Weekly Newsletter #8 - 20 March 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Learning Diversity Team recognised as early champions for Inclusive Education!
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Professional Learning Program
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DOBCEL Compliance Training for 2024
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Caritas Australia
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Red Earth - Lake Mungo Womens Immersions
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The Trade & Tech Fit Career Expo Returns
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CRT Primary School Giveaway
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SLAV South Western Branch Meeting
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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
Entering Holy Week
Next week is Holy Week. The following reflection adapted from Michael McGirr invites Christians to reflect what this sacred time in the Church’s year may mean for individuals and communities.
We see images of the cross everywhere, from school uniforms to hospital buildings. Perhaps it is so commonplace that it doesn’t stop us in our tracks the way it should. The cross of Jesus is the best key Christians have for understanding the mystery of God’s love. God’s compassion for the human family took Jesus to a lonely and brutal execution. Jesus was the victim of appalling injustice and degradation. His experience asks us to try to make the world more just and to revere the dignity of every person. ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, you do to me.’ This is part of the reason why Project Compassion, an initiative of Caritas Australia, has for 60 years, been part of The Catholic community’s response during Lent.
This year, Holy Week begins with the reading of the passion story from Mark’s Gospel. Even in busy lives, Christians are invited to set time aside to contemplate this extraordinary story.
One way to spend time with the passion story is to take a different character each day of Holy Week and quietly ponder in prayer what the events were like for this character. What did they feel? What was most significant for them? What were their thoughts, emotions feelings and wonderings?
Here is a suggestion of the characters for each day:
Sunday Judas Iscariot, Monday Peter, Tuesday The high priest, Wednesday Pontius Pilate, Thursday Simon of Cyrene, Friday The centurion, Saturday – Mary of Magdala
From https://www.caritas.org.au/resources/project-compassion/weekly-reflections-parishes/
Invitation to Prayer
Jesus of Compassion, Help us to see in your Cross all the crosses of the world:
The cross of people hungry for bread and for love;
The cross of people alone and abandoned even by their children and kin;
The cross of people thirsty for justice and for peace;
The cross of the elderly who struggle under the weight of years and of loneliness;
The cross of migrants who find doors closed in fear and hearts armoured by political calculations;
The cross of little ones, wounded in their innocence and their purity;
The cross of humanity that wanders in the darkness of uncertainty and in the obscurity of temporary culture;
The cross of our common home that is gravely withering before our selfish eyes, blinded by greed and by power.
Revive in us the hope of resurrection and of your definitive victory over all evil and all death.
Amen
From the Executive Director
Tomorrow evening, I am looking forward to joining many of our principals at the annual Catholic Primary Principals Association Victoria conference in Lorne, and addressing the dinner. The theme for the conference is Think. Engage. Lead. WITH STRENGTH. We are blessed with talented and dedicated leaders in our diocese and I wish them well for an inspiring few days.
I would like to congratulate and thank IT services staff at both our schools and Catholic Education Ballarat office for recently achieving Safer Technologies 4 Schools (ST4S) certification recognising the high-level of safety and security standard of the SIMON platform. While we can never absolutely guarantee data security, this ST4S certification for our SIMON community has been a rigorous process, and we are proud that it has met and exceeded the requirements. Read more here.
It was also wonderful to see our learning diversity teams recognised as early champions for Inclusive Education with acknowledgment in the foreword of the much anticipated Second Edition of "Inclusive Education for the 21st Century." This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of schools for all students to access education on the same basis as their peers.
Helping keep the great work of our Catholic schools front of mind for prospective families, and in the wider community, is a high priority for DOBCEL. To this end, a diocesan-wide TV and FM radio advertising campaign will air from April 19, inviting families to ‘Discover contemporary Catholic education’. Sincere thanks to schools participating in the production of this campaign.
Best Wishes
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Learning Diversity Team recognised as early champions for Inclusive Education!
The CEB Learning Diversity Team is thrilled to share some exciting news with our Catholic Education Ballarat community! In the foreword of the eagerly anticipated Second Edition of "Inclusive Education for the 21st Century," our efforts have been recognized as early champions for Inclusive Education.
This acknowledgment is a testament to our unwavering commitment for all students to access education on the same basis as their peers.
Many of you may recall the invaluable insights shared during Kate de Bruin's visit in 2020, where she engaged with Learning Diversity Leaders and shortly after, Principals. This recognition reaffirms our longstanding dedication to ensuring every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered within our educational community.
