Weekly Newsletter #14 - 15 May 2024

Reflection

From the Acting Executive Director

This week our school communities have continued to advocate for Catholic school families to be included in the $400 (per student) School Savings Bonus announced in last week’s State Budget. 

Our Catholic school families are feeling cost-of-living pressures too, yet only those who are healthcare card holders (around 13%) are eligible for this program. Like government schools, the vast majority of our families are in the low and middle-income brackets and we believe the payment should apply to all students, or should be means-tested for all students. It should not be based on which school you attend. 

It was rewarding to gather with Principals and senior leaders of our schools last Thursday in Horsham. Pasi Sahlberg and David Runge, with the support of Dr Jean Stiles (who joined the gathering virtually from Canada), continued to extend thinking about how to build on the great asset of our schools and staff to become an even higher-performing system of Catholic schools. 

One of the great reflections of Pasi and Dave from their engagements across the diocese to date, has been that our school communities are already wholesome learning institutions that are seeking to be better, together. Many valuable themes emerged from the day that will further inform the DOBCEL Board as this next strategic plan continues to be co-designed.  

Monday and Tuesday saw the DOBCEL SiMON team facilitate a conference of over 250 users of the software developed in this diocese in response to local needs. It is a source of great pride that our locally developed product is supporting students and schools right across the state. I acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the schools and the SiMON team in continuing to create innovative technology solutions and thank the team for facilitating this professional sharing opportunity.     

This Friday, May 17th is the Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, often referred to as IDAHOBIT Day. We re-commit ourselves to welcoming all within our Catholic school communities. A fundamental belief of Catholic moral and social teachings is that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. Every person is valued and, by drawing on their unique gifts, we all have an equal contribution to make to the building of the Kingdom of God. There is no place for discrimination in our DOBCEL schools.  

I can report Tom Sexton and Sarah Hanley (Talent Recruitment Partner) have arrived safely in the UK/Ireland and have commenced work to promote Ballarat Diocesan schools as rewarding places to teach. We wish them well in their efforts to complement our committed workforce.

As we move to the Feast of Pentecost this weekend, and the completion of the season of Easter, John’s Gospel 20:19-23 reminds us of the connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace and commissions them to continue the work he has begun: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  As educators and all staff in schools, we are also commissioned to continue Jesus’ work of peace and forgiveness - rich and important work with the beautiful, hope-filled young people in our schools every day!  

With best wishes

Matthew Byrne
Acting Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat

Pastoral Ministry Office Notices

Scholarship – Lay Pastoral Ministry Program (Apply Now)

In marking 150 years, the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat is aiming to support the mission formation of people in parishes, Catholic organisations and schools, by offering six scholarships to study a certificate in Pastoral Ministry or Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

These certificates are part of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program and aim to provide formation for ministry and mission in the diocese. May this anniversary year be a season of renewal for our diocese, our community of communities, from the Murray to the sea.

Anniversary Formation - Please be aware of updated dates

Contributions invited - Our Diocesan Community Issue 2, 2024 

Planning for the second issue of Our Diocesan Community (ODC) 2024 is underway and the ODC Editorial Committee invites your contributions.

The focus for this year will be the 150^th Anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat with the theme Community – Remember, Revitalise & Hope which reflects various aspects of the anniversary, along with the scripture passage, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12) that considers diverse elements of our vocation as a Christian community.

The team looks forward to you sharing your stories with these concepts in mind, they also hope to gather stories and examples of new initiatives and experiences in the Catholic community – schools, parishes and agencies from all around the diocese.Information regarding significant events that may have taken place over the last few months in your parish, school communities and agencies are also encouraged. 

This issue of “Our Diocesan Community” is currently planning to be delivered in the week beginning July 15 so the latest date for submissions to this issue is Friday, May 31. Articles should be approximately 250 words maximum in length and accompanied by photos where possible. Photos should be sent as separate JPEG files (not inserted into a Word document). Material can be sent to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au.  

A reminder that when sending in photos, permission should be sought from those in the pictures. From time-to-time, these photos will also be used in other diocesan publications. 

Articles submitted by Jane Collins and Julie Boyd.

Applications open - National Youth Summit (Secondary Students)

Applications are now open to all Australian secondary schools for the National Youth Summit.

The Youth Summit is an exciting initiative for students to voice their ideas around diversity, inclusion and community cohesion, created by Together For Humanity and supported by the Federal Government Department of Education.

