Weekly Newsletter #44 - 19 Feb 2025

Reflection - Blessings for a New Position

May your new work excite your heart,
Kindle in your mind creativity
To journey beyond the old limits
Of all that has become wearisome.

May this work challenge you toward
New frontiers that will emerge
As you begin to approach them,
Calling forth from you the full force
And depth of your undiscovered gifts.

May the work fit the rhythms of your soul,
Enabling you to draw from the invisible
New ideas and a vision that will inspire.

Remember to be kind
To those who work for you,
Endeavor to remain aware
Of the quiet world
That lives behind each face.

Be fair in your expectations,
Compassionate in your criticism.
May you have the grace of encouragement
To awaken the gift in the other’s heart,
Building in them the confidence
To follow the call of the gift.

May you come to know that work
Which emerges from the mind of love
Will have beauty and form.

May this new work be worthy
Of the energy of your heart
And the light of your thought.

May your work assume
A proper space in your life;
Instead of owning or using you,
May it challenge and refine you,
Bringing you every day further
Into the wonder of your heart.

Amen

O’Donohue, J (2008) “Blessings for a New Position,” from To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings Random House: New York

From the Executive Director

This week, we were reminded of the importance of sensitivity and support when difficult news arises. As many of you may have seen in the news, former diocesan priest and convicted paedophile Gerald Ridsdale has passed away. His death brings to the surface painful memories for many in our community. I encourage you to be mindful of the impact this may have on members of your school communities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school or to the DOBCEL support services and networks if you need assistance or guidance during this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the survivors, their families, and all those affected by the harm caused by Ridsdale. While we cannot change the past, we remain deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the children in our care. I am grateful for the ongoing efforts of all DOBCEL schools to ensure a child safe environment for every student.

On a brighter note, we began the week with 90 Principals and school leaders from Catholic schools across DOBCEL, who came together for an inspiring keynote presentation by the esteemed Professor David Hopkins. His talk, titled “Unleashing Greatness: A Strategy for School Improvement,” was a key part of our DOBCEL Strategy 2035 initiative, and it set the stage for deeper collaboration and reflection on how we can continue to elevate our schools.

Following the keynote, a group of participants engaged in an interactive workshop exploring innovative strategies for school improvement and leadership development. I am excited about the ongoing learning and collaboration that this opportunity will provide for these leaders as they work alongside Professor Hopkins throughout the year.

Looking ahead, I am eager to join fellow leaders, including Pasi Sahlberg, Dave Runge, and Canadian colleague Jean Claude Couture, for the first Diocesan Leadership Gathering of the year tomorrow in Horsham. This DLG will be another wonderful opportunity for us to continue our co-design work as we work towards our aspiration of becoming a high performing system of Catholic schools.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

Unleashing Greatness: A Strategy for School Improvement with Professor David Hopkins

On Monday, 90 Principals and school leaders from Catholic schools across DOBCEL collaborated with the esteemed Professor David Hopkins, who delivered an inspiring keynote presentation titled “Unleashing Greatness: A Strategy for School Improvement” as part of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035.

Participants engaged in an interactive workshop that sparked innovative ideas and collaboration. 

David Hopkins is the Chair of Educational Leadership at the University of Bolton, as well as Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Education, University College London and the University of Nottingham.

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Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action

Embracing Holistic Catholic Education: Let’s celebrate our sports and the spirit of teamwork they bring!

It's wonderful to see so many of our schools embracing exciting sporting activities in Term 1! Catholic education emphasises holistic development, and offering a well-rounded experience for their students.

St Joseph's Primary School, Coleraine published a great group photo on social media. 

Well done to everyone who was involved in the Western Trinity Swimming Carnival. Great spirit was displayed with the grade 6 students helping the F-1 students participate, plenty of loud support for their houses, personal bests were achieved and some ribbons as well.

Some great photos below are from: St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East's Athletics Day, St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Alfredton's Athletic Day and St Joseph's Primary School, Charlton. 

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Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 - Details Coming Soon

Let's celebrate excellence in Catholic education together!

DOBCEL is thrilled to continue its proud sponsorship of the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025. This initiative celebrates the remarkable service and inspiring leadership within our vibrant Diocesan school communities and the Catholic Education Office.

