Weekly Newsletter #7 - 13 March 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Condolences
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CRT Primary School Giveaway
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Professional Learning Program
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Workplace Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
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People and Development Update
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Wellbeing Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Adult Lenten Resources 2024
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
Light Dirt
Today’s reflection is a poem called “Light Dirt” by Marlene Marburg. May this Lent be a time for you to discover your own “light dirt” allowing it to transform your life, others and all creation.
You are in the right dirt if it is light dirt;
if you feel earthed, grounded, and you are steady;
if the dirt is sacred and you are thankful
that you have the privilege of being there;
walking that, treading your path at your pace,
using your skill, your talents;
and your life feels bigger and richer,
spacious and free. You are consoled
with God as your companion, sustainer enabler,
and you can look in the eyes of the people you meet
to find Christ there, blessing you
with more blessing than you are giving.
You are in the right dirt if it is light dirt
and you are happy to take off your shoes,
and feel the touch of your earth-work
with nothing between you and God’s desire;
finding something joyous about the mud or the sand,
something life-giving, energising.
You know you are in your right dirt when you are free
to say you are tired, that you need a break,
and that although you are skilled and good at your work,
too much of it turns you from God instead of to God;
You are in the right dirt when you discover the place within
where you are already kind, compassionate and balanced.
You know your are in the right dirt when your heart beats
in union with God, in communion with all.
p. 211
Marburg, M (2019) Grace Upon Grace - Savouring the Spiritual Exercises Through the Arts
Morning Star Publishing: Reservoir
From the Executive Director
I trust the commencement of NAPLAN testing has gone well today. Thank you to our school staff who work hard to ensure the tests are administered as smoothly as possible for our students.
Thank you to the St Mary’s, Clarkes Hill, St Michael’s, Daylesford and St Augustine’s, Maryborough school leaders and communities for their warm welcomes and time with me last week. I find these visits extremely valuable to provide a depth of understanding of the local context and needs of our schools.
February school census data out this week has pleasingly revealed more families in the diocese are choosing a Catholic education, with enrolments increasing by 273 students or 1.5%. The figures show increases of 110 primary students to 10,178, and 163 secondary students to 8,467, a total of 18,645, up from 18,372 in 2023.
This increase is a credit to the hard work of principals, teachers, staff, and school communities in delivering a high-quality, faith-based, affordable education option for families in the region. Our media release is available here.
I hope planning is well underway for Catholic Education Week (29 April - 3 May) celebrations. The week is a great opportunity for schools to promote their distinctive Catholic ethos and engage with wider communities.
Of course Catholic Education Week takes on special significance this year as our community of schools recognises the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat with the theme: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) I encourage teachers and staff to read Bishop Paul’s reflection on this theme, available on our website.
In the context of our ongoing DOBCEL strategic planning project, by way of reflection I invite you to listen to this podcast by Professor Michael Fullan and consider the question: What do you/we continue to do because that’s the way it’s always been done?
Best Wishes
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Images from School visits to St Michael's, Daylesford and St Mary's, Clarkes Hill.
Condolences
Sr Joan Dalgleish, died peacefully at Nazareth House, Ballarat on Saturday 9 March.
Joan was a deeply committed Mercy woman who dedicated her life to others through education as a teacher, principal and librarian in schools within the Ballarat Diocese including Ballarat, Edenhope, Clarkes Hill, Bungaree and Manangatang. A change of ministry led Joan to engage wholeheartedly in Industrial Chaplaincy and Counselling, followed by ministry in Pastoral Care, accompanying those in bereavement.
Joan was grateful for the quiet presence of Sisters and Staff who supported her during her time at Nazareth, especially in recent weeks as they accompanied her to the moment when she was taken into the loving embrace of her God whom she served so faithfully.
Her funeral will be held Monday 18 March at St Alipius Church, Ballarat East at 10.30am.
CRT Primary School Giveaway
Professional Learning Program
Workplace Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
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:
| Option Two:
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- $380.00
- Any further costs, including travel and accommodation, must be covered by the school/department
Contact Tania Lund for any queries.
Article submitted by Tania Lund.
People and Development Update
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
- 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.
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
World Sleep Day - 15 March 2024
World Sleep Day is March 15, 2024. World Sleep Day delegates and sleep health advocates across the world will take action in their local communities, clinics, and countries to raise awareness of sleep health. Join us!
The 2024 Theme: Sleep Equity for Global Health
The theme for this World Sleep Day is Sleep Equity for Global Health. Sleep is essential to health, but measurable differences in sleep health persist across populations across the world, creating additional burdens and reinforcing health inequities.
World Sleep Day is an opportunity to promote sleep health alongside thousands of other sleep health professionals and advocates. When we all promote sleep health and #WorldSleepDay together, our combined effort is greater than the sum of its parts. Spread the word about sleep health on World Sleep Day and help elevate the conversation around sleep!
Visit the website for more information and resources.
Articles submitted by Tania Lund.
Wellbeing Update
Neurodiversity Celebration Week - March 18 - 24
Please find attached a NCW 2024 poster that has a quote relevant to neurodiversity week.
Also below is an interactive event schedule poster that highlights external PD offered during this week.
Please see your regional DOBCEL Education Officer: Learning Diversity, for any assistance with Neurodiversity Week information.
