Weekly Newsletter #10 - 17 April 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Condolences
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Urgent call for short-term casual relief teachers
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Our Diocesan Community - March 2024
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Wellbeing - SchoolTV
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Professional Learning Program
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Expression of Interest for AI Working Party
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People and Development Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
A reflection as the Easter season continues
Easter involves the celebration of new life. What does new life look like? In the following reflection by Jim Quillinan he reflects upon the theme of hospitality. From the Christian perspective when the new life of Jesus Christ is present and known, it involves a new way of imagining what the world can be.
The invitation of Easter for Christians involves bringing the life of Jesus Christ present continually to the world. To be people who make known the resurrection each day. One of the building blocks for making Jesus known may involve hospitality.
From the Executive Director
Welcome back to Term Two and best wishes to all teachers and staff across our school communities for a safe, happy and productive term ahead.
I would like to recognise the spate of terrible violence that has occurred in both our local, state and national communities over recent weeks. These incidents have generated enormous public reaction and media coverage. I remind all staff of the heightened importance of monitoring both their own and students’ wellbeing. SchoolTV is a wonderful resource to support you in this respect. The DOBCEL Wellbeing Team has also provided some specific recommendations later in this newsletter.
Last week the DOBCEL strategic planning process continued with a gathering of Catholic Education Ballarat staff. While the co-design of the plan is being guided by Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge (Future Schools), we were delighted to receive thought-provoking and inspiring input from world-renowned Canadian school improvement specialist, Professor Michael Fullan, along with students from Damascus College, Ballarat. The new strategic plan is anticipated to be completed in July this year. As this week’s stimulus piece, I encourage you to read one of eminent educator Sir Ken Robinson’s final reflections: A global reset of education.
With Auslan becoming an increasingly popular choice of second language in our schools (17 are now involved), more than 200 teachers and Deaf community members came together on Monday for professional learning focusing on promoting inclusion through the Auslan Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) program. Congratulations and thanks to all involved in planning and participating in this significant initiative. You can read our media release here.
Finally, I acknowledge we have a CRT shortage across the diocese and it is especially acute in the Northern Zone. For this reason we are putting out an urgent call for short-term casual relief teachers, specifically to assist with the release of 11 graduate teachers from their schools in Mildura, Swan Hill, and Robinvale for an important induction day program on May 22, and again in Term 3 (August 14 and 15). We all know how important it is to support our graduate teachers. If you know someone who might be able to assist, and enjoy a few days away, one of which will be a CRT day, in some fantastic locations, please contact Samantha Meerbach smeerbach@dobcel.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible for for further information. Note: We will be providing travel, accommodation and other benefits.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Condolences
Sr Mary Madden, died very peacefully at Mercy Place, Ballarat, last Friday afternoon, 12April.
Mary was a Mercy woman of deep faith, committing her life to others through education as a teacher and Principal in schools throughout the Ballarat Diocese including Ballarat, Penshurt, Warracknabeal, Apollo Bay, Robinvale and Donald. Completing further studies, Mary also worked as a Welfare Officer and Parish Pastoral Associate. Mary was an exceptionally kind person, gracious and welcoming to all with whom she came in contact.
Mary is now reunited with her two sisters - Sr Agatha and Sr Christina - who pre-deceased her. Together, they are a trinity of Madden Mercies held in the embrace of their loving God.
The funeral for Sr Mary Madden will take place on Tuesday, 23April, at St Alipius Church, Ballarat, at 10.30am.
The live-stream links are as follows:
Urgent call for short-term casual relief teachers
Do you know any registered teachers who are recently retired or currently on parental leave who may be interested in some casual relief teaching?
To assist us to release 11 graduate teachers from their schools in Mildura, Swan Hill and Robinvale for an important induction day program on 22 May, and again in Term 3 (14 and 15 August), DOBCEL is calling for any registered teachers who might be able to provide casual relief teaching.
The relief teachers will receive:
- Casual relief teaching wage rates for travel time
- Depending on travel time and distance, accommodation costs for nights away (including the night before and after teaching days)
- Depending on travel time and distance, a nominal fuel and meal allowance, as per the ATO guidelines, will be discussed with individuals based on travel circumstances
- Opportunities to work in supportive and welcoming Catholic school communities.
If you know someone who might be able to assist, and enjoy a few days away in some fantastic locations at the same time, please contact Samantha Meerbach (smeerbach@dobcel.catholic.edu.au) as soon as possible.
Our Diocesan Community - March 2024
The March edition of 'Our Diocesan Community' is now available! This wonderful magazine features the good news stories of our schools, parishes and agencies across the diocese.
