Weekly Newsletter #2 - 7 February 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Connect with DOBCEL on Socials
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Pastoral Ministry Office Notices
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Adult Lenten Resources 2024
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Copyright in Schools
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Student Wellbeing Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission 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
2024, the Year of...?
Please see the link below to download this week's reflection.
From the Executive Director
Yesterday, the CEB Leadership Team joined with Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge for a workshop - the first in the series of diocesan-wide stakeholder engagement activities to co-design the new DOBCEL strategic plan. The workshop was a powerful, collaborative experience, underpinned by the latest international research on the drivers of school improvement.
Following the workshop Pasi and Dave visited St Thomas More Primary School, Alfredton for a tour of the campus and to engage with Principal, Simon Duffy, staff and students. Pasi & Dave will visit a good sample of our schools across the diocese in the first half of this year. Where possible, these school engagements will coincide with other planned stakeholder activities, including with the DOBCEL Board and Diocesan leadership gatherings.
From time to time Pasi and Dave will be joined by other international experts. Jean Stiles from Alberta, Canada, will be with us at our next DOBCEL Board meeting and the Diocesan Leadership Group (DLG) meeting in February. Jean is a very well-respected principal from Edmonton, with a strong interest in and knowledge of school and system improvement.
A summary of planned stakeholder engagements can be found here, noting some dates are still to be confirmed. Our media release announcing the strategic planning process can be found here.
For this week’s stimulus piece, I encourage you to read Pasi’s recent blog post, Respect our Teachers.
Over coming weeks, all schools will receive an anniversary candle to help mark the 150th anniversary of the Diocese. Schools are encouraged to light the candle at gatherings of prayer and reflection, and on occasions recognising and reflecting on the journey of our Diocesan community. Key information and dates for Diocese-led anniversary activities can be found here.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Connect with DOBCEL on Socials
Pastoral Ministry Office Notices
Candle for the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese
The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat is providing a 150th Anniversary candle for use in parishes, schools and agencies of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat. We encourage you to use this candle as we acknowledge the anniversary. You could light the candle at gatherings that focus on the anniversary. You could also light the candle at other times of prayer and reflection.
The logo for the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat is featured on the candle and was prepared by a committee convened by Bishop Paul. The design incorporates the diocesan logo and the bough of a tree drawn by Sr Anne McMillan rsm in 1985. The words Anne had used with this drawing were, “If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come”. It is an old Chinese proverb, which could be interpreted as a reminder to keep hope alive and a call to open our hearts to all. The bough of a tree symbolises growth, interconnectedness and life. The leaves could symbolise the communities, the parishes, the people of the diocese.
The text Communities: Remember, Revitalise, Hope reflects various aspects of the anniversary.
The word “Community” highlights the fact that a diocese is essentially a community drawn together by Christ, a large community made up of many local communities. The word “Remember” refers us to the history of the diocese. In this remembering, we acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of that history, celebrating the achievements and recognising the failures to live our Christian faith to the full. The word “Revitalise” calls us to invest ourselves in bringing new life to the community today. The word “Hope” encourages us to look forward to the future with confidence in God.
The Scripture verse chosen for our 150th anniversary year reflects various elements of our vocation as a Christian community. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). The words are drawn from a passage in St Paul’s letter to the Romans in which the apostle lists qualities appropriate for a community inspired by Christ. As the years go by, the community experiences times of trial as well as times of gladness. Through it all, their trust in Christ makes them joyful in hope and patient in affliction. They recognise that they need God’s help in all they do and so they are faithful in prayer, seeking God’s help day by day.
Prayer Cards
Also provided is a prayer card, again we encourage you to use this prayer to acknowledge the anniversary and when you gather this year for any occasion. There is only a small amount of prayer cards printed. If you wish to have more printed copies pelase contact the Pastoral Ministry Office via email pastoralministry@ballarat.catholic.org.au.
An electronic version is available for attachment to newsletters and bulletins here.
Resources
Resources are also available on the diocesan website.
