Weekly Newsletter #11 - 24 April 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Urgent call for short-term casual relief teachers
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150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat - Pastoral Office Notice
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Professional Learning Program
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SIMON Code Camp
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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
Building a Society that Models Jesus’ Outreach to the Rejected
The following reflection speaks about The Kingdom of God. What does this mean in a world experiencing so much violence? Also this ANZAC Day, as always, we remember all those who have been affected by the atrocities of war and violence.
This past week has been trying for us and even more traumatic for those who were affected by the two separate stabbing incidents. They have left us shaken, anxious and on edge. We have seen some of the worst of human behaviour; but by the same token, we have also witnessed some of the best demonstrations of human nature.
As people of faith, we are called to build social cohesion, harmony and friendship in a fragmented and polarised world. We must be especially united against all forms of violence, scapegoating and ostracising others on the basis of their race, religion and belief system.
The Word of God on this Fourth Sunday of Easter teaches us that God reveals Himself as one who identifies with the victims of hatred, injustice, persecution and marginalisation.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the Good Shepherd to show how much he cares for all, but especially the weak and vulnerable. He is the ultimate expression of the divine pathos towards humanity. “I am the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.” In Jesus who surrounds Himself with the outcast, we see a God of solidarity and vulnerability. In Jesus, we meet a God who disturbs our comfort and pushes us out to the periphery to be with the least of His brothers and sisters.
The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is one of the most endearing but also the most sentimentalised and domesticated to the extent that we are not sufficiently challenged by the message it is meant to convey. For when Jesus identified himself as a shepherd, He in fact made Himself an outcast. Shepherds were not only of lower class but also of a different race to the Jews. Even to this day, shepherds in Palestine are generally descendants of the nomadic Arabs, known as the Bedouins. In calling Himself a shepherd, Jesus became a boundary breaker. He broke the barriers of class, race and culture in order to embrace others who were considered outsiders. By identifying with the rejected, He became, as Peter affirms, the cornerstone of God’s new social order. This stepping into the place of the victim on the part of Jesus in turn destroyed all our scapegoating mechanisms. In Jesus crucified and glorified, we are delivered from our propensity to violence and scapegoating. We can now build a new future with the very people whom we regard as threats, outsiders or even enemies. This is what the Kingdom of God is all about.
- Vincent Long Van Nguyen, OFM Conv DD STL, Bishop of Parramatta.
Adapted from Bishop Vincent’s homily Downloaded 22nd April, 2024 from: https://catholicoutlook.org/bishop-vincents-homily-building-a-society-that-models-jesus-outreach-to-the-rejected/
From the Executive Director
Greetings from All Saints Primary School, Portland where our DOBCEL Board is meeting this week. We have been made very welcome and the student leaders have impressed the Board directors with their warmth, knowledge of their great school, and leading us in prayer this morning. We also enjoyed mass with parishioners and dinner last night.
All Saints is the oldest Catholic school in the diocese, and we offer our best wishes to Principal, Jamie Walsh, and staff, as they celebrate 175 years of service to the local community this year.
Catholic Education Week is upon us (29 April - 3 May) and I know there is a wonderful array of activities planned across the diocese to celebrate and promote the distinctive mission and ethos of Catholic schools.
I again offer my congratulations to the 17 teachers and staff who have been nominated for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award recognising outstanding contribution to Catholic education in the diocese, along with a remarkable 39 teachers and staff who will receive 30 Years of Service awards.
Their achievements will be honoured, and three Spirit of Catholic Education Award recipients will be announced, at the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass and Dinner in Ballarat next Friday evening.
In addition, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat, and in recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers who have educated their people on this land for thousands of years, four Message Sticks will be commissioned and will simultaneously begin their journey to each Catholic school across the four education zones of the Diocese, at next Friday’s Mass.
To further help spread the good news about Catholic education, this week we are pleased to have launched an inaugural TV and radio advertising campaign across the diocese. The campaign runs until 19 May and invites families to consider the wonderful opportunities offered by our affordable, contemporary Catholic schools. You can view the advertisement here.
