Weekly Newsletter #25 - 21 August 2024

'TRUTH AND PEACE - A GOSPEL WORD IN A VIOLENT WORLD' Social Justice Sunday Statement 2024

This Sunday is Social Justice Sunday. Each year, The Australian Catholic Bishops produce a Social Justice Sunday Statement. This 2024 statement is titled TRUTH AND PEACE - A GOSPEL WORD IN A VIOLENT WORLD.

The bishops explore that peacemaking involves building a culture of dialogue and encounter. Education, as we know, plays a vital role in promoting peace. The statement explores the concept of the Architecture of Peace, or the real steps we take to create peace. Catholic Education in our Diocese, together with Catholic Education right across the globe has recognised the importance of building peace in our schools and wider world. A peace that reveals the presence and love of God. One of the building blocks of this Architecture of Peace is dialogue. Here is some wisdom from the statement.

Genuine dialogue seeks the truth despite these differences and requires that all involved in the dialogue bring respect and openness to the table. The Pope insists that there are fundamental, objective truths which all participants can strive to discover and accept despite their differences.

A culture of dialogue presumes a culture of encounter which is therefore another essential element of “the architecture of peace”. A culture of encounter is grounded upon the recognition of the dignity and rights of all people, especially those who are vulnerable, powerless or on the margin.

Instead of closing in on ourselves and clinging to our own positions and convictions, we choose instead to welcome opportunities to listen to others and understand what they think and why. This is the opposite of life in a bubble or in an ideological echo-chamber which a post-truth world imposes. It involves the attempt to see the truth of the other, since we cannot make peace with someone we cannot see. Only a new kind of seeing will enable the connection that dialogue presumes. p.8

From: https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2024/07/25/social-justice-statement-2024-25/ 

O God, Trinity of love, from the profound communion of your divine life, pour out upon us a torrent of sisterly and brotherly love.

Grant us the love reflected in the actions of Jesus, in his family of Nazareth, and in the early Christian community.

Grant that we may live the Gospel, discovering Christ in each human being, recognising him crucified in the sufferings of the abandoned and forgotten of our world, and risen in each sister or brother who makes a new start.

Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty, reflected in all the peoples of the earth, so that we may discover anew that all are important and all are necessary, different faces of the one humanity that God so loves.  

Amen.

From the Executive Director

This Sunday is Social Justice Sunday.  In this year’s statement 'Truth and Peace - A Gospel Word in a Violent World', the Australian Bishops explore the concept of the ‘architecture of peace’, or the practical steps we can take to help create peace. Catholic education in our Diocese and across the globe recognises the importance of building capacity for peace in our students and communities, and in turn, the wider world. It is clear we must continue and redouble these efforts in the current world context.

Bishop Paul Bird has released a video reflecting on the Statement which I encourage you to view on the Diocesan website, along with the Reflection in this newsletter.  

Today, with Bishop Paul and DOBCEL Chair Terry Harney, we were pleased to welcome Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) Chair James Merlino and CEO Professor Elizabeth Labone to the Diocese. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the needs of our schools and system, as well as how we can work most effectively with the VCEA to help support and advance Catholic education in Victoria.           

Yesterday, Assistant Director People and Culture Ange Jones and I were delighted to attend the commissioning ceremony for new Mercy Education CEO Louisa Rennie at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne. We look forward to working closely with Louisa, especially in support of the wonderful Mercy Education schools in our Diocese - Emmanuel College, Warrnambool and St Joseph's College, Mildura.

As part of DOBCEL’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of early career teachers, 41 teachers gathered in Halls Gap last week for a two-day retreat exploring the theme of “On Holy Ground – A time to Nurture our Spirits”. All reports suggest this was an enriching experience and I congratulate all involved. The retreat is a vital but significant undertaking and I thank the many schools that provided coverage to release their early career teachers for the event. 

With best wishes

Tom Sexton

  

Pic 1: Yesterday, Assistant Director People and Culture Ange Jones and I were delighted to attend the commissioning ceremony for new Mercy Education CEO Louisa Rennie at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne. 

