Weekly Newsletter #13 - 8 May 2024
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Reflection
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From the Executive Director
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Outstanding contributors to Catholic education recognised
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Simplify, Secure, and Supercharge Your School's SIMON
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Anniversary Formation
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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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Catholic Identity and Mission Update
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Learning and Teaching Update
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Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection
A Reflection on the Love of Women - by Jan Richardson
The story of the Exodus begins in the hearts of the women. The midwives Shiphrah and Puah, the mother of Moses, his sister, the daughter of Pharaoh: without them, no Moses, no Exodus, no freedom.
There is a beautiful resonance between the story of these women and the story of the Canaanite mother whose lively exchange with Jesus we see in Matthew 15:21-28. Throughout the gospels we also encounter Mary as courageous, the first disciple responding to God’s call. Each in her own way is bent on tracing the circle wider. They give themselves, often at great risk, to save the life of another. Clever, creative, and fiercely devoted to those in their care, each woman displays a sacred stubbornness that will forever alter the story of the people of God.
And us? What, and whom, will we choose to be fierce in protecting? How will we give ourselves to help make possible the life and the freedom of another?
Fierce Blessing
Believe me when I say
there is nothing
this blessing would not do
to protect you
to save you
to encompass you.
This blessing
would stand between you
and every danger,
every evil,
every harm
and hurt.
This blessing
would dare
to wade with you
into the waters that come
bearing life.
It would make
a way for you
through the waters that come
threatening death.
I cannot explain
how fierce
this blessing feels
about you
but I can tell you
it has more than pledged
itself to you;
it would lay down
its life for you
and not once
look back in regret
nor go in sorrow
for what it has chosen
to give.
And you—
so deeply blessed,
so utterly encompassed—
what will you save
in turn?
Not because
it is owed
but because
you cannot imagine
failing to pass along
this grace
that casts its circle
so wide,
this love
that flows
so deep
through this perilous
and precious life.
Adapted from https://paintedprayerbook.com/2014/08/18/fierce-blessing/
From the Executive Director
Congratulations to school communities for making Catholic Education Week 2024 such an outstanding success. The array of celebratory activities around the diocese was wonderful to see, reinforcing our distinctive ethos, and in particular, the value we place on building a strong sense of belonging and contributing to the greater good of local communities.
Last Friday evening we came together for Mass and dinner as a diocesan community to recognise the outstanding contribution of teachers and staff.
We offer special congratulations to three Spirit of Catholic Education Award recipients:
- Tony Haintz - Damascus College, Ballarat, for Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities.
- Cynthia Maiden - St Joseph’s Primary School, Hopetoun, for Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship.
- Cathy Prunty - Damascus College, Ballarat, for Empowering all to Flourish.
I also congratulate the other 14 outstanding teachers and support staff nominated for the awards, along with a remarkable 34 people who have given 30 years of dedicated service to Catholic education. Further details are included in this newsletter.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat, and in recognition of, and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers, four Message Sticks will simultaneously journey to each Catholic school across the four education zones of the Diocese. The Message Sticks were crafted by Trevor Clark and Vicki Clark OAM, a DOBCEL Board Director and founder of The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry of Victoria (ACMV). They were blessed by Fr Marcello Colasante and presented to representatives of the four diocesan education zones during the Catholic Education Week Mass on Friday. (see photos below)
The Message Sticks now begin their journey across the Diocese, remaining with each school for approximately one week, before being handed onto the next school community, connecting over time, community to community.
Today, I have spoken publicly about yesterday’s State Government Budget announcement of a $400 School Savings Bonus, accessible only to Catholic school families holding a Health Care Card, but available to all government school families.
Recognising the overwhelming majority of our families are from low and middle income brackets, we believe it is blatantly unfair they should miss out. We believe the program should be available to all families, regardless of what school they attend, or should at least be means-tested. We will continue to work with government and the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) on this and all issues impacting our Catholic schools. In the coming days we will be providing materials and asking our school communities to advocate on this important issue. You can read my media release here.
On Friday, Sarah Hanley (DOBCEL Talent Recruitment Partner) and myself, will depart for an international teacher recruitment trip to London, Manchester, Dublin, Belfast, and Dubai, where we will host information sessions with upwards of 70 applicants. I encourage you to visit our international recruitment webpage and direct any personal contacts you may have to Sarah Hanley.