We extend our gratitude to our 2020 CEB EO:LD Team (Susan Rampling, Monique Ryan, Kate Sadler, Jacqui Righetti, Lesley Price and Lisa Templar) and celebrate all Learning Diversity Leaders who work tirelessly to strive for excellence in Inclusive Education including our current EO:LD Team (Nicole Jenkins, Maria Richards, Jacqui Pierce, Monique Ryan, Kate Sadler and Lisa Templar)!
Professional Learning Program
DOBCEL Compliance Training for 2024
All DOBCEL staff will shortly begin receiving emails about compulsory online compliance training for completion via the SALT compliance platform. Each school has a nominated SALT administrator.
The system wide delivery of compliance training is most efficiently delivered online. The training serves two purposes-:
- to foster safe, respectful and harmonious places of work; and
- to ensure that DOBCEL can demonstrate it is meeting regulatory obligations, particularly in relation to workplace health and safety.
The completion of these modules demonstrates DOBCEL and school commitment to healthy and positive places of work, and we ask all staff to complete the online modules to build and maintain their awareness of this commitment, including their rights and responsibilities as a DOBCEL employee.
In 2024, there are two modules for all staff to complete which should take no more than 4.5 hours. Leadership staff are required to undertake an additional module which should take no more than 2.5 hours. Noting, that if the employee feels confident with the topic area, they can go directly to the assessment to demonstrate their knowledge rather than to work through the module in full.
SALT Compliance Training
Staff are required to complete the 2024 training modules listed above by the end of Term 4, 2024.
Additional Training Requirements for all staff
In addition to the above mandatory SALT training requirements, all staff are required to complete the following in the annual training:
- Mandatory Reporting module via MARAM
- Anaphylaxis Briefing (provided by the school’s anaphylaxis supervisor)
- Diabetes Management – Level 1: Introductory Training (if not previously completed as it is a one off training requirement) (online training)
Additional Training Requirements for nominated staff
Further annual training requirements for nominated school staff are:
- First Aid
- Anaphylaxis Management Training
- Asthma Management
- Diabetes Management – Level 2: Intermediate Training (if not previously completed)
The above training will be arranged by each school. DOBCEL can provide details of providers for this training if required.
Additional Compliance Training Requirements for staff new to DOBCEL in 2024
Staff new to DOBCEL in 2024 are required to complete additional compliance training in their first year of employment unless they have evidence that they have completed equivalent modules with their previous employer.
These staff are required to undertake all training modules in the 3-year Compliance Training Cycle within the first year to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. They will then join the annual Compliance Training Cycle for subsequent years.
Details regarding SALT access, including passwords and required modules will be emailed to new staff upon commencement by the local school administrator for SALT. The additional modules should take no longer than twelve hours in total to be completed by the end of Term 4, 2024. School leadership will work with staff new to DOBCEL regarding management of workload demands and the completion of these requirements across the course of the year.
If you require any further information or assistance please contact your school SALT administrator, Compliance and Risk Support Officer or Andrea Warr, Manager Assurance and Risk, on email awarr@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0498 490 749.
Caritas Australia
We’re almost in the last week of Project Compassion for 2024! We hope your students, teachers, and parents have had a wonderful time putting your compassion into action and contributing to lasting change for generations to come.
As we approach Holy Week, a sacred time of reflection and significance in our faith, let’s take a moment to embrace and reflect on the spirit of compassion and the renewal it brings. This week serves as a profound reminder of the impact that each act of kindness can have on both individuals and communities.
Your school's acts of kindness, generosity, and solidarity this year are contributing to a brighter, more just world.
As we near the end of another impactful Project Compassion, remember that every dollar raised, every fundraising event organised, and every conversation sparked is a step towards creating a better tomorrow for all future generations.
Your school's commitment to compassion is shaping a brighter future for individuals, families, and communities around the world. Thank you for advocating for change.
Red Earth - Lake Mungo Womens Immersions
You are invited to spend five, special days on the Traditional Lands of the Barkandji and Mutthi Mutthi People.
- August 2024, experience life with female Traditional Custodians on Country
- Stay in privately held, remote Homelands which are inaccessible outside of this setting
- Make meaningful, authentic connections with Indigenous Australians living on their own land
- Learn about language, land, history and culture from welcoming hosts so willing to share
- Be supported in a sacred space of sharing with an open heart
Spend two days at the Culpra Milli Outstation and be welcomed by the Pearce Family, the Traditional custodians of this Land. Listen to truth-telling and dreaming stories that have been passed down through many generations. Share meals and time around the fire connecting over this unique experience, yarning into the evening. Try your hand at weaving, an ancient technique that still exists to this day. Walk on Country down the Milli (Murray River), discovering more about the rich history of this Land.
