Weekly Newsletter #15 - 22 May 2024

Reflection

From the Acting Executive Director

It is always good to get to ‘Hump Day’ - the middle day of the week.

Time flies quickly, and I acknowledge the work of all in schools as you move towards this busy time of assessment and reporting on student growth for the first half of the year.  

This week we treasure our common home; our beautiful planet and all creation, by marking the anniversary of Pope Francis’s extraordinary encyclical Laudato Si. The reflection provided by Jim Waight in this newsletter speaks of this year's theme ‘Seeds of Hope’. I also commend to you Sarah Page’s work as the DOBCEL Social Justice Education Officer. Sarah shares a range of resources each week through this publication and is always willing to collaborate with schools on matters integral to ecology, social justice, and building student and staff experiences. 

The Journey of the Message Sticks continues to mark our 150 year anniversary of the diocese.  Next week is a particularly pertinent week in that journey as we mark National Reconciliation Week (NRW). 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. I thank all those in schools who work continuously to educate about the fundamental importance of reconciliation and recognition of Australia’s first peoples.  

Thank you for your advocacy around the inequity of the School Family Bonus policy directed to all families of government schools and Healthcare Card Holders, announced in the recent State Budget. We are continuing to work with the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) to ensure that our local activities align with strategic state-wide efforts to provide equitable access to resources for children and families attending Catholic schools. 

This week, leadership team members from schools across the diocese have participated in a Child Safe Standards Workshop delivered by expert consultant in the field, Sarah Morgante. It is vital all our staff continually grow their knowledge and practice in child safety, and ongoing professional development is key to this. I thank all involved.

This Sunday is Holy Trinity Sunday. As someone who trained and practiced as a Maths teacher, reconciling 1+1+1 = 1 speaks to the mystery of God-understandable with our hearts, and not always with our heads. Our faith tradition teaches us that there are three distinct Persons in one God, sharing the same divine nature. One of the great affirmations of this spirituality is the fundamental importance of strong relationships, a great cornerstone of our Catholic communities. Our 'grapple' with the mystery of the trinity, and many of the relationships we experience, is a way of living the Gospel through constructive relationships between and among persons. 

Keep working to build positive relationships with young people and their families - it is Gospel work !

With best wishes

Matthew Byrne
Acting Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat

Professional Learning Program

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

Technology Open Day – Emmaus Mt Clear

On Friday May 17th, Emmaus Primary School, Mt Clear opened its doors to share their creative use of technology as a vehicle in the learning process. Colleagues attended from schools within the diocese alongside staff from DOBCEL and from Apple. Guests experienced the Emmaus Podcast Club, the Emmaus Green Room and the Kilometre Club whilst also spending time in learning communities. A day filled with inspiration was enjoyed by all.

For any further details please reach out to Jo O'Kelly via jokelly@emtclear.catholic.edu.au or Nathan Jeffrey via njeffrey@emtclear.catholic.edu.au. 

AI Working Party Update

Last week we hosted our introductory meeting for the AI Working Party with over 12 representatives from across the diocese. This meeting aimed to frame the scope of work that is currently happening in the AI space globally, and contextually in our schools. The group shared some feelings, ideas and opportunities for the use of AI in schools which led to some valuable discussion. 

We then explored some frameworks that will help guide our conversations and ultimately support schools in this space. We'd like to thank those who were able to attend this session, and if you missed the first meeting and would still like to be involved, please email Coby Reynolds at creynolds@dobcel.catholic.edu.au .

The next scheduled meeting will be early Term 3.

Article submitted by Coby Reynolds.

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.

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 free access to 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 students' 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

Trauma Informed Care - ReLATE Information Session

 A free online information session is being held to learn about the concepts that underpin ReLATE and how the program can work with your school’s unique community and strategic plan.

This session is available to principals, deputy principals, other school leaders and wellbeing professionals.

• When: 19 June at 4pm.

