Weekly Newsletter #47 - 12 March 2025
- Reflection - Lent is a time for...
- From the Executive Director
- Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 - Nominations NOW OPEN!
- Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action
- People and Development Updates
- Wellbeing Updates
- SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE: Laudato Si’ Lent
- Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
- Learning and Teaching Updates
- Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection - Lent is a time for...
Three things Christians are invited to explore more deeply in their lives during Lent are Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.
Our reflection today focuses on prayer. For Christians prayer is being aware of God’s presence. St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop is attributed with saying “There where you are you will find God” The following reflection by Anthony de Mello SJ may speak to you about God’s presence and becoming more fully aware of God through the experience of prayer.
The Little Fish
“Excuse me” said an ocean fish.
“You are older than I, so can you tell me where to find this thing they call the Ocean?”
“The Ocean,” said the older fish, is the thing you are in now.”
“Oh, this? But this is water. What I’m seeking is the Ocean,” said the disappointed fish as he swam away to search elsewhere.
He came to the Master in sannyasi robes. And he spoke sannyasi language.
"For years I have been seeking God. I have sought God everywhere, where God is said to be: on mountain peaks, the vastness of the desert, the silence of the cloister and the dwellings of the poor.”
“Have you found God?” the Master asked.
“No I have not. Have you?”
What could the Master say? The evening sun was sending shafts of golden light into the room. Hundreds of sparrows were twittering in the banyan tree. In the distance one could hear the sound of highway traffic. A mosquito droned a warning that it was about to strike…And yet this man could sit there and say he had not found God.
After a while he left, disappointed, to search elsewhere.
Stop searching little fish. There isn’t anything to look for. All you have to do is look. P. 14
de Mello, A (1982) The Song of the Bird, GUJARAT SAHITYA PRAKASH: Anand, India
The Lenten experience for Christians is an invitation to deepen their awareness of God through the experience of prayer. A God that is not found “out there” but deep within their own being, and through the richness of their lives - both the joys and challenges. Prayer is an opportunity to become deeply aware of this Presence. To recognise it, and relish the Presence in the many ways God is revealed.
From the Executive Director
Throughout the year, I am committed to visiting schools within the Diocese, fostering stronger relationships and deeper engagement with school communities. My visits provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet with the Principal and Leadership Teams, and gain valuable insights into the unique aspects of each school environment.
Last Friday, I continued this initiative with a visit to St Mary’s Primary School in Donald, where I met with Principal Melissa Drum and met some of the students.
I also connected with Principal Mary Hogan at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Charlton where I had the opportunity to witness their pupil free professional learning day and observe the renewal of their school vision statement.
These visits allow for meaningful discussions on the successes and challenges facing our schools, reinforcing our shared commitment to delivering quality education and supporting student wellbeing.
I wanted to use this opportunity to remind everyone that one of the key tools available to support student wellbeing in our Diocese is School TV. This online resource offers a wealth of information on relevant topics to assist students, families, and educators in navigating the complexities of modern life, ensuring parents and staff have easy access to valuable resources including topics surrounding cybersafety, mental health, cultural diversity, inclusion and more.
I’d also like to highlight the importance of safe social media use. With digital platforms playing a significant role in students' lives, it is crucial to equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate these spaces responsibly. School TV offers excellent guidance on this topic, helping families and educators support students in developing healthy digital habits.
I extend my best wishes as students across our Diocese commence their NAPLAN assessments today. I commend our school communities for their dedication to ensuring that every student is supported in achieving their best.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton, Executive Director
DOBCEL Executive Director, Tom Sexton, enjoys some time in the school sandpit with a few students during his visit to St Mary's Primary School in Donald.
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.
Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action
Mercy Regional College, STEAM Class Update: Building Bridges
We are excited to highlight the incredible work being done by a Year 8 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) class at Mercy Regional College in Camperdown. Recently, students were challenged to design and construct a LEGO bridge that could hold the weight of a full water bottle.
This hands-on project allowed them to explore the engineering principles involved in STEAM while showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
We look forward to seeing more exciting projects!
Farmers' Market a Success at Damascus College
Last Thursday, the Damascus College courtyard buzzed with excitement as the highly anticipated Farmers' Market, organised by our Horticulture department, took place. This event, a highlight for many students and staff, showcased the dedication and hard work of our horticulture students.
After harvesting their fresh produce, students transformed it into delicious homemade goods or offered it for sale as fresh fruits and vegetables. The market also featured a selection of seedlings, lovingly propagated by the students, available for purchase for anyone looking to enhance their own gardens.
It was a delightful afternoon filled with community spirit, as students, staff, and families strolled through the market with their arms full of fresh produce to take home.
