Weekly Newsletter #27 - 4 September 2024
A Prayer for the Season of Creation…
The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation took place on Sunday 1st September. This marked the start of the Season of Creation which runs until 4th October, also the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology. This is an ecumenical season dedicated to prayer for the protection of creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles. The following prayer reflects beautifully the essence of the season.
Called to Your Table
You said: “Let there be”,
And so there was.
Creation awakened.
Reaching towards you,
life sang your praises.
Each seed, each atom
replied to your calling;
each plant, each creature
- knowing, unasking.
You said: “Let them live”,
and so we did.
Creation: abundant,
reaping the harvest,
called to your table.
Each man, each woman
joined in the feasting,
each son, each daughter
- praising, rejoicing.
You said: “Let them share”,
and how we fail.
Creation: unbalanced.
wasting, destroying,
we take from others.
Keeping, withholding,
we fail to notice
each man, each woman
- hungering, weeping.
We say: “Let us learn”,
and so we must.
Creation: restored.
Giving and taking:
to each life sufficient.
Each to another,
filled with your bounty
each prayer, each answer
- Building, remaking.
Amen
Prayer: Claud Mba/CAFOD
From the Executive Director
Thanks to all involved in ensuring disruption to school programs as a result of this week’s wild weather was minimised. I’m aware of a number of schools suffering storm damage and power outages. The close collaboration between school teams and CEB office staff, to ensure all students and staff are kept safe and experience as little disruption as possible in these circumstances, is commendable.
Next week, I am travelling to Canberra for the National Catholic Education Directors forum. This event brings together diocesan directors from across the country to discuss key issues and meet with political leaders about how we can work in partnership to better support the 20% of Australian children in our Catholic schools.
In particular, I will join regional-based colleagues as part of the National Catholic Education Commission’s (NCEC) ‘Regional Rural and Remote Network’ to meet with Senator Anthony Chisholm (Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development) and Darren Chester MP (Shadow Minister for Regional Education and Regional Development).
It is worth noting there are 665 regional, rural and remote Catholic schools (38% of all Catholic schools) across the country, educating 224,000 students and employing 33,600 teachers and staff.
This week I join with school communities in celebrating and recognising the incredible contribution Learning Support Officers (LSO’s) make to the wellbeing and learning outcomes of the students in our care.
With best wishes
Tom Sexton
Professional Learning Program
Please click the link below to view the PL calendar 2024.
Catholic Education Updates
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
Collaboration within our Catholic education community
Our Catholic primary schools and secondary Colleges work closely to ensure students and families can enjoy a seamless K-12 journey with Catholic education.
Last week learning diversity leaders from Damascus College Ballarat, Loreto College Ballarat, and St Patrick's College, Ballarat came together with learning diversity representatives from each of our Central Zone (Ballarat area) Catholic primary schools to discuss student requirements and help support a successful transition to secondary school for year six students.
A big THANK YOU to all who attended and made the day such a success.
Pictured are: Kerryn Parkinson (St Patrick’s College), Lisa Templar (Catholic Education Ballarat), Matthew Hallowell (Damascus College), and Ginelle Polanske (Loreto College).
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 - September 12th
Registrations close on Thursday 5th September.
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.
Self Care September
Click here to check out the Action for Happiness calendars and awesome resources!
Thank You - Dr Shiralee Poed
Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Shiralee Poed to our Diocese.
Our day's focus was on strengthening universal practices to support classroom behaviour for teacher’s and leaders. It was very well received from both a secondary and primary perspective. We are looking forward to continuing the partnership with Dr Shiralee Poed.
Dr Shiralee Poed is an Associate Professor within the School of Education at the University of Queensland. Her career spans more than 30 years and includes working as a teacher and leader in Australian state, Catholic and independent primary, secondary and special schools. She was awarded the 2023 International Positive Behaviour Leadership Award for her extensive leadership of Positive Behaviour for Learning in Australia, and internationally.
Please click here to book a time to meet with Ashleigh Graham.
ReLATE - free information session today 4-5pm!
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 today 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 - 12 & 13 November 2024 – Glowery Room, Patricks Cathedral Hall
- EVENT DETAILS
- Time: 9:00-4:00 (both days)
- Location: Glowery Room, Patricks Cathedral Hall
- 3 Lyons St South, Ballarat VIC 3350
- 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.
