Weekly Newsletter #48 - 19 March 2025
- Reflection - Within the Catholic Christian tradition, the Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated today
- From the Executive Director
- Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 - Nominate your colleagues!
- Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action
- Interview with Kevin Brodie, General Manager – SIMON at DOBCEL
- 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 - Within the Catholic Christian tradition, the Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated today
St. Joseph
Within the Catholic Christian tradition, the Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated today, 19th March. St. Joseph's life was that of an ordinary workman, yet his ability to see and communicate the presence of God made him extraordinary. Scripture doesn't tell us a great deal about him, though we do know St. Joseph with Mary listened to God and acted with courage in the many struggles the Holy Family faced.
Adapted from A Prayer for the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19.
Invitation to prayer…
Who is Known by Many Titles
Faithful Joseph
Teach us to listen and not be afraid to trust
as you did in God's promise.
Loving Joseph
Teach us to love courageously with a heart
that is free and just.
Protector Joseph
Teach us to protect one another and all
of God’s creation.
Dreamer Joseph
Teach us to dream a world where all are neighbors;
a vision illuminated by God's light.
Teacher Joseph
Teach us to keep the Word of God close to our hearts, and to proclaim it in word and action.
Gentle Joseph
Teach us to be gentle with our power and
strong in our tenderness.
Parent Joseph
Teach us to be for all persons a living lesson
of goodness and truth - a blessing for all
generations to come.
Amen.
Adapted from The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet.
From the Executive Director
It was a privilege to attend the St. Patrick’s College Mass and Assembly in honour of St. Patrick’s Day on Monday 17 March. The celebrations were a wonderful reflection of faith, heritage, and community spirit. Seeing the students engage so wholeheartedly in the occasion was great to witness and a reminder of the deep traditions that shape our schools.
On Saturday night, I was delighted to speak at the Monivae College Presentation Ball. This event was a special milestone for Year 11 students, marking an important moment in their school journey. It was heartwarming to witness their pride, confidence, and the strong sense of support from families and staff. Congratulations to everyone involved in making the evening such a success.
This week, I continued my school visits and had the pleasure of visiting Siena Catholic Primary School in Lucas. It was a great opportunity to meet with the principal, Shelley Ryan, staff, and students, gaining further insight into the wonderful initiatives taking place in the school. I was particularly impressed by the sense of community and dedication to student learning, which was evident throughout my visit.
A reminder that a VC briefing ahead of our next Diocesan Leadership Gathering will take place this Thursday 20 March at 11am. This session will provide key updates before we come together in Horsham in May. I look forward to seeing all our principals on the screen tomorrow.
Thank you all for your ongoing dedication and commitment to our school communities. Your efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton, Executive Director
Pictured here: Our DOBCEL Executive Director, Tom Sexton, with students during his visit to Siena Catholic Primary School in Ballarat.
Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 - Nominate your colleagues!
Nominate your colleagues for a Catholic Education Award!
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 download the CEW Nomination Flyer here and display it proudly around your school grounds.
Please click here to view detailed 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards information.
Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action
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, Wendouree: Celebrating Community and Creativity: A Successful Book Reading Event
On Monday 17 March, Our Lady's was filled with excitement as the school welcomed their wonderful resident author and teacher, Jodi Toering, for a special reading of her new books, Rain on the Rock and Night Watch. The event drew a wonderful crowd of parents, guardians, and community members, all eager to support our talented local author.
The morning began with Jodi’s engaging introduction, where she shared insights into her writing journey and the inspiration behind her beautiful story. Attendees were captivated as she brought Rain on the Rock to life, using her expressive storytelling skills to create a vivid experience for listeners of all ages.
After the reading, participants had the opportunity to ask Jodi questions and discuss the themes of her book, fostering an enriching dialogue about the importance of creativity and imagination. Many left with smiles, feeling inspired by Jodi’s passion and dedication to her craft. It was so wonderful to see so many parents, carers and family members there to support this event, making it a memorable occasion for the community of Our Lady's.
A special thank you to Jodi for sharing her talent and for reminding us all of the power of stories.
St. Patrick's Day, School Celebrations
Our diocese was full of St. Patrick’s Day spirit earlier this week as we celebrated the man who brought the light of faith to Ireland 
Students and staff donned their best green outfits and enjoyed delicious green cupcakes, coming together in joy and reflection. Through liturgy and Mass, our schools honoured the rich cultural and religious heritage of this special day.