Pic 2: Today, with Bishop Paul and DOBCEL Chair Terry Harney, we were pleased to welcome Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) Chair James Merlino and CEO Professor Elizabeth Labone to the Diocese.

Professional Learning Program

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

DOBCEL Compliance Training for 2024 - All staff reminder

All DOBCEL staff are reminded they are required to complete the compulsory online compliance training modules designated for 2024 via the SALT compliance platform by the end of December 2024.

In 2024 there are two modules for all staff to complete estimated to take approximately 4.5 hours.  Leadership staff are required to undertake an additional module for a further 2.5 hours.

The system wide delivery of compliance training is most efficiently delivered online.  The training serves two purposes-:

• as a way ensure that DOBCEL can demonstrate it is meeting regulatory obligations, particularly in relation to OHS, and
• to foster safe, respectful and harmonious places of work. 

It demonstrates DOBCEL and school commitment to this type of workplace, and we ask all staff to complete the training modules to ensure that they are aware of this commitment, including their rights and responsibilities.

If you require any further information or assistance with accessing or the use of the SALT training platform, please contact your school SALT administrator, Compliance and Risk Support Officer or Andrea Warr on email awarr@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0498 490 749.

Catholic Education Updates

Early Career Teachers Retreat

As part of DOBCEL’s commitment to supporting the growth of its early career teachers, 41 teachers gathered in Halls Gap last week for a two-day retreat.

The theme of the retreat was “On Holy Ground – A time to Nurture our Spirits” and provided an opportunity for the teachers to pause and nurture their spirits by connecting with what is important for themselves, making space for others, space for God, and creation. 

Huge thanks to the many schools that provided coverage for the early career teachers to be released from their classes for this important personal growth and collegial opportunity.

Speech Pathology Awareness Week (25 to 31 August)

Next week is Speech Pathology Awareness Week with the theme "Communication Your Way". 

At DOBCEL, we have a talented and dedicated team of speech pathologists and visiting teachers supporting and advising our students, teachers, and families about communication.   

Everyone communicates differently, whether it’s spoken, signed, digital, or written. Communication bridges gaps, fosters meaning and understanding, and strengthens relationships. It’s about making connections and expressing ourselves in unique ways.

Our DOBCEL team is dedicated to promoting the importance of communication for students' social, emotional, and educational well-being through programs including:

• Speech screenings for foundation students.
• School and individual speech support programs.
• Collaborating with teachers, Learning Support Officers, and wellbeing team colleagues.

These actions aim to prioritize effective communication as a vital component of student success.

Find out more about  Speech Pathology Awareness Week: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Speech-Pathology-Week.aspx

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 

Our Diocesan Community (Issue 3, 2024) - Contributions Invited

Planning for the final issue of Our Diocesan Community (ODC) 2024 is underway and we invite your contributions. The focus for this year is 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. 

We look forward to you sharing your stories with these concepts in mind.  We are hoping also to gather stories and examples of new initiatives and experiences in the Catholic community – schools, parishes and agencies from all around the diocese.  We also invite you to share significant events that may have taken place over the last few months in your parish, school communities and agencies.

We plan to have this issue of “Our Diocesan Community” delivered in the week beginning October 14 so the latest date for submissions to this issue is Friday, September 6, 2024.  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.  

Wellbeing Updates

One of the presenters at the network is Dr Stephanie Damiano, Manager of Butterfly Body Bright, Butterfly Foundation’s whole of primary school body image program. Dr Damiano also holds an honorary research fellow position at La Trobe University, in Melbourne. She has dedicated her career to understanding the development of body image and creating educational and parent resources to promote positive body image in children.  REGISTER HERE for the Online Primary Wellbeing Event

Please contact Mel Frost mfrost@dobcel.catholic.edu.au for further information.   

Catholic schools are leaders in student wellbeing - new research

The recently released NAB Education Insights Special Report, part of their 2024 State of Education Series, has found that students attending Catholic secondary schools rated their emotional and mental wellbeing the highest of any Australian school sector.

The score for Catholic schools was 68.5, on a scale of 0 to 100, which was higher than independent schools at 66.6 and government schools at 64.

