Weekly Newsletter #31 - 16 October 2024

Reflection Piece - The Kookaburra…

The Kookaburra is an interesting reflection to contemplate in the frenetic pace of today's world. 

Many thanks to Jim Quillinan for his wisdom. 

Yesterday was The Feast of St Teresa of Avila the following beautiful prayer is attributed to her.

"Christ has no body now but yours; no hands, no feet on earth, but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which He looks with compassion on this world.

Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good;

Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours." 

~ St. Teresa of Avila

From the Executive Director

It is wonderful to be back in the office today after three weeks in Canada and the UK.

From all reports - and as we would anticipate - school communities have hit the ground running in pursuit of the ‘fullness of life for all’ in Term 4 !

It is always a particularly poignant time of year as we celebrate and reflect on our Year 12 students’ transition to their young adult lives beyond school and consider how well we have played our part in preparing them for a faith-filled and flourishing future.      

In pursuit of continuous improvement as a high-performing system of Catholic schools, our DOBCEL leadership group's recent ten days in Canada was particularly enriching. To have the opportunity to discuss and affirm our DOBCEL 2035 strategic plans directly with global education thought-leaders such as Michael Fullan and Andy Hargreaves, was especially rewarding.   

We also began establishing partnerships with Canadian colleagues at both school and system levels that will deliver ongoing benefits as the new DOBCEL 2035 strategy is activated. More will be said about opportunities to engage and learn with Canadian friends in coming weeks and months. 

Last week I was also deeply honoured and humbled to represent the diocese at the launch of the ‘Commonwealth at 75’ publication at Westminster Abbey. The full story is below. 

I am pleased that student artwork has been hung around the Catholic Education Ballarat office, including four magnificent pieces produced by students from Sacred Heart, Colac - Grace, Scarlett, Sophie and Jemma. I’m sure you will agree the pieces are of outstanding quality and add not only great colour and vibrance to our office, but a constant reminder of the students and school communities we serve. Further opportunities for students from across the diocese to have work displayed will be communicated in coming weeks.     

With best wishes for a ‘life-filled’ Term 4 ahead.

Tom Sexton, Executive Director

Magnificent pieces of art produced by students Grace, Scarlett, Sophie and Jemma, from Sacred Heart, Colac are hanging in the Catholic Education Ballarat Office. 

DOBCEL recognised in commemorative publication launched at Westminster Abbey

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) Executive Director Tom Sexton has been recognised as a thought-leader in education in Australia in a publication marking the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth launched at Westminster Abbey, London last week (9 October)

The British Parliament Trust’s publication – The Commonwealth at 75 – celebrates examples of leadership, innovation, and development across the 56 nations of the Commonwealth and will be distributed to more than 400,000 individuals and organisations.

With 40 years’ experience as a teacher, Principal and system leader in regional Victoria, Mr Sexton said it was pleasing that a regional education leader should be included in the publication.

‘Education changes lives, and this publication is an opportunity to shine a light on the importance of education right across the Commonwealth, but particularly in rural and regional communities like ours, which face unique challenges,’ he said.

‘At the heart of Catholic education in our diocese is seeking the ‘fullness of life for all’.

‘We strive to be a progressive system of schools, offering a high-quality, faith-based, holistic education, and responding to the latest evidence to ensure our students have world-class opportunities to flourish fully in their learning’ Mr Sexton said.

Tom Sexton and DOBCEL Board Chair Terry Harney attended the official launch of the publication at Westminster Abbey, London last Wednesday, following ten days in Canada engaging with education leaders and authorities.

Read the full story and see pictures here.

Hats Off To Teachers - World Teachers' Day, 25 October

Next Friday 25 October is World Teachers' Day. 

World Teachers’ Day honours the dedication, hard work, and passion of our teachers who play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of children. 

It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the incredible work teachers do every day. By celebrating the day and showing our appreciation, we can help create a supportive and encouraging environment that allows teachers to thrive and continue making a positive impact on our children's lives. 

Schools are encouraged to mark the day with some fun activities around Hats Off to Teachers with some resources in the links below:

World Teachers' Day

Celebration Kit

Please note: A DOBCEL World Teachers' Day video will be posted across social media channels next Monday ... keep an eye out for it! Please comment, like and reshare with your networks! 

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 should have received an email inviting you to participate. If you are yet to book your conversation in, please click here to book. If you have not been able to participate in the Early Career Teacher Program in 2024 but would like a check-in conversation please use the above link to book.

