Weekly Newsletter #3 - 14 February 2024
-
Reflection
-
From the Executive Director
-
Condolences
-
Wellbeing Update
-
2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards
-
Great Women of Faith by Barbara Skorupa
-
Adult Lenten Resources 2024
-
ResourceSmart Schools
-
Copyright in Schools
-
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
-
People and Development Update
-
Learning and Teaching Update
-
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Ash Wednesday and St. Valentine’s Day!
It is curious that this year Ash Wednesday happens to fall on the same day as St Valentine’s Day. This doesn’t happen very often. St Valentine’s Day is a great occasion for florists and restaurants. Some people get carried away and arrange to propose marriage in hot air balloons and beside beautiful waterfalls. This is all great fun, and it is delightful to see people dizzy with love. We all know that real love is about more than the good times. It is a commitment to grow together and encounter each other more and more deeply, even when the going is tough.
There are legends about St Valentine but it’s not clear who he may have been. The chances are, however, that he was a martyr in the early period of the Christian story. He knew that love meant sacrifice. Love lays down its own life to give life to others. Ash Wednesday is the perfect day to think about love. We don’t see flowers in church today and we are asked to eat modestly. Today, we begin our journey towards our observance and celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. The cross of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of how profoundly God loves the world.
Lent is a time when we are also asked to consider how authentically we make God’s love visible to others. The reading today from St Paul reminds us that ‘we are ambassadors for Christ.’ This means taking risks and reaching beyond our comfort zones to share a message with a world that is often indifferent and doesn’t want to hear it. Each year, through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia offers us a significant opportunity to become ambassadors for Christ. The prophet Joel says, ‘Why should it be said among nations, “where is their God?”’ In other words, we must try to live the message of Jesus, which is one of justice, compassion, inclusion and extravagant love.
ASH WEDNESDAY, by Michael McGirr, from Project Compassion Weekly Reflections (Based on the Sunday Scripture readings through Lent) Caritas Australia 2024.
Invitation to Prayer
God did not invent “hurry”
- It is a human made construct
Perhaps this Lent we can slow down,
Pause - even stop -
To think about why we do what we do,
Not simply a habit,
But as a thoughtful response
To the love that sets us free
Amen
- Ann Rennie
From the Executive Director
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those in our diocesan community who have been affected by storms and bushfires in recent days. I thank principals and staff who have responded calmly and professionally, with a safety first approach, especially in instances where schools have needed to be closed at short notice. I would also like to thank the CEB team for their work supporting the impacted schools.
As we have read in our reflection, ‘Today, we begin our journey towards our observance and celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. The cross of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of how profoundly God loves the world.’ Across our diocese today all schools will be participating in a variety of activities to mark Ash Wednesday as we start the Lenten journey.
The incredible work our school communities do to support those in need can sometimes be underestimated and go under-appreciated. Many schools have this week launched their annual support for Caritas Australia’s Lenten Project Compassion Appeal, with the theme “For All Future Generations”. Congratulations and thanks to staff, students, and families across our schools for your ongoing commitment to social justice and service.
This week I have had the absolute pleasure of visiting schools in the Colac and Camperdown districts. In each school community, I felt a palpable energy for learning, and genuine care for the wellbeing of students and staff.
Year 6 students at St Mary’s, Colac fired many probing questions to me about leadership as they prepare to take on this responsibility in their school this year. It was uplifting to be with the Trinity College community for their opening year Mass and to hear Fr Michael O’Toole’s inspiring homily. It was a pleasure to spend time making pancakes with students and staff at Sacred Heart, Colac for Shrove Tuesday, before joining students to witness demolition work on an old building in preparation for the construction of a new six classroom block at St Patrick’s, Camperdown. My final stop was at St Brendan’s, Coragulac where I was privileged to see the expert student apiarists collect and process honey from the school bee-hives.