Tomorrow, I am looking forward to joining principals in Horsham where we will again work with Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge as we move our DOBCEL strategic planning process from the why we need to aspire to become an even higher-performing Catholic system of schools, to the what and the how we will achieve this goal.
For this week’s stimulus material, I encourage you to read the following article By Geoff Masters, “Reform Challenges in school education” The full paper can be found here.
As we prepare to honour and celebrate all Mothers in our school communities, and on Sunday, I also encourage you to read this week’s reflection, including the lively exchange of the Canaanite mother with Jesus in Matthew 15:21-28.
Please note that in my absence, Matthew Byrne - Deputy Director, will be acting Executive Director until my return to the office on Wednesday 29 May.
With best wishes
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
Outstanding contributors to Catholic education recognised
Outstanding contributors to Catholic education in the Diocese were recognised with Spirit of Catholic Education Awards and 30 Year Service Awards presented at the Catholic Education Week awards and dinner in Ballarat on Friday (3 May).
Three outstanding educators received the Spirit of Catholic Education Award, chosen from 17 wonderful nominees from across the diocese. They are:
(Click on the name to read about the wonderful work of the recipients)
- Tony Haintz – Damascus College, Ballarat, for Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities.
- Cynthia Maiden – St Joseph’s Primary School, Hopetoun, for Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship.
- Cathy Prunty – Damascus College, Ballarat, for Empowering all to Flourish.
Executive Director, Tom Sexton, said the Diocese is blessed to have teachers and leaders of the calibre of Tony, Cynthia, and Cathy, along with the other 14 nominees, working in its schools.
‘We want every student to have the opportunity to flourish fully in their learning in schools that are caring, committed to excellence, and live out the Catholic faith, in partnership with families.
‘Tony, Cynthia, and Cathy, and the other nominees, exemplify the approach to teaching, and genuine care for their students and communities, that allows our schools to live out these values.
‘I thank them for their wonderful work and congratulate them on their well-earned recognition,’ Mr Sexton said.
Special congratulations to all nominees for the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards in 2024:
- Christina Sofis(Loreto College, Ballarat) – Fostering Inspiring Leadership
- Sharon Dwyer(OLHC Warrnambool) – Empowering all to Flourish
- Kevin Brodie (DOBCEL Ballarat Office) – Empowering all to Flourish
- Finance and Compliance Team (St Brigid’s College, Horsham) – Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship
- Cynthia Maiden (St Joseph’s, Hopetoun) –Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship
- Olga Lyons (St Patrick’s, Port Fairy) – Fostering Inspiring Leadership
- Breeana Wade (DOBCEL Mildura Office) – Empowering all to Flourish
- Caitee Carter (St Alipius School,Ballarat) –Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship
- Simone Jans & Sarah Goodbourn,Da Capo Instrumental Music Program (Loreto College, Ballarat) – Achieving Best Practice
- Eliza Dwyer (St Patrick’s School, Port Fairy) – Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities
- Brooke Nester (DOBCEL Ballarat Office) –Empowering all to Flourish
- Bernadette Lynch (St Aloysius’ School, Ballarat) – Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities
- Mark Vanderkley (SIMON, DOBCEL Office, Ballarat) –Empowering all to Flourish
- Tony Haintz (Damascus College, Ballarat) –Building Inclusive Catholic Learning Communities
- Lindy Crowe-Procaccino (Loreto College, Ballarat) – Empowering all to Flourish
- Religious Education Curriculum Team (DOBCEL Office, Ballarat) –Achieving Best Practice (Bernie Tolan, Justin, McInerney, Jo-anne Van der Voort, Kim Hawkes, Bernadette Luckman)
- Cathy Prunty (Damascus College, Ballarat) – Empowering all to Flourish
A remarkable 34 teachers and staff who have committed their gifts and talents over 30 years of service to Catholic education were also recognised at Friday’s celebration. They are:
Christine Carmichael, Annemaree Chapman, Jane Clark, Carolyn Clementson, Paula Cox, Andrea Cox, Cathryn Harrington, Janet Cain, Timothy Kermeen, Jamie Lamb, Gavin Lang, Sheelagh Leary, Kellie Lee, Clare Levings, Michael Mahoney, Hamish McCrum, Justin McInerney, Steven Mifsud, Marie O’Donnell, Tim O’Farrell, Giorgio Paolucci, Carmel Parker, Lesley Pearce, Kym Penry, Jacqueline Pierce, Cathy Prunty, Maria Richards, Maria Salvo, Nerida Thurn, Dympna Turner, Judith Vanderkley, Mark Vanderkley and Jim Waight.