If you are interested in learning more about ReLATE and this event, please click this link.

Attendance Matters

• Regularly review school attendance data including lateness and visits to wellbeing and sick bay.
• Know the early signs and monitor at-risk students in year level and/or wellbeing support meetings e.g. changes to academic achievement.
• Be aware of precipitating factors such bullying, changes in the family, transitions and implement proactive strategies around key incidents or transitions.

Which warning signs have you seen in young people? How long have they had these signs? What responses have been provided prior to you seeing the young people? How effective have they been?

For further information, please contact Liz McIntyre lmcintyre@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or Brooke Nester bnester@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Cuppa Catch up this Thursday - SWPBS Leaders

• When: 23 May
• Venue: Online
• Time: 3.30pm- 4.30pm

Bring your cuppa along to share story, resources, and connection with others as we support each one another with the SWPBS framework.

Those wishing to attend, RSVP to Anne Ruddell for the link.

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  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

How can you help to plant seeds of hope in your community?

Watch: Together We Belong 

This year during Laudato Si’ Week, we are calling everyone to act by engaging in Caritas International’s Together We: Tree of Life campaign action.

The Together We campaign invites us to connect with our local Members of Parliament on how together, we can care for our common home. In the spirit of fraternal cooperation, we want to encourage our politicians to commit to impactful climate action including:

• committing $4 billion annually for global climate finance
• $100 million to the Loss and Damage Fund
• Advocating for the equitable phase out of coal, oil and gas through endorsing the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

To do this, write your message on a leaf and add it to the ‘Tree of Life’. You can share information about how your community is helping to plant seeds of hope and encourage politicians for any wonderful works you see them doing to care for creation.

Share your tree on social media using #TogetherWeBelong, and don't forget to tag Caritas Australia, your local MP, @catholicearthcareaustralia and @iamcaritas

‘We must remember that ‘There are no lasting changes
without cultural changes… and there are no cultural changes
without personal changes’ (Laudate Deum, 70).

From https://www.caritas.org.au/news/blog/laudato-si-week-19-26-may-2024/

Laudato Si’ Week Resources: 
Download your copy of the Celebration Guide and other relevant resources via the links below:

• Seeds of Hope: Celebration Guide Laudato Si Week 2024
• Caritas Australia Laudato Si' School Resources
• Laudato Si' Goal Reflection Cards
• 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
• Sunday 19 - Sunday 26 May 2024  Laudato Si’ Week
• 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 30th 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 event, follow this link.

• Monday 27 - Monday 3 June 2024 National Reconciliation Week.
  For further information see the Reconciliation.org website: National Reconciliation Week 

Article submitted by Sarah Page.

Learning and Teaching Update

2024 Early Career Teacher Retreat - "There Where You Are"

Early Careers Teachers Retreat – years 1, 2 and 3 and any pre-service teachers. 
August 14 and 15 2024 

The 2024 Early Career Teacher Retreat in Halls Gap is back in term 3. The retreat is run on a three-year cycle and this year is titled “There where you are.” The two-day retreat will provide content and experience on –  

1. Nurturing your own spirituality 
2. Caring for my spirit 
3. Making connections with other early career teachers in The Diocese of Ballarat. 
4. Why be ecological? 
5. Sacred Ground 
6. Caring for our common home. 

There will be the opportunity to explore nature as a component of the retreat, reflecting on scripture and Tradition in the process.  

Click here to view a little more on the retreat. 

Additional details –  

Wednesday August 14 and Thursday August 15 2024 

• Timings - August 14 - 9:30 to 4:00pm and August 15 - 9:00 – 1:00pm 
• Venue –  The Country Plaza, Halls Gap, 141 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap, VIC 3381 - Web link
• Cost –  $200 per person  
• meals provided include – 
  
  • Day 1 – morning tea, lunch and dinner
  • Day 2 -  morning tea and take-away lunch. 
• Trybooking link

Travel and accommodation are to be organised by participants. A limited number of rooms have been reserved for participants to book at the Country Plaza. 