• When: Monday 12 August
• Where: Parliament of Australia in Canberra

To apply, or for more information, please click here.

Professional Learning Program

Please click the 'Download Here' button below to open the flyer.

School Student Broadband Initiative

A reminder to schools to ensure their families are aware of the Australian Governments School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) which is available to families through to December 2025. This means for eligible families who sign up now, there is still over 18 months of free internet.

The Australian Government initiative was designed to boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, with the Australian Government providing up to 30,000 eligible families with school age children with no internet at home access to free NBN under the SSBI.

Access to the SSBI has become easier, with applications made through the National Referral Centre that parents/carers with school students can contact directly to check their eligibility.

Victorian families with students enrolled in Prep to Year 12, who do not have an active NBN connection (or had one in the previous 14 days) but can access a standard NBN service at their premises can become eligible with an application to the National Referral Centre.

You can find more information about the NRC on Anglicare Victoria’s website available here: Student Internet Program - Anglicare Victoria or contact Jordan Smith at the DOBCEL Office at jsmith@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

The links below contain the promotional and information packs which have been provided directly from the initiative for distribution to families.

Article submitted by Jordan Smith.

Wellbeing Update

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Increase your capacity to support student’s mental health. Mental health first aid strategies are taught in an evidence-based training program authored by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia. The course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.  

• Dates: 11th & 12th of June 
• Cost: $90  includes copy of YMHFA Manual. Lunch provided.  
• Venue: Catholic Education Office - Horsham Service Centre, 6A McLachlan Street, Horsham 

Participants / Target Audience Teachers, school nurses, LSO’s, year level coordinators, administration staff, (anyone in the school community). For further information contact Brooke Nester bnester@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Register here

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).

Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.

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.

Catholic Identity and Mission Update

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR)

Attention all teachers of RRRR in primary and secondary schools. The Wellbeing and Catholic Identity & Mission Team are looking at developing professional learning for teachers in schools who are involved with RRRR.

These opportunities will be available in Term 4 and we are inviting teachers to register an expression of interest. This day will explore how to implement RRRR, including Topics 7 & 8, within a Catholic context.

Please read the below flyer for the links to register your interest in attending these days.

Article submitted by Bernadette Tolan.

Laudato Si' Week - Emmaus Productions Free Resource

Emmaus Productions are delighted to announce the launch of their NEW video series, CELEBRATING CREATION - LAUDATO SI' FOR CHILDREN.

They are offering the first episode of this video series as a free resource to teachers in celebration of Laudato Si' Week beginning 19 May!

The aim of this video series is to engage primary aged children in the wonder of ecological spirituality, drawing inspiration from Laudato Si'. By nurturing their understanding of the sacredness of creation, the goal is to foster a sense of partnership with God as co-creators of our common home. It is hoped that this awareness will inspire and enhance their commitment to sustainable living practices in their daily lives.

For more FREE videos and music for staff and students in support of Laudato Si', follow this link to the Emmaus Productions website.

Article submitted by Kate Lawry.

Social Justice Update - Laudato Si’ Week, May 19 - 26

• Response to the Cry of the Earth 
• Response to the Cry of the Poor
• Ecological Economics
• Adopting Sustainable Lifestyles
• Ecological Education
• Ecological Spirituality
• Community Resilience and Empowerment

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. 

“There are no lasting changes without cultural changes … and there are no cultural changes without personal changes” (LD, 70)

Social Justice Education Officer, Sarah Page, invites you to carve some time in our own personal lives this week to download and actively participate in the Laudato Si’ Celebration Guide, a practical eight-day guide  created by the Laudato Si’ Movement, to help us fully experience this Laudato Si’ Week. Inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', this guide seeks to motivate all people of good will to protect our Common Home through concrete actions and simple changes in the way we live.

Aimed to foster a deeper respect for creation, promote sustainable habits and deepen our commitment to a lifestyle that respects the Creator's handiwork. Through inspirational quotes, practical activities, reflections and prayers, the guide will be a valuable resource to inspire meaningful change in our interaction with the environment.

Each day you will find an action, ways to put it into practice, its importance and impact on our planet; as well as supporting arguments based on the magisterium of the Catholic Church and science.

Download your copy of the Celebration Guide and other relevant resources via the links below:

• Seeds of Hope: Celebration Guide Laudato Si Week 2024
  
• May 19 - 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  Laudato Si’ Week Opening Prayer
• May 20 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
  ELSiA’s Survey Launch Press Conference: Do Catholics care about ecology?
• May 23 - All day
  Pope’s Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 2024

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
• 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
Our 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.