We thank you for your dedicated service and recognise the profound influence you have had on the generations of young people in your care.
Simplify, Secure, and Supercharge Your School's SIMON
Register interest now!
At DOBCEL, we're dedicated to helping schools achieve excellence through innovative and industry-leading technology solutions.
We are excited to announce the launch of our new DOBCEL Private Cloud offering - a secure, managed hosting environment tailored specifically for SIMON, your school's learning management system.
Why choose our private cloud?
Security at the Core:
Hosted in a secure, controlled environment, our Private Cloud ensures your school's data is protected by state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures, thanks to our trusted partners SOPHOS and RocketCyber. With SOPHOS MDR (Managed Detection and Response), SOPHOS XGS Next-Gen Firewalls, and 24/7 monitoring by RocketCyber vSOC (virtual Security Operations Centre), your SIMON system will benefit from constant monitoring, proactive threat detection, and swift incident response by our team and security partners.
Streamlined Updates & Maintenance:
With our DOBCEL Private Cloud, our SIMON software developers can seamlessly roll out the latest updates and patches, ensuring your system is always up to date. No more downtime or delays due to manual updates - your school's SIMON system will be optimized, secure, and compliant at all times.
Unmatched Performance & Reliability:
Self-hosting SIMON on-site requires dependable infrastructure such as power, internet, hardware, cooling, and more. With our Private Cloud, your school can bypass these challenges. You'll benefit from a high-performance environment that's consistently available, allowing your staff and students to focus on learning.
DOBCEL’s Own Private Cloud
A private cloud is a computing environment that provides similar benefits to a public cloud -such as scalability, flexibility, and resource efficiency - but is for exclusive use by DOBCEL schools meaning our data stays in Australia, in regional Victoria, yet is hosted in an Enterprise-grade datacenter.
Expert Support & Peace of Mind:
Our ICT team work ‘hand in glove’ with SIMON Schools to offer the best of both worlds in terms of support. No more calling the IT guy to help with a server issue; we work alongside the team at SIMON Schools to provide the best-of-breed infrastructure. Allowing their development and support team to focus on enhancing your SIMON experience.
When you choose to move your SIMON to the DOBCEL private cloud, it allows peace of mind with operational High Availability and access to your SIMON when you need, it as well as the opportunity to better secure your schools data. We also take care of your backups with our Data Integrity Partner DATTO. Using the same technology found in DOBCEL’s Centralised Backup Program, we not only protect your SIMON, but validate and ensure your backups can be restored quickly and efficiently.
Ready to Learn More?
Register your interest with the DOBCEL ICT team as soon as possible via helpdesk@dobcel.catholic.edu.au and we will provide further information and/or begin your migration pathway.
Anniversary Formation
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
Recruitment Best Practice Webinar
- Date/Time: Wednesday 5 June, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: Online
- Cost: Free of charge
- Registration: Trybooking
This informative session will guide you through the recruitment process, covering off various steps from advertising positions through to appointing someone to a position.
Key topics to be covered include:
- Interviewing skills
- Ensuring a positive candidate experience
- Legal compliance
- Adherence to the VCEA Guideline for Employment of Staff in a Catholic School
This session will ensure you know what is required for a structured, fair, and successful recruitment process.
Who should attend: Anyone responsible for recruitment activities in schools or the CEB office is encouraged to attend.
Future Workshop Date: This session will also run on August 30 (online). Trybooking link for registrations to be provided soon.
For any enquiries about the program, please feel free to email Sarah Hanley, Talent Acquisition Partner (shanley@dobcel.catholic.edu.au).
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.
Flourish Wellbeing e-Magazine – May 2024
The May 2024 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.
Featured Articles:
- National Sorry Day
- Family & Domestic Violence
- Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
- The Volunteering ‘Feels’
- Managing Personal Issues in the Workplace
- The Wellness Wave hits the Pet World
- Beyond the Noise
- And more!
For more information about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visit Converge International website.
Catholic Identity and Mission Update
Australian Catholic’s Newsletter
The latest Australian Catholic's Newsletter is now available.
