Weekly Newsletter #30 - 9 October 2024

Reflection Piece - On Holy Ground…

It is often said that Catholic Education involves “Sacred or Holy Work”.

What does this mean? What does the concept of On Holy Ground present to us, as we commence Term Four?

This school term, in particular, is usually full of life, energy and endless tasks to complete.

In the following reflection Judy Cannato outlines a snapshot of what On Holy Ground entails. May we cherish, create and recognise Holy Ground this Term for all in our communities.

The realm of God that Jesus preached and died for was one that was known for its kindness and generosity, its compassion and healing. There was no one deemed outside the love of the Holy One whom Jesus called “Father.” No one was excluded from fellowship, not the rich or poor, male or female, slave or free. Jesus went beyond superficial divisions and called for a culture of compassion.​

Compassion changes everything. Compassion heals. Compassion mends the broken and restores what has been lost. Compassion draws together those who have been estranged or never even dreamed they were connected. Compassion pulls us out of ourselves and into the heart of another, placing us On Holy Ground where we instinctively take off our shoes and walk in reverence. Compassion springs out of vulnerability and triumphs in unity.​

Judy Cannato, (2010) Field of Compassion: How the New Cosmology Is Transforming Spiritual Life, Notre Dame, Indiana, Sorin Books.

Creator  God,  thank you for the gift of this new term. 

Refresh us, invite us to discover Your presence in each person that we meet

and every event we encounter.
Teach us when to speak and when to listen
when to ponder and when to share.
In moments of challenge and decision
attune our hearts to the whisperings of your Wisdom.
As we undertake ordinary and unnoticed tasks,
give us simple joy.
When our days go well, may we rejoice.
When they grow difficult, surprise us with
new possibilities.
When life is overwhelming, call us to
Sabbath moments
to restore your peace and harmony.
May our work this term truly be holy revealing Your presence to all creation

Amen

Adapted from - Pat Bergen, C.S.J.

From the Acting Executive Director

Welcome back to Term 4.

I trust you have all had a refreshing break and are ready to finish the final quarter of the year strongly!

I know our secondary schools in-particular have hit the ground running as they support Year 12 students with final assessments and prepare for rounds of farewell celebrations, within only a few weeks.

As part of our DOBCEL 2035 strategy development, several DOBCEL leaders travelled to Canada over the holiday period to learn with colleagues in similar contexts about the successes and challenges of school system improvement. We intend to grow this partnership with our Canadian friends to benefit both schools and the diocese more broadly in coming months and years. More detail about the Canada trip is provided in the article below.

Tomorrow is an exciting day for the DOBCEL community as Board Chair Terry Harney and Executive Director Tom Sexton attend the launch of the ‘Commonwealth at 75’ commemorative publication at Westminster Abbey, London. We are very proud that as a thought-leader in education in Australia, Tom was invited to participate in this publication. It will be distributed to over 400,000 organisations across the Commonwealth, shining a light on our diocese as a progressive provider of high-quality Catholic education in a regional setting.

We will distribute the link to the commemorative publication as soon as possible, but you can read our earlier media statement here. 

I am looking forward to joining the St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura community on Friday for Mass and celebrations as they mark 50 Years of service with a series of events which continue into Saturday.

We will welcome Tom back to the office next week.

With best wishes,

Megan Ioannou, 

Acting Executive Director

DOBCEL leaders learn with Canadian colleagues

Alongside the co-design of the new DOBCEL 2035 strategy, our diocese has continued to grow partnerships with Canadian colleagues who have travelled similar journeys of education system improvement in recent years.      

A delegation including Terry Harney (DOBCEL Board Chair), Kathleen Donnellon (Board Director), Tom Sexton (Executive Director), Matthew Byrne (Deputy Director - Catholic Education), Michelle Haeusler (Principal, St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill), and Dave Runge (Future Schools), travelled to Canada over the recent holiday period to meet with both Catholic and government educators in the Toronto, Ontario, Edmonton, and Ottawa regions across an intensive ten-day period.

‘We aim to learn from both the successes and challenges of the Canadians in working towards system improvement in contexts similar to our own,’ Tom Sexton said.

‘At the same time, we are also establishing partnerships that will deliver ongoing benefits to both our schools and diocese more broadly, as the new DOBCEL 2035 strategy is activated.’

Highlights of the visit included meetings with Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto and Co-Director of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative, and Andy Hargreaves, a globally respected advocate for equitable and inclusive education, a strong teaching profession, and positive educational change worldwide.