May this anniversary year be a season of renewal for our diocese, our community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Our Diocesan Community 2024
The Ballarat Diocesan print publication "Our Diocesan Community" (ODC), jointly sponsored by the Diocese and Catholic Education Ballarat, will again be published three times during 2024.
Attached below is the timeline of publication. The aim of ODC is to share the good news of the many initiatives taking place in our parishes, schools and agencies around the diocese. ODC is distributed to all parishes, and families and staff of primary and secondary schools of the diocese. Contributors to ODC are the people of the diocesan community.
Having an ODC contact person in each parish / school / agency to assist with the gathering of news and distribution of the magazine is helpful. If you are able to provide a contact person please email their contact details to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au
The Pastoral Ministry Office now invites your contribution to the first issue for 2024. The focus for this year will be the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat with the theme Community – Remember, Revitalise & Hope which reflects various aspects of the anniversary, along with the scripture passage, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12) that considers diverse elements of our vocation as a Christian community. They are hoping also to gather stories and examples of new initiatives and experiences in the Catholic community – schools, parishes and agencies from all around the diocese. You are invited to share significant events that may have taken place over the last few months in your parish, school communities and agencies.
The first issue of "Our Diocesan Community" is currently planned to be delivered in the week beginning March 25 so the latest date for submissions to this issue is Friday, February 23. Articles should be approximately 250 words maximum in length and accompanied by photos where possible. Photos should be sent as separate JPEG files (not inserted into a Word document). Material can be sent to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au
A reminder that when sending in photos, permission should be sought from those in the pictures. From time-to-time, these photos will also be used in other diocesan publications.
Article submitted by Julie Boyd & Jane Collins.
Adult Lenten Resources 2024
Next Wednesday, 14 February, is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. The following resources may be useful for staff/adult prayer and reflection during this Liturgical Season.
The Cry from the Cross
A resource that is produced from the Jesuits in Britain. Each week during Lent a session will be released on Mondays.
Message from Pope Francis about the Season of Lent
This is a letter from Pope Francis. Staff could engage in this letter through dialogue. Dialogue may be prompted by questions such as and not limited to:
- What is the gold in this letter for you?
- How does this letter speak to you?
- What does this letter offer to our school/college community?
- If you had the chance, what questions would you ask Pope Francis about this letter?
- I wonder if you wrote a letter about Lent what would you include/write about?
- For you, what are the challenges in this letter?
- What might be some challenges for our community in this letter?
- How is this a hope filled document?
The format of each session could include staff reading the letter each week, then in small groups discussing one or two of the above questions. These sessions could be ten to fifteen minutes in duration.
Laudato Si Lent
To access this resource, participants need to subscribe/register, which is free. This resource explores themes such as action, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, inviting a response from participants to live this special liturgical season by reading and reflecting on the content of a Lenten calendar, and reconciling their relationship with Earth through concrete actions according to the regional campaigns.
How to Find Time in Your Day for Lent
This is a reflection from Loyola Press. Staff could engage in this reflection through dialogue in small groups. Individuals could be invited to read the reflection, the group is then invited to dialogue. This dialogue may be prompted by questions such as and not limited to:
- What is the best part of this reflection for you?
- How/Why does this reflection speak to you?
- If you had the chance, what questions would you ask the author of this reflection?
- I wonder if you wrote a reflection about Lent what would you consider important to include?
- For you, what are the challenges in this reflection?
- How is this a hope filled document?
The format of each session could include staff reading the letter each week, then in small groups discussing one or two of the above questions. These sessions could be ten to fifteen minutes in duration.
A Set of Stations of the Cross
This set of Stations of the Cross could be prayed over the duration of Lent. Each week the staff could use two stations as a way of entering prayer. They have been created by The Diocese of Ossory in Ireland so they speak from this context, please use them according to the context and needs of your community.
Reflections on the Way of the Cross
These are written for use in the Diocese of Ossory in Ireland. Please discern and adapt according to your community.