Congratulations to the Principals and staff of these schools for the wonderful opportunities you are clearly providing for the young people in your care to achieve the fullness of life.
The Diocesan Leadership Gathering will be held in Horsham next Thursday and Friday, with a key focus on the co-design of our new DOBCEL Strategic Plan. This will be an opportunity for Principals to engage with Professor Pasi Sahlberg (via video), Dave Runge and Canadian school improvement expert, Jean Stiles, on this vital process to shape our future directions. A further 20+ stakeholder engagement sessions are scheduled between now and July in various parts of the diocese.
For this week’s stimulus piece I invite you to listen to the following podcasts, one featuring Pasi Sahlberg and one featuring Dave Runge.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Images from school visits.
Condolences
Sr Angela Caine died peacefully at Mercy Place Ballarat in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Angela was a Mercy woman of deep faith and love for her Mercy Sisters and her family.
Angela had been a teacher since 1956 in various locations within the Diocese including Ballarat, Donald and Dooboobetic and dedicated her life to others through education as a teacher and librarian and was particularly dedicated to helping the disadvantaged as a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Red Cross.
Angela was beautifully cared for by the Staff and Pastoral Care at Mercy Place, Ballarat. Angela was grateful for the support of Sisters and family through their quiet presence and prayers throughout recent days accompanying her to the moment when she was fully embraced into the loving arms of her God whom she served so faithfully.
A Requiem Mass will be held on Thursday 22 February, 2024 at 1pm at St Alipius Church, Ballarat East.
Wellbeing Update
The beginning of the school year has seen several significant incidents impacting local school communities – this week’s extreme weather events being the most recent. Schools will generally draw upon their own resources, systems, and procedures to respond in such circumstances. In some instances, schools may be seeking general advice to share with staff or parents. The Wellbeing Team is available to respond. We will often direct people to resources which currently exist on the Schools Hub.
The introduction of SchoolTV offers another source of information that may be useful. The CEB Student Wellbeing Team offers this ‘After a distressing event has happened’ document which provides a generic response that can be shared directly with parents.
When issues arise that are impacting the health and wellbeing of students or staff more directly there may be a need to triage services available to determine who is best placed to support – schools are reminded to contact their local Educational Consultant or contact Tony Perkins (Leader Wellbeing) in these circumstances.
SchoolTV Launch Update
It has been great to see plenty of activity on your SchoolTV sites. A total of 3,599 page views across the Diocese for the period Feb 1 to Feb 12.
Several school sites have received over 100 visits in the past 2 weeks with OLHC Warrnambool East, Emmaus Catholic Primary, Mt Clear and Trinity College, Colac recording in excess of 300 visits each. Your SchoolTV Dashboard will provide your own reporting analytics. You can see some of the Diocesan data below.
We are in regular contact with the SchoolTV Account Manager and can request the development of information regarding specific issues that may not be covered in current topics. If you have general queries or would like information about topics that would be beneficial for your community don’t hesitate to contact Mel Frost to share your thoughts.
Student wellbeing Update - Opportunity to Connect Online
We 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. We also invite existing Wellbeing leaders who would like to explore tools and initiatives.
- When: Friday 23 February
- Time: 9:30am-11am.
Join the team 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 about SWPBS, ReLATE, MHiPS, School TV, the Wellbeing Framework and the Online Health Check to support you in leading your school.
2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!
DOBCEL is proud to sponsor an award process aimed at continuing to recognise the outstanding service and leadership within Catholic education throughout our Diocesan school communities and Catholic Education Office.
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. The nomination form can be accessed here or via the Catholic Education Week tab on the DOBCEL website.
Nominations are now open and close on Friday 1 March 2024. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and nominate their colleagues.
Please contact Fiona Murphy with any queries.
Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.
Great Women of Faith by Barbara Skorupa
Please see to the side a flyer regarding an upcoming portrait exhibition at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne: Great Women of Faith, by Cologne-based artist Barbara Skorupa.