A reminder that if your school community has a story to share with others in the diocese, the Pastoral Ministry Office would welcome articles and photos for publication in ODC and the diocesan e-News.
Please forward to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au.
By ODC Editorial Committee
Jane Collins & Julie Boyd.
Wellbeing - SchoolTV
SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource to help support parenting relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. SchoolTV supports families by providing credible information from trusted sources with practical strategies to help alleviate some of the challenges being faced by young people today.
Some resources and videos that may support your school communities at this time are School Transitions, Youth Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, and Loss which are accompanied by factsheets, podcasts, books, articles, apps, and other videos.
Watch for an upcoming special report that is expected to be released early next week in response to recent community events.
If you would like further resources on any of these areas, please reach out to Liz McIntyre (lmcintyre@dobcel.catholic.edu.au) or other members of our DOBCEL Student Wellbeing Team.
Professional Learning Program
Please click the 'Download Here' button below to open the flyer.
Expression of Interest for AI Working Party
With the increase of AI across the education sector we are in the process of drafting an initial AI Position Paper to support DOBCEL schools. We are seeking expressions of interest for a working party to meet virtually, and possibly in person where appropriate, to share ideas, provide context and support schools in their smart and ethical use of AI.
This is a voluntary working party that will support the development of an AI position paper and would require only approximately 2 hours of time commitment per month, subject and dependant on your capacity to be involved. We are aiming to begin with a brief virtual introductory session in Week 4, Term 2.
If this is something that you are interested in or would like to know more about, please complete this expression of interest form.
People and Development Update
Crucial Conversations – May 30 & 31
- Time - 9:00-4:00
- Location – Koroit - TBC
- Cost $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch)
- Trybooking registration
Crucial Conversations teaches a model for effective communication, that can be applied to any situation, but particularly difficult or high-stakes situations. It focuses on fostering dialogue, managing emotions, and achieving mutual understanding. The model helps to navigate high-stakes discussions with openness, respect, and skill, enhancing relationships and driving positive outcomes.
This program is designed for anyone who would like to develop skills in providing effective feedback and fostering open dialogue. The skills can be transferred across a range of situations including providing feedback and fostering open dialogue with colleagues, parents/carers and the community. It is relevant for people working in schools as well as the CEB office.
Future workshop dates -
Crucial Conversations will also be run on the following dates -
- 3 & 4 Sep - Swan Hill
- 12 & 13 Nov - TBA
Try booking links for these dates will be supplied soon.
If you have any queries about the program please contact Fiona Murphy.
Article submitted by Fiona Murphy.
Flourish Wellbeing e-Magazine – April 2024
The April 2024 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- The Cost of Living Crisis & Our Mental Health
- World Immunisation Week
- Being Financially Well
Also in this edition:
- When Is The Best Time to Exercise
- Sleep Hygiene in the Remote Work Era
- Work Health & Safety Day at Work
- Supporting Young People Through Climate Distress
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
Article submitted by Tania Lund.
Learning and Teaching Update
Early Career Teacher Days 2024
The Early Career Teacher Program is a three-year integrated program designed to support early career teacher induction into the Ballarat Diocese and the teaching profession, within the particular context of working in the ministry of Catholic education. The program reflects the partnership between DOBCEL and schools who together support the professional growth of early career teachers. Elements of the program presented through these dedicated days will complement formation opportunities initiated by the school community.
Graduate and Early Career Teacher program days will take place on the following dates throughout 2024. To encourage participation and decrease travel time for people in the north, program days in terms one and two will be run in two locations (Ballarat and Robinvale). The content on both days will be the same, and participants should only attend one day.
If you know an early career teacher, please share these dates with them!
TERM 2: 1st-year graduate/early career teachers dates - (content on both days is the same, please only attend one day).
2nd/3rd year early career teacher dates -
| TERM 3: Halls Gap – Country Plaza
TERM 4: Individual check-ins with Early career teachers |
If you have any queries about the program please contact Sarah Hanley on shanley@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Effective Mentoring Program
Calling mentor teachers!
The Effective Mentoring Program (EMP) is a free professional learning program developed and delivered in partnership with DE and VIT.
This two-day program equips participants with mentoring skills to support beginning teachers and guide them through the provisional to full registration process.
Any teacher who wishes to become a mentor for a PRT moving to full registration is able to participate in a VIT-approved mentoring program.
Two-day EMP Course
Location | Day 1 | Day 2 |
Ballarat | 13 March 2024 | 24 April 2024 |
Bendigo | 24 July 2024 | 28 August 2024 |
Geelong | 7 May 2024 | 26 June 2024 |
Horsham | 27 March 2024 | 23 May 2024 |
Mildura | 14 August 2024 | 18 September 2024 |
Warrnambool | 7 August 2024 | 11 September 2024 |
One-day EMP refresher course
Refresher courses are available for those who have completed the initial two-day training but would like to refresh their mentoring skills.
