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Weekly Newsletter #24 - 14 August 2024

REFLECTION - The Solemnity of the Assumption

Tomorrow 15th August is The Solemnity of the Assumption.

The following reflection by Sr Joan Chittister OSB, explores a possible connection between Mary’s assumption and our lives, our way of being in the world.

When we raise our hearts and souls to God, the things that drag us down will lose their grip on us. When we refuse to become imprisoned by things and status and ambition and self and greed, our souls are set free and our bodies are unburdened. Life becomes livable again. Enough becomes enough. God becomes God again.

But where can we possibly go to find someone whose life is not tethered to the earth to the point of death? What proof do we have that anyone can rise above what we want to what we can become? The answer surely is Mary of the Assumption whose love of God lifted her far above the goals and gains of those who had never really seen the Christ for what he was, because their mind’s eye was taken up totally with what they were themselves.

Mary of the Assumption teaches us to keep our eyes on the things of heaven; to free ourselves from the fetters of anything lesser; to develop a vision outside of ourselves; and to allow ourselves to be lifted up beyond the petty and the transient to the eternal and the unalloyed. Mary of the Assumption is a sign of what we can become if we are willing to let go of what we have planned for ourselves.

—from In Pursuit of Peace: Praying the Rosary Through the Psalms, by Joan Chittister OSB found at https://www.joanchittister.org/word-from-joan/sign-what-we-can-become

Invitation to Prayer

Mother of God, you risked saying yes to being pregnant with the seed of the Holy One,

May we also overcome our fears and take the risks that growth requires of us.

Mother of God, you did not know how the birth of your child would affect your life,

May we trust in God’s presence to protect and guide us when we face uncertainty.

Mother of God, you found kinship with your pregnant cousin Elizabeth,

May we recognise the Elizabeths who sustain and encourage us.

Mother of God, you felt the child within you stirring and kicking,

May we deepen our awareness of God’s stirrings in the midst of our lives.

Mother of God, the newly born child in your arms engendered awe, mystery, and wonder,

May we, too, reverence and be awed by the way that the Divine One enters our lives.

Amen

From Feast of the Assumption

From the Executive Director

I am writing today from Trinity College Colac where the DOBCEL Board is meeting and has approved our new DOBCEL Strategy 2035. While this is only the beginning of work to become a high-performing system of Catholic schools in service of families and communities across western Victoria, it is a significant milestone as we set sail, confident in the co-design and directions of the strategy.

We now look forward to developing a comprehensive communication and implementation plan to ensure all staff, students and families across the diocese are fully engaged with the strategy.

In recent weeks we have seen the true essence of Catholic education in action at Mercy Regional College, Camperdown where Year 12 students have taken it on themselves to support two College staff members currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The students have raised both significant awareness of this disease, and an extraordinary $30,000+ for breast cancer research and support over recent weeks. Congratulations to all involved in this work and please keep College Business Manager, Judith Murfitt and long-serving teacher, Kym Penry in your prayers.

Please also keep the St Alipius, Ballarat school community in your prayers as they come to terms with the tragic loss of a much loved Year One student in a car accident last Saturday. We commend Principal Emily Clarke and her staff for their outstanding and sensitive leadership at this difficult time, taking strength from our faith and the support of the wider Catholic education community around them.

My thanks to the Trinity College Colac community for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to our Executive and Board Members this week. The Board members have been extremely impressed with the College. Our student guides were very articulate and proud to take us on a tour of the excellent facilities. Last night we enjoyed a lovely dinner with Principals and School Advisory Council chairs from district Catholic schools, taking the opportunity to congratulate Fr Michael O’Toole on his Golden Jubilee and thank him for his wonderful support and leadership for Catholic education.

As mentioned last week, DOBCEL is pleased to have been invited to participate in the British Parliament Trust’s commemorative book marking the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth. You can now read our media release here.

With best wishes

Tom Sexton

Members of the DOBCEL Board and Catholic Education Ballarat Executive Leadership Team were warmly welcomed to Trinity College Colac this week.