‘To have the opportunity to discuss our plans directly with educators of the calibre of Michael and Andy was a real honour, but most importantly provided great affirmation of our DOBCEL strategic directions,’ Tom Sexton said.

The DOBCEL Board’s 10-year strategy has been co-designed with school leaders, teachers, non-teaching staff, students, and families across the diocese under the guidance of Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge. A plan is currently being developed to communicate the plan widely across the DOBCEL community.

Photos from the trip...

Catholic Education Updates

Early Career Teacher Check-ins Term 4

As planning for the 2025 Early Career Teacher Program begins and we reflect on the 2024 Program, we would like to engage with Early Career Teachers (ECTs) to provide the opportunity to engage and reflect on their successes and an opportunity to discuss where additional development can be provided at a system level.  

To enable this, the Early Career Teacher program in term 4 is individual check-in conversations intended to share the successes and challenges of 2024. ECTs will be asked to share their experience engaging in the early career teacher program, their experience in schools as an ECT and for CEB staff to provide any further individualised advice or feedback during the call.

Anyone who has participated in an early career teacher session in terms 1,2 and 3 will receive contact via email from a CEB staff member in week 1 of term 4, inviting you to engage in this check-in conversation. Check-in conversations are expected to be held during week 3 and 4 of term (between 21 October – 1 November) but we will work with each ECT to find a suitable time. It is expected these calls will take no longer than 30 minutes.  The engagement is intended to be a supportive structure and, as such, is not compulsory- however we would highly encourage participation.

If you have not been able to participate in the Early Career Teacher Program in 2024 but would like someone from the CEB office to make contact with you for a check-in conversation, please email Fiona Murphy or Sarah Hanley who will organise this for you.

We look forward to working with Early Career Teachers from around the Diocese again in term 4 and into 2025!

The Teaching Excellence Program

(Applications open until Sunday 3 November 2024)

The Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) enables highly-skilled teachers to advance their capability and confidence for exemplary teaching.

TEP2025 is a fully funded, year-long professional learning program for highly-skilled teachers supporting and challenging them to become even better teachers. Through the program, teachers analyse their teaching practice to deepen content and pedagogical content knowledge in and across the key discipline areas. They access contemporary, evidence-informed research and apply this learning to their students’ learning needs. Teachers utilise a practitioner inquiry approach to deepen their knowledge, capability and confidence to teach even more effectively in their context.

TEP is open to highly-skilled teachers with a minimum of three years’ teaching experience from the government, Independent and Catholic sectors, including those teaching in alternative settings.   

Supported by a team of Master Teachers-in-Residence, TEP teachers engage with national and international expert educators in a diverse range of learning activities, including Conference Days, Discipline Days, Teaching Excellence Learning Community (TELC) Days and Practitioner Inquiry. 

The program is structured around key disciplines, including:

• The Arts
• English, including English as an additional language
• Health and Physical Education
• The Humanities
• Languages
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technologies

Graduates of previous TEP program report that their teaching skills have improved, and their enthusiasm for the profession has grown. They also report the TEP has ‘inspired and invigorated them’, ‘revitalising’ them and reigniting their joy around teaching, with 84 % of 2023 TEP participants saying the program had a ‘significant impact’ on their students' learning outcomes.

Program Structure

Over one school year, teachers are expected to engage with and contribute to:

• orientation session (online, 90 minutes)
• conferences (2 days) in Melbourne
• discipline days (4 days) in Melbourne
• Teaching Excellence Learning Communities (TELCs) days (4 days). These are place-based (closest Academy location: Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Melbourne, Mildura, Moe, Shepparton).

The breakdown of time per term (based on 2024 program) is expected to be –

Term 1 – orientation session and 3 days

Term 2 – 2 days

Term 3 – 2 days

Term 4 – 3 days

Information Sessions

To support applicants with their 2025 TEP applications and answer any questions, we are holding weekly drop-in information sessions for both teacher applicants and principals.

We encourage applicants to attend an applicant/teacher information session to find out more about the program and so that we can clarify and support applicants to submit their applications. The principal information sessions are opportunities to hear from Principals-in-Residence. The sessions will provide information for principals to support their teacher applicants through the application process and the year of professional learning that follows.

To attend an information session click here. More information can be found at Teaching Excellence Program (academy.vic.gov.au) 

Sponsorship applications for teacher study in 2025 - opening soon

DOBCEL is offering Sponsorship in 2025 for a number of courses which are seen as priorities for education in the diocese.