Featured articles include:
- 2024 Young Voices Awards - Entries Open!
- Professional Learning session: Effective reading practices in the Religious Education classroom
- How will your students remember their time at your school?
- And more
Modern Slavery - Slavery Happens Here
"I have come that you may have life and have it to the full."
JOHN 10.10
Laudato Si’ -
- Response to the Cry of the Earth
- Ecological Economics
- Adopting Sustainable Lifestyles
- Ecological Education
- Community Resilience and Empowerment
Modern Slavery Snapshots
Modern day slavery exists throughout the world and in Australia today. It has a different face to what many people may imagine, but the outcome for most is very similar. They are often trapped in poverty and have little chance of education.
The following six snapshots show the contemporary face of human trafficking and slavery here and overseas. (Names have been changed to protect identities.)
- Rani is 17 and attends high school in Melbourne. When her parents said they were taking her overseas to marry a man she had never met, she thought she had no option but to comply. When ACRATH spoke at her school, she learnt about her legal right to choose her own husband and to avoid a forced marriage.
- Fatima was a housekeeper at a consulate in Sydney. She fled after being enslaved in the consulate for months. She received no wages. ACRATH is linking her with a pro bono lawyer to explore her legal options.
- Han is a construction worker who worked on a building site in Canberra for many months. His trafficker disappeared with the wages owed to Han and his co-workers. ACRATH is working with unions to address this.
- Lin is a woman trafficked into sexual exploitation who thought she would earn a lot of money working in Australia. Instead when she arrived she was told she owed her trafficker $50,000. An ACRATH member is offering companionship to Lin as she recovers.
- Manu is a young teenager who was trafficked from his home country into a cocoa plantation in west Africa, the source of about 75% of the world’s cocoa. ACRATH actively promotes slavery-free chocolate, tea and coffee, especially through the slavery-free Easter chocolate campaign.
- Samreen was badly injured when in April 2013 the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1,136 poorly paid garment workers, mostly female, and injuring more than 2,500. Workers from Rana Plaza have told media that they had pointed out large cracks the day before, and that clothing subcontractors insisted the workers re-enter the cracked building or lose their jobs. The subcontractors had agreements with Australian and other global companies to make garments to be sold cheaply in countries like Australia. Australian clothing labels were found in the debris of the collapsed building. ACRATH is part of a network that is having some success as it campaigns to ensure Australian companies importing clothing from Bangladesh sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety accord.
Source: ACRATH
"Nobody has the right to treat you as her or his slave and you should not make anyone your slave."
Article 4 United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
Laudato Si’ Action:
Watch the short documentary, Modern Slavery - A Different Lens by Monash University.
After watching the documentary, consider the following:
Exposing Modern Slavery - Slavery isn’t something relegated to the past. It’s happening today, and it’s happening under our noses. 40.3 million people are currently in some form of modern slavery, such as child labor, slave labor, forced marriage, sexual slavery and people trafficking. So how do we hold people and states responsible?
Sometimes the answer isn’t as simple as criminalizing these acts. In many cases it’s also a societal or family issue, which complicates the motivations for victims to report their situations. It begs the question:
- How do we stop the exploitation of people?
- Would you pay an extra 21 cents for a t-shirt?
- What ethical purchasing decisions can you change?
To find out more head to Unmasking the hidden face of modern slavery – Monash Lens
Upcoming significant Ecological Events:
- Wednesday 1 - Friday 31 May 2024 Mindful in May (month). For further information see the Mindful in May website: Mindful in May
- Saturday 11 May 2024 World Fair Trade Day. Caritas - Human Trafficking + Modern Slavery+Fair Trade
- Sunday 12 May 2024 Mother’s Day
- Wednesday 15 May 2024 International Day of Families
- Thursday 16 May 2024 International Day of Living Together in Peace
- Sunday 19 - Sunday 26 May 2024 Laudato Si’ Week
Caritas Australia Resources for Laudato Si Week 2024 – 19-26 May
New Laudato Si’ Week resources are now available to download here.
Caritas have taken care to provide a primary school, secondary school, and parish version of their Laudato Si' Week resources, all available on their website.