For the Damascus horticulture students, this experience is especially rewarding. Seeing the fruits of their labor enjoyed by others is a gratifying culmination of their hard work. Some items were so popular that they sold out within minutes after the market opened!
Congratulations to everyone involved in making this Farmers' Market a tremendous success!
ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN for the 2025 Energy Breakthrough!
Head to the Energy Breakthrough website to get your school amongst the action NOW.
This initiative encourages participants to engage with cutting-edge technology while considering its environmental impact and how it affects both local and global communities. A collaborative, cross-curricular approach is essential for success.
We loved capturing all the action last year and we hope to see many schools participating again this year! If you'd like to revisit what happened last year and watch the fun video, please click here to visit our website.
Our Lady Help of Christians School (OLHC), Wendouree, Author Visit - Jodi Toering!
OLHC are thrilled to welcome our very own resident author and teacher, Jodi Toering, for a special reading of her brand-new book, ‘Rain on the Rock’.
Details: Monday, March 17th at 9:00 AM
Parents, guardians and community are warmly invited to attend this event. Don’t miss the chance to hear Jodi bring her beautiful story to life!
People and Development Updates
Expression of Interest: Learning Support Officer to Teacher Pathway Scholarship Program
DOBCEL is excited to offer a new Learning Support Officer (LSO) to Teacher Pathway Scholarship Program, supporting LSOs in our schools who aspire to become qualified primary school teachers. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance and professional growth opportunities to our valued LSOs, enabling them to transition into teaching roles while continuing their contributions to Catholic education.
About the Program
Under this scholarship program, eligible LSOs will have the opportunity to undertake an online Bachelor of Education (Primary) through:
- Swinburne Online University ($4,627 per year for 4 years)
DOBCEL will fund two-thirds of the tuition fees, reducing the financial burden on participating LSOs and making their transition to a teaching career more accessible. The remaining costs will be the responsibility of the scholarship recipient.
A total of 15 scholarships will be available under this program for 2025.
Up to 5 of the available scholarships will be considered for LSOs currently studying their Bachelor of Primary Education. DOBCEL will cover up to 2/3 of the tuition cost for the remainder of the degree (up to the cost of Swinburne University offering)
Key Details
- Study Mode: Online
- Duration: 4 years (part-time or full-time options available)
- Intake: July 2025
- Scholarship Coverage: DOBCEL covers 2/3 of tuition fees; LSO contributes the remaining 1/3
Who Should Apply?
We invite expressions of interest from LSOs who:
- Currently employed in a DOBCEL school as a Learning Support Officer
- Currently employed at 0.5 EFT or more
- Have a passion for teaching and a commitment to Catholic education
- Are willing to undertake an online Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree
- Can commit to the required study commitments
Benefits of the Program
- Financial Support: Substantial scholarship funding to ease the cost of obtaining a teaching qualification.
- Career Progression: A clear pathway from LSO to qualified teacher within DOBCEL schools.
- Flexibility: The online learning mode allows participants to continue working while studying.
- Professional Development: Gain valuable skills and qualifications while remaining engaged in the school community.
How to Express Your Interest
If you are interested in this opportunity, please click HERE to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by Sunday 30 March 2025.
LSOs who may have already commenced a Bachelor of Primary Education are encouraged to apply. If successful, DOBCEL will support already studying LSOs by covering 2/3 of their tuition fee up to the same cost as 2/3 of the tuition fee of the Swinburne online.
LSOs expressing interest in this program will be sent an application form during the week commencing 31 March and applications will close Wednesday April 30. There will be an FAQ included with the application form.
We encourage our LSOs to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to advance their careers and continue making a meaningful impact in Catholic education. We look forward to hearing from you!
If you have any questions about the program prior to expressing your interest, please email these to Sarah Hanley at people.development@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.
See below for the timeline and process for this program.
Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leader Network Meeting This Month
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
| Date, time & location | Day 1 9:00am-4:00pm and Day 2 9:00am – 3:30pm Glowery Room, St Patrick’s Cathedral, 3 Lyons St, Ballarat |
| Program overview | Crucial Conversations teaches a model for effective communication, that can be applied to any situation, but particularly difficult or high-stakes situations. It focuses on fostering dialogue, managing emotions, and achieving mutual understanding. The model helps to navigate high-stakes discussions with openness, respect, and skill, enhancing relationships and driving positive outcomes. This program is designed for anyone who would like to develop skills in providing effective feedback and fostering open dialogue. The skills can be transferred across a range of situations including providing feedback and fostering open dialogue with colleagues, parents/carers and the community. It is relevant for people working in schools as well as the CEB office. Crucial Conversations will be run each term on the following dates -
*Minimum participant numbers apply for programs to run. Further information on additional leadership development opportunities for 2025 will be provided in next week's newsletter. |
| Contacts | If you have any queries about the program please contact Fiona Murphy or Emma Baldwin |
| Booking Link | |
| Cost | Cost $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch) |
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.