Visit the breathtaking Lake Mungo National Park on a Discovery Ranger Guided Walk, where you will be shown evidence of ancient life and Australia’s oldest living civilisation. Learn about the women who continue to honour, protect and preserve this Land. Take in the beauty as the sun rises over this striking Country. Gather around the fire and listen to talks on Aboriginal lore and Women’s Business. Pause and reflect on the experiences you’ve shared as the songs of the cockatoos sound out your final evening.
Please see the attached brochure for further details.
The Trade & Tech Fit Career Expo Returns
The Trade & Tech Fit career expo (formerly The Trades Fit) is back in 2024.
Hosted by the Department of Education, the expo showcases study and employment opportunities for female and gender diverse young people in years 7 to 12 in industries that are traditionally male dominated.
Where and when is the Trade & Tech Fit?
- Date: Wednesday 8 May and Thursday 9 May 2024
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Location: The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Cost: Admission is free
- Register at Trade & Tech Fit registration. Registrations close 5pm on Friday 19 April 2024.
The Trade & Tech Fit is 100% hands-on, allowing students to design video games, lay bricks, weld, use a flight simulator, program a robot, safety test equipment, use power tools, learn to paint and more. It provides a safe and equitable space where students engage with tradies, apprentices, and industry professionals, providing insight into the breadth of career pathways where female and gender diverse people are underrepresented.
Last year, more than 2,500 students from 119 schools attended the expo. After attending, 96% of surveyed students said it helped them understand careers in trades and technology.
For more information, refer to Trade & Tech Fit career expo.
For further enquiries, contact the Trade & Tech Fit team by email: school.industry.event@education.vic.gov.au
CRT Primary School Giveaway
SLAV South Western Branch Meeting
Members of the School Library Association of Victoria are invited to attend the South Western Branch Meeting. Come along if you are a SLAV member (or your school is) or even if you are not a current SLAV member you are still welcome to attend.
- When: Thursday 21 March, 4.30-5.30pm
- Where: Warrnambool Library, Meeting Room 4, Level 2.
Face-to-face gatherings:
- Term 1 - face to face catchup at Warrnambool Library, Kepler Street.
- Term 2 - will likely be an online catch up.
- Term 3 - CBCA Judges online talk provided by SLAV.
- Term 4 - meal catch up in person.
CBCA Shortlist announced Tuesday 19 March – just in time for our 21 March meeting. You may like to bring along one of the Shortlist if you have one. We may have a look at the CBCA Notables.
Please let Margaret Sinnott know if you would like to attend via phone 0429 612523 or email msinnott@emmanuel.vic.edu.au
Wellbeing Update
Strengthening Universal Strategies to Support Positive Classroom Behaviour
Save the date! The Diocese of Ballarat is very excited and privileged to welcome Dr. Shiralee Poed to Horsham on Friday 30 August.
Shiralee is an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and Chair of the Association for Positive Behaviour Support Australia and works nationally and internationally in Positive Behaviour support.
Come along with colleagues and together do a deep dive into strengthening universal strategies to support positive classroom behaviour.
Dr. Poed will lead two insightful sessions, exploring and deepening our understanding of universals and unpacking supporting Behaviours through Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Three options of workshops on the day will provide practical tools for fostering positive classroom behaviours. Don't miss this opportunity to drive systems change and enhance your teaching approach.
Student Wellbeing Boost Funding
- Australian schools received one-off funding from the Australian Government in mid-2023 to help address the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of students.
- The funding is provided to supplement existing mental health and wellbeing initiatives which may include: – extra school mental health professionals, such as psychologists and school counsellors – camps, excursions, sporting and social activities that improve students’ wellbeing – proven student wellbeing, student engagement and mental health initiatives.
- Schools must spend, or commit to spend, their allocated funding by 31 March 2024. Actions Required - School principals should check with their business manager to ensure that all funding provided through the Student Wellbeing Boost is expended by 31 March 2024.
For further information please contact Robyn Cranage or Liz McIntyre.
Reframing our Learning and Teaching Environments to Address Student Non-attendance
This webinar is suitable for leaders, wellbeing staff, teachers and other staff working in Australian schools, and counts as continuing professional development. This online webinar will be delivered by Justin Roberts, ReLATE National Program Director.
