by Paul Jans.
A Diocese is Born - ODC Article
In the latest edition of the ODC Magazine an article titled "A Diocese Is Born" is featured. This article has been prepared by Sr Berenice Kerr from the Sisters of Mercy Community in Ballarat and investigates the formation of our diocese.
As the 150 year anniversary approaches, we encourage you to read this detailed narrative and explore the events that led to the creation of the Diocese of Ballarat.
Click here to read the November edition of Our Diocesan Community.
Victorian School Garden Program News
The latest Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP) Newsletter is now available.
Features articles:
- Victorian Schools Garden Awards
- 2024 Garden Incursion Registrations
- Engaging Secondary Students in the World of Horticulture
- Outdoor Classroom Ideas
- And more!
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
People and Development Update
The December 2023 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- Addressing family conflict through mediation
- Working in retail over the holiday season
- Preparing psychologically for the bushfire season
- Podcast – What is OCD
Also in this edition:
- How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution
- Staying in Shape Over the Festive Season
- Meditation, Self Care & Loving Kindness
- Prostate Risk
- Sleep Debt
- International Day of People with a Disability & The Workplace
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit the Converge International website.
Article submitted by Tania Lund.
Student Wellbeing Update
Please click here to read the SWPBS update from the Student Wellbeing Team.
Learning and Teaching Update
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.
Upcoming Truth Telling in Education webinar
First Peoples' Art and Truth Telling
Kobi Sainty (Palawa/Bunurong) contemporary artist and Education Officer at the Bunurong Land Council will lead Reconciliation Victoria’s final 2023 Education webinar. Kobi will talk about First Peoples’ art from a cultural expression and cultural safety perspective.
This webinar will explore themes of:
- The variety of First People’s art, from traditional to contemporary
- How art can create and foster cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids in schools and early learning centres.
- How First Peoples’ art is an important part of Truth Telling in education
- How to connect and collaborate with Traditional Owners and local First Peoples’ communities
- The importance of consulting with First Peoples when commissioning art pieces for your educational setting
Details:
- Date: Thursday 14 December 2023
- Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
- Cost: Free
- Delivery: online via Zoom
- Register: via this link
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 - 12 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
ILSY 2024
Founded in contemporary research, evidence and best practice, the Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years (ILSY) program will continue to offer professional learning in approaches to disciplinary literacy. In its fourth year, the program in 2024 will offer three series of workshops facilitated by Professor Larissa McLean Davies, Dr Pauline Thompson and Dr Rob Sbaglia from the University of Melbourne.
Middle Leaders:
Participants will engage in a series of workshops, team coaching and an action learning project to build disciplinary literacy practices in their own school setting. Further information and registration details here.
Whole School Improvement Team:
The Whole School Improvement Team (WSIT) will involve participants from the ILSY 2021, 2022 and 2023 cohorts and professional learning leaders. The program will assist teams to identify, implement and evaluate evidence-based disciplinary literacy strategies. Further information and registration details here.
Executive Boost:
The Executive Boost program has been designed to develop the capabilities of Secondary Principals and Senior Learning Leaders to improve student learning outcomes through a whole school approach to disciplinary literacy. Further information and registration details here.
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 trialled 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.
DOBCEL Structured Literacy Project Newsletter: Issue 6
In this final issue for the year, you can read about:
- Celebrations and Reflections
- School Information Database
- Levels and Clusters
- Our Expanded Team
- Key Dates and Communication
- To Do List
- La Trobe University Partnership
Recommended Reading: Between the Lines - Integrating the Science of Reading with the Science of Behaviour to Improve Reading Outcomes for Australian Children (Stocker, Fox, Swain, Leif, 2023)
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.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies
- English Teacher - St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 December)
- Instrumental Music Tutors (Guitar, Singing and Drums/Percussion) – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 0.2 FTE (closes 14 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Brigid’s School, Ballan (closes 15 December)
- Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 December)
- Teaching - Maths/Music – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 26 December)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East (closes 30 December)
- Classroom Teacher (Maternity Leave Replacement) – St Michael & John’s School, Horsham – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 February)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.