Weekly Newsletter #40 - 18 December 2024

Reflection - Some Christmas Wisdom

From Sr Catherine McCahill, Congregational Leader - The Sisters of the Good Samaritan   

Exams are over, the school holidays are imminent, decorations are up, parties abound, and the shops are busy. Australians are preparing to celebrate Christmas and the summer holiday season. Across the world, Christian communities prepare for this religious feast.

I hope these weeks in December can be a time of looking forward as well as looking back. The space is multidimensional, layered with practices and expectations from religion, family, community, workplace and educational institutions to name just some influences.

Gathering to ’celebrate’ weaves across these dimensions of our lives.

For Christians, first and foremost, this is a celebration of God’s outpouring love. We remember that God enters fully into human history, becomes fully human in time and place. In faith, we know that while there was one time and place in which God took human flesh, God continues to enter fully into our human reality in all its circumstances.

For some in our community, the focus is on the end of year: work, business, education. Gathering is a ritual of giving thanks for success, for endurance, the gifts of each other, or for completion. The coming together reminds us that we are not alone in the enterprise of life.

Unfortunately, for some in our community, there is no desire for the gathering or the ‘celebration’; the ritual is observed for custom sake, to be endured amid the drudgery of life.

Threaded across the gatherings are occasions of gift-giving, over-abundance of food and drink. For some there is delight, while others are anxious about the cost, the time, the expectations that seem too excessive.

While these days can be a gift, there is a very latent danger that in the midst of all the activity and expectation, we lose sight of the meaning.

I want to propose two pivots, or touchstones, for our undertakings at this time; namely neighbourliness and patience.

It seems to me that these days provide many opportunities to ask myself who is included in my life, in my gatherings, in my engagements? I am not proposing to make my gatherings larger and, therefore, more stressful. But I am asking myself whether my activities – gatherings, cards, gifts, invitations – only include those whom I like or who will respond positively to me.

“Kindness – the essential quality of a cooperative species – is never about doing something for others in the hope of receiving thanks, let alone a benefit. It’s not a reciprocal thing,” writes Hugh Mackay in The Kindness Revolution. Nor is it, in my opinion, about grand gestures and demanding gifts and activities.

Kindness is as simple as ensuring that no one sits alone or excluded at the staff Christmas party. It is as simple and profound as those whom I greet on the stairs or acknowledge as I hurry about other activities. This is surely what it means to be neighbour.

For me, kindness is associated with patience. The God who becomes human in Jesus, the one whose birth is celebrated at Christmas, is a God of patience and encouragement (Romans 5:5). In the busyness of life, patience is easily forgotten. Perhaps we have grown to expect instant responses and solutions. We just cannot wait. We don’t have the time.

But if we are attentive, life teaches us otherwise. Parents wait for the birth of their child. Gestation cannot be hurried; the entire nine months is needed for the growth and development of the unborn child. We wait patiently as the child learns new skills; from their first steps, to reading, to playing an instrument or solving mathematical problems.

In the same way, I am only at ease with myself when I am patient with myself. When I accept that I am still a learner in the ways of life, when I stumble and fall and get up again (usually metaphorically).

I return to this time of preparing for and celebrating Christmas. I feel the call to be a good neighbour, to be patient. We might not find our names on an awards list for these simple acts, but we will make a difference in the lives of those who experience our kindness. I believe this is best gift we can give.

from The Good Oil

From the Executive Director

As we conclude the year, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to all staff across the Diocese for your dedication and achievements as together we have worked to pursue the fullness of life for every student in our care. 

Our collective achievements have been commendable. I look forward with anticipation to what 2025 will bring, particularly as we move to activate DOBCEL Strategy 2035. 

The DOBCEL Board convened for its final meeting yesterday. I extend my gratitude to Chair, Terry Harney, and all the directors for their support and leadership of our DOBCEL community in 2024. 

Additionally, it was wonderful to have Bishop Paul Bird join us for the board meeting, and to bless our Ballarat CEB Office and new Chapel. We are thankful to have such a beautiful space to work, gather and pray.

Once again, sincere thanks for all you have done for children across the Diocese in 2024. Best wishes for a safe, happy and holy Christmas season and I look forward to working with you again in 2025. 