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
National Child Protection Week - 1-7 September
The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) encourages all of us to consider the role we play in creating safe communities for children.
Following on from their original message: “Protecting children is everybody’s business”, the theme chosen for National Child Protection Week 2024 (Sept 1 to 7 2024) is “Every conversation matters”.
This reminds us of the importance and power of conversation in keeping children and young people safe.
Child Safe Standard 3 acknowledges the importance of friendship and peer connection as a protective mechanism for children and young people. Children and young people often speak with their friends before they seek out an adult. They may then interact with an adult before they disclose any concerns. Initial interactions which may appear insignificant at the time may determine whether a student decides to speak up further.
In the busyness of our days, we can overlook the power of a conversation and the “teachable” moments this can provide for our students.
Let’s remember this week to recognise the opportunities we have to ensure “every conversation matters”.
Please click here for helpful resources and newsletter ideas which may support your ongoing engagement with families and community.
Leadership Development – Pilot Program offerings for 2024
In 2024, significant progress has been made on the co-creation of the DOBCEL strategy 2035, as well as the development of a DOBCEL competency framework focused on school leadership. While the final detail of this work is still being refined, we have an emerging sense of what the results will be.
To ensure that future leadership programs are aligned with our strategic direction and provide the opportunity to develop the right skills and behaviours, a series of pilot leadership workshops are being offered in 2024.
These programs are designed to build capability in areas aligned to our strategic direction with the intention of integrating these programs into a more comprehensive leadership development calendar in 2025.
Cost - Free!
Each of these programs will be run as a pilot program with the costs of the program covered by DOBCEL.
As part of attending the program, all participants agree to provide their identifiable feedback on things such as the program's contents, effectiveness, and suggestions for improvement. Participants will be asked to provide feedback at the conclusion of the workshop and may also receive follow-up contact after the workshop for further feedback.
Workshop 1 – Personal Leadership – Wednesday 18 September 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sovereign Park Motor Inn – Courtyard Conference Room – 223 Main Rd Ballarat
Link to register -https://www.trybooking.com/CVDXW
Workshop 2 – Feedback - Championing a feedback culture – Thursday 24 October 9:00 am – 12:30pm
Sovereign Park Motor Inn – Courtyard Conference Room – 223 Main Rd Ballarat
Link to register -https://www.trybooking.com/CVDUO
Workshop 3 – Collaboration - we are better together – Thursday 24 October 1:15 pm – 4:45 pm
Sovereign Park Motor Inn – Courtyard Conference Room – 223 Main Rd Ballarat
Link to register -https://www.trybooking.com/CVDXH
*You can sign up for only workshop 2 or workshop 3 on 24 Oct, or both workshops to make it a full day of professional development. You are welcome to sign up for all workshops.
Click here for further details on the workshops
Facilitators – BTS Spark
BTS Spark are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in leadership and development in the Education Sector. They partner with schools, universities, education departments, professional associations and leadership institutes to support thousands of education leaders each year.
For further details on this please contact Emma Baldwin, Organisational Development Advisor or Fiona Murphy, Organisational Development Manager
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:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen with an open mind
- Encourage action
- Check in
Here are some resources you may like to access for R U OK Day:
https://www.ruok.org.au/education
https://www.ruok.org.au/education#PRIMARYSCHOOLRESOURCES
https://www.ruok.org.au/education#SECONDARYSCHOOLRESOURCES
There are plenty of great resources at https://www.ruok.org.au/education and School TV also has a Special Report that you might like to explore.
Social Justice Activities Updates
LAUDATO SI’ in action - National threatened species in the news
This Saturday 7th September we celebrate National Threatened Species Day.
“Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures, are dependent on one another. Each area is responsible for the care of this family.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 42)
Forty brushtail possums have been successfully relocated from Kangaroo Island to Central Australia to restore the species to its former habitat, where it had recently become extinct.
The possums were carefully selected by ecologists from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and transported by charter flight to Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, located about four hours northwest of Alice Springs. The 9,450-hectare sanctuary offers a safe, predator-free environment essential for their successful reintroduction.
Brushtail possums are commonly found in Australia’s coastal cities but are rare in Central Australia due to habitat loss and predation by feral animals such as cats and foxes. In recent years, the species was driven to extinction in the Red Centre, exacerbated by changing fire regimes and frequent hot, dry weather. The relocation effort addresses these challenges by placing the possums in a protected habitat, enabling them to thrive and contribute to the local ecosystem.