Location | Day 1 |
Melbourne | 5 June 2024 |
Melbourne | 8 August 2024 |
For further information and registrations please click here.
General News
Mathematics 2.0 Reporting advice
As all schools will be aware, late last year the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) published the revised Mathematics curriculum for Foundation to 10 (Version 2.0). Whilst most schools are using 2024 as a year of familiarisation, a number of schools have moved to full implementation of the curriculum this semester.
The updated curriculum includes changes to standards used by teachers to assess and report student learning in Mathematics, and as a result there are two important considerations for school implementation:
- Reporting software that is compliant with VCAA specifications will not display a student’s previous assessment level in the first instance that they are assessed against the revised Mathematic curriculum 2.0. Indication of previous assessment will appear in the second year of implementation.
- Teachers will be required to report to the revised standards using a single aggregated score, rather than entering scores for the 6 individual strands.
Schools seeking further clarification regarding these two points are invited to contact Teresa Hadden thadden@dobcel.catholic.edu.au . Questions regarding the specifics of reporting software can be directed to Andrew Weir from the SIMON team aweir@simonschools.net .
PAT Professional Learning
Rationale: To develop competency in the administration and analysis of PAT data to inform reporting and classroom practice.
Facilitators:
- Breeana Wade
- Lisa Templar
- Teresa Hadden
Session 1: 16 May 2024 3:45 - 4:30pm.
| Session 2: 9 October 2024 3:45 - 4:30pm Register here
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Participants / Target Audience
- Classroom teachers
- Leaders of Learning
- Principals
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 member, 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.
Learnership - Creating Skillful learners with James Anderson
Schools who have registered, or are interested in engaging with James Anderson’s ‘Learnership’ professional learning, are invited to view a recorded presentation James created at the end of Term 1, giving a sample of the content that will be offered on his full day professional learning workshops in April in Ballarat (April 23) and SwanHill (April 24).
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:
Registration for Learnership workshops can be completed through James’ website.
Primary News
Maths Bites - Unpacking The Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
Many primary learning leaders took part in familiarisation workshops on the revised Mathematics Curriculum in Term 1. During Term 3 another option will be available for schools using 2024 as a year of familiarisation. Primary Leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers are invited to engage in introductory workshops on the F - Year 6 Victorian Mathematics Curriculum. These ONLINE sessions will be facilitated by Teresa Hadden, Julie Cooper and Sarah McKnight, Primary Education Officers from CEB.
Please note: The content presented will be an online version of the face to face days offered in Term 1.
The online sessions will take place on:
- Tuesday 30 July, 2pm - 3pm
- Tuesday 6 August, 2pm - 3pm
- Tuesday 13 August, 2pm - 3pm
The content will include:
- Exploring the structure and introductory documents for the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
- Discover the similarities and differences between V1.0 and V2.0
- Map out a Scope and Sequence for the year demonstrating the interconnectedness of concepts.
- Focus on a key mathematical concept in each workshop and create ‘I can’ statements and assessment ideas from F - Year 6. This material will then be shared across the Diocese.
Please use this link to register your ability to attend all or some of the sessions.
Expressions of Interest for Face-to-Face Sounds-Write Training
One of our Central Zone schools has been offered the opportunity for Face-to-Face training in the ‘Sounds-Write’ systematic synthetic phonics program, provided there is sufficient interest for feasibility purposes. We are currently seeking expressions of interest from schools in our diocese wishing to partner in this training. The four-day course would be held in Ballarat in late August or early September, with definite dates given once interest has been ascertained.
Course fees are approximately $1000 per participant, with a small additional percentage of the facilitator's overall fee to be paid by participating schools. The course will cover all theoretical and practical aspects of the ‘Sounds-Write’ approach, with the addition of tailored advice for implementation in Grades 3-6. Further information on course content can be found by following the link to the Sounds-Write webpage.
Please contact Julie Cooper (jcooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au) or Susan Vowles (svowles@scballarat.catholic.edu.au) to express your interest before Tuesday 30 April.
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 until Friday 3 May
- 13 May – Ballarat: St. James’ Sebastopol School Hall - Register here
- 14 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.