As our DOBCEL strategic planning engagement process continues, we thank Principals and school communities in the Colac and Warrnambool areas for hosting Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge this week, and providing vital insight and input to this co-design process.
Finally, I thank and congratulate school communities for their ongoing commitment to recognising ANZAC Day through participation in both school and wider community commemorations. Lest we Forget.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
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.
150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat - Pastoral Office Notice
We are celebrating the whole of 2024 as an anniversary year. Bishop Paul has invited parishes to acknowledge the 150th anniversary at Masses on the weekend of April 27-28, 2024. He invites schools to mark the anniversary during the week of April 29 - May 3, coinciding with Catholic Education Week which was brought forward for the occasion. Bishop Paul encourages each parish and each school to acknowledge their own history in the context of the 150 years of the history of the diocese. Local communities are coming up with creative ways of telling their local story as part of the diocesan story. Parishes are encouraged to host a community gathering on the weekend of April 27-28, perhaps tea, coffee and cake after Mass, or a meal shared together. Funds are available from the Ballarat Diocesan Foundation to support such gatherings. Please contact Jane Collins (jane.collins@ballarat.catholic.org.au) for further information.
Bishop Paul is commemorating the anniversary year with a personal visit to each parish and looks forward to celebrating with as many local communities as possible throughout the year. We would like to include a brief report and photos in the diocesan news of Bishop Paul’s visits to your parish this year. Please send to pastoralministry@ballarat.catholic.org.au.
There are resources available to celebrate Sunday Masses on the weekend of April 27-28 which includes the Introductory Rite, Prayer of the Faithful and homily notes provided by Bishop Paul. We encourage you to pray the Anniversary Prayer at these Masses. You may also use the songs composed for the 150th anniversary by Roger Hillman, Fr Andrew Hayes and Gerry Vytilingam. There are three songs available: Together We Build Our Place, Rain in the Mallee and Humble Service.
Resources, prayer and songs are available here.
Professional Learning Program
Please click the 'Download Here' button below to open the flyer.
SIMON Code Camp
This week the SIMON team came together for a three-day Code Camp at the Mercure Conference Centre, Ballarat. The ‘camp’ provides an intensive opportunity for programmers to focus on important technologies and roadmap features for the ongoing development of SIMON including:
- New Student Attendance processing to enhance complex attendance scenarios.
- Preparation of the legacy pages in SIMON to work with the new SIMON navigation system.
- The release of the new user interface will be staged over time that will see the older aspects of SIMON being replaced. The initial release will introduce the new work desk, student profiles and related administrative tasks in the new management pages.
- The camp will bring the entire team up to speed with the new user interface, design principles, and the technologies now used to construct the new user experience.
The new look SIMON will be launched at the upcoming SIMON Conference on 13/14th of May.
For more information visit: SIMON User Conference 2024 Website (simonschools.net)
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 (both days)
Location – Koroit – St Patrick’s Primary School
- 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
Trybooking 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.
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
National Reconciliation Week 2024 (27 May - 3 June)
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme reminds all Australians that Now More Than Ever, the work of reconciliation continues. Whether through truth-telling, understanding our history, within education, or by challenging institutionalised inequity, we can be instrumental by being champions of reconciliation. There are many ways we can do this in our workplaces, communities, homes and social settings.
A resource document has been created that may prove valuable in celebrating this week. If you have any queries, please contact CEB’s Education Officers: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Helen Christensen on 0467 415 768 or via Helen's email or Jeanette Morrison 0408 360 098 or via Jeanette's email.
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.
Primary News
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 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
There is a discount of 30% per ticket when you book 6+ participants.
PLEASE NOTE - Due to low registrations the Horsham and Mildura events have been CANCELLED.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
An Anzac prayer
Heavenly Father,
This ANZAC Day, we gather in remembrance and reflection. Grant us the wisdom to seek love in every interaction, to uphold justice in every decision, to extend forgiveness in every moment of hurt, and to pursue reconciliation in every relationship.
May the sacrifices of the brave men and women who served our nations be eternally honoured, and may their courage inspire us to build a world filled with Your peace. Bless us with the strength to forge bonds of unity, understanding, and compassion among all peoples.