We encourage you to take part in this opportunity by submitting your nominations. Let’s come together to honour those exceptional individuals whose dedication and passion brings the fullness of life to our students and communities.

Keep an eye out for upcoming communications regarding nominations, and all the details will be available on the DOBCEL website.

Your nominations are essential in recognising the extraordinary contributions that uplift and inspire us all. 

The Award Ceremony will be held on Friday 30 May. 

In 2025, the awards align with the DOBCEL strategic priorities, which are positioned to support the DOBCEL vision “as partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.”

Social Justice Update

In a letter dated 10 February 2025, addressed to his fellow bishops, Pope Francis commends the efforts of American bishops in supporting migrants and refugees. He expresses support for efforts to uphold the fundamental dignity of every human person and emphasizes the significance of providing pastoral support to those undergoing displacement.

To read the letter and full article from Vatican News, please click the link below: 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-02/pope-francis-us-bishops-migration-deportation-human-dignity-righ.html 

Laudato Si' Partners News

1. Invitation to Project Compassion Launch Mass on March 2^nd 2025. All are welcome. Bishop Paul will preside.

2. Project Compassion 2025: Unite against Poverty this Lent—your school resources for 2025 were posted last week. If you have not received your resources, please email Jillian Hogbin at caritas@ballarat.catholic.org.au

Wadawurrung Cultural Connections and Teacher Support - Teacher Environment Network in-person meeting

The Ballarat Teacher Environment Network (TEN) has an upcoming meeting, with special guest Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and visual artist, Jenna Oldaker, and you are invited to be a part of it.

Date:  Friday 28 March 2025

Venue: Mount Clear College, Earth Ed

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am

Here is the link to the event.

To find out more about the 2025 ResourceSmart Schools Awards which are closing soon, upcoming professional learning, upcoming events, snippets and diary dates, check out the latest ResourceSmart Schools Newsletter below:

ResourceSmart Schools Newsletter

Zoos Victoria Youth Programs  

The Victorian Zoo’s youth programs give young people the opportunity to explore their zoos, develop valuable skills for the future, and connect with like-minded peers who share a passion for animals and conservation. To find out more about Zoos Victoria’s youth programs, including the Youth Conservation Leaders Program and the Youth Advisory Committee, click the link below: Zoos Victoria News

Upcoming Key Social Justice Dates:

‘World Day of Social Justice’ Thursday 20th February 2025

↳ School Resources for Teachers | Social Justice | Caritas Australia

‘Schools Clean Up Australia Day’ Friday 28th February 2025

↳ Get Involved as a School - Clean Up Australia

‘World Wildlife Day’ Monday 3rd March 2025

↳ World Wildlife Day 

‘Harmony Week’ 17th - 23rd March 2025

‘Ride2 School Day’ Friday 21st March 2025

↳ National Ride2School Day | Bicycle Network

‘Earth Hour’ Saturday 22nd March 2025

↳ Earth Hour 

‘World Water Day’ Saturday 22nd March 2025

↳ World Water Day | United Nations 

People and Development Updates

Leadership Development - Program Offerings for Term 1

Throughout 2025 a number of leadership development opportunities will run to support the implementation of the DOBCEL strategy 2035 and the development of our leaders.

During term one, the following opportunities are offered. 

Feedback - Facilitated by BTS Sparks

For further information please click here.

(Minimum participant numbers apply for the program to run)

Collaboration - Facilitated by BTS Sparks

(Minimum participant numbers apply for the program to run)

For further information please click here.

Click here to view the full list of leadership development opportunities for 2025. 

If you have any questions related to Leadership Development opportunities please contact Fiona Murphy.

Child Safety Professional Learning Opportunities 

Child Safety Professional Learning opportunities for March suitable for all staff who work in schools.

Reportable Conduct Scheme 

Adam Foster – Employment Lawyer - Colin, Biggers and Paisley will deliver 4 online sessions for DOBCEL staff in relation to the Reportable Conduct Scheme and its application in an education setting.

Child Safety for Learning Support Officers (LSOs)

AITSL Thrive in 2025 Campaign

Have you explored the aitsl Thrive in 2025 campaign yet?

It’s filled with carefully curated resources to help teachers get the most out of Term 1 and lay the foundation for a successful year.

Thrive: what does it mean to you?

