Weekly Newsletter #6 - 6 March 2024
Reflection
Not Lent Again!
Joyce Rupp, in her latest book Jesus, Companion in My Suffering: Reflections for the Lenten Journey asks how do you continue to approach Lent with fresh eyes over and over again? It's not a focus on her sinfulness that elicits inner change, she has found, but rather a re-centering on the goodness that is already present, the assurance of the Spirit living and active within.
In an interview she said: Quite frankly, I'm tired of being reminded at the opening of every Eucharistic liturgy that I am sinful. That's a given. What I, and others in the pews, really need to be reminded of is how much goodness (God-ness) there is in us, our potential to be superb human beings.
Now that’s a challenge. We tend to blame our sinfulness and use it as an excuse - I did this or didn’t do that because I am a sinful person. What if we focussed on the free gift of God’s grace and goodness, what if this Lent we focussed on the fact that God is with us and has made us gifted, talented. What if we changed the greeting at the start of Mass to: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit are with all of you”. Perhaps simply changing that might be a reminder that the goodness of God is alive within us.
Many years ago, when I was studying to be a teacher we had to wade through a large and very boring time but one thing stuck with me. It was the term ‘entering behaviour.’ In other words, find out what the students already know and can already do and build on that. Always start with the positive. The same applies to life – we don’t get anywhere much by focussing on the negative, on how sinful or inadequate we or others may be but rather on how we have been gifted and blessed, then build on that. During Lent, Joyce Rupp suggests that we do much the same: So I focus on the fruits of the Spirit and their potential to be deepened and strengthened in my life. This motivation is much more effective for making a change.
The author of Psalm 139 wrote:
'When I was being made in secret, fashioned in the depths of the earth, your eyes could see my unformed substance. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Nothing about me, from beginning to end was hidden from your eyes. So many marvels I thank you. You have made me to be so wonderful. I praise you for you fill me with awe.' (Psalm 139)
I wonder whether we actually do see ourselves as being made to be so wonderful, as a ‘marvel’, blessed by God and gifted with grace, that we are in the mind and heart of God from beginning to end. In Matthew’s Gospel we find the parable of the weeds among the crop. Don’t pull them out now, the farmer tells his workers – wait until the harvest time when the crop has fully grown, then pull them out. That is a reminder that we are a mixture of light and darkness, selflessness and selfishness, virtue and vice, grace and sin, we can be sincere as well as two faced. Like the farmer, tend the crop, make it grow to harvest time – in other words focus on the positive, count your blessings, build on them and make them grow. Eventually sincerity will weed out insincerity, selflessness will weed out selfishness, and grace will weed out sin.
The following has been used by many famous people, not least of them Nelson Mandela.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?"
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us. It’s in everyone, and, as we let our light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
We do not have to make God present, but to make ourselves present to God, to make ourselves sensitive to the richness of God’s grace that is already present and active in our lives, if we let it.
From the Executive Director
This Friday 8 March on International Women’s Day we celebrate the role of women in society and particularly recognise and honour the enormous contribution of women to our DOBCEL schools and offices.
The theme 'Inspire Inclusion' encourages everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities. In 2024, the campaign theme also emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
This week Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge have continued engagement with a number of CEB staff and school groups to progress the DOBCEL strategic planning process. We thank Principal Jayne Bosworth and the team at St Brigid’s, Ballan for hosting Pasi and Dave with a focus on engagement with families new to our schools.
We continue to work to engage with the university sector to ensure graduate teachers are well aware of the range of opportunities our DOBCEL schools and region can offer. This week we have launched a new promotional video and will shortly finalise a dedicated web page.
It was pleasing to hear a number of our graduate and early career teachers (unscripted) identify community, growth, opportunities, belonging, and support, as key words to describe their experiences in DOBCEL schools. This is a great credit to the environment our school communities are creating for teachers starting out on their career journey.
Special congratulations to the individuals and teams nominated for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award, noted later in this newsletter.
I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming long weekend and please travel safely.
Best Wishes
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Images from strategic planning engagement at St Brigid's, Ballan.
2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Nominees Announced
Congratulations to all nominees in the Spirit of Catholic Education Award
The Spirit of Catholic Education Award awards is aimed at continuing to recognise the outstanding service and leadership within Catholic education throughout our Diocesan school communities, and Catholic Education Office
It is with great pleasure, that the nominees for the 2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Award are shared with our Diocesan school communities and Catholic Education Office.