This exhibition of 24 portraits of women from varied locations around the world includes a portrait of Mary Glowrey (born in the Diocese of Ballarat!) as well as three other Australian women.
- Opening times and updates: Great Women of Faith exhibition webpage.
- A 'Meet the Artist' event, which may be of particular interest to educators, is planned for Wednesday 6 March at 4pm.
A free digital guide to the exhibition that will feature on the Catholic Precinct Walking App during the exhibition.
Support materials for Primary and Secondary student visitors to the exhibition will be available in the Cathedral.
Adult Lenten Resources 2024
Today 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.
ResourceSmart Schools
Check out the latest newsletter from ResourceSmart Schools here!
What's on in term 1?
- 15th anniversary of the ResourceSmart Schools Awards, and to celebrate that milestone, this year’s awards theme is: Legendary Legacies – what will you leave behind?
- Sustainability Through Your Own Leans - photography competition
- New event alert! Show and Tell: RSS Awards hall of famers edition
- Professional learning opportunities from ResourceSmart Schools
- And so much more!
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
Copyright in Schools
Copyright - the information attached is important for all teachers in schools to know about copyright and what should be done when creating resources or newsletters in the school.
There is professional learning being offered by Smartcopying for those who wish to know more about the copying of text, graphics and or music. This information was part of last week's newsletter.
Attached below is a copy of DOBCEL guidelines relating to Copyright in schools
Article submitted by Dr Susan Crowe.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Social Justice Update - Integral Ecology
In Laudato Si', Pope Francis calls us to undergo an ecological conversion. But what is an ecological conversion?
The Laudato Si' Movement defines ecological conversion as the "transformation of hearts and minds toward greater love of God, each other, and creation. It is a process of acknowledging our contribution to the social and ecological crisis and acting in ways that nurture communion: healing and renewing our common home."
In order to best understand this term, we must first understand what integral ecology is. Check out this video - What is Integral Ecology
Prelude:
"Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Genesis 1:28).
Throughout human history, the term "dominion" in the creation story has often been misinterpreted as granting people the authority to do whatever they wish to do to the natural world, completely disregarding the sacred quality in the ongoing creation. This human action of controlling nature is the root cause for the destruction of our natural world. Rather, as many modern theologians explain, to have 'dominion' over is more accurately read as a call to active co-custodianship, where we humans are given responsibility of taking care of what belongs to God . As Thomas Berry writes, "humans are members of 'The Earth Community', not lords over it."
What is an ecological conversion?
by Jonathon Braden | Jun 24, 2021
History of ecological conversion in Catholic Church
Ecological conversion was first used in the Catholic Church by St. John Paul II during his papacy on 17 January 2001.
St. John Paul II noted that man and woman were made in the "image of God" and were told by God, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Genesis 1:28). But he pointed out that the relationship is not "absolute, but ministerial." He highlighted how "humanity has disappointed God’s expectations" by devastating plains and valleys, polluting water and air, and disfiguring the Earth’s habitat.
"We must therefore encourage and support the ‘ecological conversion’ which in recent decades has made humanity more sensitive to the catastrophe to which it has been heading," St. John Paul II said.
Furthermore, he highlighted the goals of such a conversion, including returning to the right relationships between humans, God and the world, and living by them.
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis echoes St. John Paul II. His Holiness identifies our current ecological crisis as a "summons to profound interior conversion." What everyone needs, he writes, is an "‘ecological conversion,’ whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them" (LS 217).
But what is an ecological conversion?
In his book The Ten Green Commandments of Laudato Si', Fr. Joshtrom Kureethadam, Head of the Vatican’s Ecological and Creation Office, writes that an "ecological conversion calls for a return to the Creator," a turning to God in the humble and genuine spirit of repentance, acknowledging God as the Creator and source of all things, and repairing the broken relationship with God and each other.
Fr. Kureethadam also writes that an "ecological conversion calls for a 'turning' to the creation itself" as caring and responsible stewards.