Resources submitted by Jim Waight.
Copyright in Schools
The National Copyright Unit (NCU) is offering a series of free and practical webinars to help teachers navigate copyright while teaching.
These webinars are aimed at Australian school staff and are targeted to educators, librarians and administrators.
Attached is a flyer with the details of the webinars.
Article submitted by Dr Susan Crowe.
Student Wellbeing Update
Welcome new leaders to the Student Wellbeing space for 2024.
In order to support you with your new role, the Student Wellbeing team will be offering an online session.
- When: Friday 23 February
- Time: 9:30am-11am.
Join the tean with a cuppa and any questions you may have! To obtain the link, please email Anne Ruddell or Mel Frost.
At this session you will:
- meet the DOBCEL Student Wellbeing Team.
- discuss priorities, roles and responsibilities for leaders who are new to Student Wellbeing in 2024.
- gain knowledge of how to access the tools and initiatives to assist and guide Student Wellbeing in your school.
Launch of SchoolTV
This week SchoolTV launches in our diocese.
SchoolTV provides a range of resources, strategies and tools to build knowledge and empower parents to start conversations with their children, enabling them to strengthen relationships and support with improving mental health and wellbeing. By educating parents and collaborating with school communities, students are given every opportunity to thrive.
Every school has nominated administrators who are able to decide what information is pushed out to the community.
For more information about SchoolTV we encourage you to chat to the admins in your school and to see the range of topics covered, you might like to explore the SchoolTV website.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
An Introduction to Laudato Si’
Laudato Si’ ("Praise Be") is the encyclical letter of Pope Francis published in May 2015. It focuses on care for the natural environment and all people, as well as broader questions of the relationship between God, humans, and the Earth. The encyclical’s subtitle, “Care for Our Common Home,” reinforces these key themes.
An encyclical is a public letter from the Pope developing Catholic teaching on a topic often in light of current events. Laudato Si’ is addressed to “every living person on this planet” (LS 3). Hence, it is offered as part of an ongoing dialogue within the Catholic Church and between Catholics and the wider world.
“Chapter Four: Integral Ecology” presents the encyclical’s main solution to ongoing social and environmental problems. Integral ecology affirms that humans are part of a broader world and calls for “comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems” (LS 139). While the study of ecosystems has become well-known in the science of ecology, integral ecology expands this paradigm to consider the ethical and spiritual dimensions of how humans are meant to relate to each other and the natural world – drawing on culture, family, community, virtue, religion, and respect for the common good.
“Chapter Six: Ecological Education and Spirituality” concludes the encyclical with applications to personal life. It recommends a lifestyle focused less on consumerism and more on timeless, enduring values. It calls for environmental education, joy in one’s surroundings, civic love, reception of the sacraments, and an "ecological conversion" in which an encounter with Jesus leads to deeper communion with God, other people, and the world of nature.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference made a commitment to develop a Laudato Si’ Action Plan in its 2021-2022 Social Justice Statement: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. It established a working group chaired by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service. The Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace is tasked with coordinating the plan’s development and implementation.
During the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, the Church encouraged all Catholics to embrace a commitment to ecological conversion. As a result, every parish and diocese around Australia will need to be involved in a plan like the one the Bishops Conference has developed. Caritas Australia has been asked by the bishops to support parishes and dioceses in the implementation of this decision.
At its May 2023 plenary meeting, the Bishops Conference endorsed the first iteration of the plan, which covers 2023-25. Further actions will be added in the coming years for the full seven-year commitment timeline.
Each week through our communications, Social Justice Education Officer, Sarah Page would like to encourage each of us to explore and consider the main themes drawn from the encyclical, and how we may answer our call to ecological conversion.
This Week’s Study -
- 🎦 Watch the short film, Care of our Common Home by Vatican IDH.
- 🤔 Consider your valuable contributions to our united human family.
If you would like to read Laudato Si’ and understand Pope Francis’ teachings, click the link to access an online copy of the 184-page encyclical letter here.
