Weekly Newsletter #46 - 5 March 2025

Reflection - Today is Ash Wednesday

Today is the beginning of Lent. In the following reflection, Paul McGirr explores possible implications of this Season in the lives of Christians.

There is a great story about G K Chesterton, the famous writer who died in 1936. Among many things, he was the creator of Fr Brown, the detective who uses powers of empathy to understand people better than the police. He was once asked to contribute an essay to a collection on the theme of ‘What is Wrong with the World?’  His response to the question required only two words. ‘I am,’ he wrote.

Sure, there are many things that are desperately troubling. Wars, poverty and environmental degradation are part of a long list. But who among us has the courage to own up and respond to the question, ‘what’s wrong with the world,’ by answering ‘I am.’

Don’t misunderstand. We are mostly good people, doing our best to love and serve each other. But we would sell ourselves short if we left the future of Earth to others who we thought were more to blame. Ash Wednesday asks us to look at the world and our part in it. Every year, we begin our journey to Easter with Jesus’s advice to go into our private room, wherever that may be, and encounter the Lord one on one. Christianity, unlike so much else in the world, has little time for self-marketing.

Ash Wednesday is Day One of our Lenten journey. God’s invitation to ‘come back to me with all your heart’ is also an invitation to leave our private room and step into a world in urgent need of our love and honesty. 

From Project Compassion:

Invitation to Prayer…..

Welcoming God, free our hearts this Lent

To recognise all those you send into our lives who teach us about you. 

May every person and experience be a source of wonder. 

May we never miss the opportunity to find and embrace the stranger.

Open us to all. 

And comfort the lonely of heart, may we always offer them your friendship.

We ask this in the name of Jesus 

Amen

Adapted from Sheila Carney rsm

From the Executive Director

Today is Ash Wednesday, a significant day which marks the beginning of Lent. This is a time for deep reflection and renewal and calls us to examine not only the world's brokenness but also our own role within it. We are invited to step away from self-promotion and into a journey of personal and communal transformation; to turn our hearts toward God, embracing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we prepare for Easter.

This morning, I attended Damascus College’s Ash Wednesday and Opening College Mass, a meaningful liturgy offering time to pause, consider our role in the world, and embrace the season as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth. 

As we begin this Lenten journey, I encourage everyone to take time for reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness, allowing this season to deepen our faith and strengthen our commitment to love and serve others.

Many school communities have launched the annual Project Compassion fundraiser for Caritas Australia. Caritas is an international aid and development agency on behalf of the Catholic Church.

Last week, I mentioned recent data from the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) regarding government spending in education. The figures revealed that non-government schools in Victoria saved taxpayers over $3.5 billion in 2022-23, underscoring the vital role Catholic schools play, with parents helping to bridge the funding gap and support the ongoing growth and success of our school communities.

In further good news this week, the VCEA have released some very positive research using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, which highlights the lifelong benefits of Catholic schooling in employment, health, and life satisfaction. The study, conducted by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) at Victoria University for VCEA, shows that Catholic school alumni are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages (4%-11% more than government school graduates), work in public-serving industries, and donate to charity. It also links Catholic education to better health and life satisfaction.

This research reaffirms the value of a holistic education in shaping well-rounded, successful individuals. A full report is available on the DOBCEL website, along with a video from lead researcher Andrew Wade. I encourage you to explore and share these important findings and I thank you for the positive impact you have in shaping your students’ futures.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

Today is Ash Wednesday

Today schools across the diocese marked Ash Wednesday to commence the season of Lent. It was great to witness the engagement of children and young people in this important dimension of the Catholic tradition. 

This morning, CEB staff also commemorated Ash Wednesday by having a morning Prayer Service in the Ballarat Office chapel. 

Many communities launched the annual Project Compassion fundraiser for Caritas Australia.  Caritas is an international aid and development agency on behalf of the Catholic Church.

