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Weekly Newsletter #23 - 31 July 2024

Reflection

Today is the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola.

This Power Point reflection focuses on St Ignatius and may be useful for staff prayer/reflection this coming week.

To find out more visit the website: Who was St Ignatius Loyola ?

From the Executive Director

On Monday I was pleased to join State MP for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Acting Principal Anthony Clifford at Our Lady Help of Christians School (OLHC) to welcome State Government capital grants for nine of our DOBCEL schools.

Importantly, the funding announced included $6 million for Stage 1 of a new Catholic primary school at Winter Valley in Western Ballarat, set to open in 2028. In welcoming the State support, we also recognise that our families contribute around 80% of the capital costs of the Catholic school system. More details about the State funding, including a list of the successful schools, is available here.

Last week I was delighted to attend the Damascus College senior musical production - 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time'. As a leader, I’m conscious of the need to stay in touch with what really matters in our schools - i.e the work of our teachers and the opportunities provided for our students. This production was a brilliant example of the extremely high calibre of work happening in our schools and which I’m sure is replicated across the diocese. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for the invitation and professional development opportunity!

Yesterday and today I am with the DOBCEL Board and representative Principals as we draw together further detail of our next DOBCEL strategic plan. It has been an invigorating two days, with much discussion and excitement. We look forward to continuing the co-design process with Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge at next week’s diocesan leadership gathering in Horsham.

With best wishes
Tom Sexton

Professional Learning Program

Please click the link below to view the PL calendar 2024.

Professional Learning Calendar 2024

Catholic Education Updates

REAP (RE & Pedagogy) – Commitment requested

This message is to enable us to determine whether or not to proceed with REAP (RE & Pedagogy) as a face to face option for VCEA Accreditation to Teach RE and Lead in a Catholic School for teachers intending to commence accreditation in 2025.

Please note that there are several ways of gaining Accreditation to Teach RE and Lead in a Catholic School including independent study through ACU, Catholic Theological College (CTC) and Yarra Theological Union (YTU), outside of a cohort.

REAP has been one face to face option that CEB has supported for many years as it has provided collegial support.

VCEA Accreditation course options for 2024/25:

GCTRE online with Yarra Theological College (YTU) and Catholic Theological College (CTC) as providers.

If this online option is preferred it will be the responsibility of candidates to enrol for the course and apply for Diocesan Sponsorship at the appropriate time. This is an open course meaning that it is available to anyone and is not provided for our diocese exclusively. We are not required to guarantee minimum numbers for the course to run.

If REAP is the preferred approach to gaining VCEA Accreditation to Teach RE and Lead in a Catholic School, the GCRE will be provided by ACU at Aquinas in Ballarat on a Friday and Saturday, twice a semester for two years.

REAP is a closed course, meaning it is provided for our diocese exclusively, is face to face and is accompanied by a CEB colleague.

In order for REAP to operate we need to guarantee 25 places as a minimum and to guarantee payment for 25 places across the two years of the course, even if participants withdraw across the life of the course.

For that reason, if REAP is your preference, we need your commitment via this google form by August 31^st^. This is because ACU also must manage staffing for coursework 2025/26.

The google form represents a statement of commitment to REAP. It is not an enrolment form. It is not a diocesan sponsorship form.

If you have any questions re either course, please email Ed Officer ECSI, Gina Bernasconi gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au

HOLD THE DATE - ECSI MASTERCLASS on November 20th

As you might recall, the first ECSI MASTERCLASS took place on 30 April 2024, on the topic of the PTI on Resurrection. It was a well-attended, successful first edition that received only positive reviews.

A PTI (Practical Theological Instrument), always integrates theory with practical application and is intended to be formative, engaging, reflective, interactive, dialogical, challenging and - overall - enriching. The ultimate goal of a PTI project is to develop and enhance the school's/office’s Catholic identity in a meaningful way, beginning with the very heartbeat of the school/office: our staff. We are invited to engage with PTI materials in ways that challenge us and opens our minds and hearts.

The ECSI Research Group in Leuven is offering a second ECSI MASTERCLASS on November 20th. As with last time, the online event will commence at 9.00 am Leuven time, which is 5pm for the Ballarat Diocese.
Details as to content and registration etc. will follow in the coming weeks and will be advertised here.