- 15 May – Horsham: Venue TBC Register here - Registrations close Friday 3 May
- 16 May - Mildura: The Academy 97 Seventh St. Register here - Registrations close Friday 3 May
There is a discount of 30% off a ticket price when you book 6+ participants.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Catholic Education Week 2024 Liturgy
Please see attachments to assist in celebrating liturgies for Catholic Education Week 2024. Thanks to Jim Waight, Bernie Tolan, Sarah Curran and Susan Crowe for piecing it all together.
Included are copies of music for 150 years Anniversary, you will also find on the word document hyperlinks to a video for reflection and further resources for the 150 years.
Article submitted by Kate Lawry.
An Easter Reflection - Social Justice Update
The Resurrection of Christ reminds us that, after darkness, light always comes and that every ending can be the beginning of something wonderful and new. Inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', we are invited to reflect on the deep connection between our faith and the care of our common home.
The Easter Gospel showed us Mary Magdalene, Peter and John in front of the empty tomb, facing the mystery of the Resurrection. This encounter with the mystery calls us to be agents of change and hope in the world. In Laudato Si', we are urged to contemplate how "everything is interconnected": our spirituality, our daily actions, and the well-being of our planet and of all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Laudato Si’ - RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF 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. Actions could include the adoption of renewable energies and energy efficiency measures, achieving carbon neutrality, protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and guaranteeing access to clean water for all.
A Reading from Laudato Si’
“The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast”. [Benedict XVI, Homily for the Solemn Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry (24 April 2005): AAS 97 (2005), 710]
For this reason, the ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion. It must be said that some committed and prayerful Christians, with the excuse of realism and pragmatism, tend to ridicule expressions of concern for the environment. Others are passive; they choose not to change their habits and thus become inconsistent. So what they all need is an “ecological conversion”, whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience. (LS 217)
Jesus invited the Emmaus disciples to see through his eyes. Francis does the same in Laudato Si' as he calls Christians to "an 'ecological conversion,' whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them." (LS 217)
Christ's resurrection is, in itself, a cry for life that leads us to overcome the logic of discarding and death in order to open ourselves to the logic of encounter and resurrection. In this context, every effort to care for the environment and human life is a reflection of faith in resurrection, in the triumph of life over death.
May this Easter be a time of spiritual renewal and renewed commitment to our mission as stewards of creation in every corner of the world.
Eco-action
Reflect on our lifestyle: How can we live more sustainably and in harmony with God's creation?
Pray and meditate: So that our spirituality may be the inspiration to love and protect the world that God has entrusted to us.
Other significant Ecological Events this week
Monday 22 April 2024 🌏 International Mother Earth Day
International Mother Earth Day recognises the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity's common home and the need to protect her to enhance people's livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.
🤔 Why not try to adopt some of the ‘Random Acts of Green’ from the list to the side (click to expand) this April, and do your part to Make Mother Earth feel loved – together!
Prayer to Mother Earth
By Lucy Bunch
We pray to you, Mother Earth, with gratitude
For your holding and sustaining love
For the air, water, and soil that feed us
For the mountains and rivers and oceans that calm our spirits
For loving and supporting all beings and all creation.
We pray to you, Mother Earth, with humility
Help us to remember our place in the great web of life
Help us to remember that we are but a part of this great web,
and that we must do our part for all life.
We pray to you, Mother Earth, for forgiveness
For our ignorance and willful disregard of the damage we have done to you,
to the air and the waters,
and the soil and the life of this beautiful planet.
We pray to you, Mother Earth, for fortitude
to uphold our part in reversing the damage we have caused,
for fortitude to make and sustain a commitment to do our part to heal the planet.
Mother Earth, in gratitude and humility, we ask that you hold us and sustain us,
as we strive to live in connection with you and all life.
Amen
Source: https://www.uua.org/people/lucy-bunch
Article submitted by Sarah Page.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies
- Executive Assistant to the Executive Director – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 April)
- Education Consultant- Primary Northern Zone - fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 April)
School Vacancies
- Classroom Teacher Primary F/1 (Maternity Position) – Sacred Heart School, Casterton – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 April)
- Mathematics/Science Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 April)
- Learning Support Officer – St Brigid’s School, Ballan – fixed term, part-time position at 0.45 FTE (closes 26 April)
- Classroom Teacher Position – Year 1 – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Wendouree – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 April)
- Classroom Teacher Primary – Our Lady Help of Christians, Murtoa – fixed term, part-time position at 0.20 FTE (closes 26 April)
- Science Teacher – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 April)
- Subject Teachers – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 April)
- Classroom Teacher Primary F/1 (Maternity Position) – St Patrick’s School, Gordon – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 May)
- Exam Supervisor – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – casual/relief position (closes 10 June)
Outside of the Ballarat Diocese
- Executive Director – Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns – applications close Wednesday 8 May 2024
Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.