Imaginative Prayer with Carlee Anderson
Carlee supports educators to engage teachers and students with Scripture through a practice called “Imaginative Prayer.” Her approach is inspired by St Ignatius of Loyola method of contemplation set within a classroom context.
Please visit the website for further information.
People and Development Update
Money Assist Awareness Session by Converge International
Join us for our live online awareness sessions to learn more about Money Assist.
Money Assist is just one of the seven streams available through our EAP suite of support available to our staff and their families.
What will it cover?
- Financial Wellbeing in the workplace
- Impact of Financial Wellness to individuals and to businesses
- How to improve your own Financial Wellbeing
- And more…
Join our free webinar to learn more.
Session Details -
- When: Thursday 22 February 2024
- Time: 11:00 – 11:30am
- Facilitator: Cate Turton
- Link: Click here to join the meeting
A little bit about our Facilitator-
Cate has had more than 30 years in the financial services industry with a background in retail banking, lending, financial literacy education and financial counselling and coaching. Cate heads up the Fincare Financial Coaching team who have been providing quality financial care and guidance to employees across Australia for almost 20 years.
Flourish Wellbeing e-Magazine – February 2024
The February 2024 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- How do you feel about climate change?
- Pick Positive.
- What to expect from mediation.
- Podcast – Nightmares
Also in this edition:
- Global Battle Against Cancer
- Tonsils
- The Work/Workout Mash Up
- Take a Hike!
- Post Holiday Wellness
- Cancer Risk
- What’s the Best Way to Move?
- Wellness Travel Trends
- Cooking the Perfect Steak
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards
DOBCEL is proud to sponsor an award process aimed at continuing to recognise the outstanding service and leadership within Catholic education communities throughout our diocese.
In 2024, the refreshed awards align with the DOBCEL strategic priorities, which are positioned to support the DOBCEL vision, “as partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.”
All Catholic education communities are encouraged to nominate an individual or team who consistently performs in an exemplary way. Nominees can be from a school in the Diocese of Ballarat or Catholic Education Ballarat.
Nominations can be submitted for any of the following five categories –
- Building inclusive Catholic learning communities.
- Empowering all to flourish.
- Fostering inspiring leadership.
- Achieving best practice.
- Enhancing family engagement, governance, and stewardship.
Each award category has a series of criteria based on the opportunity questions detailed in the DOBCEL Strategic Directions 2020-2024 document.
At least one award recipient will be selected, with a maximum of three awards each year. Award recipients will be presented during the Catholic Education Week Dinner. All nominees will be acknowledged in some way.
To view more information about the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, please see the Catholic Education Week tab on the DOBCEL website or click here.
Nominations open on Wednesday 14 February 2024 and close on Friday 1 March 2024. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and nominate their colleagues.
Early Career Teacher Days 2024
The Early Career Teacher Program is a three-year integrated program designed to support early career teacher induction into the Ballarat Diocese and the teaching profession, within the particular context of working in the ministry of Catholic education. The program reflects the partnership between DOBCEL and schools who together support the professional growth of early career teachers. Elements of the program presented through these dedicated days will complement formation opportunities initiated by the school community.
Graduate and Early Career Teacher program days will take place on the following dates throughout 2024. To encourage participation and decrease travel time for people in the north, program days in terms one and two will be run in two locations (Ballarat and Robinvale). The content on both days will be the same, and participants should only attend one day.
If you know an early career teacher, please share these dates with them!
TERM 1:
| TERM 2:
Try booking registration links to be provided soon.
Try booking registration links to be provided soon. |
TERM 3:
Try booking registration links to be provided soon. | TERM 4: Individual check-ins with Early career teachers |
If you have any queries about the program please contact Sarah Hanley.
Effective Mentoring Program
Calling mentor teachers!
The Effective Mentoring Program (EMP) is a free professional learning program developed and delivered in partnership with DE and VIT. This two-day program equips participants with mentoring skills to support beginning teachers and guide them through the provisional to full registration process.