For now, please just hold November 20th as the date.

More information Gina Bernasconi gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au

MAKING A SCENE AT CHRISTMAS - Opportunities for schools to view and learn about the nativity scene

This year to celebrate Christmas, over 500 Christmas Nativities from more than 60 countries will be displayed at Bridge Mall, Ballarat and at the Catholic Diocesan archives.

The display can also be transported to diocesan communities to service clusters of schools and parishes.

Students can:
- see and smell real frankincense and myrrh;
- see coins minted around the time the census was called that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem; and
- see hand crafted cultural nativities from Australia, Africa, Asia, North & South America and Europe (and one that went to Antarctica); and
- see nativities that prize social justice and the environment.

Schools can book for an educational experience:

1. Invite the display to your district

2. Bridge Mall: 5-22 December

3. Catholic Diocese of Ballarat archives 20 November – 22nd December and Thursday 4th January – Monday 22nd January 2024.

Contact ASAP: Fiona Tonkin at fiona.tonkin@ballarat.catholic.org.au

Religious Education Leaders Conference - 22/23 August

This is a reminder for Religious Education Leaders to register for the upcoming REL Conference.

Could all RELs please register for this conference (including dietary requirements) via the link below by 9 August 2024 - Trybooking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CQOHS

The details are:
Venue: Country Plaza Halls Gap,
141 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap VIC 3381

Date: 22-23 August 2024.
Focus: Liturgy

Please book your accommodation directly with Country Plaza on Ph (03) 5356 4344 (The accommodation cost is paid by your school)

Attached is a draft copy of the Agenda for the Conference and this will be finalised closer to the event. Over the two days, there will be three rounds of workshops of a practical nature with regards to Liturgy and Prayer. Prior to the Conference, there will be an opportunity to select and register for preferred workshops.

Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leaders Forum

20 & 21 August

The two-day Forum is open for both primary and secondary Deputy and Assistant Principals and Senior Leaders.

There will be a variety of presenters across the two days with interactive sessions on the school improvement framework, leadership formation (developing psychological safety and empathy) and developing trust to have crucial conversations.

Time: Day 1 – 10:00 – 4:00pm and Day 2 9:00 -2:00pm
Date: Tuesday 20 August and Wednesday 21 August
Location: St Brigid’s College Horsham VCAL room – 97 Robinsons St, Horsham
Cost: $150 - includes
- Day 1 – morning tea, lunch and evening dinner
- Day 2 - morning tea and lunch
Try booking registration

Schools will be expected to organise and pay for any necessary travel and accommodation costs of participating staff.

For further information on the forum, please contact Janet Claassen or Fiona Murphy.

Wellbeing Updates

Q&A - Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Child Protection Practitioners

An invitation to participate in an information session (including Q&A) with Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Child Protection practitioners.

This session will assist schools to understand what occurs when a report is made, including: − the role and structure of Child Protection − reporting to Child Protection and including information practitioners would find beneficial − statutory Children’s Court orders − consent and authority − supports, care and placements that may result from a report or order. There will be an opportunity for attendees to seek advice about scenarios and local support services.

The session will be held on the Thursday 1 August 2024 from 10.00 to 11.30 am.

Staff can access it by entering the meeting ID 447 813 693 185 and passcode 9v8Wak into Microsoft Teams.

Registration is not required, and the session will not be recorded.

Student Voice Webinar - Dr Russ Quaglia

We are thrilled to invite you to an exclusive educator webinar, "All Students Have a Voice, But Do We Hear Them?" featuring world-renowned expert in the field of student voice Dr. Russ Quaglia and Sue Bryen from the Quaglia Institute for Student Voice and Aspirations (QISVA).

This special event will be hosted by Justin Roberts and Chris Higgins from The MacKillop Institute.

Date and Time:

· Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, | 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM AEST

Format: Panel discussion and conversation, featuring a discussion with our esteemed guest – Dr Russ Quaglia.

Why Attend?

· Gain deeper insights into fostering authentic student voice.

· Discover practical strategies to amplify student voices in your classrooms.