May St. Patrick’s legacy continue to inspire lives of faith and service. Well done to all the schools who participated in St. Patrick's Day celebrations and activities. Check out some of the great photos below from the following schools:
- Saint Patrick's Primary School, St Arnaud
- Saint Patrick's Parish School, Port Fairy
- Saint Patrick's Primary School, Gordon
- Saint Patrick's College, Ballarat
- Saint Patrick's Primary School, Koroit
- Saint Patrick's School, Nhill
Interview with Kevin Brodie, General Manager – SIMON at DOBCEL
Nexus is a new, comprehensive Student Information System developed by DOBCEL to address the evolving needs of schools and modern technological requirements. It enhances SIMON's capabilities by integrating data analytics, finance management, payroll services, and staff recruitment processes while maintaining a school-centric approach. The initiative aims to improve connectivity, reduce manual processing, and offer cloud-based solutions to mitigate local disaster risks. The rollout will be gradual, supported by thorough training and consultation with schools to ensure a smooth transition. Please click here to read the full interview with Kevin Brodie.
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.
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 an 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.
LSO’s 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.
Click HERE to understand 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 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) |
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* |
SOCIAL JUSTICE UPDATE: Laudato Si’ Lent
Response to the Cry of the Poor
“The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to the causes related to human and social degradation. In fact, the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet.” (LS #48)
Response to the Cry of the Poor: A More Humane and Sustainable Economy
Pope Francis challenges us to build an economy that places people, especially the poor, at its centre. The rise of circular economies, fair trade practices, and ethical finance demonstrates that prosperity without destruction is possible. In 2025, we celebrate successful projects lifting entire communities out of poverty while protecting our common home.
Take action: Taking in the photo above, consider what these women and this child must be thinking and feeling. Look at the photo from the point of view of these individuals facing daily hardships due to climate change. Reflect on what they might be thinking or what they might want to say to you.
Pray:
Give us your wisdom and strength, as we work for the solution of the present crisis of disease, hunger, poverty, conflicts, and destruction, for healthy people on a healthy planet.
Bless our resolve and efforts, so that the needs of the poor can be met at the table of your creation.
Open and soften our hearts so that we share our bread with the hungry. Help us now in our conversion, to clean this common home, to heal it and protect it, so that we may pass it on safely to future generations.
(Prayer and text inspired by the Ignatian Solidarity Network & Nazareth.org)
Indulge Responsibly this Easter
With Easter quickly approaching and the shelves of supermarkets and other establishments brimming with all manner of enticing chocolate treats, let us exercise responsible consumer choice by applying the Laudato Si' lens, which encourages us to think about the ethical and sustainable impact of our purchases. The following resources have been designed to support your ecological choices this Easter.
Easter Resources
- Tips for buying ethically-produced chocolate this Easter
- Chocolate Scorecard
- Slavery Free Easter Chocolate
Laudato Si’ Partners News:
Caritas is producing a short film for the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’ about how schools, parishes and religious orders have come to care for our common home here in Australia. We all have a responsibility, and you are empowered to make a difference.
Caritas wants to see, share and celebrate how schools, parishes and religious communities around Australia are caring for our common home. If you can contribute a short amount of footage using either a mobile or tablet, we would love to add it to our short film. Please see the flyer and consent form linked below for more details.
Caritas 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si' video independent filming.docx
Consent form - photos or videos for Laudato Si' week film.docx
ResourceSmart Schools
The following professional development opportunities are happening before the end of this term that you might like to attend. Please see details below and register your interest by clicking the registration links.
| Date | Event | Information |
| 19th March 2025 - 4pm | Teaching Indigenous perspectives by 'Learning on Country' - for all educators - ONLINE | Free Online workshop for all educators. This is for all staff at any school. Register here |
| 28th March 2025 - 9am | Ballarat Teacher Environment Network meeting - Mount Clear, Earth Ed | Free meeting for all school staff. Earth Ed, Mount Clear - focusing on Indigenous perspectives. $200 CRT for RSS schools attending. Click here to register |
Climate Change Education Workshop, designed to support upper primary and STEM teachers in integrating climate change education across the curriculum. There are two times and venues available, with both sessions also available via Zoom.
📅 Date & Time: Thursday, 27 March 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PM / Monday 31 March 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Ballarat ACU Campus & via Zoom / Deakin University Warrnambool Campus & via Zoom
💡 Cost: Free
This workshop offers:
✅ Practical tools to confidently teach climate change in a positive way
✅ Ready-to-use teaching strategies for your classroom
✅ An opportunity to contribute to a research study supporting climate change education
This workshop introduces an innovative learning-empathy-action approach, designed to help you effectively engage students in climate change discussions.
We would love for you to join us! If you're interested, please RSVP via the QR Code (on the attached flyer):
Climate Change Education Workshop - Ballarat and online
Climate Change Education Workshop - Warrnambool and online
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
↳ World Water Day | United Nations
Term 2 Key Dates to lock in your diary -
Laudato Si’ Week (Australia) 16-24 May 2025
Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
10 YEARS OF LAUDATO SI’- from Hope to Action
It's been 10 years since Pope Francis released his encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.