| Know Your Agreement: Leave Entitlements - Term 1 - VC | 26-Mar-25 | 10:30am-12:30pm | ONLINE | https://www.trybooking.com/CZMJR |
| Know Your Agreement: Leave Entitlements - Term 3 - VC | 28-Aug-25 | 10:30am-12:30pm | ONLINE | https://www.trybooking.com/CZMWO |
| Managing Employee Performance - Term 2 - VC | 18-Jun-25 | 10:30am-12:30pm | ONLINE | https://www.trybooking.com/CZNNM |
| Managing Employee Performance - Term 4 - VC | 26-Nov-25 | 10:30am-12:30pm | ONLINE | https://www.trybooking.com/CZNNS |
Wellbeing Updates
Upcoming Sessions
MARAM Training for Nominated Staff in Schools MARAM is the evidence-based family violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) framework that almost 400,000 workers in Victoria align with to support their family violence practice. It was implemented in 2021 along with the Child Information Sharing Scheme and the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme; together, these three interrelated reforms support schools and services in reducing family violence and promoting child wellbeing and safety. Schools and services must share information and undertake their MARAM responsibilities alongside other services to protect children and young people from experiencing the harm caused by family violence. The training includes activities that will support MARAM nominated staff to screen for family violence, plan for safety, make referrals and reports, and provide ongoing support. *Registration via the link below* |
Save The Date!
Upcoming Student Wellbeing Primary Leaders online forum 19th of March Trybooking link below: https://www.trybooking.com/CXYLO Purpose The Student Wellbeing Team is hosting a day for leaders across the diocese, this includes the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs). The day will be aligned to different elements of the Student Wellbeing Framework. The online learning is designed to inform school-wide practice and allow school leaders to learn from, and connect with, experts from across the field. An online format allows flexibility and will hopefully allow as many leaders as possible to attend either all, or part of, the day. There will be time to interact in smaller groups and connect with other leaders. Topics
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School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS), Refresher Day 21st of March Please click here for the Trybooking link for registration (Ballarat location). The day will focus on unpacking the pedagogy of SWPBS and exploring systems and processes which support SWPBS. |
SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE: Laudato Si’ Lent
Throughout Lent, you are invited to embark on a reflective exploration of the seven goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Journey.
In its simplest form, the Caritas LAUDATO SI' Action Platform is an invitation from Pope Francis to the global Church to transform the concepts shared in the encyclical Laudato Si’ into actionable steps. This process focuses these actions into seven goals:
All schools across the diocese are beginning their journey commitment to the Caritas Earthcare’s Australian guide to Laudato Si’ Action Planning, a five-year journey. During Lent, we will learn more about each goal and reflect on how we can integrate each one into our lives and into the life of our schools.
Take action: Sit quietly and take in a few breaths and let them out very slowly. As you inhale, imagine your breath bringing light to your body. As you exhale, imagine your breath flowing out to the earth as love.
Pray:
Pray today for all of life: That we may receive the grace to respect and care for God’s creation,
Loving God, hear our prayer.
That all creatures may be blessed as a sign of God’s wondrous love,
Loving God, hear our prayer.
That we may work to end the suffering of those in poverty and bring healing to all of God’s creation,
Loving God, hear our prayer.
That we work to undo the damage we have done to God’s creation and to sustain God’s gift of nature,
Loving God, hear our prayer.
(Prayer and text inspired by the Ignatian Solidarity Network & Nazareth.org)
Laudato Si’ Lent Resources from Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM):
LSM Lent Calendar 2025 'Conversion of Heart for the Earth'
Prayer from the LSM Prayer Book
LSM Ecological Way of the Cross
As Lent begins and Project Compassion starts, we are reminded that we can actively participate in this year’s campaign and get the most out of this Lenten season.
- Utilise our Project Compassion education resources. A comprehensive suite of Project Compassion resources is available, all tied into the Year of Jubilee. You can access Ash Wednesday liturgies, films, teaching activities, student pilgrim journals and more!
- Attend a live Caritas Q&A Session. Once again, we are offering the unique opportunity to interact online (via ZOOM) with Caritas Australia Programs staff. These sessions are a wonderful experience for students to ask questions and connect with the stories of Project Compassion.
- Engage in fundraising initiatives. This year, there are 3 exciting initiatives for schools: The Big Water Walk, Host a Lent Event, and Give it up for Lent! Click here to find out more!