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

The Teaching Excellence Program - Staff Professional Learning Opportunity

(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 fully funded by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership and is a year-long professional learning program for highly-skilled teachers, aimed at 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

Please connect to an information session to find out more.

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)

Engaging Your Faith Online Series - October sessions

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 applications for teacher study in 2025 - closing Friday 25 October!

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

Go HERE for more information on the priority courses and guidelines for sponsored study in 2025.

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: https://dobcel.catholic.edu.au/prof-learning/sponsorship/.

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)

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

Apply for a sponsored course: 

Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Primary application

Diocesan Sponsorship for 2025 Secondary application

 Please click here to access the Higher Education guidelines information

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

Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) 2025 Applications Open

The Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) enables middle leaders from across three country Dioceses (Ballarat, Sandhurst & Wagga) to engage in a residential 7-day professional development program with a significant focus on the skills, knowledge and capabilities for effective middle leadership within a Catholic context.

The program provides opportunities for participants to identify their effective leadership practice and apply this within their own school context through a spaced learning model, and a coaching program.

Applications for the 2025 program close on Friday 8 November, 2024.

For further information, application form and principal endorsement please see attachments below:

Please view the CDLP flyer here.

Application Form - CDLP Leadership Program

Principal Endorsement - CDLP 2025

Wellbeing Updates

Increase your capability to support students' mental health  

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Increase your capability 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, St Patrick's 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 – Tuesday 22 October

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).

This session is open to all Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leaders across the Diocese.

For further information please contact Fiona Murphy or Janet Claassen.

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–12:30 pm

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  – 4:45 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 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

Learning Support Officers PD Opportunity

“Why is child safety central to the work of a Learning Support Officer?”

Presenter – Sarah Morgante. Director of One Red Apple Consulting.

Target audience – LSO’s and other support staff working in schools.

Focus - 11 Child Safe Standards, Mandatory Reporting requirements, receiving a disclosure from a student and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

With the use of case scenarios Sarah will provide the opportunity for primary and secondary LSO’s to consider the interconnectedness of all child safety requirements as they pertain to their role.

When:  December 10^th 2024.

Where: Damascus College Ballarat

Now open for registrations on try booking. Link for registration is below: 

https://www.trybooking.com/CWFBU

Social Justice Updates

SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE: LAUDATO SI’ IN ACTION

SOCIAL JUSTICE REFLECTION 

World Food Day October 16

& International Day for the Eradication of Poverty October 17: 

Empty Promises, Empty Mouths

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis Of Assisi

Empty promises, empty mouths - Daily Prayer  

The longer the world takes to tackle climate change and address inequalities the more precarious the lives of millions of our brothers and sisters.

Each year the link between World Food Day (16 October) and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 Day) encourages us to think about what is involved in eradicating poverty and in putting food on everyone’s table.

This year the gap is growing between those who need not worry about their next meal, and those for whom it is not taken for granted but is a surprise gift. Despite knowing this, developed nations leave unaddressed the large factors that contribute to hunger and poverty.

The theme of World food Day – The right to foods for a better life and a better future – meets the reality that the issue now is less about rights than about possibility.

Increasing Inequality
Already inequality in the world and the breaking of supply chains as a result of hostility between nations have raised the price of food and have made it difficult even for many Australians to eat healthily and well.

The failure to address climate change, too, will mean that many people will starve, much land will become infertile, and their inhabitants will live in extreme poverty. The promise that no one will go hungry will seem increasingly empty.

The fragility that flows from the need simultaneously to address the large and pressing issues that face humanity and to make available good food to all can be seen if we google World Food Day. It produces advertisements for gourmet foods. These will no doubt include beef meals. Yet in Australia, beef production contributes to methane and so to emissions, and also leads to the deforestation of enormous tracts of vegetation in order that cattle may graze.

Both consequences flowing from our taste for red meat contribute to global warming that will affect the access to food of future generations of people, and particularly of those in less well-endowed nations.

Choose Well
To eradicate poverty and to share good food we need to make choices that we would not have faced a generation ago. They concern what we buy and eat, and how we live. We need also to persuade our fellow Australians to make similar choices, and to push governments to act in ways that will help feed the world.

This challenge is difficult. In producing, selling, and eating food in a way which ensures that people everywhere are fed, many relationships are involved. Each of them is open to manipulation; each must be just. It is important that farmers receive a just price for their food, and that there be space for retail markets where small farmers can sell their produce more profitably. It is important, too, that the relationships between farmers and chemical companies that provide seeds, fertilisers, and insecticides, do not create dependency and monocultures. The 19th century potato famine in Ireland offers a chilling example of the importance of respecting our environment.