· Learn from the leading experts on how to create an engaging, student-centred learning environment.

· Obtain a digital Professional Development certificate upon completion of the webinar.

Spaces are limited - secure your spot - Register here.

Strengthening Universal Practices to support Classroom Behaviour: Essential Strategies for Teachers and School Leadership
with Dr Shiralee Poed

There are many elements to being an effective teacher and understanding behaviour support is one of them. Transform your teaching practice and enhance your students' learning experience through this practical workshop on strengthening our universal approach to behaviour management in the classroom.

Our guest speaker for this full day session is Dr. Shiralee Poed. Shiralee is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Queensland, bringing over 30 years of experience including her role as Chair of the Association for Positive Behaviour Support Australia and co-author of SWPBS Handbook (Australia).

This session promises to provide teachers and leaders with valuable universal strategies and insights to enhance their approach to supporting positive behaviour in the classroom. It is highly recommended that teachers and school leaders attend in teams wherever possible.

Time and date: 30th August

Venue: Church of Christ - Horsham

Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/CRCQR

For a list of topics covered or for any queries please contact Anne Ruddell aruddell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Solutions still needed to reduce bullying

Dr. Roberto Parada, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Western Sydney, wrote a chapter on bullying prevention and pro-social behaviour for the SPWBS handbook co-authored with Shiralee Poed, our presenter on the 30th August in Horsham.

Parada noted that there is still a need for solutions aimed at reducing bullying rates despite several decades of intervention research, saying that one in six students at Australian schools' experience bullying, which is now the most common form of violence affecting young people worldwide.

Parada said that PBS, applied through an entire school, can reduce bullying among learners. “The SWPBS approach already meets many criteria desirable for anti-bullying interventions and requires only minor changes and additions to tackle bullying,” he said.

“An advantage of this approach is that most anti-bullying interventions are specific only to bullying behaviours and do not target other disruptive behaviours at school. A SWPBS system, guided by best practices on bullying intervention, can do both,” Parada said.

National Week of Action Against Bullying (12 -16 August)

The theme for 2024 is 'Everyone belongs'.

Schools are encouraged to register via: https://qedgov.eventsair.com/2024-bullying-no-way-week/2024bnw/Site/Register

Registered schools will receive an online toolkit containing lots of resources—including teaching and learning activities, social media and newsletter content, webinars, a podcast, 'Everyone belongs' videos and much more.

Altruistic August

There is plenty of evidence that shows when we help others and perform acts of kindness our own mental health and wellbeing is enhanced.

The Action for Happiness calendar for August has 31 simple ideas to improve relationships with others, spread kindness and change our own perspective.

Why not try some of these within your school and for yourself this August?!

School TV survey + tips

This year DOBCEL has provided the School TV resource for all of our schools. In the coming weeks we will be contacting you to gather some feedback about your use of School TV and your intentions for 2025.

In the meantime, we have asked our schools with the highest access to share some tips about how they have ensured its' success in their respective communities.

People and Development Updates

Crucial Conversations – Swan Hill 3 & 4 September 2024

Time: 9:00-4:00 (both days)
Location: Swan Hill (Murray Downs Resort, Swan Hill)
Cost $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch)
Try booking 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 12 & 13 Nov in Ballarat.
Try booking links will be supplied for bookings soon.

Any queries, please contact Fiona Murphy on fmurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Introductory webinar on the Reportable Conduct Scheme -Tuesday 12 September

Child safety is central to the work we deliver and it is incumbent on each of us to understand our legal responsibilities as we continue to strengthen our culture of child safe schools.

If you're new to the Reportable Conduct Scheme or need a refresher, please consider attending this webinar delivered by the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).

Webinar details:

Thursday 12 September, 1pm - 2pm

Go here to Register: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/resources/information-sessions/#TOC-1

Recruitment Best Practice Webinar – August 30th

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, and 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.

Date: 30 August

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Online

Cost: Free of charge

Registration via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CRINC

For any enquiries about the program, please feel free to contact Sarah Hanley, Talent Acquisition Partner.

Social Justice Activities Update

🎨 Season of Creation Art Competition is back on for this year!