Any teacher who wishes to become a mentor for a PRT moving to full registration is able to participate in a VIT-approved mentoring program.
Two-day EMP Course
Location | Day 1 | Day 2 |
Ballarat | 13 March 2024 | 24 April 2024 |
Bendigo | 24 July 2024 | 28 August 2024 |
Geelong | 7 May 2024 | 26 June 2024 |
Horsham | 27 March 2024 | 23 May 2024 |
Mildura | 14 August 2024 | 18 September 2024 |
Warrnambool | 7 August 2024 | 11 September 2024 |
One-day EMP refresher course
Refresher courses are available for those who have completed the initial two-day training but would like to refresh their mentoring skills.
- 1 March - Melbourne
- 5 June - Melbourne
- 8 August - Melbourne
For further information and registrations please click here.
Crucial Conversations - Feb 28 & 29 2024
- Time - 9:00-4:30
- Location - CEB office or Glowery Room, St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall
- Cost - $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch)
- Registration
Crucial Conversations teaches a model for effective communication, that can be applied to any situation, but particularly difficult or high-stakes situations. It focuses on fostering dialogue, managing emotions, and achieving mutual understanding. The model helps to navigate high-stakes discussions with openness, respect, and skill, enhancing relationships and driving positive outcomes.
This program is designed for anyone who would like to develop skills in providing effective feedback and fostering open dialogue. The skills can be transferred across a range of situations including providing feedback and fostering open dialogue with colleagues, parents/carers and the community. It is relevant for people working in schools as well as the CEB office.
Crucial Conversations will be run each term on the following dates -
- 28 & 29 Feburary - Ballarat
- 30 & 31 May - Warrnambool
- 3 & 4 September - Swan Hill or Mildura location TBC
- 12 & 13 November - TBA
If you have any queries about the program please contact Fiona Murphy.
Learning and Teaching Update
Level 1A Structured Literacy
Schools engaged at Level 1A of the DOBCEL Structured Literacy Project are required to register at the links below for upcoming face to face events. The links allow schools to access the TryBooking site and to make payment.
Schools are asked to prioritise this task and to complete registration for these events before Friday so that final organising can be completed.
- Cluster 1: St Brigid’s Ballan & St Mary’s Clarkes Hill
- Cluster 2: St Joseph’s Warrnambool & St Patrick’s Port Fairy
- Cluster 3: St Patrick’s Koroit, St Pius X Warrnambool West
- Cluster 4: All Saints Portland, St Mary’s Colac
- Cluster 5: Sacred Heart Casterton St Joseph’s Coleraine & St Malachy’s Edenhope
Primary Leaders of Learning VC - Tomorrow 1:30 - 3pm
All Primary Leaders of Learning: Mathematics, Literacy, Curriculum and Learning Leaders are invited to attend an online meeting on tomorrow between 1.30 & 3.00pm. The network is intended as an opportunity for learning leaders to share with and learn from each other, to develop professional knowledge and leadership skills. The meeting will be recorded for leaders unable to attend in real time.
Register here.
DIBELS Training
Is your school implementing the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) or intending to?
If you would like to know more about DIBELS for your school, go here or contact your Education Officer.
Please note: Structured Literacy Schools across the Diocese will be using these assessments. 2024 Level One schools will do this training in 2024 as part of their Professional Learning.
Date | Time | Location | Book |
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 10 am – 2 pm | Ballarat Office | |
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Wednesday, March 13, 2024 | 3:45pm - 4:30pm | VC | |
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Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | 3:45pm - 4:30pm | VC | |
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Wednesday, July 17, 2024 | 10 am – 2 pm | Dependant on registrations | |
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Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 10 am – 2 pm | Dependant on registrations | |
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If these dates/locations do not suit, contact your Learning and Teaching Education Officer for another option.
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.
- Academic Vocabulary Scope and Sequence
- Reporting requirements
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
Learnership - Creating Skillful learners with James Anderson
Best selling author, international speaker and educator James Anderson is coming to Ballarat and Swan Hill in April.