Priority courses 2025:

• Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education (Continuing CTC)  • Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education (CTC/YTU) • Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (ACU) • Master of Religious Education (ACU)  • Master of Educational Leadership (ACU) • Master of Theological Studies (ACU) • Master of Education and Theology (CTC)  

Sponsorship applications for 2025 will open soon.

See the flyer here for more information.

Engaging Your Faith Online Series

Engaging Your Faith is a series of short, online presentations that invite participants to reflect on what it means to be people of faith in the contemporary world. Click here to view the flyer. 

Experienced lecturers from Catholic Theological College present on a variety of topics such as Religion and Ethics, Philosophy, Gospel of Luke, Interculturality, Meditation, Science and Religion, Synodality, AI, Education, And Violence in the Scriptures.

These sessions are eligible for maintaining accreditation in Catholic schools in all Victorian.

Cost:

• $25 per session: General audience
• $40 per session: Teachers applying for Catholic School accreditation
  

Sponsorship and Accreditation for Higher Education

In line with DOBCEL policy re Sponsorship for Higher Education Priorities, if intending to undertake study for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or Lead in a Catholic School, the following courses are recommended for sponsorship support:

Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Primary application

Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Secondary application

Please click here for the Sponsorship for Higher Education information.

NB. Diocesan sponsorship for all courses closes October 25^th

1. The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education (GCTRE) provided jointly by Yarra Theological Union (YTU) and Catholic Theological College (CTC); see the flyer with details here.

The GCTRE is an online course. If this course is your choice, please apply for Diocesan Sponsorship first and once confirmed, register for the GCTRE via details provided in the flyer. CEB will be bulk billed for this course, there is no up-front payment. 

2. The Graduate Certificate in Religious Education provided by ACU

The GCRE is an online course. If this course is your choice, please apply for Diocesan Sponsorship and once confirmed, register for the GCRE; see the flyer with details here.

3. REAP (RE & Pedagogy)

Is a face-to-face course for Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or Lead in a Catholic School and on completion of the study the participant receives a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (GCRE).

REAP does not have an online option. This face-to-face, supported learning, facilitated by ACU takes place at Aquinas in Ballarat across a Friday and Saturday, twice a semester (dates still to be set). As with the GCRE, there are four units of study with two units undertaken per year. Sponsorship is available for REAP.

If you have already committed to the REAP course to commence in 2025 with Gina Bernasconi, there’s nothing more you need to do for now. Gina will contact you re Diocesan Sponsorship and enrolment with ACU.

This REAP option is still available and if you want to join REAP, please email Gina on the email address below: gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au

For other priority courses please see the DOBCEL website under Professional Learning/Sponsorship for course links: https://dobcel.catholic.edu.au/prof-learning/sponsorship/ 

Practical Theological Instrument (PTI): Developing a Catholic School Culture of Dialogue - ECSI Masterclass No.2 

Time Update: Save the date and register 

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).

Please note the updated timing for this event.  The change is intended to increase opportunities for participation among colleagues across the country.  You need not update your registration.  Thank you for your understanding.

ECSI Masterclass No.2

Practical Theological Instrument (PTI): Developing a Catholic School Culture of Dialogue

Wednesday 20 November 2024

LIVE ONLINE AEDT 4:30pm - 6pm

Presenters: Prof Dr Didier Pollefeyt, Drs Jan Bouwens

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

Wellbeing Updates

Increase your capacity to support students' mental health  

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Increase your capacity to support student’s mental health. Mental health first aid strategies
are taught in an evidence-based training program authored by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia. The course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Dates: 12th and 13th November
Where: Quest Warrnambool
15-19 Liebig Street, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280
Cost: $160
Participants / Target Audience Teachers, school nurses, LSO’s, year level coordinators,
administration staff, (anyone in the school community).

For further information contact Brooke Nester at bnester@ceob.edu.au
Registration via trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CPHRF

Out of Home Care Professional Learning Opportunities 

The Out of Home Care Partnering Agreement is a critical initiative designed to improve the educational outcomes and overall well-being of children and young people living in out-of-home care (OoHC). This agreement, forged between the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Catholic Education, seeks to address the unique challenges faced by children in care, many of whom experience higher rates of trauma, disrupted schooling, and social-emotional difficulties. 