Congratulations to the following 17 nominees
Nominee (School/Office) - Nomination category
- Christina Sofis (Loreto College) - Fostering Inspiring Leadership
- Sharon Dwyer (OLHC Warrnambool) - Empowering all to Flourish
- Kevin Brodie (DOBCEL Ballarat Office) - Empowering all to Flourish
- Finance and Compliance Team (St Brigid’s College) - Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance & Stewardship
- Cynthia Maiden (St Joseph's, Hopetoun) - Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance & Stewardship
- Olga Lyons (St Patrick's, Port Fairy) - Fostering Inspiring Leadership
- Breeana Wade (DOBCEL Mildura Office ) - Empowering all to Flourish
- Caitee Carter (St Alipius School) - Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship
- Simone Jans & Sarah Goodburn, Da Capo Instrumental Music Program (Loreto College)- Achieving Best Practice
- Eliza Dwyer (St Patrick's, Port Fairy) - Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities
- Brooke Nester (DOBCEL Ballarat Office) - Empowering all to Flourish
- Bernadette Lynch (St Aloysius' School) - Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities
- Mark Vanderkley (SIMON) - Empowering all to Flourish
- Tony Haintz (Damascus College) - Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities
- Lindy Crowe-Procaccino (Loreto College) - Empowering all to Flourish
- Religious Education Curriculum Team (DOBCEL) - Achieving Best Practice
(Bernie Tolan, Justin, McInerney, Jo-anne Van der Voort,
Kim Hawkes, Bernadette Luckman) - Cathy Prunty (Damascus College) - Empowering all to Flourish
It is wonderful to see an array of nominations across all five categories of the Award.
The judging panel will meet next week and their difficult job is to review each nomination and identify the most outstanding nomination/s across all categories. The panel will recommend at least one award recipient, with a maximum of three award recipients. Award recipients will be presented during the Catholic Education Week Dinner and all nominees will be acknowledged in some way.
For further information on the awards please see the DOBCEL website or click here
Please contact Fiona Murphy with any queries.
Professional Learning Program
Workplace Mental Health First Aid
(Blended training: online and face-2-face)
Training details:
- Self-paced eLearning modules (approx. 5 hours) sent out 4 weeks prior for completion before attending the face-to-face session
- Face-to-Face (F2F) session (approx. 4.5 hours)
Program details:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an accredited training certificate in workplaces worldwide and is taught in evidence-based training courses authored by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Understanding the aspects of Workplace Mental Health awareness and support underpins the importance of the ‘human element’ of any workplace. Mental Health challenges and diagnosed conditions are very common in Australia and understanding the key elements to a Mentally Healthy Workplace are beneficial to all.
Workplace MHFA training is tailored for the workplace environment. MHFA is a practical, skills-based education program that equips adults in the workplace with the skills and confidence needed to recognise and respond to a co-worker or another adult experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Youth MHFA and Workplace MHFA training are two distinct programs. While both programs share common goals, the Youth MHFA is primarily designed for individuals who work or interact with young people. Workplace MFHA training focuses on identifying and addressing mental health challenges in a professional setting. It encourages participants to consider the dynamics of the work environment place while providing practical steps when supporting a colleague in the workplace.
Workplace MHFA is designed to build capacity to support adults experiencing mental health problems. Participants who may have already undertaken Youth MHFA will still benefit from attending Workplace MHFA.
Facilitator - Kate Meadows:
Kate is the Director of 'Be More Mindful" and works as a Mental Health Consultant. Kate has 20 years' experience in educational settings, wellbeing and leadership, mental health crisis counselling and referral. Kate facilitates a variety of Workplace Wellbeing material to both corporate and community organisations. Her empathetic and friendly facilitation style makes Kate a highly sought-after facilitator in this field.
Two F2F course options:
Option One: Monday 3rd June 2024
| Option Two: Tuesday 20th August 2024
|
Course cost:
- $380.00
- Any further costs, including travel and accommodation, must be covered by the school/department
Contact Tania Lund for any queries.