- Monday 20 May 2024 World Bee Day
- Thursday 30 May 2024 Laudato Si’ Event hosted by ResourceSmart Schools and Earthcare
ResourceSmart Schools have been working directly with the Earthcare team to develop the upcoming webinar event. You are invited to join them on Thursday 30 May, 4:00pm to 5:00pm, to hear more about the Earthcare and ResourceSmart Schools and the synergies between these two amazing programs.
Learn how these programs support and enhance each other, and the leadership and learning opportunities they provide for your students.
Guest speakers include:
- Alice Carwardine, Catholic Earthcare Coordinator
- Inga Hamilton, RSS Facilitator
- Alison Lappin, Our Lady of the Nativity PS (Aberfeldie)
- Michaela Davies, St Angela of the Cross PS (Warragul)
To find out more and register for the vent, follow this link.
Australian Pastoral Musicians Network Newsletter
The Australian Pastoral Musicians Network (APMN) aims to support dioceses and Christian worshipping communities through promoting excellence in liturgical, catechetical and religious music, with a special focus on supporting the use of Australian composers.
The attached newsletter focuses on Pentecost and Confirmation with a wide range of suggestions for hymns that could be used in celebrations.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
With more than 100 years of history, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) involves Christian communities throughout the world. At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). Unity is rooted in the Gospel, itself. We create a picture of the unified nature of God and our union with God by living in a unified way in the Church.
In Australia we celebrate this week from 12th to 18th May. For those who live in the Ballarat area, people are gathering at different churches on different nights – and all are welcome to attend each service.
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 |
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
Digital Technology - Apple Professional Learning
The latest Apple Professional Learning Live schedule is now available. These are free online webinars hosted by Apple to support schools and educators using Apple devices.
There are sessions around Supporting Literacy and Language with iPad, Create Inclusive Classrooms with iPad, Nurturing Digital Well-Being with iPad and many more.
More information on dates and how to register click here.
PAT Professional Learning
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
|
Participants / Target Audience
- Classroom teachers
- Leaders of Learning
- Principals
FIRE Carrier Program and RAP Survey
Catholic Education Ballarat are gathering information regarding school interest in the FIRE Carrier Program and status of Reconciliation Action Plans. To gather accurate data, we encourage each school principal or nominee to complete the survey by Friday 17 May 2024.
Please contact CEB’s Education Officers: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Helen Christensen (0467 415 768 or email) or Jeanette Morris (0408 360 098 or email) for further information.
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
Maths Bites - Unpacking The Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
Throughout Term 1 some primary learning leaders took part in familiarisation workshops on the revised Victorian Mathematics Curriculum. During Term 3 we will provide another opportunity for Primary Leaders of Mathematics and classroom teachers to engage in introductory workshops on the F - Year 6 Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0 in preparation for full implementation in 2025.
These ONLINE sessions will be facilitated by Teresa Hadden 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:
- The structure and introductory documents for the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
- The similarities and differences between V1.0 and V2.0
- The connections between the Achievement Standard, Content Descriptions and Elaborations
- New reporting requirements
- Mapping a Scope and Sequence for the year demonstrating the interconnectedness of concepts.
Please use this link to register.
Secondary News
ILSY Exec Boost - ILSY for Executive Leaders
Improving Literacy in the Secondary Years (ILSY) for Executive Leaders has been designed to develop the capabilities of Secondary Principals and Senior Learning Leaders to improve student learning outcomes through a whole school approach to disciplinary literacy. Founded in contemporary research, evidence and best practice, this program will be facilitated by Professor Larissa McLean Davies and Dr Pauline Thompson from the University of Melbourne.
- This workshop will be in Ballarat on Thursday, 6 June, from 9.00 am - 3.00 pm (not 16 May as previously advertised).
- Course and catering costs are covered by ILSY funding. Access more information here.
- Please register your school's participants via this link. Registration closes Monday, 3 June.
For further information, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) jpetrov@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0432 499 683.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies
- Emergency and Risk Management Advisor - Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 May)
Principal Vacancies
- St Paul's Primary School, Mildura (closes 26 May)
School Vacancies
- Generalist Teacher - Various roles – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 May)
- Ongoing Graduate Teacher – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 May)
- Instrumental Music Tutors (Brass and Woodwind) – Damascus College, Mount Clear – casual position (closes 15 May)
- Specialist Art teacher – St Patrick’s School, Camperdown – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 17 May)
- Classroom teacher – St Patrick’s School, Camperdown – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 17 May)
- Science Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 0.7 FTE (closes 31 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.