Ash Wednesday

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A few schools who commemorated Ash Wednesday are featured in the photo gallery. These are listed below:

• St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura
• St Alipius Parish Primary School, Ballarat East
• Ss Michael and John’s Primary School - Horsham

Photos from Shrove Tuesday

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A few schools who recognised Shrove Tuesday are featured in the photo gallery. These are listed below:

• Ss Michael and John’s Primary School - Horsham
• St Brendan’s Primary School - Coragulac
• St Joseph’s Primary School - Charlton
• St Mary MacKillop College- Swan Hill
• St Michael’s Primary School - Daylesford
• St Patrick’s Primary School- Stawell

Lifelong benefits of attending a Catholic School

We're pleased to share new research based on data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, which reveals that individuals who attended Catholic schools are likely to experience lifelong benefits in employment, general health, and overall life satisfaction.

The study highlights that Catholic schooling offers both personal and community advantages. On average, Catholic school alumni are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages compared to those who attended government schools, with wage differences ranging from 4% to 11%. Additionally, former Catholic school students are more inclined to work in public-serving industries and sectors, and they are more likely to donate to charity. The research also shows that Catholic school attendance positively influences personal health and life satisfaction scores.

Conducted by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) at Victoria University and commissioned by VCEA, the research adjusts for various individual and family characteristics to specifically isolate the impact of Catholic school attendance.

This evidence supports what you and your team have likely known instinctively – that an education focused on developing the whole person leads to well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed, thrive, and navigate life with confidence, regardless of the path they choose.

You should take great pride in the substantial and positive impact you have on the lives of your students and their families as they journey through our educational system.

A copy of the full report is available on the DOBCEL website, and you can also watch a video featuring lead researcher for the report, Mr. Andrew Wade, who has over 20 years’ experience in public policy analysis and research, most of which has focused on education and skill formation among Australians, and the interface with the labour market. 

We encourage you to read the report and share these terrific findings with your staff and school communities.

Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 - Nominations NOW OPEN!

Join Us in Honouring Excellence in Catholic Education!

DOBCEL is proud to continue to sponsor an award process aimed at continuing to recognise the outstanding service and leadership within Catholic education throughout our Diocesan school communities, and the Catholic Education Office.

In 2025, the refreshed awards align with the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 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.” 

Everyone is encouraged to get involved and nominate their colleagues!

Please click here to view detailed 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards information.

Ballarat Diocesan Secondary Principals (BDSP)

The BDSP is a Catholic Secondary School Principals network within the Diocese of Ballarat. Across the year, they meet online and in-person once per term. 

Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) staff are invited to the network meetings and contribute to the agenda and outcomes of the meetings. The 2025 Term 1 meeting was hosted by CEB with an evening meal on Thursday, 27 February, followed by a meeting at the DOBCEL Offices on Friday, 28 February. 

A key agenda item of the Term 1 meeting explored Learning Diversity, facilitated by Lisa Templar (DOBCEL Senior Education Officer: Learning Diversity). The BDSP is a wonderful example of collaboration across the Catholic secondary schools of the Diocese. 

Business Services - NEXUS Update

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of Key User Training and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for the implementation of Business Central Finance. Conducted at RACV in Creswick from the 10th to the 20th of February, and remaining modules this week, this phase was a crucial milestone in ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of our new finance software.

Project Nexus represents a significant step forward in enhancing our financial management systems, streamlining processes, and improving overall efficiency. The UAT phase allowed us to rigorously assess the system’s design, usability, and performance in a real-world setting, ensuring that it meets the needs of our Schools.

The finance team thanks representatives from Professional Advantage for their assistance in the workshop delivery and express our sincere gratitude to the dedicated representatives from St Patrick’s Primary (Ballarat), St Paul’s (Mildura), Trinity College (Colac), Damascus College (Ballarat), and Monivae College (Hamilton). Their valuable time, feedback, and expertise were instrumental in refining the system to ensure it aligns with operational requirements.  Feedback from the UAT phase will now be used to refine workflows and the user interface to ensure ease of use.   