Tom Sexton, Executive Director

Blessing of our DOBCEL Ballarat Office and Chapel

Yesterday, CEB staff, along with DOBCEL Board members gathered with Bishop Paul Bird for the blessing of our DOBCEL Ballarat Office and Chapel.

Led by Bishop Paul, the blessing included placing sacred symbols that embody our Catholic identity around the building, serving as a constant reminder of God's loving presence as we pursue our mission - the Fullness of life for all. 

Yesterday's DOBCEL Ballarat Office and Chapel Blessing

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Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action

This section will highlight the wonderful holistic learning opportunities happening in our Catholic schools throughout the Diocese. The DOBCEL marketing and communications team is always looking for positive stories to share with our community. Please email your stories for consideration to: comms@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Grade Six Graduation - St Joseph's Primary School, Penshurst

What a wonderful evening we had last night celebrating the 2024 year. A big congratulations to the graduating grade six students, Archie, Hayden & Karley at St Joseph's Primary School, Penshurst.

We wish you all the very best in the next chapter of your educational journey. 

Please click on the following link to watch the heartwarming Facebook video of students singing Christmas songs: https://fb.watch/wxOKVvJ4ap/.  

Loreto College - Students are embarking on an overseas trip in Japan!

It’s inspiring to witness students experiencing overseas trips that enhance their education and broaden their horizons.

Over the past week, Loreto students visited Miyajima Island in Hiroshima. During this visit, they wore traditional yukata while enjoying authentic Japanese dinners and breakfasts. 

On Monday, the group moved on to visit the Peace Dome and Memorial Park in Hiroshima. Following this, they traveled to Kanazawa, where they began their homestay experience with the Obayashi students and their families.

Best wishes to all staff and students for a wonderful and enriching trip!

Catholic Education Updates

Catholic Dialogue School Consortium - February 2025

The Catholic Dialogue School Consortium - Pilgrims of Hope sessions will run between 24-26 February 2025.

Registrations are due by Friday 7 February 2025.

Please click here to view the flyer. 

Wellbeing Updates - New Staff Appointments

Psychologist Appointment

We are pleased to announce that Lisa Robb has been appointed to the role of Psychologist to be based in the Mildura Office working at 0.8FTE. Lisa is in the final stages of completing full registration and will commence as a Provisional Psychologist working with the support of CEB Psychologist Patrice Rickard and the broader CEB Psychology Team. Lisa has experience working in school settings and brings a passion for supporting whole school approaches to student wellbeing and complex behaviours.

Student Wellbeing Education Officer

We also are pleased to announce that Jane Bennett has been appointed to the role of Student Wellbeing Education Officer to be based out the Ballarat office. Jane has extensive experience working in schools and at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools as part of the learning diversity and student wellbeing teams. Jane has extensive experience in the supporting schoolwide positive behaviour approaches.

We looking forward to welcoming both Lisa and Jane to DOBCEL in 2025.

2024 Student Wellbeing Newsletter 

Please click here to view the 2024 Student Wellbeing Newsletter. 

People and Development Updates

Child safety requirements for 2025 - Important Information

As you return to work in the new year, please complete the compulsory: ‘Protecting Children- Mandatory Reporting and Other Obligations eLearning Mandatory Reporting module developed by the State Government. It is essential for this to be completed each year as both a compliance issue and to continually strengthen our ongoing commitment to child safety.

Please access this link for the eLearning module: ‘Protecting Children – Mandatory Reporting and Other Obligations’ 

Please ensure that you select the non-government version of the module.

• For details on how to create an account: ‘Protecting Children- Mandatory Reporting and other Obligations Online Training Account Creation Guide’
• The training and online module usually take 45 – 60 minutes to complete.
• Please email your certificate through to safeguarding@dobcel.catholic.edu.au (Jacqui Righetti) by 14 February 2025. 
• Please reach out to Jacqui Righetti (Child Safe Manager), your line manager or a colleague if the material impacts you in any way.

By completing this module it ensures that we are compliant with legislative responsibilities under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic.) and Ministerial Order No. 1359: Child Safe Standards – Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools and School Boarding premises.

Learning and Teaching Updates

Early Career Teacher Workshop - Setting up for success (21^st January)

All 1st Year and Permission to Teach teachers are encouraged to attend this free, one day program to help prepare for the beginning of the 2025 school year.