This webinar will focus on proactive strategies to support students who have disengaged from the school environment. It will explore trauma-informed concepts and practices that can help recreate a sense of safety and connection to school for disengaged students.
- Date: Tuesday 26 March
- Time: 3:30-5:00pm
- Cost: $110
- Find out more and register here: Training Details | MacKillop Institute
Cultural Diversity Week
Harmony Week runs from Monday 18 - Sunday 24 March. It is a celebration of diversity and a way to bring together Australians from a variety of backgrounds. It promotes inclusivity, a sense of belonging and respect - all things that we need for optimal wellbeing.
You can find further information and resources about Harmony Week here.
Diocese of Ballarat total site visits to School TV: 10,781
School TV has a special edition called Celebrating Harmony Week that you may like to share with your school community to support families in having conversations with their children. Additional resources and videos are also available in the Cultural Diversity topic (a regular edition).
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Harmony Week
This week, from 18 March to 24 March, Australians unite as we celebrate Harmony Week 2024, with March 21 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. This week I would like to share with you a reflection from Manny Bautista’s book, Living Laudato Si’: The Ecological Challenge of Pope Francis.
We are invited to wear a touch of orange this week to show your support of Harmony Week, or you can attend/host a Harmony Week event. Here are a couple of local Harmony Week events:
- “A Taste of Shanghai!” Friday 22 March at 6:30pm at the Arch View Cafe. For more information and to purchase tickets please click here
The Palm Sunday Walk for Refugees, Sunday 24 March 2:00pm to 3:30pm, McDonald Bandstand, Lake Wendouree Foreshore.
Laudato Si’ Principal - RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE POOR
The Response to the Cry of the Poor is a call to promote eco-justice, aware that we are called to defend human life from conception to death, and all forms of life on Earth.
Reading from Laudato Si’
“Saint John Paul II stated that the special love of the Creator for each human being ‘confers upon him or her an infinite dignity.’ Those who are committed to defending human dignity can find the Christian faith the deepest reason for this commitment…. The Creator can say to each one of us; ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you’ (Jer 1:5). We were conceived in the heart of God, and for this reason ‘each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.’” (LS n. 65)
Reflection
…Psalm 8 provides a description of human dignity. (vv. 5-7). Caught in the magnificence of the heavens, with its moon and stars, the Psalmist asks “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” (v. 4) Our exalted dignity as human enjoys God’s loving attention and care. The Psalmist is awe-struck with the way God lavishly treated humanity. God bestows on us intelligence, self-reflective consciousness and free will… With these gifts, we share in God's creative power. We have such an exalted dignity because of these gifts. Psalm 8 also established the connection between human dignity and the mundane to have dominion and rule over all creation (v. 7). The mundane is to be understood as the work of caring, protecting, preserving and healing creation (LS n. 67). Our God-given gifts and dignity are at the service of this work. They are meant for our good and the good of all creation; they are not intended for the despoliation and destruction of the natural world and the abuse of our fellow humans. On this basis, the violence against creation and the neglect of the poor and suffering peoples of the world run counter to our exalted human dignity and gifts.
Eco-action
A truly exalted human dignity summons us to be true to the mundane of responsible caring. Individually and uniquely, we are gifted with the creative power of God. Let us use it to carry on with our vocation. Let our dignity and honour cause the flourishing of the natural world. Let them cause the improvement of human and ecological conditions. Let whatever we ‘touch’ be seen as the goodness of God. Learn our vocation in the Earth community. At home, at school, at work, in the local and church community, find ways to live out our vacation.
Prayer
Praise to you, Lord,
God of all creation.
For through your goodness,
you gifted us with dignity
and the creative power to care.
Let us discover our talents and skills
and help us develop them for good use.
May we use our freedom wisely
so that we can become
your effective co-worker
in the Earth-human community.
Amen.
Other significant Ecological Events this week:
Friday 22 March 2024- World Water Day
2024 theme: Water for Prosperity and Peace
- World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on 22 March that highlights the importance of freshwater. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
- For more information visit here
Saturday 23 March 2024 - Earth Hour
#SWITCHOFF
- Earth Hour has grown to become much more than switching your lights off, but that iconic switch-off moment is still an important part of Earth Hour. Millions of participants around the world will switch off their lights at 8:30 pm local time on Saturday 23 March to demonstrate their support of the environment.
Here are some ways you can participate in Earth Hour 2024:
- 💡Switch off your lights for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 23.
- 💡Unplug electrical appliances and devices that are not in use.
- 💡Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
- 💡Reduce your use of plastic products.
