Weekly Newsletter #9 - 27 March 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Principal Announcement
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Announcement of Retirement - Murray Macdonald
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Professional Learning Program
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Creative Use of Technology
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Early Career Teacher Days
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ResourceSmart Schools News
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Social Justice Update
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Wellbeing 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
A Reflection for Holy Week…
Jesus arrested, judged, found guilty and condemned to die
is held captive overnight.
If I were arrested and held this night what would I be found guilty of?
That I made friends with people irrespective of their colour, creed or class….
That I shared my bread with the poor….
That my words… and actions… brought healing and forgiveness….
That I made justice and didn’t count the cost ….
That I sought the truth and then spoke of it….
That I recognised my neighbour and loved them as my very self…
That I met God along the way in the healing and forgiveness I received….
That I accepted hospitality at many different tables….
That I was changed by the lives of others….
…. and often repented my arrogance and foolishness
in encountering their wisdom …
That friends and strangers sometimes paid the price for me….
That I never sought out suffering...
….. but journeyed with it to the best of my ability...
That the love of those about me taught me to love myself before God...
You call us out of brokenness
to mend and remake your creation.
Grant us the courage to stay
with all those who are held captive this night.
In the name of Jesus who is good news, Amen.
Pat Pierce/CAFOD
From the Executive Director
Term 1 has certainly flown by and I thank and congratulate principals, teachers, and support staff for the incredibly busy and productive start to the year across our school communities.
It has been particularly pleasing to see the range of liturgical celebrations and Project Compassion activities marking the season of Lent and Holy Week, including our schools being well-represented at this week’s Mass of the Oils in St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The annual ACU Principals Wellbeing survey released last week has once again highlighted the complex and demanding work our principals do. We all know how important great leaders are to our school communities, and I encourage all of us to play a part in letting our principals know they are valued, appreciated and supported.
I would like to acknowledge the retirement of Fr Eugene McKinnon (Redan Parish, Ballarat) who is retiring after many decades of honest and faithful service to the Church. Fr Eugene has not only been a wonderful pastor to his parishioners, but a great supporter of schools. He also enjoyed a long career playing and umpiring football. I understand a CEB Deputy Director, who shall remain nameless, but was a handy fullback up Boort way back in the day, is forever grateful to Fr Eugene for not reporting him for abusing the umpire, and instead requesting three Hail Mary’s! You will be greatly missed in Parish and school life Fr Eugene!
While more is said later in this newsletter, we will be farewelling our Northern Zone Education Consultant, Murray Macdonald, at the end of next term after a long career in Catholic education in our diocese, Lismore and Sandhurst.
With every best wish to you and your loved ones for a happy, holy and restful Easter season.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Principal Announcement
Mr Vince Muscatello has advised that he will not be seeking renewal of his contract as Principal at St Paul's Primary School, Mildura beyond the 2024 school year. Vince commenced as Principal at St Paul's in 2013, after eight years as Deputy Principal at Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura.
Catholic Education Ballarat will now commence the recruitment campaign for a new Principal with an anticipated commencement date of January 2025.
We thank Vince for his contribution to the St Paul's community and Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
Announcement of Retirement - Murray Macdonald
For those not already aware, Murray Macdonald (Education Consultant – Northern Zone) has advised that he will retire at the end of Term 2.
Murray has had an outstanding career in Catholic education spanning 44 years as a teacher, principal, and Education Consultant, across three dioceses - Ballarat, Lismore, and Sandhurst.
While more will be said later, Murray has left every school community he has been involved with a better place for him being there.
His dedicated service, not to mention his razor-sharp wit, will be greatly missed.
We look forward to formally acknowledging Murray’s career later in the year.
The Education Consultant – Northern Zone position will be advertised on the DOBCEL website early next week.
Professional Learning Program
Creative Use of Technology
You are invited to attend an Open Day at Emmaus Primary School, Mt Clear focused on the Creative Use of Technology on Friday 17 May.
Early Career Teacher Days
This term has provided the opportunity for over 40 of our early career teachers to have a day out of the classroom to immerse themselves in some targeted professional development as part of the Early Career Teacher Program.
Over the two separate days, members of the CEB Learning and Teaching, Wellbeing and Catholic Identity and Mission teams, worked with early career teachers in their first year and second and third years. Executive Director, Tom Sexton provided our first-year early career teachers with a warm welcome to teaching in the Diocese. The day provided professional development topics ranging from understanding the VIT process to become a fully registered teacher, looking after your own wellbeing to working in Catholic Education, and facilitating prayer in the classroom. The second and third year cohort focussed on strengthening and building knowledge when supporting behavioural needs within the classroom setting.
A really important component of the program is providing networking and connection opportunities for teachers in the early stages of their careers. On both days there was a wonderful sense of community being built. Learnings and experiences were shared as supportive networks started to build between colleagues who are now connected and able to help each other navigate the challenges and joys of early career teaching.
Early career teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of education, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and enthusiasm to our classrooms. The early career teacher program reflects the partnership between DOBCEL and schools, who together support the professional growth of early career teachers.
The next early career teacher days will be held in May and June with registration details below –
- Monday May 20 - Early careers teachers - 1st year & pre-service – Ballarat
- Wednesday May 22 - Early careers teachers - 1st year & pre-service – Robinvale
- Thursday June 13 - Early careers teachers - 2nd & 3rd year - VC
Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.
ResourceSmart Schools News
The latest ResourceSmart Schools newsletter is out now!