Neurodiversity Resources - SchoolTV
The Neurodiversity edition on School TV also has lots of great resources, videos of experts and information that you might like to share out with your community as we celebrate Neurodiversity Week.
For any questions regarding School TV please contact Mel Frost.
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
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Australian Catholics - Professional Learning Opportunities
Professional Learning Session: Prayer in Schools
- Topic: Prayer in Schools - consider why prayer is so important in the life of a Catholic school. In this session, explore ways teachers can harness the value of novelty, fun, engagement, educational value and providing opportunities for students to connect with their faith meaningfully through prayer.
- Guests: Anne Slingo, Nathan Ahearne and Laura Kings.
- Date: Tuesday 19 March
- Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm (AEDT)
Palm Sunday Walk for Justice and Peace - Lake Wendouree and Melbourne
This year the Palm Sunday Walk for Justice and Peace is on Sunday 24 March.
Lake Wendouree Location Short Loop Walk: From McDonald Bandstand, along the walking track near the road to Hamilton Ave, just before The Olympic Rings. There will be a stop at the marker for the PEACE MILE, a measured mile to reflect on World Peace. Return to McDonald Bandstand via track beside the lake.
| Melbourne Location Starting at 10am in the Parliament Gardens (corner Nicholson and Albert Streets). There will be an informal gathering 10-10.30am, with coffee available. From 10.30am, Reflections on peace and justice from different faith perspectives, followed by speakers with refugee experience and others. The Walk will leave Parliament Gardens around 11.30am and return to Parliament Gardens by around 12 noon, closing with music until around 12.30pm. |
The Big Walk 4 Refugees
You don’t need to wait for Palm Sunday, you can register now for The Big Walk 4 Refugees – when you register you must join a team - you can join the Refugee Advocacy Network team – or set up your own.
See details on how to do this at www.bigwalk4refugees.au. A $10 donation will help cover the cost of the platform.
Once you register you can sync (if you have a fitness device) or add your kms manually on the website.
Caritas Australia - Interntional Women's Day Reflection
Please use this link to download Caritas Australia's International Women's Day Reflection. This PowerPoint is editable for you to use in a way that best suits your purposes.
Social Justice - Recognise that We Have Harmed Creation
“…we must examine our lives and acknowledge the ways in which we have harmed God’s creation through our actions and our failure to act” (LS 218).
ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES:
The Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles is grounded in the idea of sufficiency, and promoting sobriety in the use of resources and energy.
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.
ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION:
Ecological Education is about rethinking and redesigning curricular and institutional reform in the spirit of integral ecology in order to foster ecological awareness and transformative action.
Be aware of your environmental footprint -
An environmental footprint/ecological footprint takes into account the entirety of supply and demand of goods and services for the planet.
Each and every one of us has an effect on the environment, be that positive or negative, based on the lifestyle choices we make, for example the amount of natural resources that we consume and the amount of harmful gases that we produce. Calculating our environmental footprint is a fundamental way to measure, monitor and improve the impact we have on the planet.
Watch this short TED-Ed video, What is the Tragedy of the Common, to better understand the concept that optimising for the self in the short term, isn’t optimal for anyone in the long term.
How?
Understanding our environmental footprint is key to making informed decisions on reducing carbon footprint. Here are some ways that you can do it:
- Calculate your carbon footprint and identify carbon-intensive activities. You can use online calculators such as this one to help you calculate your carbon footprint.
- Conduct a water and/or electricity audit in your household
- Reflect on your travel habits
- Evaluate where you can cut down on waste
- Reflect on ways you and your community can transition over time away from fossil fuel use to renewables - especially when a fossil fuel item is due to be replaced by an electric one (e.g., scooter, stove, gas heater / hot water system, vehicle).
- Read scientific reports, such as a Living Planet Report, IPCC Reports on Climate Change to stay informed
ResourceSmart Schools Newsletter
The latest issue is now available! Check out:
- The 15th ResourceSmart Schools Awards - Entries still open
- Photography Competition
- Register for online events
Articles submitted by Kate Lawry and Sarah Page.
ECSI Catholic Dialogue School Newsletter
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! This Newsletter is loaded with resources, Professional Devt Materials, videos, Tips of the Month and more!
The Newsletter is for everyone. It is not restricted to Religious Education - Catholic Identity is part of all our work. Subscribe here. Any enquiries please contact Gina Bernasconi.
Lent Has Something To Say
What is your response to the below images? What do you see? What could they be about? In what ways could they speak to each other, be in dialogue with each other? There’s more to read here if you’re interested.
Learning and Teaching Update
Digital Technology Open Day - Emmaus Catholic Primary School
Inside Story: Book Launch at OLHC Wendouree
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, 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.
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 - 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) via email 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.
- 20th March CEP Autumn Series - Session Three (online)
- Working in Alternative Settings
- Free online webinar. Register here
- Working in Alternative Settings
- 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!
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
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
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
- 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)
- 2024 Teaching Opportunities – Mercy Regional College, Camperdown – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 18 March)
- Classroom Teacher - Year 5 – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 March)
- Education Support Staff – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Wendouree – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 18 March)
- Instrumental Music Tutor - Piano – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed time contract at 0.4 FTE (closes 22 March)
- Finance Officer – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 0.2 FTE (closes 22 March)
- Classroom Teacher (Maternity Leave Replacement) – St Michael & St John’s School, Horsham – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 March)
- Mathematics/Science Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 April)
- 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.