After more than a decade of focusing on the skill of teaching, James Anderson believes it’s now time to focus the skill of learning, and how the behaviours students develop contribute to their learning. This workshop shows you how to help students to develop the skill of learning and raise the status of learning from an act to an art in schools.
James’ invitation is to:
- discover how to help students understand themselves as learners, as you nudge them along the mindset continuum.
- nurture a more growth oriented mindset.
- build students' relationships with their Learning Zone, so they embrace challenges.
- develop learner agency with students making them powerful in the face of challenge and adversity.
Save the date! Tuesday 23 April in Ballarat and Wednesday 24 April in Swan Hill.
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
Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years 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.
ILSY 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.
ILSY 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.
ILSY 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.
If you require further information about ILSY, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) via email or ph. 0432 499 683
English Curriculum Project 2024: Improving English from 7 to 12
2024 Program
Following positive feedback about the pilot program, as well as schools expressing their desire to continue to be supported in this way, a more comprehensive program will be offered in 2024. This will build upon the success and engagement of the 2023 pilot.
In order to meet the needs of schools, the program will be presented across two semesters providing consistent guidance to embed evidence-based English teaching practice in classrooms and to align more effectively with the planning and development of curriculum.
Rosenshine’s principles, cognitive load theory and the science of learning inform the pedagogy of both the seminars and the English curriculum resources.
As with the pilot program, direct contact with schools via check-in conversations will be used to continue to inform the program and ensure the needs and concerns of schools are addressed.
The first online seminar will be on Thursday, 7 February at 3.30 pm.
Kirstin has designed a short unit of work which she will be sharing. The unit is focused on helping students in Years 7 to 10 to write about the world of the text. This year we are providing a unit of work in PowerPoint format (as well as a student booklet) so that teachers can take it straight into their classrooms or dip in whenever it suits. Kirstin will be explaining the unit, showing the different ways to use the resources and presenting ideas on how the work can be adapted to incorporate other texts.
The seminar will involve 40 minutes of presentation that will be recorded for asynchronous access. This will be followed by 20 minutes of facilitated discussion which won't be recorded.
Details and dates about further seminars and forums can be seen below.
All resources and recordings can be accessed via the English Curriculum Project course in Canvas.
For further information and registration details, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) via email or ph. 0432 499 683.
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 St. James’ Sebastopol School Hall
- 14 May – St. Patrick’s Koroit School Hall
- 15 May – Horsham
- 16 May - Mildura: The Academy 97 Seventh St.
The DOBCEL Schools’ Hub DIBELS 8th Tool is currently being updated for schools not at Level 1 of the Structured Literacy Project, and will be available through your school’s access point by Friday 9th February.
This update includes percentile rank availability for all subtests upon entry of raw scores, and normative descriptors for composite scores.
For all Level 1 Structured Literacy schools, your data tool (including tracking for all assessments on the SunLit assessment schedule) is available via the School Access menu on the Structured Literacy Hub, as per this week’s email communication.
Please contact bwade@dobcel.catholic.edu.au with questions.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
School Vacancies
- Learning Support Officers – Loreto College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 February)
- Student Counselling Practitioner (Early Career) – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 February)
- Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 February)
- School Wellbeing Officer/Counsellor – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 12 February)
- College Receptionist – Trinity College, Colac – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 February)
- School Finance Officer – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – ongoing position at 0.7 FTE (closes 14 February)
- Compliance Coordinator – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 0.4 FTE (closes 15 February)
- Classroom Teacher (Maternity Leave Replacement) – St Michael & John’s School, Horsham – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 February)
- Classroom Teacher/s - St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 February)
- Leader of Finance and Operations – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 February)
- Classroom Teacher (FTE negotiable) – St Mary’s School, Sea Lake – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 February)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Brigid’s, Ballan – Casual position (closes 28 February)
- Teacher of Science and Math – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 March)
Queensland Catholic Education Comission (QCEC)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.