Term 4 Designated Teacher Training October 17th - https://forms.office.com/r/e9n2MGX3q6 

Term 4 Learning Mentor Training October 31st - https://forms.office.com/r/hXKpS0n9FM 

Expression of Interest for Schools Parents and Resilient Kids (SPARK) Program in 2025 for Primary schools in the Central Highlands Area.

The Schools Parents and Resilient Kids (SPARK) program is an evidence-based early intervention program for children Foundation/Prep to Grade 2 with disruptive and challenging behaviours. Funded by the Victorian Government in partnership with Grampians Health, the Department of Education, and Catholic Education Ballarat, the program offers schools in the Ballarat/Grampians region the opportunity to participate in 2025.

The program involves screening all children in these grades to identify those with mild to moderate levels of disruptive and challenging behaviours. Selected children and their parents participate in the evidence-based early intervention program. The SPARK Program, run by the ICYMHWS aims to improve child behaviour, family relationships, and assist parents and schools in managing difficult behaviours. The program also facilitates referrals to local agencies for additional support if needed.

The components of SPARK are summarised below

• Child program: in the 10-week program, children learn social and emotional skills such as problem-solving, emotion regulation, and empathy in small groups. Let’s keep the letter to one page in length. It also promotes prosocial behaviours like cooperation, kindness, and respect, fostering supportive environments in both the classroom and home.
• Teacher professional development: professional development sessions are offered to all teachers as well as ongoing support for implementing classroom strategies that are parallel to the SPARK program. Development of behavioural management plans are also offered to teachers.
• Parent/carer program: The Bringing Up Great Kids (BUGK) program is offered to all parents and carers in the school. BUGK gives caregivers insights into their parenting style and practical strategies, reinforcing the social and emotional skills their children are developing. There is also parent/carer support from our Peer Carer Support Worker.

For more information or to express interest in the SPARK program, please contact Brooke Nester on 0447 946 223 or bnester@ceob.edu.au or Beth Fernandes GV Health on 5320 3030 by October 18th, 2024.

Spotlight on Respectful Relationships in Secondary Schools

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Respectful Relationships professional learning session. Respectful Relationships education is a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from foundation to year 12. It is all about embedding a culture of respect and equality across the entire school community. In partnership with the Catholic Identity and Mission team, this session aims to explore a whole school approach to Respectful Relationships with consideration to the new Vic Curriculum HPE and the soon to be released and updated RRRR resource.  

The Respectful Relationship session for Wellbeing, RELs and HPE staff will be held at 11:20am to 1:20pm. You are more than welcome to attend the morning and afternoon sessions as well.

Please register for this session via this link https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1181853. 

People and Development Updates

Training Opportunities

Crucial Conversations - 12 & 13 November 2024 – Glowery Room, St Patrick's Cathedral Hall

• EVENT DETAILS
• Time: 9:00-4:00 (both days)
• Location: Glowery Room,  Saint 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 about the program, please contact Fiona Murphy on fmurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leader network meeting – Term 4

The final Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leader network meeting for 2024 will be held on Tuesday 22 October from 2:30 - 3:30.

The session will share details of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035.

“Throughout 2024, the DOBCEL Board and Directorate, together with Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge have been co-creating the development of the ‘DOBCEL Strategy 2035’. Co-creating the strategy has involved engaging with a wide stakeholder group; from teachers, school leaders, non-teaching staff, students and parents and those working in the Catholic Education Office. The main purpose of the strategy is to inspire a whole system to commit to and move towards a high-performing system of Catholic schools.”

Join us for an overview of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035, presented by a DOBCEL Directorate member. The session will also provide the opportunity for breakout groups to start discussing the strategy with peers.

Please register to attend here (nil cost).

2025 Program dates:

In preparation for planning, dates for the 2025 Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leader network will be as follows. Further session details will be provided early in 2025.

Term 1 – Thursday 27 March 2:30 – 3:30

Term 2 – Wednesday and Thursday 4&5 June (likely Horsham location)

Term 3 – Wednesday 20 August 2:30 – 3:30

Term 4 – Tuesday 21 October 2:30 – 3:30

*Please note these dates may be subject to change

These sessions are open to all Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leaders across the Diocese.

For further information please contact Fiona Murphy or Janet Claassen.

Engage Your Mind with access to the Flourish Wellbeing E-Magazine

All DOBCEL staff have access and can subscribe to the Flourish Wellbeing E-Magazine which provides full contextual health and wellbeing content in a simple, contemporary and engaging format.

Expertly written articles each month and featuring engaging videos and a monthly podcast called Thrive – Where Wellbeing Converges. 