Professional Learning Program

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

Professional Learning Calendar 2024

Catholic Education Updates

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 Novemebr 20th as the date. Thanks, Gina: gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au

REAP (RE & Pedagogy) Accreditation - Seeking Commitments

Dear Colleagues, this message is to enable us to determine whether or not to proceed with REAP (RE & Pedagogy) as a fact 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 Aus Catholic Uni (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).

https://forms.gle/GDJHa39Fn6xMibsg8

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 me: Gina Bernasconi: Ed Officer: ECSI

gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au

St Pauls' Primary School, Mildura invites you to celebrate 50 Years of Catholic Education

THE EDUCATOR JOURNAL 5-Star Innovative Schools

The tenth annual 5-Star Innovative Schools report will showcase the schools around Australia at the forefront of change and innovation. Entries are open to all schools pioneering a new direction in education – from teaching approaches to learning spaces and curriculum design, the 5-Star Innovative Schools report will profile the schools shaping the educational landscape of the future.

Entries close 16 August.

For more information, visit the 5-Star Innovative Schools website or email marinella.mallari@keymedia.com.

Wellbeing Updates

REGISTER HERE for the Primary Wellbeing Event: https://www.trybooking.com/CUERZ

Wellbeing Leaders Network - Secondary

Date: Thursday 19th September

Where: Monivae College

When: 10:00 – 2:30

Register: https://www.trybooking.com/COZGS

Supportive Transitions for Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care

This Professional Learning opportunity is open to Designated Teachers and any school staff who may benefit from learning more about how to support students currently living in Out-of-Home Care, transition from primary to secondary school, or from one school to a new school or other educational setting.

This session will be presented online on the 26th of August from 3:30-4:30.

Register: https://forms.office.com/r/XFhhzzSt93

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

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

People and Development Updates

Training Opportunities

ADDRESSING STAFF PERFORMANCE

Date: 26 August 2024

Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm

Location: Online

Cost: Free

This online session designed for Principals and team leaders will provide practical skills to assist in addressing staff performance issues both formally and informally. It will cover the clause 13 process, what support is available and Enterprise Agreement obligations to be aware of.

Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1264852

KNOW YOUR AGREEMENT

Date: 13 September 2024

Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm

Location: Online

Cost: Free

Do you want a better understanding of specific clauses the Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2022?

This session will cover:

Parental Leave
Time-in-lieu

This session is designed for principals, team leaders and administrators who are involved in the application of parental leave and TIL. At the end of the session there will be time for general CEMEA 2022 questions.

Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/CTZGY

For any enquiries about these programs, please contact Jo Huntley HR Advisor on Ph 0429 598 163.

[Additional sessions are scheduled to occur later in the year.]

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

Deputy and Assistant Principals 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.

Introductory webinar on the Reportable Conduct Scheme -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: 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

Diocesan Social Justice Commission Reflection Day - Saturday September 7

The Ballarat Diocesan Social Justice Commission invite all to a Reflection Day, in celebration of the launch of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2024-2025:

“Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World”

Saturday, September 7 (10.00am - 2.30pm) at Ss Michael and John’s Parish Centre, Horsham.

Facilitator for the day is writer and educator, Michael McGirr.

Registrations are essential via the event Flyer.

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

Seminar Five - Smart assessment and samples available

Lots of interesting ideas in this seminar. Kirstin unpacked the elements of good formative assessment and presented different ways we might use it more effectively and efficiently.

The resources, rubrics and seminar recording can be accessed here.

Bookmark the link - we're hoping this seminar is one you'll want to return to and discuss with your teams. Perhaps use it to add to your shared understanding of what effective English formative assessment looks like at your school.

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

GENERAL NEWS

EAL Network Meeting

Join us for our first EAL Network meeting for the Ballarat Diocese. This Professional Learning event is open to all School leaders and teachers across the diocese and a great opportunity to connect with other schools, hear success stories and to discuss questions.

Monday 16th September (9.30 – 4pm)

Horsham Catholic Education Office

Read more.

NAPLAN Data - VCAA Professional Development

To support you in using your NAPLAN 2024 data, the VCAA will be offering the VCAA NAPLAN Reporting & Data Service Professional Development workshops and webinars again this year, starting from Monday 19 August 2024.

To view the available sessions (face-to face or online webinars) and to register, please follow this link.

Victorian Curriculum F-10

The graphic below displays the expected implementation of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 within DOBCEL schools. More information regarding familiarisation and implementation can be accessed here

ACER PAT Professional Learning

ACER PAT Professional Learning EDIT

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