‘Thrive’ means different things to everyone, but some key characteristics of thriving at work include: growth and development, connection to people and purpose, and a sense of agency. From building your high-quality professional learning plan, to supporting beginning teachers, or strengthening the cultural responsiveness in your educational setting, there are many ways to thrive in your teaching practice.

Resources Available

AITSL has a broad range of resources, tools and research to support your teaching practice at every stage of your career. To help you Thrive in 2025 will be providing curated resources designed to meet your needs throughout the year. There’s no better place to start planning your professional learning than with self-reflection and goal setting.

Wellbeing Updates

Modelling Respect and Equality in Schools

The MoRE program intends to shift adherence to stereotypical masculine norms, which contributes to the prevention of family violence. It supports the implementation of the Respectful Relationships whole-school approach by providing professional learning that helps:

• Build awareness through critical reflection on gender norms, masculinity, and their links to violence.
• Develop skills to promote respect and gender equality, focusing on vulnerability, social-emotional skills, and strengths-based approaches.
• Model gender-equitable and healthy attitudes, especially focusing on boys and young men.
• Take action to create a culture of respect and equality within school communities.

Click here to view information on MoRE or the Man Box. 

Understanding and Responding to Harmful Child Sexualised Behaviour in Primary Schools 

MARAM Training for Nominated Staff in Schools

The Department of Education has partnered with the Centre of Excellence in Child and Family Welfare to deliver free and interactive family violence MARAM training to education workforces. This 4-hour training will support school and early childhood staff to build skills they already have to better identify and respond to family violence. Online training is available 1-2 times a week during school term time until June 2026, and in-person training will be held throughout Victoria until June 2026. 

This training is for MARAM nominated staff. MARAM nominated staff are identified by school and service leaders and have qualifications, training, experience, or a role aligned with wellbeing, such as wellbeing coordinators, or leadership staff. The training includes activities that will support MARAM nominated staff to screen for violence, plan for safety, make referrals and reports, and provide ongoing support. Training hours count towards professional learning for Victorian Institute of Teaching registration, and Casual Relief Teacher reimbursement is available (the Centre will email you instructions about how to claim this). The training is based on the Department of Education's Information Sharing and Family Violence Reforms: Guidance and Tools. 

Register - Scan this QR code and follow instructions below. 

Save the dates

Wednesday Online Primary Student Network Day 

School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Refresher Day

Learning and Teaching Updates

English as an Additional Language 

The EAL Grapevine

Please click this link to read the Term 1 EAL Grapevine.

This issue includes:

• Online EAL tutoring
• Professional learning opportunities.
• The Migrant Story: Nepal.
• Useful resources.

PAT News

ACER is pleased to offer a series of webinars targeted to schools using, or about to use, the PAT Progressive Achievement suite online.    

Webinars Term 1:

Understanding PAT: a guide for new teachers Wednesday 12 February 4:00pm

The PAT Teaching Resource Centre: supporting teachers with the next steps after assessment Tuesday, 18 February 4pm

PAT Administration: account setup tips and tricks Wednesday 19 February 4pm

PAT Interviews: exploring the context of PAT in a school setting Wednesday, 26 February 4pm

Understanding PAT workshop: designed to deepen knowledge of PAT and analysis of student data Wednesday 26 March 9am - 3pm

Click here to find out more information and to register for the PAT sessions

Early Career Teachers - Professional Learning 2025

The Early Career Teacher Program is a three-year integrated program designed to support early career teacher induction into the Ballarat Diocese and the teaching profession within the particular context of working in the ministry of Catholic education. The program reflects the partnership between DOBCEL and schools, who, together, support the professional growth of early career teachers. Elements of the program presented through these dedicated days will complement formation opportunities initiated by the school community.

Early Career Teacher program days will take place on the following dates throughout 2025. To encourage participation and decrease travel time for people in the north, program days in terms one and two will be repeated in two locations.

If you know an early career teacher, please share these dates with them!

Please note early career teachers who have been granted permission to teach are also welcome to attend.

2025 dates for your diary

First Year ECT Program

Second & Third Year ECT Program

If you have any queries about the program, please contact Julie Cooper  jcooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or Sarah Hanley  shanley@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

VIT Effective Mentoring Program 

Calling mentor teachers!