To eradicate hunger, we need to be curious about a world wider than our own and to see its flourishing as our responsibility. We must ask why people there starve and stay while we listen to their answer. This can be a dangerous question.

Helder Camara said that if he fed the poor people called him a saint. If he asked why they were poor and starving, they tried to get rid of him because he was a Communist. Poverty and its devastating effects on people arise out of inequality in the world and the greed that underlies it.

Social Bonds
As Pope Francis has said many times, all profitable activity has a social bond – it needs to attend to the needs of the whole community and particularly of its most vulnerable members. This is true within nations and also between them.

People starve in Gaza because of war not by their own choice or by God’s will but as the result of others’ actions and failures to act. The eradication of poverty within nations and internationally ultimately depends on a change of heart. It will lead us to recognise that each human being, each human life, matters and that we are brothers and sisters, not competitors. These days remind us of that.

Called to Action: A Change of Heart 

The eradication of poverty within nations and internationally ultimately depends on a change of heart. A recognition that each being, each human and non-human life, matters and that we are brothers and sisters, not competitors. We need to tell ourselves that and pray and work that we and all people will see it. We need to choose what we consume wisely and become more familiar with the stories behind what we buy, as we each have the power to put an end to the destructive trail our consumption can leave behind. 

Upcoming significant Social Justice & Ecological Events for Term 4:

• 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

VCAA Examination Panel Applications

The deadline for applications for VCE examination panels has been extended until October 25th. Applicants must have teaching experience at VCE Unit 3–4 in the nominated study and/or relevant tertiary experience in the study area. Knowledge of VCE curriculum and assessment policy is also critical.

Read more here

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 will be confirmed in a future newsletter.

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

Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant Program

DOBCEL is pleased to advise that in partnership with the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), funding will be provided through a Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant Program to support pre-service teacher placements in eligible Catholic schools in 2025.

VCEA CEO Professor Elizabeth Labone said the Catholic sector wanted to ensure the next generation of teachers are supported to have choice in where they undertake their placement.

“Catholic schools play a critical role in educating Victoria’s young people and are a major part of rural and regional communities,” she said.

“We want pre-service teachers to have the experience of working in a Catholic school as part of their training, so they can see for themselves the benefits of a career in Catholic education.”

The Pre-service Teacher Placement Grant Program will ensure that eligible pre-service teachers are able to access equal support regardless of whether they do their placement in a Catholic school or a government school.

Eligible schools will receive a letter from VCEA with further information.

Learn more about the program at the VCEA website - https://rb.gy/403dry

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 

ACER PAT Professional Learning 

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 4.

Q&A - All about PAT

Find out more information here

Wednesday, 23 October 4pm AEDT
 In this session, ACER’s expert team will answer questions and discuss effective practice on all things PAT. Join to see how different schools are using the assessments and allow us to expand on some of the more frequently asked questions.

Tracking the growth of student achievement

Find out more information here

Wednesday, 6 November 4pm AEDT
 This presentation will look at distinct types of growth and how to identify these within the PAT reports. We will also discuss and show different comparisons that can be made between your students and the norm data.

Understanding and interpreting data from assessments measuring abstract, kinetic, conceptual and critical reasoning skills

Find out more information here

Wednesday, 4 December 4pm AEDT
 Join to explore what an assessment of critical reasoning skills can tell educators and to find out the benefits of understanding student proficiency in a range of reasoning skills. We will explore how to unpack and effectively use this information.

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

Farewell Canterbury Road event - 4 December

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)

School Vacancies

• 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)
• Part time Classroom Teacher – Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 25 October)
• 2025 Classroom Teacher Position – St Thomas’s School, Terang – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 October)
• Ongoing Full Time Classroom Teacher - Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 October)
• Full time Classroom Teacher – Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mount Clear - fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 October)
• Classroom Teacher 2025 – St Aloysius’ School, Redan – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 October)
• Full time Classroom Teacher for 2025 – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 November)
• Specialist Teacher for 2025 – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 1 November)
• Learning Support Officer – Braille Specialist + Generalists – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 0.89 FTE (closes 11 November)
• 2025 Drama, LOTE, Music, Technology, Physical Education TEACHERS – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 November)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Aloysius’ School, Redan (closes 30 November)