Understanding the reportable conduct scheme in an education setting

Professional learning opportunity - Registrations open!

Adam Foster, Employment Lawyer (Colin, Biggers and Paisley) supports clients to navigate the changes and issues that arise as legislation changes, ensuring they have best practice policies and procedures in place and are compliant from a regulatory perspective.

When problems or disputes arise, Adam's clients value his calm, decisive manner and strategic approach. He has been described as a 'workplace problem solver’, and enjoys helping his clients find solutions to improve workplace relationships to the benefit of the business and its employees.

With the introduction of the Reportable Conduct Scheme in 2017 Adam has become acutely aware of the importance of informing education staff of the scheme, its broad application and the importance of setting professional boundaries to enhance self-care in school settings.

Adam will deliver 4 online sessions for DOBCEL staff in relation to the Reportable Conduct Scheme and its application in an education setting.

Target audience:

 All levels of school staff with a particular focus on teachers, LSOs and support staff working with students.

Thursday, 10th Oct 2024

10am to 11.30am

https://www.trybooking.com/CVGIC

Wednesday, 16th Oct 2024

2pm to 3.30pm.

https://www.trybooking.com/CVGIG

Registrations are now open.

Session content is relevant and important to all levels of staff.

Whilst individual staff registration is essential, consider options for staff to attend in pairs or groups to encourage conversation and ongoing reflection opportunities.

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 - $0

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 – 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 2 – Collaboration – we are better together – Thursday 24 October 1:15 pm  – 4:45pm

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 or both workshops on 24 Oct, to make it a full day of professional development.

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 

Social Justice Updates

Disaster Risk Reduction Day - 13th October 2024

Pope urges action on climate crisis, care for environmental disaster victims.

In his prayer intention for September, Pope Francis said the Earth “has a fever. It is sick,” and asks for “responses that are not only ecological but also social, economic and political,” stressing that “the ones suffering most from the consequences of natural disasters are the poor.”

2024 International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction Theme: Empowering The Next Generation For A Resilient Future. 

On average, there are about 6,800 natural disasters that happen every year worldwide. While they may fill up the screen in summer blockbuster movies, natural disasters in the real world are devastating, powerful forces of nature. From California to Australia, wildfires have rendered everything in their path to ash. Deaths from hurricanes are attributed to not only wind and rain, but also flooding and property destruction. As global temperatures rise, the number of catastrophic disasters has also grown. 

In a world facing increasingly more frequent and destructive climate-related challenges, there is no greater time than now to adapt, innovate, and advocate for resilience in the face of floods, heatwaves, wildfires, and other disasters. It is time for us to work together to embrace and foster the human spirit's capacity to persevere, prepare for change, and work together to build a more sustainable and resilient future.

The characters in the following story are fictitious but are inspired by real-life situations and projects around the world to build the resilience of at-risk communities. To hear more inspiring stories about people across the globe reducing disaster risk, click here.

Called to Action: #DRRday #AreYouReady2024

For further information, including a toolkit for teachers consisting of an introduction to Disaster Risk Reduction, key learning materials and both policy and action inspiration, click the link below:

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) activation kit 2024

Upcoming significant Social Justice & Ecological Events for Term 4:

• World Mental Health Day: October 10
• International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: October 13
• World Food Day: October 16 
• International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: October 17                 
• All Saints Day: November 1
• Remembrance Day: November 11
• The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: December 2
• World Conservation Day: December 4
• Human Rights Day: December 10

Learning and Teaching Updates

English Curriculum Project

Seminar Seven - Moving on to whole text

We are very much looking forward to seeing you next week for our seminar on moving to whole texts. It’s a tricky and challenging aspect of our teaching that we often struggle with in terms of student reluctance to read. In the session we will therefore be asking three questions that can inform our teaching and planning when we ask students to study a whole text:

• Why are we teaching a whole text (as opposed to extracts or themes)?
• What are we expecting to achieve from a text study and what knowledge and skills will we have to teach to do this?
• To what extent is our teaching of text from 7-10 informed by the VCE?

There will be plenty of time for discussion and reflection in this session!

If you are unable to attend but have pressing questions about this issue, please feel free to contact Kirstin (kirstin@kirstinbourne.com) and she will try to incorporate them into the presentation.

ECP resources and recordings can be accessed through Canvas here.

Curriculum Planning Day

The new English Victorian Curriculum 2.0 presents an opportunity to review current scope and sequences. With a focus on mapping a developmental sequence of skills and knowledge for Year 7 – 10, this day will provide an opportunity for English teams to review and recreate their English curriculum.