As we progress with the platform development, we are very confident that Business Central will provide a robust and user-friendly platform to enhance financial operations across our schools. We appreciate the collaboration and support from all stakeholders and look forward to the next phases of Project Nexus.

Stay tuned for further updates as we progress towards full deployment!

Event Recap: Sharing Our Voices, Choir of Hard Knocks

On Sunday, Sharing Our Voices took place, an inspiring afternoon of music, community, and resilience. The event showcased a remarkable collaboration between the local organisation, Jimmy’s Allsorts,  and the award-winning Choir of Hard Knocks, reinforcing the powerful message that "adversity will never win."

Held at the state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre at St. Patrick’s College, Ballarat, the concert featured an incredible lineup of performers, including a combined choir from our local DOBCEL schools: Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas; St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ballarat; and Lumen Christi Primary School, Delacombe. Now in its 19th year, the Choir of Hard Knocks continued to inspire attendees with its powerful message of humanity and connection.

The choir has earned a distinguished place in Australian music history, being the only artist to win a Logie, ARIA, and Helpmann Award in the same year. The event not only provided a platform for incredible talent but also sought to raise funds for two important organizations dedicated to transformative work: the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute and the Choir of Hard Knocks. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this uplifting experience. 

We look forward to seeing you at future events.

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Celebrating International Women's Day

Let's Wear Purple This Friday in Support of International Women's Day 

It’s fantastic to see so much energy and enthusiasm across the Catholic Education sector in support of International Women's Day (IWD)! This year, we’re embracing the theme "Accelerate Action," and there are some great events lined up to celebrate. We also encourage you and your teams to wear purple this Friday 7 March (day before IWD) in recognition of the day. If your team dresses in purple, please send your photos through to the DOBCEL Marketing and Communications team at: comms@dobcel.catholic.edu.au. 

Damascus College in Ballarat will be hosting a vibrant IWD breakfast, featuring an inspiring panel discussion. Attendees will hear from incredible speakers, including Carly Myers (OAM), Gender & Disability Advisor at Women's Health Grampians; Deborah Clark, Koorie Education Coordinator at the Department of Education Victoria; and Dee Angelina Micevski, Gender Equality in Sport Lead at Women’s Health Grampians. Click here to view the flyer.

If your school is planning an event or wants to share the excitement on social media, please remember to use this year's hashtags: #IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction. Every activity counts, and that’s what makes IWD such an inclusive celebration. Let’s make our voices heard and take action together.

Click here to view the FREE IWD Resources and Toolkit.

Click here to view the Educational Resources on our website. A Converge International article about IWD can be found here.

Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action

Auslan Teachers as Co-Learners program commences at St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlton

Staff at St Joseph’s Primary School in Charlton completed their onboarding training for Auslan Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) last week, as they join the program this year for the first time. TCL is a co-learning approach where both students and teachers embark on learning a language together.

As part of the training, staff completed their Deaf Awareness training with Renee D’Offay, DOBCEL Auslan language coach, and learnt about deafness and Deaf identity, hearing loss and different perspectives about deafness. They learned introductory Auslan signs featured in the program including greetings, the alphabet and numbers. Staff did a great job participating in activities to practise their new Auslan skills and learnt about the importance of eye contact and facial expressions when using Auslan.

Some of the staff feedback about the day:

“Great day, heaps of fun and great to learn about the culture and history of the language”

“A fantastic day! Can’t wait to get started on our TCL journey with TCL at ST Joseph’s”

“It was amazing! So interactive, learnt so much. Best PD I have attended”

St Joseph’s Charlton will commence delivery of the TCL program with students from Term 2.

People and Development Updates

Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leader Network meeting - Thursday 27 March 2:30-3:30pm

The first Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leader Network meeting will be held will be held on Thursday 27 March from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

DOBCEL Executive Director, Tom Sexton will present on the DOBCEL Strategy 2035, building on the insights shared during the 2024 strategy presentation. This session will provide valuable next steps and updates on the strategy.

