Weekly Newsletter #34 - 6 November 2024
- Reflection Piece - Saying Goodbye…
- From the Executive Director
- School visit/CPR activation - St John's Ambulance Defibrillator donations
- Professional Learning Calendar - DRAFT 2025
- Catholic Education Updates
- Wellbeing Updates
- People and Development Updates
- Learning and Teaching Updates
- Making a Scene at Christmas - Bookings
- Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection Piece - Saying Goodbye…
November is a special time when our Catholic and other Christian Traditions remember and pray for those who have died.
This week’s reflection from Jim Quillinan explores the concept of Saying Goodbye.
Invitation to prayer……
Litany of Remembrance
God of Compassion
In the rising of the sun and in its going down.
We remember them
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter.
We remember them
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of the summer.
We remember them
In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn.
We remember them
In the beginning of the year and when it ends.
We remember them
When we are lost and sick at heart.
We remember them
When we have joys we yearn to share.
We remember them
So long as we live, they too shall live.
We will remember them
Amen
From https://www.waterfordlismore.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Evening-Prayer-of-Remembrance-2020.pdf
From the Executive Director
I trust those schools who took yesterday’s Melbourne Cup public holiday enjoyed the break.
Last week’s Term 4 gathering of Principals in Horsham was special as we farewelled retiring and departing Principals, and acknowledged those who have taken up interim roles in support of our system of schools.
I particularly thank and acknowledge Nerrida Holland (St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal), Jack Lenaghan (Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac), Suzie McManus (Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton) and Vince Muscatello (St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura) who were in attendance at this significant event. Regrettably, not all our departing and retiring Principals were able to attend and Carmel Barker (Marian College), Tim Bourke (St Patrick’s, Camperdown), Leigh Bradshaw (Our Lady Help of Christians, Wendouree), and Marg Blythman (St Joseph’s College, Mildura) were recognised in absentia.
Further exciting co-design and deep work was also done on planning for the activation of the DOBCEL 2035 strategy, commencing next year. We look forward to providing more details in the coming weeks.
As part of the gathering, the four Message Sticks which have been travelling among schools around the diocese to mark the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the Diocese of Ballarat, were brought together for a final blessing. The four Message Sticks will now find a home in a prayer space within each of the Catholic Education Ballarat zone offices.
A selection of photos from the two days is below.
Best wishes
Tom Sexton, Executive Director
DLG Principal Thank you and Farewell photos
Pictured left to right: Nerrida Holland (St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal), Jack Lenaghan (Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac), Suzie McManus (Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton) and Vince Muscatello (St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura) who were in attendance at this significant event.
Message Sticks at DLG Mass photos
School visit/CPR activation - St John's Ambulance Defibrillator donations
Today, St Joseph’s in Warrnambool received a demonstration of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as part of the first national Drive-a-thon organised by St John Ambulance. St Brendan's, Coragulac and St Patrick's, Camperdown have received Defibrillators.
The initiative is part of a St John Ambulance effort to save lives and empower communities across the country. The Drive-a-thon began in Darwin on National Restart a Heart Day, Wednesday 16 October, and will conclude in Adelaide on Saturday 14 December, just in time for the St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight, which will be broadcast nationally on Channel 7.
Over 60 days, volunteers will travel more than 16,000 km across every state and territory, delivering free CPR training to 5,000 Australians and installing $50,000 worth of lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
The initiative is designed to enhance community safety and empower communities across the country.
Our Catholic schools are pleased to partner with St John's on this extremely important project.
Professional Learning Calendar - DRAFT 2025
Please click here for the draft version of the professional learning opportunities offered in 2025.
Please note that this calendar is still in draft form. Additional professional learning activities may be added as planning progresses.
Our Professional Learning Program 2025 which includes more details on each session will be out soon.
Any questions please email pl@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
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!
Catholic Dialogue Schools Consortium
How can the Catholic Dialogue School promote genuine dialogue? & What is the impact of Relativism and the Colourful School on the schools across our diocese?
These are questions of the moment for our diocesan schools. We have this shrinking window in time to capture the religious imaginations of our learners – young and older. With this purpose in mind please take up our invitation to hear Prof. Didier Pollefeyt and Drs Jan Bouwens in Bendigo Feb 24th and 25th 2025.
Given the business of that February week, please register your interest in attending online at least, via the flyer. It’s not a contract – only an expression of interest and we need your engagement with this learning. It contributes another vital building block in understanding Catholic Identity for our current context. If you have any questions, please contact: gbernasconi@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au
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.