The arrival of the possums was also marked by a special Possum Dreaming (‘Rrpwamper’) ceremony hosted by the Anmatyerr First Nations people in Laramba. This traditional ceremony celebrates the return of the possums and strengthens cultural connections between the Indigenous community and the land.
“We perform the ceremony to connect possums back to the Land and connect them back to the People. Younger generations can now learn about the possum through song, dance and stories passed down from their elders,” said Anmatyerr elder Peter Cole, guardian of the possum dreaming story in a press release.
According to Dr. Tim Henderson, one of the ecologists involved in the project, brushtail possums play a crucial role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health. The possums will be monitored over the coming year to ensure they adapt well to their new environment.
This successful relocation joins other recent conservation achievements in the Red Centre, including the return of species like the brush-tailed bettong, bilby, and golden bandicoot. The re-establishment of brushtail possums marks a hopeful step toward restoring biodiversity and enhancing ecological balance in Central Australia.
Upcoming significant Social Justice & Ecological Events:
- Saturday 7th September - Diocesan Social Justice Commission Reflection Day
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:
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 have been extended to 04:08:2024 and can be made via the event Flyer.
- Saturday 7th September – National Threatened Species Day
- 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 a 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
- Friday 13th September – RSS Ballarat Teacher Environment Network (TEN) Meeting
Ballarat Teacher Environment Network (TEN) Meeting
Location: Mount Clear College
Date: Friday 13th September
Time: 9.30am - 11.30am.
CRT will be covered for one teacher per school.
https://events.humanitix.com/ballarat-tens-meeting?hxchl=hex-pfl
Caritas News:
After the success of the Catholic Social Teaching Card Set, caritas are excited to share our new Laudato Si Card Sets. These sets are based on the 7 Laudato Si Goals and aim to deepen understanding of integral ecology.
Sets can be purchased online via the links below:
- Laudato Si' Card Set = $35
- Catholic Social Teaching Card Set = $40
- Bundle Offer: both sets for $60
Learning and Teaching Updates
PRIMARY NEWS
Data Story Telling with Dr Selena Fisk
Several schools will be meeting with Dr Selena Fisk on October 10 from 9-3pm at the Ballarat Office.
If you have not yet done so, please register here.
This is the final day for 2024 with Dr Selena Fisk and an opportunity for participants to share their data journey.
Schools have been working on developing many aspects of data literacy: data plans, data protocols, processes and practices, from assessment schedules to data analysis and audits. We are looking forward to hearing from these schools and receiving more from Selena.
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
Mathematics Classroom Modelling Sessions with Michael Ymer
Hosted by St James' School, Sebastopol
Date: Wednesday, 9th of October (Term 4, Week 1)
Location: St James' School, 260 Albert Street, Sebastopol
Who: Classroom Teachers (see timetable below for session times)
Cost: Full day: $150pp Session price: $60
Following the highly successful and well-attended session earlier this year, we are thrilled to have Michael Ymer back in the Ballarat Diocese, for classroom modelling sessions at St James’, Sebastopol. This is a fantastic opportunity for classroom teachers to gain valuable insights and practical strategies that can be immediately applied in classrooms.
GENERAL NEWS
EAL Network Meeting - Monday 16th 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.
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]
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 6th.
Country Education Partnerships
Country Education Partnerships (CEP) are excited to announce the Spring Series of FREE PD Online began last week. Tailored by educators, for educators, this season of interactive sessions continues over coming weeks.
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.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy
No current vacancies.
Principal Vacancy
- Principal - Our Lady Help of Christian's School, Wendouree (closes 4th October)
- Principal- Sacred Heart Colac (closes 29 September)
School Vacancies
- 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)
- Leadership Positions – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 September)
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader – St John’s School, Dennington – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 9 September)
- Classroom Teacher – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – fixed term 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)
- Teaching & Leadership Positions commencing in 2025 – Loreto College, Ballarat - 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)
- Classroom teacher – St Patrick’s School, Camperdown – fixed term position at 0.62 FTE (closes 13 September)
- Biology and Health/PE Teacher – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 September)
- Teaching & Learning Leader: Learning Resources (POL 3) – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 September)
- Classroom Teacher – St Brigid’s School, Ballan – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 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)
- 2025 Teaching Positions - Religious Education, English, Humanities – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 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)