English Curriculum 2.0 F-10 

All schools will be aware that the new iteration of the Victorian English Curriculum was published in December 2023. VCAA support materials are beginning to be made available to guide school implementation which now gives CEB the opportunity to advise schools on an expected implementation timeline. 

2024: Orientation 
Over the course of the remainder of 2024 it is important for school leaders to become familiar with the modifications to the English curriculum. Leaders are advised to access the curriculum and VCAA resources. 

The online resources currently include: 

• Summary and explanation of changes
• Video explanations (Introduction, F-6, 7-10, Resources)
• Downloads
• Case study examples

Depending on individual school contexts, it may be appropriate to involve all relevant teaching staff in this work.

2025: Familiarisation (Implementation Optional)
During 2025, schools are advised to develop a shared understanding of the revised curriculum and adjust their English documentation accordingly in preparation for implementation the following year. Schools may decide to allocate PLT meetings, staff meetings or pupil free days to this work and are asked to discuss these plans with Education Officers so that support can be given with professional learning opportunities. 

Depending on individual school contexts, it may be appropriate to move to full implementation of the curriculum ahead of time (see below). 

2026: Full Implementation 
In the first semester of 2026 it will be expected that all schools report to the revised English Curriculum. Reporting procedures will continue to require teachers to report against the three English modes. 

Structured Literacy Newsletter   

The latest Structured Literacy newsletter can be accessed here. 

This issue includes: 

• Project Lead update 
• The Science of Learning Summit 2024 
• DIBELS Workshops & Resourcing 
• Changes to Online Learning Modules 
• Connecting Literacy & Wellbeing 

Southern Zone Catholic Library Network - PD Opportunity

Term 2, 2024 Network Meeting and Library Professional Development 

School library staff and volunteers are invited to take part in professional learning being held at the Warrnambool Library (8 Kepler St) on June 7. The focus of the event is to assist library staff members to: 

• Continuously develop the library contribution to whole school learning. 
• Maintaining a quality library collection that meets the needs of diverse learners. 
• Promoting independent thought and a love of reading.

• Booking link  

Please see the flyer below for more information.

ACER PAT Professional Learning 

ACER is pleased to offer a series of webinars targeted to schools using, or about to use, the PAT Progressive Achievement suite online. Here's the schedule for terms 2 & 3.

Term 2 2024 

• Preparing staff and students for assessments [22 May] 
• Using PAT data to target, group and identify student learning [29 May] 
• Unpacking ACER’s Adolescent Coping Scale for Schools (2nd ed.) [12 June] 

Term 3 2024 

• Coping, resilience and fortitude: Supporting adolescents in schools [24 July] 
• Understanding and making comparisons using PAT norm data [7 August] 
• Analysing data using ACER's Bands, Group and Student reports (Linear assessments) [17 September] 
• Analysing data using ACER's Data Explorer (Adaptive assessments) [18 September] 

PAT CEB Webinar Recording (May 17 2024)  

The recording of last week’s CEB PAT Webinar PAT Assessment to Support Mid-Year Reporting has been uploaded and can be found on the DOBCEL Schools’ Hub’s PAT Assessments & Resources site, under the newly-added Recordings banner. On this site you will also find the Reporting Alignment Tool discussed in the webinar, under the new drop down heading Reporting.

Please contact the PAT Team (Breeana Wade, Teresa Hadden and Lisa Templar) with any questions.

CEP Small Schools Forum

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.

The Winter Series, CEP’s PD Online, will commence on the 5th of June. Specifically designed by educators for all educators, this season consists of 4 interactive sessions: Sign up at here. 

