Weekly Newsletter #26 - 28 August 2024

The Season of Creation

The Season of Creation begins next Sunday, 1st September, the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation, and runs through to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, 4th October. It is a time when Christians from across the globe focus on God’s gift of creation and recommit to care for this precious gift. The Season of Creation celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment. This year’s theme is 'To Hope and Act with Creation.'

A Laudato Si’ Beatitudes Prayer

God of All Creation,

Blessed are those who hold the space for dialogue with the natural world, God, and each other, for they will hear the fullness of life.  

Blessed are those who enter into relationship with the natural world, for they will know the intrinsic value of all of God’s Creation.

Blessed are those who heal the wounded earth for they will be restored to right relationship with all of Creation.  

Blessed are those who discern the voice of Creation for they will receive an experience of God in a language not our own.

Blessed are those who see with the eyes of their heart for their vision will imagine the potential for new life to emerge. 

Blessed are those who nurture the needs of the living and nonliving world, for they will be nourished in body and spirit.  

Blessed are those who live simply, for their discipline will bring harmony with the rhythms of life. 

Blessed are those who cultivate a life of prayer for they will know an inner cosmos that honours the outer world.

Blessed are those who participate in civil affairs for they will bring the cry and song of the earth to systems of power and policy. 

Blessed are those who have gratitude for they will receive the gift of abundance.       

 Amen

[Adapted from The Laudato Si Movement]

From the Executive Director

Today I am writing from Melbourne where I am with my fellow Diocesan directors from Sale, Sandhurst and Melbourne, along with Religious Institute schools representatives, for a quarterly meeting of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) Consultative Committee. This committee provides input and advice to the VCEA Board on the full range of planning, policy and funding issues. 

Tomorrow, I Chair the Catholic Capital Grants Committee to consider applications for Federal government funding in the next round. The Committee will make recommendations later this term. The successful applicants will be informed by the Federal Government late this year, or very early in 2025.

Last week I was delighted to visit four of our schools doing wonderful work in their rural communities - St Mary's (Sea Lake), St Patrick's (St Arnaud), St Mary’s (Donald) and St Joseph's (Charlton). At each school there was a palpable positive energy and sense of community among the staff and students. I thank the school communities sincerely for their warm welcome, especially in the busyness of Book Week.        

With best wishes
Tom Sexton

Last week Executive Director Tom Sexton was delighted to visit four of our schools doing wonderful work in their rural communities - clockwise: St Mary's (Donald), St Patrick's (St Arnaud), St Mary’s (Sea Lake) and St Joseph's (Charlton). 

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

Speech Pathology Awareness Week (25 to 31 August)

This 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.

DOBCEL Speech Pathologist Miranda Pearse and Leader of Wellbeing Tony Perkins celebrate Speech Pathology Awareness Week !  

 SAVE THE DATE AND REGISTER -ECSI Masterclass 

You are warmly invited to join us this 20 November for the second ECSI Masterclass!  Building on the success of the first Masterclass this past April, the second offers you and your colleagues a broad and deep look into our newest Practical Theological Instrument (PTI) on forming teachers and staff for a culture of dialogue.  The Masterclass event is free of charge and open to all those invited by CEB.

Please register at this link no later than Wednesday 13 November (one week prior).

ECSI Masterclass n. 2 Practical Theological Instrument (PTI): Developing a Catholic School Culture of Dialogue

Wednesday 20 November 2024

9:00-10:30 (Central European Time) live online [5pm our time]

Presenters: Prof Dr Didier Pollefeyt, Drs Jan Bouwens

Facilitator: Dr Michael Richards

One week prior to the Masterclass, the specific link and login details will be sent to all those registered online. 

More information about the 2024 series of ECSI Masterclasses can be found at this page. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Gina Bernasconi: Ed Officer: ECSI - 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 Patrick's, Port Fairy 175 

Congratulations to all who have contributed to St Patrick's Parish Primary School celebrating a remarkable 175 years of service to the Port Fairy community 26-27 October.

Wellbeing Updates

Secondary Wellbeing Leaders Network  

Date: Thursday 19th September 

Where: Monivae College  

When: 10:00 – 2:30 

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

Online Network for Primary Wellbeing Leaders

Have you registered yet for the Online Network for Primary Wellbeing Leaders on September 12th?  

REGISTER HERE for the Event https://www.trybooking.com/CUERZ  and see the flyer for further details. 

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. 

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

ReLATE - free information session (4 September)

ReLATE is more than just trauma-informed practice. It is a universal practice of teaching and learning strategies, delivered through a therapeutic practice that supports and empowers every member of the school community. 

Join our free information session 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. 

ReLATE Information session on the 4th September from 4-5pm. 

Sign up is via this page Event Details | MacKillop Institute 

Student Voice Webinar with 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. 

Secure Your Spot: 

Register here.  Spaces are limited. 

We look forward to your participation in this inspiring event. 

People and Development Updates

Training Opportunities

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. 

 R U OK? Day - Thursday 12 September

R U OK? Day is Thursday 12 September  and is the National Day of Action, providing an ideal opportunity to engage staff and the wider school community with the values of R U OK?

You can also encourage and support an R U OK? Culture every day of the year by having regular, meaningful conversations which builds trust and engagement within our communities.

Learn more about the 4 steps of a RU OK ? conversation:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen with an open mind
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Here are some resources you may like to access for R U OK Day:

https://www.ruok.org.au/work

https://www.ruok.org.au/education

https://www.ruok.org.au/education#PRIMARYSCHOOLRESOURCES

https://www.ruok.org.au/education#SECONDARYSCHOOLRESOURCES

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.

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 (VCAA) 

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 for the VASS: Reading and Interpreting Information webinar.

Villains recording and resources now available ! 

This forum considered English classroom routines, building writing skills and assessing in a smarter way with reference to the Villains resources.

Access the recording and resources through 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

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

AI Working Party – Update on Progress

In recent months, a select group of CEB staff, educators, and principals have been exploring and discussing the applications of Generative AI within our diocese. These virtual sessions have been highly informative, allowing participants to exchange insights and experiences. Currently, the group is examining various frameworks to guide broader adoption and provide recommendations for schools interested in using GenAI.

Our goal is to offer greater clarity and context for schools navigating this rapidly evolving field. Some members are developing small case studies that demonstrate how these align with our chosen framework, along with other support materials for schools. We are aiming to have some of this work shared with schools early Term 4.

If you missed earlier communications about this group, or wish to get involved, please contact Coby Reynolds at creynolds@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Connecting with CEB’s PAT resources site including the Faces On The Data Tool

• Wednesday 9th October 3:45 - 4:30 pm  (Online)

Target Audience:

• Mathematics, Literacy, Curriculum, Learning Diversity Leaders, Leadership
• Classroom Teachers

Focus: To explore DOBCEL’s PAT resources site developed by the CEB PAT Team in preparation for October testing.

Read more

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• Manager: Property and Infrastructure – Ballarat office, ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 September)

 Principal Vacancy

• Principal - Our Lady Help of Christian's School, Wendouree (closes 4th October) 

School Vacancies

• 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)
• Classroom Teacher – Our Lady Help of Christians, Wendouree – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 September)
• Teachers – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 September)
• Deputy Principal Community and Culture – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 September)
• Director of Wellbeing (POL 4) – 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)
• Learning Support Officer – St James’ School, Sebastopol – fixed term position at 0.79 FTE (closes 13 September)
• Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 September)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – (closes 19 September)
• Classroom Teacher - Experienced or Graduate – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 September)
• Languages (Japanese) Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 October)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Aloysius’ School, Redan (closes 30 November)