The Effective Mentoring Program (EMP) is a free professional learning program developed and delivered in partnership with the Department of Education and VIT.

This two-day program equips participants with mentoring skills to support beginning teachers and guide them through the provisional to full registration process.

Any teacher who wishes to become a mentor for a PRT moving to full registration can participate in a VIT-approved mentoring program.

For further information and registrations, please click here.

Children & Youth Cultural Gathering: Close the Gap Day 

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative are hosting a cultural day on Thursday March 30 for Yr 1-9 First Nations students from Ballarat and district. All Ballarat schools are encouraged to promote this event.

More information and register here: https://forms.office.com/r/Tiq1mvXB7p

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)

English Bites

English Version 2.0 Familiarisation   

Schools in the Ballarat Diocese will engage in familiarisation in 2025 and move to implementation in 2026.  

CEB will offer a series of three invitational online workshops to assist schools to understand and implement the changes to English Version 2.0 curriculum.  Please note that Flare Guided Schools have this work built into their PL syllabus but are very welcome to engage. 

Please use this link to register your attendance for session 1.  

If you have any queries with regard to these sessions, please contact:  

Sarah McKnight: SMcKnight@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  0427 406 918  

Belinda Chiswell: BChiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  0484 641 997  

Joe Ewing: JEwing@dobcel.catholic.edu.au   0429 985 460 

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

Please register your intentions to attend the Term 1 PLOL meeting here.

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

Teaching Mathematics to Foundation Students with Michael Ymer

Ballarat: 25 March

This day will be full of activities that teachers can readily take back and trial with their students.

Content for the day will include:

• Teachers enjoying teaching mathematics, children enjoying learning mathematics.
• A sensible approach to covering all the content in the new Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0.
• Managing mixed abilities so all students experience success.
• Resourcing the mathematics classroom.
• Integrating number with other strands to support a meaningful learning environment.

For more information and registration details click here

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 2025 Implementation Roadmap document.

Voices from the field sharing their journey about preparing to implement Mathematics V2.0

For more assistance, please contact: 

Sarah McKnight smcknight@dobel.catholic.edu.au

OR 

Teresa Hadden: thadden@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  

ECP in 2025

Thursday, 20 February marks the commencement of the English Curriculum Project (ECP) for 2025 with our first ECP Seminar. We will be working with ten  DOBCEL Secondary Schools to develop strategies and skills that can be used to directly improve teaching and learning outcomes in English classrooms from 7 – 10. 

In the first session of the year we will revisit Writing Frames, which are scaffolds and models that can be used to enable students to develop complex structures of writing. We will be looking at the strategic use of them as part of the extended writing process as well as their alignment with elements of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. There will also be a focus on when writing frames stop being appropriate for students and what we replace them with.

As with all of our Seminars, there is space for questions, reflections and collaboration between schools.

We look forward to seeing you online on Thursday 20 February 3:30 – 4:30pm

Link to join:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81574024667?pwd=C24zltGeWQZYbA3OGVMfFhDsGUFgwW.1

Meeting ID: 815 7402 4667

Passcode: 797009

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

The ECP Canvas site can be accessed here.   

Please note the new Canvas login details:

In order to log in to Canvas, please follow these steps:

1.  Access Canvas via this link https://ceob.instructure.com/

The landing page will look like this:

      2.   Select the "Forgot Password" option as circled in blue.

      3.   Use your school email address. You will be sent an email to create a new password

      4.  Create a password.

  You will be able to use your new password next time you login.

If you forget it, simply reset it by using the "Forgot Password" option again.

If you select "Stay logged in", you won't have to login as often.

Bookmark the Canvas link so you have easy access.

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• No Vacancies. 

Principal Vacancy

• No Principal Vacancies

School Vacancies

• Careers and Pathways Coordinator – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 (closes 24 February)
• Part time classroom teacher – Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mount Clear – fixed term position at 0.2 FTE (closes 25 February)
• Classroom Teacher (Monday and Wednesday) – Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 28 February)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Brigid’s School, Ballan (closes 28 February)
• Classroom Teacher - terms 2-4 (Maternity Leave Position) – St Joseph’s School, Coleraine – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 March)
• Classroom Teacher – St Malachy’s, Edenhope – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 March)
• Dance Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 March)