Participants will engage in a series of workshops to build English practices and curriculum for their own school setting.

Content:

* Knowledge and skills map for Year 7 – 10 students

*Unpacking of the English Curriculum 2.0 and identifying the knowledge and skills for each area.

*Evaluating your current scope and sequence documents against the new Victorian Curriculum

*Understanding the achievement standards and using them to inform assessment and reporting

*Connecting the Victorian Curriculum with VCE and VM studies

Participants / Target Audience:

* English leaders and English teachers.

* Up to 3 representatives per school.

Cost: No cost for English Curriculum Project schools.

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

Download ECP Curriculum Planning Day flyer here

Register here

Primary Leaders of Learning 

Online Meeting: October 16th

The Term 4 Primary Leaders of Learning Network meeting is approaching quickly. As mentioned in previous newsletters, this will be held via video conference on Wednesday  October 16 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.

Please use this link to register

Agenda: 

To prepare, consider reflecting on:

• Questions about the V2.0 Mathematics and English Curriculum for 2025
• Celebrations for 2025 and the short-term and long-term actions as a Teaching & Learning Leader

Reminder - Data Story Telling with Dr Selena Fisk

A reminder to  schools meeting tomorrow with Dr Selena Fisk on October 10th from 9-3pm at the Ballarat Office.

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 Professional Learning for 2025  

Engaging students in their Mathematical learning. Professional learning facilitated by Michael Minas the founder of Love Maths.

Michael has worked in education for over 25 years and his areas of interest include problem solving and student engagement.

Rationale - To impact on teacher practice through planning for and teaching of engaging Mathematical learning experiences.

Focus/Learning Intentions

• Identify mathematical tasks which are engaging for ALL students
• Enhance participant’s knowledge of the Mathematics Curriculum

Content

• Unpacking the developmental sequence of Mathematical concepts

Target Audience

• Classroom teachers
• Leaders’ of Mathematics

This spaced professional learning will provide the opportunity for participants to engage with their learnings between the sessions.

Dates:

Term 1:  Week 3: Tuesday February 11^th & Week 7: Tuesday March 11th        

Term 2: Week 3: Wednesday May 7^th & Week 7: Wednesday June 4th

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm

Registrations and further details will be available shortly.

If you have any questions please contact Sarah McKnight or Teresa Hadden

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

If Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education is a focus area of your school’s 2025 Annual Action Plan, could you please contact the pertinent CEB staff member listed below, in order for adequate planning time to occur.

Central Zone and Far Northern Zone primary schools; Damascus College, Loreto College and St Patrick’s College – please contact Helen Christensen.

Mid-Northern Zone and Southern Zone primary schools; Emmanuel College, Marian College, Mercy Regional College, Monivae College, St Brigid’s College, St Joseph’s College, St Mary MacKillop College and Trinity College – please contact Jeanette Morris.

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.

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.

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You're invited to St Patrick's School, Nhill - 75 Years celebration!

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• Psychologist – Mildura office, ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 20 October)

Principal Vacancy

• Principal- St Patrick's Primary School Camperdown (closes 20 October)
• Principal - Sacred Heart Primary School Casterton (closes 14 October)

School Vacancies

• 2025 Art, Business Studies, Drama, LOTE, Music, Technology teachers – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 October)
• Languages (Japanese) Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 October)
• Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 October)
• Classroom Teacher - 2025 – St Joseph’s School, Coleraine – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 October)
• 2025 Classroom Teaching Positions – St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 October)
• Classroom Teacher – Lumen Christi School, Delacombe – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Classroom Teacher/s (leadership opportunities) – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Religious Education Teachers – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Health & PE Teachers – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Science Teachers - St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Mathematics Teachers - St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Humanities Teachers - St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• English Teachers - St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Learning Support Officer – St Colman’s School, Mortlake – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 14 October)
• Full Time Classroom Teacher 2025 – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 October)
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader/Specialist Teacher – St Coleman’s School, Mortlake – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 16 October)
• Classroom Teachers, Full Time / Negotiated Part Time – St Joseph’s School, Penshurst – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 October)
• Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 October)
• Classroom Teacher - 2025 – St Brendan’s School, Coragulac – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 October)
• Learning Support Officer – Braille Specialist + Generalists – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 0.89 FTE (closes 11 November)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Aloysius’ School, Redan (closes 30 November)