For further information on this session please contact Janet Claassen or Fiona Murphy.

To register for the session please click here.

Crucial Conversations – 29 & 30 May, Ballarat Locations

Child Safety Professional Learning Update- Session times have changed

Understanding the Reportable Conduct Scheme

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

Target Audience: Anyone working within a school

This month, Converge (Our Employee Assistance Program) explores the theme of inclusivity. 

To encapsulate the inclusivity theme for the month of March, there are a range of resources, a jam-packed Flourish E-Magazine!   And access to the Thrive Podcast.

A reminder of the available resources for all DOBCEL staff through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing access (See below our organisational code for appointment bookings)

• Converge 2025 Wellbeing Calendar – Jan to March Wellbeing Calendar
• Support for Wellbeing through the Converge Wellbeing App

Employee Relations - Training Opportunity

The ER Team is running 4 workshop this year (1 each Term) on the following areas, room is limited to 20 pax, so registration is required.  

Know Your Agreement – Leave Entitlements

A two hour session designed to provide a clear overview of the different type of key leave arrangements under the CEMEA, with the aim of helping Principals, senior leadership and Managers understand their rights, roles and obligations of all parties when considering leave applications and entitlements.

Managing Employee Performance

A session that will provide essential information and guidance to help navigate the complexity of dealing with performance issues in the workplace to ensure you meet your obligations in line with the CEMEA and general employment law.

Please click on one of the following links below to register your interest.  We look forward to seeing you on the day.

Wellbeing Updates

Upcoming Sessions

Save The Date 

Catholic Identity and Mission Updates

Lent 2025

Lent is a time when Christians are invited to explore what prayer, fasting and almsgiving may mean in their lives. The following resources may assist staff to engage in this Season more fully. This may be individually or during staff prayer time.

Consider your local context and needs when accessing and using these resources and make appropriate adjustments as needed.

The Pace of Grace: Lent 2025

Lent Resource - Archdiocesan Ministries (Brisbane)

https://summit.melbournecatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Proclaim_LentenResource_2025-1.pdf (Melbourne)

The Ignatian Workout for Lent: An Online Retreat with Tim Muldoon

 (Ignation Spirituality Retreat)

The Lenten Examen.

Season Of Lent 2025 | Catholic Climate Covenant

Lent 2025: Take Heart - Ignatian Solidarity Network

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:

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

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 

Flare Phase B Professional Learning Day One

Tuesday 11 March, 9am – 3pm Online via the Flare Website Zoom Link.

All Phase B schools are required to register for this event as soon as possible.

Phase C and Lighthouse school leaders are encouraged to register teachers who are new to Guided Literacy Improvement in 2025.

Educators from Self-Guided Literacy Improvement schools are welcome to join this event if they wish and must also register beforehand.

Registrations can be made via the Flare calendar. PLEASE REGISTER BY THIS FRIDAY AT THE LATEST.

This PL event will focus on:

• Integrating Literacy and the knowledge curriculum
• The Flare Integrated Lit-HAS Scope & Sequence
• Knowledge and Comprehension
• The ‘Pulling it all Together’ hour of the Flare Literacy Block
• Road-mapping and goal setting.

Please contact Holly Southwell if you have any questions: hsouthwell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Dyslexia Victoria Support Schools Map

You may have come across the Dyslexia Victoria Support (DVS) map on social media. This widely shared resource was created and is updated by Heidi Gregory, to indicate to parents which Victorian primary schools have committed to adopting Structured Literacy and Explicit Teaching. Parents from across the diocese interact with this resource, and many ask specifically about DOBCEL schools, so you may wish your school to be included.

To be included on this map your school must have an updated school website that specifically names your commitment to Systematic Synthetic Phonics and explicit literacy instruction.

Then you need to email Heidi Gregory at dvsaustralia@gmail.com.