- 💡Recycle and compost waste.
- 💡Support sustainable businesses.
- 💡Get involved in environmental advocacy.
By taking these simple steps, we can all make a difference in protecting our planet. You can register your participation in Earth Hours 2024 via this link.
Learning and Teaching Update
VCE – Reflecting on the English Exam
This is an exciting opportunity to hear from Helen Billett the VCE English Chief Examiner who will speak about the 2023 examination report, focusing on Sections A and C. Helen is keen to answer any questions that you may have and so she will be happy to take questions as she shares her reflections with us. All English team members are welcome as this will be an invaluable Professional Learning experience.
- When: 3:30 – 4:30 on Wednesday, 27 March
- Join Zoom Meeting
For further details, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) on jpetrov@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0432 499 683.
PAT Professional Learning
Facilitators:
- Breeana Wade
- Lisa Templar
- Teresa Hadden
Rationale: To develop competency in the administration and analysis of PAT data to inform reporting and classroom practice.
Participants / Target Audience: Classroom teachers, Leaders of Learning, Principals
Session 1: 16 May 2024 3:45 - 4:30pm. Register here
| Session 2: 9 October 2024 3:45 - 4:30pm Register here
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Learnership - Creating Skillful learners with James Anderson
Schools who have registered or who are interested in engaging with James Anderson’s ‘Learnership’ professional learning are invited to a free webinar tomorrow afternoon (March 20) at 3.40pm. James aims to give participants a sample of the content that will be offered on his full day professional learning workshops in April in Ballarat (April 23) and Swan Hill (April 24).
This webinar is open to all teachers and school leaders and will include an invitation to attend the workshops.
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.
Registration
- Please use the following link to access tomorrow’s free webinar: Register here
- Registration for Learnership workshops can be completed through James’ website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Financial Grants for Educational Assistance and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program 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.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program (SEWP) is another area that Opening the Doors Foundation has implemented. This program is financially funded by the Merrin Foundation and its aim is to make school travel accessible to students.
What can be funded by the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program?
- Cultural immersion experiences into remote and rural Australia, and
- Regional Victoria camps
Criteria for support for Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program
- The activity or program must be organised through a Catholic or Independent school
- Student or parent/caregiver must complete the application before the payment/s are due for camps
- An itinerary and any relevant information about program must be submitted with the application
- Student or parent/caregiver must indicate how the program will support the social or emotional wellbeing of the student on this application form
- In a cultural immersion excursion, the deposit must be paid by the parents
- Each student is allowed to apply for one Social and Emotional Wellbeing grant per grant round
Pertinent information:
- Website: Opening the Doors Foundation; Foundation Application Criteria and Guidelines
- App link: Opening the Doors Foundation Application
- Social and Emotional Wellbeing app: Link
- Phone: 0401 487 414 or 1300 236 356
- Email: enquiries@openingthedoors.org.au
- Closing date: 12 April 2024
Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) Program - Expression of Interest
REAL Schools is a school-based program that introduces Indigenous students to the work of the Korin Gamadji Institute.
Within this program, students will learn about the Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) program, including an introduction to the three key pillars of the program: Leadership, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, and Culture.
This interactive program includes cultural games, content from Richmond Football Club Indigenous players and practical social and emotional wellbeing exercises, governed by subject matter experts by our Indigenous psychologist employed by KGI. At the end of the session, students will find out how to enrol in the REAL programs and stay connected with the KGI Team.
About REAL Program
REAL journey is designed in three stages.
- First stage is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 7 & 8.
- Second stage is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 9 & 10.
- Third stage is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 & 12.
Where from here?
If you or a support staff, who are in contact with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, are interested or wanting to know more about the 2 hour FREE workshop, please email Brady Cooper, Programs Manager - bcooper@richmondfc.com.au to organise a date and time.
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 Register here
- 14 May – Koroit: St. Patrick’s School Hall Register here
- 15 May – Horsham: Venue TBC Register here
- 16 May - Mildura: The Academy 97 Seventh St. Register here
CEP's Online PD is back for Season Two
CEP’s Autumn Series, commences on 6 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.
- 20 March CEP Autumn Series - Session Three (online)
- Working in Alternative Settings
- Free online webinar. Register here
- Working in Alternative Settings
- 27 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
School Vacancies
- 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)
- Classroom Teachers – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 March)
- Classroom Teacher – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Murtoa – fixed term position at 0.2 FTE (closes 26 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)
- Learning Support Officer/s – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 0.5 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.