Why undergo an ecological conversion?
In Laudato Si’ (220), Pope Francis shares the attitudes and changes within ourselves that can result from undergoing an ecological conversion:
- gratitude and gratuitousness (recognition that the world is God’s loving gift)
- generosity in self-sacrifice and good works
- a loving awareness of a universal communion with the rest of creation
- greater creativity and enthusiasm in resolving the world’s problems
- a feeling of responsibility based on faith
This Week’s Exercise -
😌 Take time this week to stop and reflect, practicing gratitude and gratuitousness (recognition that the world is God’s loving gift).
Here are some ways you may like to practise gratitude and gratuitousness this week:
Parish Life: First Sunday in Lent Year B
Read the latest publication of Australian Catholics here.
Please note- Secondary schools need to have a subscription to Australian catholic for some of the links. All primary schools already have a subscription.
Pope Challenges the Faithful to Seek to Change the World this Lent
As the Catholic Church enters the Liturgical Period of Lent today, Pope Francis’ offers his Lenten message to be people who seek to change the world this Lent. “Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom” during which Christians seek to rediscover God’s call and promise. Francis reminds the faithful of the “multiple forms that slavery can take including the attraction to the security of familiar things which can be to the detriment of freedom.’
To read more please click here.
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. This 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.
If you are unable to attend the session it will be recorded and available to review in next weeks’ newsletter.
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.
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
Digital Technology Open Day - Emmaus Catholic Primary School
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.
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
On February 8, Leaders of Learning from 12 of our diocese primary schools met online as part of the Primary Leaders of Learning (PLOL) network. A major focus of the gathering was to create a shared vision for the work of this group. Participants engaged with literature around educational leadership and reflected on the pedagogical, curricular and administrative requirements of their individual role within their school.
Leaders were also encouraged to become familiar with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, especially the Teacher Excellence Program (TEP). Information regarding professional learning, and engagement with the TEP are available through the academy website.
A recording of the PLOLmeeting will be made available shortly for those unable to attend.
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 | |
| |||
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 | 3:45pm - 4:30pm | VC | |
| |||
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | 3:45pm - 4:30pm | VC | |
| |||
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 | 10 am – 2 pm | Dependant on registrations | |
| |||
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 10 am – 2 pm | Dependant on registrations | |
|
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
VCE Forum (Week 3)
Our first VCE forum for the year will be tomorrow, 15 February at 3.30 focusing on the new VCE Creating Texts (Frameworks) unit of the VCE. Kirstin has already presented ideas and materials about this as part of the MACS VCE network and in a video with the Chief Examiner that is available to view on Canvas.
In this session, Kirstin will be looking in more detail at the classroom teaching of the unit. She will consider the teaching processes involved in this unit and will be presenting ideas about resources and writing tasks and will also answer any questions you might have about designing and running your SACs. This session is intended for teachers of Units 3 and 4 as well as interested English leaders. If you can’t attend the session, please email questions in advance and Kirstin will be happy to try to answer them. You can then access this presentation via the recording.
Learning your learners (Week 4)
On Thursday, 22 February at 3.30 pm, Jade Cleave from Intellischools will take us through a range of data sources available through SIMON Analytics that will assist English teachers in building a greater understanding of the strengths and areas of improvement for individual students and each English class as a whole.
This session will start with an overview of the different types of data relevant to an English teacher which will be recorded. This will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions which will not be recorded.
Details 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
- 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)
- Classroom Teacher (Maternity Leave Replacement) - Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Merbein - 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)
- Humanities/English Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 February)
- Drama Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 February)
- Physical Education Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 February)
- Health & Physical Education/Mathematics Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 February)
- Science Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 February)
- English Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 February)
- Junior Classroom Teacher - Fixed Term - Maternity Leave Replacement (FTE negotiable) with possible Learning Diversity Leader POL – St Patrick’s School, Koroit – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 March)
- 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)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.