As we stand together in solemn commemoration, may our actions reflect Your divine grace, guiding us to sow seeds of harmony and goodwill wherever we go.
Amen.
Anzac classroom resources last week, you can find them here.
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.
Articles submitted by Kate Lawry.
International Mother Earth Day - When Mother Earth sends us a message
Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Nature is suffering. Oceans filling with plastic and turning more acidic. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods, have affected millions of people. Our own country continues to suffer the effects of devastating bushfires, floods and droughts.
Climate change, man-made changes to nature as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destruction of the planet.
For the third year in a row, Mother Earth Day was celebrated within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This decade invites us to make ten-year commitments aimed at caring for our common home by ‘supporting and scaling up efforts to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide and raise awareness of the importance of successful ecosystem restoration’.
In the Bible we read that: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of God’s hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.’ Psalm 19:1-3.
We are all part of this gift of creation. We are a part of nature, not separated from it. This is what the Bible tells us.
Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Restoring our damaged ecosystems will help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction. But we will only succeed if everyone plays a part.
Whilst Monday 22nd April marked Mother Earth Day, for this International Mother Earth Day, and the coming weeks, months and years, let's remind ourselves - more than ever - that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Let’s promote harmony with nature and the Earth. Join the global movement to restore our world!
Eco-action
Using the suggested Laudato Si’ Goal actions listed below, choose an action, or if you feel comfortable, one from each goal, to play your part by living out the encyclical, as we work together help restore our Earth’s precious ecosystems, improving the life of all creation.
Upcoming significant Ecological Events:
🗓️ Wednesday 1st - Friday 31st May 2024 Mindful in May (month)
- In times like these, we really can't afford to lose our minds. Research shows it only takes 10 minutes of meditation a day to see significant positive benefits to your life.
- Cool Org (formerly Cool Australia) have resources that you can practise with your students, in or outside of the classroom, and at home. Cool.org Mindful in May Resources
- For further information see the Mindful in May website: Mindful in May
🗓️ Sunday 19th - Sunday 26th May 2024 Laudato Si’ Week
Laudato Si’ Week - May 19-26, 2024
Laudato Si' Week is a celebration held every May to commemorate the anniversary of Pope Francis' encyclical “Laudato Si'” on the care of our common home. It is organised by the Laudato Si' Movement and sponsored by the Vatican's Dicastery for Integral Human Development.
Throughout Laudato Si’ Week, Catholics come together to offer living witness to the changes brought about by the encyclical. This Laudato Si’ Week and Pentecost, let us gather in community to contemplate and nurture seeds of hope for our “suffering planet” (LD 2). Laudate Deum is a reminder about the urgency of the Laudato Si’ message and the need for both personal and cultural transformation amidst our ecological and climate crises.
This year's Laudato Si' Week theme is inspired by the symbol for Season of Creation 2024, “firstfruits.” Let us be seeds of hope in our lives and our world, rooted in faith and love.
As Laudato Si Week is fast approaching, please find below some resources to share within your schools from Caritas Australia: Catholic Earthcare to help you with your forward planning.
The new Laudato Si’ Week resources are now available to download here
If you would like to find out more about global efforts this Laudato Si’ Week, please click on this link.
Victorian School Garden Program (VSGP) Newsletter
Check out the latest VSGP update here!
Featured articles:
- Garden Grants Closing Soon
- Sustainable Scarecrow Competition results
- Workshops for Teachers
- and more...
Articles 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 28 April)
- Education Consultant- Primary Northern Zone - fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 April)
School Vacancies
- 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)
- Learning Support Officer – St James’ School, Sebastopol – fixed term position at 0.79 FTE (closes 29 April)
- Classroom Teacher Primary F/1 (Maternity Position) – St Patrick’s School, Gordon – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 May)
- Administration and Compliance Officer- Executive Office – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 May)
- F/1 Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart School, Casterton – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 May)
- Teachers: Various roles- Trinity College, Colac – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 May)
- English Teacher – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 May)
- Generalist Teacher - Various roles – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 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.