Featured news:
- Awards, grants and competitions
- Message to new and returning schools
- Online events
- See what's happening around your region
- New and updates online resources and modules
- Resources for teachers
- Sustainable school stories
- And more!!
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
Social Justice Update
An Easter Reflection
Laudato Si’ Principal - RESPONSE TO THE CRY FOR THE EARTH
The Response to the Cry of the Earth is a call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability.
ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY
Ecological Spirituality springs from a profound ecological conversion and helps us to “discover God in all things”, both in the beauty of creation and in the sighs of the sick and the groans of the afflicted, aware that the life of the spirit is not dissociated from worldly realities.
Reflection
In response to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, Pope Francis, in Laudato Si, calls every human being to work towards “integral ecology”, recognising that “everything is connected”. Through the centuries, though, this connectedness has been broken. Relationships have been fragmented.
Unless we begin to align ourselves with nature,
nature will be endangered
and our own lives with it, our own souls with it…
We are here as part of creation,
not controllers of it and not consumers of it
We are here to find our proper place in it
to grow with all of it.
Joan Chittister
The word "Easter" comes from Old English, meaning simply the "East." The sun which rises in the East, bringing light, warmth, and hope, is a symbol for the Christian of the rising Christ, who is the true Light of the world. Easter is an opportunity to reconsider our relationship to this planet, and a good time to reflect on the truly transformational work that lies ahead. Easter is also an inspirational homage to the possibility that we can live in harmony with our environment.
In 1950, Renowned German theologian and theological peritus at the Second Vatican Council, Jesuit Fr. Karl Rahner, adeptly explained the joyful mystery of Easter, which is, as he put it, "the most human message of Christianity." In his article, “A Faith That Loves the Earth”, Rahner explains that it is not only Easter but all of Holy Week that has significance for more than just humanity alone. There is ecological significance of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, followed by Christ's death on Good Friday having environmental significance.
“When we say 'amen' to 'the body of Christ,' may we also say 'amen' to our interconnectedness with and interdependence on the rest of creation.”
Fr. Karl Rahner, (1950) “A Faith That Loves the Earth” Geist und Leben Journal
I first heard of Fr. Rahner in an article published in the National Catholic Reporter, on March 22nd 2024, by Daniel P. Horan, in which Horan efficiently explains Rahner’s philosophical view of the joyful mystery of Easter. Rhaner explains that Easter calls us forward "as a loving faith that allows us to be brought along on this unimaginable journey of all earthly reality headed toward its own glory, a journey that started with the resurrection of Christ."
Daniel P. Horan, (2024) “An Ecological Approach to Holy Week” National Catholic Reporter
Eco-action & Prayer
I invite you to take a moment over the coming holy days, to read the article by Horan in full, An Ecological Approach to Holy Week, by Daniel P. Horan, before stepping outside, and entering into nature for an ecological encounter: An Ecological Encounter: Easter 2024
Other significant Ecological and Social Justice Events this week:
Friday 30th March 2024 - 🌏 International Day of Zero Waste
The International Day of Zero Waste, observed annually on 30 March, highlights both the importance of bolstering waste management globally and the need to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. Every year, humanity generates between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste. What actions will you take towards zero waste?
Sunday 7th April 2024 - 🌏 ✚ United Nations World Health Day
My health, my right
Around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
To find out more visit: World Health Organisation - World Health Day 2-24: My health, my right
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
Wellbeing Update
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support
Please click here to read the SWPBS Term 1 update.
School TV
This year, World Health Day falls on the April 7, during the holidays. The focus for this year is My Health, My Right, chosen to champion the rights of individuals to have access to health services, education and conditions conducive to good health.
Physical activity and exercise is not only vital to a child’s overall development but it has so many other benefits. With children spending more time on computers being sedentary, it is even more important to get kids moving more. As well as maintaining a healthy weight, it also improves concentration by helping to establish connections between different parts of the brain. It helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. On an emotional level, it reduces stress and anxiety while improving posture and sleep. Physical activity and exercise is good for your child’s health, now and in the future. Parents should encourage their kids to move or play sport at every opportunity – in and out of school.
As the Autumn school holidays approach it’s the perfect time to think about how we can incorporate more ‘active time’ into each day. School TV has lots of great information to support parents and carers in having these conversations with their children.
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.
| 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:
REGISTRATIONS STILL OPEN
- 13th May – Ballarat: St. James’ Sebastopol School Hall Register here
- 14th May – Koroit: St. Patrick’s School Hall Register here
PLEASE NOTE
Due to low registrations there is potential that the Horsham and Mildura events will need to be CANCELLED if sufficient registrations are not received by the end of week 1. If this occurs alternate options are currently being explored.
- 15th May – Horsham: Venue TBC Register here Registrations CLOSING SOON!
- 16th May - Mildura: The Academy 97 Seventh St. Register here Registrations CLOSING SOON!
There is a discount of 30% off a ticket price when you book 6+ participants
CEP's Online PD is back for Season Two
The final CEP Autumn Series session will be held this afternoon:
- 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:
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
- 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)
- Finance Officer – St John’s School, Dennington – ongoing position at 0.92 FTE (closes 5 April)
- Sport/Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 8 April)
- Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 April)
- STEM teacher – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 April)
- Music Teacher – St Mary’s School, Swan Hill – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 12 April)
- Maintenance Officer – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 April)
- Subject Teachers – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 April)
- Mathematics/Science Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 April)
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.