The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) is pleased by the results of the research, which reflect the strong commitment to pastoral care shown by principals and school staff in Catholic schools.

Catholic school students also reported the lowest feelings of loneliness, which speaks to the strong commitment by Catholic schools to involve families, parishes and the wider community in the life of the school.

The reported scores for emotional and mental wellbeing and loneliness are both improvements on 2023 results.

Read the NAB Education Insights Special Report here: 

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 

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: Thursday 12 September, 1pm - 2pm

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 Updates

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 Updates

 VASS: Reading and Interpreting Information 

The VASS: Reading and Interpreting Information webinar will be held on Thursday 29 August, from 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm.

This webinar explains how to read and interpret VASS eligibility reports and full details reports for VCE, VCE Vocational Major, and Victorian Pathways Certificate students.

Principals/Directors should identify and support appropriate members of staff to register and attend.

Register: Reading and Interpreting Information webinar.

Forum Three - Revisiting English classroom routines through our Villains resources

Join us on Thursday, 22 August at 3.30 for a session on classroom routines, building writing skills and assessing in a smarter way with reference to the Villains resources. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions and conversations about English classroom teaching practice.

Towards the end of the forum, we will also offer a VCE English Q&A opportunity for any teachers, including those new to the teaching of VCE, to discuss the upcoming examination.

Access the Zoom link for the forum and the ECP Canvas 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 Leaders of Learning - Term 3 meeting slides + Term 4 registration

Due to technical difficulties, a recording did not occur. To ensure you have access to the shared information and an overview of the discussions, we have added a summary of the discussions into the powerpoint slides proceeding the information slide. 

The Term 4 PLOL meeting will occur on Wednesday 16th October from 1:30 - 3pm. Please register your intention to attend here: link

Structured Literacy Project - Level 1A Day Two

Please register ASAP

EAL Network Meeting  - Monday 16^th September

9.30 – 4pm Horsham Catholic Education Office

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.

Read more. 

Victorian Curriculum F-10 Implementation

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 Term 3 

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:

• 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]

The Koorie Big Day Out - August 30^th

An aspirational state-wide event, promoting university pathways for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in years 10 – 12 on August 30^th.

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.   

Teaching Excellence Program 

The Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) enables highly skilled teachers to further advance their capability and confidence in teaching. The TEP is open to highly skilled teachers with a minimum of 3 years’ teaching experience from the government, Independent and Catholic sectors, and across all classroom settings.

Diocesan teachers are invited to consider the program by accessing application information at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership website.  Applications close October 6^th. 

Country Education Partnerships

Country Education Partnerships (CEP) are excited to announce the Spring Series of FREE PD Online will be kicking off on Wednesday the 28th of August. Tailored by educators, for educators, this season brings you 4 new and interactive sessions.

Read more

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Article submitted by Sarah Hanley.

School Vacancies

• Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 August)
• Learning Group Leaders - 2 Positions – St Patrick’s School, Gordon – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 23 August)
• Subject Teacher - (VCE Food Technology, VCE Accounting, VCE and non-VCE Mathematics – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 August)
• Learning Support Officer – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 0.78 FTE (closes 27 August)
• 2025 LOTE, Art, Business Studies teachers – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 August)
• Position of Learning - Religious Education and Faith Leader – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 August)
• Learning Support Officer – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 0.79 FTE (closes 30 August)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Patrick’s School, Camperdown (closes 30 August)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North (closes 30 August) 
• Casual Relief Teacher – St Patrick’s School, Camperdown (closes 30 August)
• Teacher Expressions of Interest for 2025 – St Joseph’s School, Red Cliffs – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 August)
• Classroom Teacher - 2025 – St Joseph’s School, Coleraine – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
• Classroom Teacher – St Thomas More School, Alfredton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
• Classroom Teacher Fixed Term- Term 4 2024 – St Mary’s School, Donald – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 September)
• Deputy Principal Community and Culture – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 September)
• Language Teachers – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 September)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – (closes 19 September)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Aloysius’ School, Redan (closes 30 November)