Flourish Wellbeing e-Magazine (March 2024)
The March 2024 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available. Featured Articles:
- Inspire Inclusion, International Women’s Day 2024
- Embracing Neurodiversity
- Podcast – Sports Drinks
Also in this edition:
- The Work/Workout Mash Up
- Hearing Loss
- Fitness Trends 2024
- Growth Mindset
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website
Money Assist Awareness Session
By Converge International
Click here to access the recording from last week’s MONEY ASSIST Awareness Session hosted by our EAP provider, Converge International.
This brief webinar is designed to offer valuable insights and information regarding the Money Assist service offered by Converge International.
It is important to note that this session is designed for awareness rather than training, with the objective of helping participants comprehend the benefits of Money Assist coaching appointments. NB: Money Assist is a service included in DOBCEL’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Throughout the session, you will gain an understanding of accessing appointments, hear client stories, explore financial wellbeing in Australia, and more.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
By Converge International
Our EAP is available to all DOBCEL staff and their families. You can access and book appointments via the Converge App or online via the website.
Use this code when registering and booking online appointments.
Organisation unique code: DIOCQODQ
To access the resources on offer from Converge log into the Portal
Username: Converge
Password: eap
International Women’s Day
8 March 2024
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.
What does it mean to truly inspire inclusion?
To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women's Day 2024 and beyond.
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.
In 2024, the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
This year's campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
For some inspiring reading on International Women’s Day, take a look at the stories below:
Student Wellbeing Update
Wellbeing Services 4 March – 25 May
Tony Perkins, CEB's Leader of Wellbeing, will be on leave from 4 March to 25 May 2024.
Over that period, Robyn Cranage will take on the role of Leader Wellbeing and will work with the Senior Education Officer Team (Liz McIntyre, Allan Hutchison, Lisa Templar, and Chris Goonan) to ensure the continuation of service and support to schools.
Liz McIntyre will be the primary point of contact for matters relating to behaviours of concern and response to incidents which may cause trauma. Liz will triage service required in such circumstances.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Accredited Training
19th & 20th March 2024 Ballarat
Youth Mental Health First Aid training equips people with the knowledge and confidence to approach or respond to students who may need information or support. The impact of that first supportive conversation for any individual, and in particular a young person, in a time of need can be profound. The course teaches adults how to assist young people who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems in young people, where and how to get help when a young person is developing a mental illness, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
Developing mental health problems covered are: depression, anxiety problems, psychosis, substance use problems and eating disorders.
Mental health crisis situations covered are: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm), panic attacks, traumatic events, severe effects of drug or alcohol use, severe psychotic states and aggressive behaviours.
For further information please contact Brooke Nester bnester@ceob.edu.au . To register for the event please use the following link.
Try Booking Link - Register here https://www.trybooking.com/CPHQD
School TV
The data for the Diocese of Ballarat currently shows that the second most accessed topic is ‘Youth Anxiety’ (behind the Wellbeing Barometer). We know that mindfulness supports the calming of the mind, reduces disruptive behaviour and can assist us to re-wire our brains for more positive thinking.
Mindfulness is also powerful in reducing anxiety. School TV has an edition, ‘Mindfulness’ that will support parents and carers in the way they talk to their children and assist them to manage anxiety. This edition also aligns with the Mindful March calendar that was shared in last week’s newsletter that you may also like to share with your schools.
Secondary School Wellbeing Leaders Network
- Date: 21st of March 2024
- Time: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
- Venue: St Patrick’s College, 1431 Sturt Street Ballarat
- Registration
Participants / Target Audience
School Wellbeing Leaders and members of their school teams (wellbeing coordinator/counsellors/pastoral care workers/psychologists/allied health professionals etc.)
Further information: Please contact Brooke Nester
Mindful March
Mindful practice has many benefits for mental health. It supports emotional regulation and stress management and is also linked to improved sleep.
The Action for Happiness site has a range of resources to enhance connection and boost positive emotions including a calendar with a different focus each month. Throughout March, we are encouraged to incorporate small, daily mindful actions.
Social Justice Update
Make Your Easter Chocolates Slavery Free
"EVERY PERSON OUGHT TO HAVE THE AWARENESS THAT PURCHASING IS ALWAYS A MORAL – AND NOT SIMPLY AN ECONOMIC – ACT.” POPE FRANCES 2015
Laudato Si’ Principal - Ecological Economics
Ecological Economics acknowledges that the economy is a sub-system of human society, which itself is embedded within the biosphere–our common home. Actions could include sustainable production and consumption, ethical investments, divestment from fossil fuels and any activity harmful to the planet and the people, supporting circular economies, and prioritizing care labour and protecting the dignity of workers.