• Women in Leadership: 5 June, 2:00 - 3:00 pm 
• Addressing Workload for School Leaders: 12 June, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
• AI in Education: 19 June, 4:00 - 5:00 pm 
• Retention of Staff: 26 June, 4:00 - 5:00 pm 

Stay informed on the latest industry trends and research, hear inspiring leadership stories, acquire strategies to help balance demanding workloads, learn how to manage AI technology in the education space and gain an understanding of how to retain and engage your team. 

Each session is highly interactive, providing participants with the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback from educational industry experts. Sign up now and take a significant step towards advancing your career and personal well-being. 

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. 

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.

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

Michael Ymer Professional Learning  

Last week, 17 schools from across the Diocese attended professional learning sessions with internationally recognised and highly regarded mathematics practitioner Michael Ymer. Michael used his extensive teaching experience to explore the challenges of mathematics classrooms, manage a range of abilities, and modelled practical ways to support teachers and students to enjoy the teaching of mathematics through engaging learning experiences. 

We thank all schools involved but particularly St James, Sebastopol and St Patrick’s Koroit for hosting these events and being so gracious in welcoming us into their schools. 

Some feedback from the day follows: 

"Michael never disappoints, an excellent example of ‘hands on’ practical professional development that enables educators to begin practising techniques and strategies immediately to immerse students into mathematics with confidence." 

"Another BRILLIANT day of Professional Development presented by Michael. There are always things to take away immediately and use in the classroom as well as ideas around teaching practices and considerations for students with diverse learning needs." 

"Very engaging, informative and practical professional learning day. Michael was approachable, friendly and knowledgeable about the craft of teaching modelling management skills that were relevant to all areas of teaching not just of the mathematics curriculum."

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At the professional learning days Michael shared with participants his V2.0 planning documents. These documents align with the new Mathematics Reporting Guidelines. Schools who attended received these planners. If you didn’t attend and would like to access the planners the cost is $150 for the set and involves a PLT on how to use them. To order the planners and book in a PLT please contact Julie Cooper or Teresa Hadden.

Join us online on Thursday, 23 May for our fourth seminar that will focus on developing student writing skills. This week we are going to step back a bit and look at some classroom routines that you can use with your students to begin your lessons and get student writing happening very quickly.

We will revisit some of our earlier resources and show you how you can slow down the teaching and put in place some simple strategies that generate student engagement and build confidence.

Like every one of our seminars, you will receive a copy of the PowerPoint and slides so that you can take this straight into your classrooms and try it out.

The Zoom link for this seminar will be sent through Canvas. Look out for the announcement. 

For further information, please contact Julia Petrov, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary)  jpetrov@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0432 499 683.

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. Please see attached flyer below.

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.

VCE VM and VPC 2024 Curriculum and Assessment Audit Notifications 

Diocesan secondary schools who have been required to participate in the curriculum and assessment audit for VCE VM and VPC will by now have been contacted by the VCAA, with the requirement to acknowledge the audit notification this past Monday and an opportunity to engage in a webinar today. 

Friday June 21st is the final day for audit submissions by schools, with audit outcomes shared back with participating schools by Friday September 13th. 

Schools requiring assistance navigating this process are invited to contact Carmel Clarke, Education Officer: Applied & Vocational Learning.

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Principal Vacancies

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

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancies 

• Organisational Development Advisor – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 May) 

School Vacancies    

• Chief Exam Supervisor – Loreto College, Ballarat – casual position (closes 23 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)  
• School Services Administration Officer – Uniform Liaison and Reception – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 0.43 FTE (closes 2 June) 
• Classroom Teachers – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 June) 
• Japanese Teacher – Emmanuel College – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 4 June) 
• Year 1/2 Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 June) 
  
• Exam Supervisor – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – casual/relief position (closes 10 June)
  
• Classroom Teacher – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 June) 
• Learning Support Officer – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 0.72 FTE (closes 10 June) 
• Classroom Teacher – St Aloysius’ Primary School – fixed-term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 11 June) 

Article submitted by Jo Huntley.