Participants will engage in workshops focusing on establishing classroom culture for learning:

* Setting up routines and procedures

* Establishing relationships

* Strategies for knowing your students and how they learn

* Engagement strategies.

Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 9.00 am - 2.00 pm (Lunch provided)

Glowery Room, St Patrick's Hall, 3 Lyons Street South, Ballarat. (Free car parking at St Patrick’s Cathedral)

REGISTRATION: Via this form, no later than Wednesday, 15 January 2025.

Presenters: Julia Petrov and Julie Cooper 

Further information: Julie Cooper Ph 0417 595 886 Email jcooper@dobcel.vic.edu.au  

(*This is a pilot program offered in response to a need identified by school survey)

FIRE Carrier Program

Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education

The FIRE Carrier Program is a way that schools can show their outward commitment to authentic reconciliation and their support of self-determination in education for First Nations students and their families. All members of a school community are encouraged to share reconciliation with others under the lead of the Commissioned Staff and Student FIRE Carriers.

Each school creates a School Covenant that emphasises the ethos and faith belief of Catholic schools and the social justice responses they are committed to make as part of their Catholic identity. The school covenant focuses on the three core values of Spirituality; Cultural Recognition and Awareness; and Practical Recognition and Justice. Schools commit to actions that meet each of these values. This is a living document that is referred to throughout the year and has the input from the school community including staff and students. First Nations students and families are also invited to contribute if they would like to part of the program.

The FIRE Carrier Program provides a framework for addressing School Compliance including Child Safe Standards and the VCEA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan. It is a great opportunity for student leadership, voice and action for social justice.

We look forward to your school becoming a FIRE Carrier School in the future!

For more information about the FIRE Carrier Program send an email to firecarrier@openingthedoors.org.au

You can visit our New FIRE Carrier School Information folder containing our Information Booklet, PowerPoint presentation, Fee Schedule and Expression of Commitment Form ready to share the FIRE Carrier Program with your school leadership, staff and students.

Opening the Doors Foundation

Financial Grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students

The Opening the Doors Foundation provides grants to families to assist with the extra costs incurred in the schooling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary or secondary school students. The 2025 Grant Round is now open, with a closing date of 14 March 2025. For students to commence the 2025 school year with the necessary items, the ideal time to apply is now or before the start of Term 1.

Please note that due to a substantial increase in applications, the Foundation’s Trustees have had to modify the eligibility criteria. The updated criteria and guidelines are outlined on both the Opening the Doors Foundation website and the Opening the Doors Foundation Application. Please contact the Foundation (details listed below), Helen Christensen (0467 415 768) or Jeanette Morris (0408 360 098) for further information.

Pertinent information:

Website: Opening the Doors Foundation; Foundation Application Criteria and Guidelines

App link: Opening the Doors Foundation Application

Phone: 0401 487 414 or 1300 236 356

Email: applications@openingthedoors.org.au

Closing date: 14 March 2025 (applications will not be accepted after this date)

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.

2025 Pathways and Transition Funding 

The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) has released the 2025 Funding Arrangements for Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

• As the 2025 arrangements differ from those of 2024, it is recommended that schools review these carefully.
• To be eligible for funding, schools must enrol students on the Victorian Assessment Software

System (VASS) by Friday 2 May 2025. After this date, VASS will not allow schools to:

− enter or withdraw enrolments for Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), including VCE

Vocational Major (VM), Unit 3–4 sequences

− enter enrolments for units of competency for VCE VET scored Unit 3–4 sequences.

For all enquires please contact Carmel Clarke, Education Officer: Applied & Vocational Learning cclarke@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or 0419 534 355.

English Curriculum Project 

Backward by Design Assessment Seminar recording and resources available

Our final seminar for the year looked at the Victorian Curriculum modes as a means of thinking about assessment and retrieval. We talked about the challenges of knowledge that the skills we test rely upon, as well as the possibilities for a reading unit or reading activities that we could consider using in the classroom. There was a quick dip into AI (what did and didn’t work!) and a sample lesson plan to show how to use models to scaffold student writing. Access Seminar Eight here.

Forum 4 – Linking the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 with the VCE - Thursday, 5 December at 3.30pm.

We will focus on two key areas that link the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and the VCE.