Each year Catholic Earthcare runs an art competition for the Season of Creation. The theme of the competition is the theme for the Season of Creation, which this year is ‘Hope and Act With Creation’. Students can create ANYTHING they want aligned to this topic, as long as they can take a photo of it to submit. We ask that teachers register on the behalf of students by emailing the submission, school name, student name and year level to catholicearthcare@caritas.org.au.

There is a primary and secondary category, with awards presented by the Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long, and there is also a people's choice award. Last year we used facebook likes to judge the people's choice, this year we will host the images and the voting on our website and details will be sent out about how to vote once registrations are closed.

The winners will be announced at our convocation later in the year and each winner will receive a voucher to an art supplies store. Entries close September 2 at 9am sharp! If you have any questions, please email Alice Carwardine at Alice.Carwardine@caritas.org.au.

Upcoming significant Ecological Events:

Monday 2nd September - Entries close for the Season of Creation Art Competition 9am sharp!
Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th September - The Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Convocation 2024

Catholic Earthcare is celebrating the Season of Creation this year with a Convocation that will explore how we can ‘Wonder, Weave, and Heal’ Earth and her communities. Click on the link below to find out more and to access the link to the website where you can register. Registration closes Monday 12th August 2024. Note: Cost for the 3 days is $100 BUT if you register a group of 4 or more you get 50% discount! You can also register for just 1 or 2 days and the same discount applies for 4 or more. The Diocesan Hub experience includes Morning Tea & Lunch

Flyer: The Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Convocation 2024

Learning and Teaching Update

SECONDARY NEWS

VCE Forum Three - Strategies for teaching your Unit 4 text

This VCE session looked at strategies for approaching the teaching of your Unit 4 text.

This session covered:

the difference between the Unit 3 and Unit 4 SAC
the most effective design of SAC assessment tasks
what to plan for in terms of the exam (especially with the changes to the question format)
how to help students ensure that they address the implied ‘why?’ which sits within all of the questions that they will encounter.

The recording and relevant resources are available via Canvas which you can access here.

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

PRIMARY NEWS

Structured Literacy Project

Level 1A Day Two - Please register ASAP

Cluster 1: St Brigid's Ballan & St Mary's Clarkes Hill	Thu 22nd August 10 - 3	Sovereign Park Ballarat	Register here
Cluster 2: St Joseph's Warrnambool & St Patrick's Port Fairy	Wed 21st August 10 - 3	Deakin Uni Warrnambool	Register here
Cluster 3: St Patrick's Koroit & St Pius X, Warrn. West	Tue 20th August 10 - 3	Deakin Uni Warrnambool	Register here
Cluster 4: All Saints Portland & St Mary's Colac	Tue 20th August 10 - 3	Deakin Uni Warrnambool	Register here
Cluster 5: Western Trinity Schools	Thu 22nd August 10 - 3	Sacred Heart Casterton	Register here

Primary Leaders of Learning

ALL Primary Leaders - (Mathematics, Literacy, Instructional, Curriculum)

Term 3, Week 4 - Wednesday 7th August - 1:30pm - 3:00pm - Primary Leaders of Learning.

Agenda

Maths Bites - Unpacking the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum V2.0

Online sessions will continue on:

Tuesday 6^th August, 2pm - 3pm
Tuesday 13^th 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.

Registration Link

GENERAL NEWS

Victorian Curriculum 2.0

The Victorian Curriculum 2.0 is currently being rolled out. Up to date DOBCEL advice regarding familiarisation and implementation can be accessed here.

To support teachers and school leaders to familarise themselves with the release of the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0, the VCAA is hosting a series of interactive webinars throughout Term 3 (July to September). Register here. 

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 term 3

Koorie Big Day Out - 30 August

An aspirational, statewide event promoting university pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10 - 12.

A great chance to connect with the Koorie Units of the 9 Universities in Victoria and explore future pathways and careers.

Parents and Carers are invited to attend the Koorie Big Day Out as well.

For any questions please contact VAEAI on (03) 9481 0800 or emailing vaeai@vaeai.org.au

Read more.

Thomas Mayo in Ballarat

Best-selling author and advocate Thomas Mayo speaking to teachers about the power of schools in reconciliation in Ballarat on Monday August 12 at 3.45pm.