Why Buy Fair Trade Chocolate?
It is estimated 70 percent of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa. The most recent figures estimate that 1.8 million children in West Africa are involved in the industry and some are forced or trafficked.
Thousands of children in West Africa pick cocoa beans that are used in chocolate production. Most of the children don’t know what the cocoa beans are used for, and many will never taste chocolate. But we will.
This Easter we will spend millions of dollars on chocolate. We will buy chocolate as gifts and we will buy some to add to hampers for raffles and fundraising campaigns, such as CARITAS’ wonderful Project Compassion appeal. This year buy only slavery-free chocolate that features the fair trade logos on the wrapper.
The Fair Trade Easter Campaign aims to contribute to the broader global FAIRTRADE movement by advocating for the purchasing, sales and consumption of ethically produced chocolate at Easter time. By buying cocoa beans that are certified FAIR TRADE, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ Certified, these chocolate producers ensure there is no forced labour or trafficked labour on cocoa plantations.
How can you help?
- Buy and eat FAIRTRADE chocolate during Easter.
- Talk to five people you know about Fair Trade chocolate.
- Run a Fair Trade chocolate raffle or event during Lent in the lead up to Easter.
Join millions of people around the world in an effort to make all chocolate slavery-free. Find out how to make a difference in your school, parish and community. Visit the Slavery Free Chocolate Campaign Facebook page for more information.
Source: https://acrath.org.au
Catholic Identity and Mission
Dear everyone – it’s the gift that keeps on giving – ECSI!
Prof. Didier Pollefeyt and the KU Leuven Team are delighted to announce the first publication of their Catholic Dialogue School Newsletter!
Put away any plans for the weekend – all you’ll want to do is spend time with this publication! The Newsletter is loaded with resources, Professional Devt Materials, videos, Tips of the Month (what more could you ask for) and on it goes – a veritable treasure trove!
The Bulletin is for everyone. It is not restricted to Religious Education - Catholic Identity is part of all our work.
To subscribe to this Newsletter: https://ecsi.site/au/newsletter/
Any enquiries please contact me: gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au
Caritas Australia - International Women's Day Reflection
This presentation highlights some challenges and inequalities faced by women around the world.
Learning and Teaching Update
Structured Literacy Newsletter
The latest edition of the Structured Literacy Newsletter ‘New Chapter’, is published here. This edition includes:
- Project lead update
- The Grattan Report: The Reading Guarantee
- Tom Bennett PL report: Better behaviour through relationships
- Selecting a synthetic phonics program
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.
The Grattan Institute Report: "The Reading Guarantee"
Read the full report here.
"A coordinated, whole-school approach to teaching reading is needed to ensure all students learn to read successfully. Schools need teachers trained in how to teach reading according to the robust evidence. They need carefully sequenced, high-quality curriculum materials all through school to develop students’ background knowledge and sophisticated vocabulary. And they need a systematic approach to monitoring student progress so those who are falling behind can be identified and helped."
This groundbreaking report provides clear practice guidelines for schools and systems to help address the national reading crisis that finds 1:3 students not attaining reading proficiency. These guidelines are summarised in the image below.
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, 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.
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander News
Opening the Doors Foundation: Financial Grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
The Opening the Doors Foundation provides grants to families to assist with the extra costs incurred in the schooling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary or secondary school students. The 2024 Grant Round is now open, with a closing date of 12 April 2024. For students to commence the 2024 school year with the necessary items, the ideal time to apply is now or before the start of Term 1.
Full criteria and guidelines are included on the Opening the Doors Foundation website and the Opening the Doors Foundation Application, but the following points may prove helpful for families who are considering applying:
- The Applicant (child) must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- The Applicant must be enrolled in a Catholic or Independent educational institution located within the State boundaries of Victoria.
- The Applicant can only submit one regular grant per year.
- First time applicants must provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality Certificate, which must be in the child’s name. If a Confirmation Certificate is not obtainable, please contact the Foundation as applicants may be able to submit a Statement of Recognition (Recognition of Aboriginality Form) instead.
- The Foundation supports the extra costs of school. This does not include 'fees'.