1. What place do audio visual texts have in the 7-10 space now that the VCE no longer requires an analysis of them? They are part of the requirement for the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 but do they have to be used or created as part of a backwards mapping from VCE process now?

Kirstin will suggest how and when we can create and analyse these texts.

     2. Forms of writing. In the light of VCE changes, it is clear that students need as much opportunity as possible to create a range of texts using different forms and for a range of purposes before they begin Years 11 and 12. Kirstin will explore the teaching possibilities of this writing and also how we might do this without resorting to miniature versions of VCE units in 7 – 10.

ECP in 2025

As part of the ECP subscription, participating schools will automatically be added to the VCE English Catholic Network at no extra charge.  Further details and dates can be found here.

The ECP Canvas site can be accessed here. 

https://ceob.instructure.com/

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

Flare Primary Literacy Support Personnel 2025 

From 2025, all DOBCEL Primary Schools are included in the Flare Primary Literacy Strategy.

Some schools have opted for 'Guided Literacy Improvement': Low Choice/High Support

Others have opted for 'Self-Guided Literacy Improvement': Low Support/High Choice

All primary schools will have access to the updated suite of Flare resources and professional learning from the start of the new school year. Guided schools will be intensively supported to work their way through the phases of the PL syllabus. Self-Guided schools will largely manage their own Literacy improvement and may reach out for CEB Ed Officer assistance with accessing the provided supports, if and when they wish.

The table below outlines the staffing of the Flare work for 2025. Please take note of your school's Literacy support person. If you have any questions, please contact Flare Primary Literacy Leader, Emma Rutherford: erutherford@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Flare ‘Aurora’ Coach Appointed

An important element of Flare Primary Literacy Improvement in 2025 will be the Aurora Project, a partnership between DOBCEL, La Trobe University and the Bertalli Family Foundation. Aurora will place a layer of support around literacy improvement in ten of the smallest and most remote primary schools in the Ballarat Diocese.

Mel Fox (St Patrick’s Camperdown) has accepted a 12 month seconded position as a coach to work exclusively with the Aurora schools. Mel will assume her new role in January 2025.

Flare Primary Literacy Update

Click here to access the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about the Flare Primary Literacy Strategy.

To access the 2025 Flare PL Calendar, please click here.

To access the 2025 Flare PL Syllabus, please click here.

We suggest that all Guided Literacy Improvement Schools (and anyone working in support of these schools) bookmark these documents.

(To bookmark - click the star at the end of the address bar)

Primary Leaders of Learning Meeting Schedule 2025  

Our Primary Leaders of Learning network aims to provide a platform for open dialogue, sharing of evidence-based teaching practices, and collaboration among primary school leaders.   

By coming together, we can leverage our collective knowledge of learning and experiences to enhance the quality of education we provide to our students.

PLOL Meeting Dates 2025 and Agenda Items for Term 1

Term 1: Wednesday 5^th March 1:30 – 3pm

Agenda Items: 

Educational leadership

Curriculum updates

Reporting to Mathematics V2.0

Term 2: Wednesday 28^th May 1:30 – 3pm

Term 3: Wednesday 27^th August 1:30 – 3pm

Term 4: Wednesday 22^nd October 1:30 – 3pm

Mathematics Professional Learning for 2025  

Engaging Primary Students in their Mathematical Learning.     

Online 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.
• Develop a student-centred approach to the teaching of Mathematics.

Read more  

Please register via the Trybooking link here. 

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• No vacancies

Principal Vacancy

• No Principal Vacancies

School Vacancies

• Music Teacher – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 18 December)
• Classroom Teacher – St Partick’s School, St Arnaud – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 December)
• Sport/Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s School, St Arnaud – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 18 December)
• Learning Support Officer – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed term position at 0.79 FTE (closes 18 December)
• Grounds and Maintenance Assistant – Trinity College Colac Inc, Colac – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 December)
• Human Resources Manager – Trinity College Colac Inc, Colac – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 19 December)
• Mental Health in Primary Schools MHiPS Coordinator – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 20 December)
• Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 December)
• Classroom Teacher – St Malachy’s School, Edenhope – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 December)
• Classroom Teacher - Part Time (0.6 negotiable) or Full Time – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Murtoa – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 20 December)
• Director of ICT – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 January 2025)