Wellbeing Updates
Year 5 and Year 11 Positive Gender Relations Student Forum
Opportunity for Central Zone Primary Schools
The focus of the forum will be centred around a positive approach for all students to be active bystanders that demonstrate respect and recognition of the rights of others. This will be taken from the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships ‘age-appropriate’ curriculum for Year 5 and 6 students -Curriculum Topic 8: Positive Gender Relations.
Facilitators will provide a safe and proactive session where Year 11 students will lead a discussion for small groups of Year 5 students. The students will create something to take back to their school to promote proactive peer support and help seeking strategies that can be used in response to instances of gender-based violence. The work can then carry on into 2025 as these students will be Year 6 and Year 12 school leaders.
This event will be held on Thursday 21st November, at the Ballarat Academy of Teaching and Leadership, where students, accompanied by their teachers, will participate in a 90-minute session.
To ensure a safe and effective learning experience, all attending teachers are required to participate in a pre-event session on Thursday 14th November from 3:45pm until 4:30m, which will cover the forum's content, classroom strategies, and essential safety protocols.
Date: 21st of November
Time: 9:30 – 11:00
Venue: Ballarat Academy of Teaching and Leadership
36 Camp St Ballarat
Facilitators: Christian Brown, Respectful Relationship Lead, CHA, Department of Education Trevor Edwards, Liaison Officer, Respectful Relationship Lead, CHA, Department of Education
For further information please contact Brooke Nester bnester@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Navigating Child Protection and The Orange Door: Reporting, Referrals, and Best Practices
An opportunity for essential training session for schools, facilitated by the Child Protection team, to help you understand the critical roles of both Child Protection and The Orange Door. In this session, the experts will guide you through when to report to Child Protection versus when to refer to The Orange Door, using real-life case examples for clarity.
Event Details:
- Date: December 3, 2024
- Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
- Format: Online
Key Topics Covered:
- Understanding the role of Child Protection vs. The Orange Door
- Guidelines on when to report vs. when to refer, with case examples
- Best practices for responding to a child making a disclosure
- Identifying signs of child abuse and neglect
- How to be fully prepared when making a report to Child Protection
This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and preparedness in safeguarding students.
To register yourself or your group, simply email Christian Brown christian.brown@education.vic.gov.au.
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.
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
Dealing with requests for information, subpoena/court order - VC online webinar
EVENT NAME | Dealing with requests for information, subpoena/court order - VC online webinar |
|---|---|
WHEN | 11 & 25 November 2024 |
WHERE | Online |
COST | This Webinar is provided at no cost, and you can register through Trybooking. |
CONTACT | Damian Ferrari - dferrari@dobcel.catholic.edu.au |
REGISTRATION | 11 November - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - https://www.trybooking.com/CWOVA 25 November - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - https://www.trybooking.com/CWOVI |
An online Webinar being delivered on the 11th and 25th November providing practical advice and guidance for schools in dealing with Requests for Information, Subpoenas and Court related Orders, all of which are becoming more prevalent in our workplaces. These sessions will be delivered by Micheale Myers, Diocese Professional Standards and Damian Ferrari, Case Manager for Complaints Resolution. This Webinar is provided at no cost, and you can register through Trybooking.
Learning Support Officers PD Opportunity
“Why is child safety central to the work of a Learning Support Officer?”
| WHEN | December 10th 2024. |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Damascus College Ballarat |
| PRESENTER | Sarah Morgante. Director of One Red Apple Consulting. |
| FOCUS | 11 Child Safe Standards, Mandatory Reporting requirements, receiving a disclosure from a student and the Reportable Conduct Scheme. |
| TARGET AUDIENCE | LSO’s and other support staff working in schools. |
| DESCRIPTION | 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. |
| REGISTRATION | Now open for registrations on try booking. Link for registration is below: Click here to register |
Converge Branding Update
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Converge International has updated their branding.
A reminder of the available resources for all DOBCEL staff through Converge.
- Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing access- Flyers for all programs
- Support for Wellbeing through the Converge Wellbeing App
- Free Subscription to the Flourish Wellbeing E-Magazine
- Free Subscription to the Thrive Podcast
Learning and Teaching Updates
PRIMARY NEWS
2025 Phase A Guided Improvement Schools: Assessment Preparation VC
A reminder that, on Thursday, 14th November, 2025 Phase A Guided Improvement schools will be gathering online to hear about assessment and data requirements for 2025. This VC will run from 10am - 3pm and is accessible via the Zoom link on the Structured Literacy website.