Australian Jesuits Internship Program
Do you have students interested in a career in media publishing? Encourage them to apply for the Jesuit Communications online internship program to receive hands-on experience in all aspects of magazine production. The annual online media internship program, offered by Jesuit Communications which publishes Australian Catholics, gives Years 10, 11 and 12 students across the country an introduction to a career in media.
For more information please click on the link below:
Jesuit Communications Media Internship 2025
ResourceSmart Schools
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 28th 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
Upcoming Key Social Justice Dates:
‘Harmony Week’ 17th - 23rd March 2025
‘Ride2School Day’ Friday 21st March 2025
↳ National Ride2School Day | Bicycle Network
‘Earth Hour’ Saturday 22nd March 2025
‘World Water Day’ Saturday 22nd March 2025
Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
Staff Prayer and Reflection Resources for 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.
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)
Learning and Teaching Updates
GENERAL NEWS
Who We Are and How We Are session for First-Year Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
As part of DOBCEL’s commitment to supporting the professional growth of early career teachers, a session titled ‘Who We Are and How We Are’ was held for first-year Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
Facilitators from the Catholic Identity and Mission, Learning and Teaching, and Wellbeing Teams led informative sessions on student engagement, understanding learners, inclusive practices, teacher wellbeing and also a session titled "What Makes Our Schools Catholic?," which sparked meaningful discussions among participants.
Matthew Byrne, DOBCEL Deputy Director of Catholic Education, welcomed the new teachers and provided an insightful overview of the Diocese’s operations. Matt Woodley, from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), introduced participants to the VIT Code of Conduct for teachers and workshopped some case studies.
This session not only provided valuable professional learning but also offered ECTs the opportunity to network with their colleagues - marking the start of their 3-year DOBCEL ECT program of learning together.
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
2025 dates for your diary
First Year ECT Program
Term 2 Location | Monday May 19 9am-3pm Ballarat -Glowrey Room – St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall | Wednesday May 21 9am-3pm Mildura or Robinvale TBC (subject to registrations) | $80 | Face to Face |
Term 3 Location | Formation Retreat - August 13/14 Halls Gap | Formation Retreat - August 13/14 Halls Gap | TBC | Face to Face |
| Term 4 | ECT Check-ins Weeks 3 & 4 20/10 – 1/11 | ECT Check-ins Weeks 3 & 4 20/10 – 1/11 | N/A | Online |
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.
PRIMARY NEWS
English Bites
English Version 2.0 Familiarisation
Schools who have registered for familiarisation with the V2.0 English Curriculum are reminded that the first of three sessions will be held this afternoon.
Schools who would like more information are invited to contact the CEB staff listed below:
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
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
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 ASAP
Based on the responses received, an online forum will be held in Week 3 of Term 2 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.
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
SECONDARY NEWS
VCE English Catholic Network
This Thursday, 13 March we have our two forums about Creating and Crafting Texts. We have already uploaded a video as well as resources for ideas and writing tasks (some new up on Monday) for all four Frameworks and you can find them here: Creating and Crafting Texts
https://ceob.instructure.com/courses/323/pages/creating-and-crafting-texts
The forums are places to discuss your ideas, your course planning, concerns and thoughts and to build our professional networks. Kirstin will give a quick summary of the unit, the exam and the things that she thinks are important to focus on. We will then open the discussion up to anyone who wants to contribute. You are welcome to choose the time that best suits you to come along.
We look forward to seeing anyone on who wishes to come along on Thursday, 13 March at
3:45pm - 4:30pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/adj6Q8qMSsyYaFBywdvebg
or
7:30pm - 8:15pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5ZsJXkJBSMm3tsdGTC89bg
If you are looking for other resources beyond Creating and Crafting Texts, you will also find on the VECN site:
- A review of the Study Design Changes
- A summary of the VCE Examination report and resources that come from it
- Teaching and assessment resources for We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Oedipus the King, Born a Crime, Sunset Boulevard and Rainbow’s End with more to come this month.
- Text overview student videos for We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Oedipus the King, Born a Crime, Sunset Boulevard and Rainbow’s End.
The English Curriculum Project and VCE English Catholic Network 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.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy
- 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
- 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)
- Full Time Classroom Teacher 2025 - Term 2, 3 and 4 - St Francis Xavier School, Ballarat East – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 March)
- Arts (Visual & Performing) Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 14 March)
- Arts Assistant – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 0.72 FTE (closes 14 March)
- Specialist Teaching Position – St Brigid’s School, Ballan – fixed term position at 0.2 FTE (closes 16 March)
- Wellbeing Practitioner – Trinity College, Colac – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 March)
- Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s School, Camperdown – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 March)
- Chaplain / Counsellor – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed term position at 0.65 FTE (closes 24 March)
- Casual Relieving Teachers – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – casual position (closes 4 April)
- Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Coleraine – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 April)
- 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – casual position (closes 4 July)