- Items already purchased cannot be reimbursed.
- Maximum grant amounts are included in the app.
- Applications will not be accepted after the closing date - 12th April 2024.
Pertinent information:
Website: Opening the Doors Foundation; Foundation Application Criteria and Guidelines
App link: Opening the Doors Foundation Application
Phone: 0401 487 414 or 1300 236 356
Email: enquiries@openingthedoors.org.au
Closing date: 12 April 2024
Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years (ILSY) 2024
The ILSY professional learning program is designed to guide and support secondary teachers in the Diocese of Ballarat to explicitly and systematically lead school improvement using a disciplinary literacy approach. Founded in contemporary research, evidence and best practice, this year’s ILSY program will be facilitated by Professor Larissa McLean Davies, Dr Pauline Thompson and Dr Rob Sbaglia from the University of Melbourne. The following three courses have been developed through our continuing partnership with the University of Melbourne informed by consultation with former ILSY participants, the Secondary Leaders of Learning network, secondary literacy leaders and secondary principals.
Course and catering costs are covered by ILSY funding.
ILSY Middle Leaders:
Participants will engage in a series of workshops, team coaching and an action learning project to lead teams to build disciplinary literacy practices in their own school setting. Further information and registration details here.
For further information and registration details, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) on jpetrov@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 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:
13th May – Ballarat: St. James’ Sebastopol School Hall Register here
14th May – Koroit: St. Patrick’s School Hall Register here
15th May – Horsham: Venue TBC Register here
16th May - Mildura: The Academy 97 Seventh St. Register here
Please note that there is a discount available for bulk ticket purchases through Try Booking.
CEP's Online PD is back for Season Two
CEP’s Autumn Series, commences on 6th March, featuring an array of fresh topics for each session including: Trauma Aware Care, Teacher Shortages, Working in Alternative Settings, and the Launch of P-12 Alliance. We invite you to join CEP any Wednesday afternoon in March for engaging discussions, expert speakers, and a touch of laughter.
13th March CEP Autumn Series - Session Two (online)
Retaining graduate teachers - what can you do?
Free online webinar. Register here
20th March CEP Autumn Series - Session Three (online)
Working in Alternative Settings
Free online webinar. Register here
27th March CEP Autumn Series - Session Four (online)
P-12 Alliance Official Launch
Free online webinar. Register here
Bush Voices is the CEP newsletter with more information about each of the programs that CEP co-ordinate for small schools. Check it out here!
Offering a variety of professional learning opportunities for teachers and leadership development, some of which include:
Cultivating Agency in Learning
Commences 27 March
Unlock your students’ full potential by transforming assessment in your school to support deeper learning and personal growth.
To find out more and register visit the Academy website
Innovating for Student Engagement
Commences 8 May
A unique, immersive experience that challenges and supports secondary school principals in their thinking through workshops that explore contemporary and research-informed approaches.
To find out more and apply visit the Academy website
Women in Leadership: Build your capability and influence
Commences 15 May
Discover your leadership values and vision, and learn how to reach your full potential as an impactful woman by developing your leadership skills and confidence.
To find out more and apply visit the Academy website
6th March CEP Autumn Series - Session One (online)
| 13th March CEP Autumn Series - Session Two (online)
|
20th March CEP Autumn Series - Session Three (online)
| 27th March CEP Autumn Series - Session Four (online)
|
Adult Lenten Resources 2024
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.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
CEB vacancies
- Administration, Finance and Fleet Officer – Ballarat office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 March)
Schools
- Learning Support Officer – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 0.88 FTE (closes 7 March)
- Subject Teachers - Expression of Interest for all subject areas 2024 – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 March)
- Maternity Leave Replacement Position – Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Merbein – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 March)
- Office Manager – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 March)
- French Teacher – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 March)
- Finance Officer – St Patrick’s School, Port Fairy – ongoing position at 0.5 FTE (closes 15 March)
- Laboratory Technician and Education Support – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 March)
- ICT Systems Administrator – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 March)
- Teacher - Maths/Science – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 March)
- Classroom Teacher - Year 5 – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 March)
- Classroom Teacher (Maternity Leave Replacement) – St Michael & St John’s School, Horsham – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 March)
- Teacher of Science and Math – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 March)
- STEM/Digital Technology Teacher – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 28 March)
- Subject Teachers – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 April)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.