If you are intending on coming to this event and have not yet filled out the assessment preparation form sent to all Phase A 2025 principals last term by Breeana Wade, please complete this form as soon as possible. We strongly recommend that all 2025 Phase A literacy leaders attend this event, as it will significantly impact assessment schedules from February onwards. You are more than welcome to send multiple people to the VC if your school is able to manage that.
Whilst this event is specifically targeted towards 2025’s Phase A schools, it is open to all schools who wish to attend. If you are not Phase A in 2025 and do wish to attend this VC, please fill out the form linked above so that we are aware of your attendance.
The day will cover:
- Aligning Assessment & Pedagogy (Breaking up with Running Records).
- Aligning Assessment & Pedagogy (Literacy Assessment aligned with Scarborough's Rope and the Sciences of Reading and Learning).
- Assessment and Administration Fidelity: It's all a Matter of Trust.
- The Flare Assessment Schedule: What, Who and How Often?
- Assessment Checklists: Tools for Leadership Task Tracking.
- Data Tool Setups and Inclusions for Guided Improvement Schools.
- School Information Databases: Help us to Help you.
Mathematics Professional Learning for 2025
Engaging primary 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 F-6 Mathematics Curriculum
Registration details to follow.
F-6 Mathematics Curriculum V2.0
Where are you currently on the Roadmap in preparation for the implementation of Mathematics V2.0 in 2025? Reflect on what you have in place and cross-reference your progress against the roadmap.
For more assistance, please contact:
Sarah McKnight:smcknight@dobel.catholic.edu.au OR
Teresa Hadden: thadden@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.
TODAY 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.
GENERAL NEWS
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.
DigiCon24 Conference at ACMI, Federation Square. November 28-29!
Read more about DigiCon24 here.
CEP's Free Professional Development Series - The Summer Series continues this afternoon.
Session 03 - Today, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
A Love of Reading
Key Speakers: Tanya Serry, Professor (Literacy), La Trobe University, Madonna King, Speaker and Co-Author of Out of the Box and Andrew King, President, New Zealand Rural Schools Association.
Sign Up HERE
Making a Scene at Christmas - Bookings
Making a Scene at Christmas will be on display in Bridge Mall Ballarat from 4 December and bookings are available for schools.
When children visit this display of over 500 Nativities they experience Nativities that illustrate the story of Jesus birth as told in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. They get to see and smell frankincense and myrrh and to hold coins that date back to the reign of Herrod, that is the time of the birth of Jesus.
The other Nativities are from twelve African nations, fifteen American nations, eighteen Asian nations and twenty-five European nations – most hand crafted and some highlight issues of social justice or theological interpretation.
We can work with up to fifty children at a time and a session usually lasts for 90 minutes.
If you are a Ballarat school, and you want to book in a day or session please contact Fiona on 0437 426 268.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy
- Primary Education Officer: Structured Literacy Coach - Mildura, Swan Hill, Horsham, Ballarat or Warrnambool, fixed term (12 months) or secondment position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 November)
Principal Vacancy
- No vacant positions.
School Vacancies
- Classroom Teacher - Graduate Position (2 Days per week) – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 0.43 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Enrichment Educator (ESO) – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 0.83 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Teachers As Co-Learners - Italian Language Assistant – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 0.3 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Science Teachers – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Religious Education Teachers - St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- English Teacher – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Mathematics Teachers – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Health & PE Teachers – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Humanities Teachers – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- English Teachers – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 November)
- Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 November)
- 2025 Teaching Opportunities – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Music Teacher – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Mental Health in Primary Schools MHiPS Coordinator – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Classroom Teacher - St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Classroom Teacher 2025 – St Mary’s School, Donald – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 November)
- Learning Support Officer – Braille Specialist + Generalists – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 0.89 FTE (closes 11 November)
- Co-Curricular Sports Assistant – Loreto College, Ballarat – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 11 November)
- Learning Support Officers – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 November)
- Education Administration Officers – Damascus College, Mount Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 November)
- 2025 Drama, LOTE, Music, Technology, Physical Education TEACHERS – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 11 November)
- Classroom Teacher/s (leadership opportunities) – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 November)
- Learning Support Officer 2025 – St Patrick’s School, Port Fairy – fixed term position at 0.08 FTE (closes 22 November)
- Deputy Principal – St Alipius’ Parish School, Ballarat East – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 November)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Aloysius’ School, Redan (closes 30 November)