Article submitted by Sarah Page.

Learning and Teaching Update

CEP will be hosting the Small Schools Forum on Thursday, June 20, in collaboration with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. This event promises to be an enriching experience for all involved, offering valuable insights and opportunities for networking.

Taking place across 7 live sites in Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Moe, and Shepparton, the Small Schools Forum will feature inspiring speakers and presentations from practicing small school principals. Attendees will have ample opportunities to connect with peers and delve into discussions on topics relevant to small schools.

One highlight of the event will be the presentation of the latest research findings on teacher retention in rural schools, providing valuable insights for educators.

All interested individuals, including representatives from small schools across sectors, are welcome to join CEP for this cross-sectorial event. Whether you come as part of a cluster or as an individual, your participation is invaluable. Best of all, this event is completely free!

To learn more about the day download the flyer or to register your interest, please click here.

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 

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. 

Please click here for posters and resources for you to use to show support for National Reconciliation Week.

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.

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.

Creative Use of ICT - Emmaus Catholic Primary School

Click below to download the flyer. Registration also available here.

Structured Literacy Project PL Registration for Term Three

• Level 3 Face to Face Network: Monday 15th July 10am - 3pm
• Country Plaza Inn, Halls Gap. Register here.

This event is recommended for school leaders and places are limited to a maximum of six attendees per school (unless otherwise negotiated).

Level 1A Day Two

Level 1B Day Two
These events do not require Trybooking registrations. We will be in touch shortly about arrangements.

DIBELS Digital Resource & Workshop Availability

The DOBCEL Structured Literacy Project has now developed a suite of online DIBELS recordings to support DIBELS Professional Learning and administration in DOBCEL Schools.

The suite contains: 

Workshop 1 (Part 1): The What, The Why and The How of DIBELS (40 mins)

• The Principal Uses of DIBELS
• Administration Fidelity & Approved Accommodations
• Administration Timelines
• Benchmark Goals & Rapidly Progressing Achievement Scales 
• DIBELS & the Five Pillars of Reading
• Scoring Conventions

Workshop 1 (Part 2): The Subtests (Between 10 and 25 mins per subtest, all recorded individually for flexible use)

• Administration Procedures
• Administration Practises with Mock Student Scripts
• Moderated Scoring Opportunities 

Workshop 2: The DOBCEL DIBELS Data Tool (35 mins) 

• Baselining Data Terms
• Data Entry
• Composite Scores, Percentiles & Normative Descriptors 
• Effect Sizes (Cohort and Student)
• DIBELS Dashboard 

Workshop 3: We’ve got the Data. Now What? Responding with Instruction and Intervention. 

• RTI in a Structured Literacy Methodology
• Data Informed Decision Making
• Priority Sub Skills for intervention 
• Instruction and Intervention planning
• Progress Monitoring
• Supported Decision Making: Intervention Prescriptions

Level 1 Structured Literacy schools will access these resources as part of their Online Module schedule in Term Three. All other schools are able to access these recordings at any time to support staff learning. 

Access to these workshops can be found by navigating through the following path: 
www.dobcel.com - Resources - DIBELS - DOBCEL DIBELS Workshops - Online Modules: Asynchronous Delivery

DIBELS Face to Face Workshop Availability: The availability of these digital resources at all times means that the original scheduled workshops for 2024 will now no longer go ahead. They have been removed from the calendar and registrants have been notified.

It is important to note that the team is still making Face to Face workshops available later in the year, just in case schools would like to utilise this mode of delivery, and these workshops will be open for registration in the coming weeks. 

If you have further questions about these resources, please contact Breeana Wade at bwade@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

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

Principal Vacancies

• St Paul's Primary School, Mildura (closes 26 May)  

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies 

• Emergency and Risk Management Advisor - Ballarat Office – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 May)
• Organisational Development Advisor – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 May) 
  

School Vacancies    

• Instrumental Music Tutors (Brass and Woodwind) – Damascus College, Mount Clear – casual position (closes 15 May) 
•  Learning Support Officer – Damascus College, Mt Clear – fixed-term position at 0.6 to 0.89 FTE (closes 17 May) 
• Teacher Positions – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 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)
• Ongoing Graduate Teacher – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 May) 
• School Counsellor – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 24 May) 
• Subject Teachers – Expression of interest for all subject areas – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 24 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)
  

Article submitted by Jo Huntley.