We are unable to have schools added to the map on your behalf. Communication must come directly from schools. Heidi will not add your school unless your website has been updated. If you are looking for some suitable website wording (or wording for other promotional materials), please click here for a template you can edit.

If you have any questions about this, please contact Emma Rutherford, Flare Leader. Erutherford@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Flare Literacy Improvement at research ED

The Flare Literacy Improvement Executive; Emma Rutherford, Breeana Wade & Holly Southwell, have been invited to present at research Ed next week in Ballarat (sold out). Research Ed aims to connect teachers with research and researchers.

Teachers present on their use of research to inform their work and academics present on new findings. The inclusion of DOBCEL’s Flare literacy improvement work in the program is recognition of the high calibre of this work and the respect with which it is held.

Choosing a Systematic, Synthetic Phonics Program (SSP)

Expression of Interest 

⭐ We are seeking expressions of interest from those that are considering selecting a phonics program for implementation this year as part of the FLARE –  Primary Literacy Strategy including both our guided and self-guided schools⭐  

Many schools may already have a phonics program in place, while others may be selecting one for implementation this year. With a wide range of phonics programs available, it is important to note that not all are recognised as Systematic, Synthetic Phonics (SSP) in alignment with the Science of Reading. 

If your school is interested in exploring widely used phonics programs across the Ballarat Diocese, please complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form by Wednesday 5 March. 

Based on the responses received, an online forum is proposed to provide schools with further information on these programs. The goal is to support schools in their discernment and change management processes when selecting an SSP program. 

For further information, please reach out to your local Education Officer – Learning & Teaching. 

Mathematics Professional Learning for 2025

Engaging Primary Students In Their Mathematical Learning presented by Michael Minas 

The first session with Michael was held on Tuesday February 11th. This was a very engaging and practical session.  

Participants’ Reflections 

Reflections from Rhiannon, Mirjam and Georgia from St. Patrick’s Koroit

 The Minas PD was highly engaging and gave great insight into how we can incorporate the V2.0 mathematical proficiencies into our Numeracy lessons in a way that aligns with how our students learn best.

The most valuable takeaway from the professional development session was the accessibility of warm-up games for the classroom, particularly how these activities can be easily adapted to suit a wide range of learning levels, fostering engagement and inclusivity for all students.

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  

Important VCE Handbook Update

Diocesan secondary colleges are advised to be across changes in the VCAA Administrative Handbook for 2025. Attendees at the recent VCAA VCE briefings will be aware that there have been changes made to requirements relating to students completing VCE units without calculation of a study score.

The handbook can be accessed below, please see pp13. Please also see the support materials that include Guidance for Schools; Student and Parent/Carer Fact Sheet and Example Student Consent Form.

 VCAA Administrative Handbook 2025 

English Curriculum Project

The ECP and VECN Canvas sites can be accessed here.   

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

On Thursday, 6 March we will have our second ECP seminar for English teachers from 7-10. Following on from our session on writing frames, Kirstin will use this time to look at robust unit design.

How do we build a unit of work that is effective? How can we use backwards mapping to ensure that what we are teaching matches what we want to assess?

As with all of our seminars this year, we will be looking at the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and considering how we can use it to help with unit design as well as unit audits.

 Seminar 2 is from 3:30 – 4:30 on Thursday 6 March and you can join us using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QhG-_ciQSb-INAeDjZUGbw

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• Education Officer: Positive Behaviour Specialist – Ballarat or Horsham office – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 March)
• Education Officer: Secondary – Ballarat office – ongoing position or secondment by agreement at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 March)
  

Principal Vacancy

• Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton (closes 23 March)
  

School Vacancies

• Learning Support Officer – St Aloysius’ School, Redan – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 March)
• 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)
• Administration Officer – St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 14 March)
• Arts (Visual & Performing) Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 14 March)
• Specialist Teaching Position – St Brigid’s School, Ballan – fixed term position at 0.2 FTE (closes 16 March)
• Chaplain / Counsellor – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 0.65 FTE (closes 24 March)