To celebrate, Garratt Publishing will be hosting a series of Ecology Webinars specially designed for teachers.
The first webinar, Generation Laudato Si’, will focus on how young people within the Church have been ‘doing Laudato Si’’ for 10 years and what their plans and dreams are for the future.
Upcoming Webinar Information
| Webinar Name | GENERATION LAUDATO SI’ WEBINAR |
| When and Time | Thursday 27 March 2025 7.00pm – 8.00pm AEDT* |
| Where | Via Zoom |
| Cost | $10.00 (incl. GST) |
| Registration | Online registration is essential. Zoom meeting details will be forwarded upon registration. |
Please click here for further information.
Building Leaders - Consent and Respectful Relationships
As part of the need to address Consent and Respectful Relationships, the VCEA and Jesuit Social Services have co-designed the following workshop to help develop capacity within schools to deliver Respectful Relationships education.
The all-day workshop aims to:
- reinforce the alignment with Catholic values on human dignity
- enhance the role that school leaders play in creating a respectful school culture
- build organisational confidence in delivering RR
These workshops are being delivered across each diocese within Victoria. Schools do not need to be currently signed up to the Respectful Relationships program to attend.
The details for the event in the Ballarat diocese are:
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 9:30am to 4pm.
Venue: Sovereign Park Motor Inn, 223 Main Rd, Golden Point.
Cost: Nil (covered by VCEA).
Target Audience: (Maximum of 25) This PD is directed at members of school leadership in both Primary and Secondary schools particularly those leaders directly involved with Respectful Relationships education. Each school is invited to send up to 3 staff members and this could include Wellbeing Leaders, RELs, HPE Leader etc.
Click here to view the Building Leaders flyer.
Registrations: All registrations are made via the following link. https://forms.office.com/r/KW6WMKfs2k
If you have any questions then please contact Bernadette Tolan btolan@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au
Learning and Teaching Updates
GENERAL NEWS
Australia’s biggest ResearchEd event
Over the weekend, Emma Rutherford, Holly Southwell & Breeana Wade presented at Australia’s biggest ResearchEd event. As Education Officers for DOBCEL, they’ve worked with La Trobe’s SOLAR Lab to transform literacy instruction – scaling a grassroots project into a 10-year, system-wide strategy.
Their session highlighted how expert training, strong data practices & targeted support are driving real change in some of Victoria’s most disadvantaged schools.
Upcoming Sessions:
The National Copyright Unit (NCU) is running free webinars to help teachers and staff navigate copyright in schools and TAFEs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Copyright
Due to overwhelming interest, we are running additional ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Copyright’ webinars in Term 2.
These free 30-minute webinars cover:
- What is generative AI?
- Uses of AI in education
- Copyright issues when using AI
- Copyright ownership in AI generated works
- Labelling and attributing.
The webinars are open for Australian school and TAFE staff (except Victorian TAFE staff).
Details are below:
| Name | Date and Time | Registration Link |
| Artificial Intelligence and Copyright (new date) | Thursday 8 May 2025 (3:30pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Artificial Intelligence and Copyright | Tuesday 27 May 2025 (12pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Sold out |
| Artificial Intelligence and Copyright (new date) | Monday 16 June 2025 (12pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Artificial Intelligence and Copyright | Tuesday 12 August 2025 (3:30pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Artificial Intelligence and Copyright | Tuesday 21 October 2025 (3:30pm AEDT Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
Term 2 webinars
Below are NCU's other webinars in Term 2. The Term 2 program is aimed at TAFE teachers and staff (except the AI and Creative Commons webinars, which are open to school and TAFE staff):| Name | Date and Time | Registration Link |
| Copyright for Educators: TAFE (4-hour webinar) | Thursday 5 June 2025 (9am-1pm AEDT Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Copyright half-hour: Using Text and Artistic Works in TAFE and Copyright Infringement Notices | Tuesday 29 April 2025 (12pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Copyright half-hour: Using TV and Film in TAFE | Tuesday 6 May 2025 (12pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Copyright half-hour: Music and Copyright in TAFE | Tuesday 13 May 2025 (12pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Copyright half-hour: Schools and TAFE: Creative Commons | Tuesday 20 May 2025 (12pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
| Copyright for TAFE Resource Developers (1-hour webinar) | Tuesday 10 June 2025 (12pm AEST Syd/Melb/Canberra) | Register Here |
To view the rest of our 2025 webinar program, including more webinars aimed at school staff, please visit our website at https://smartcopying.edu.au/national-copyright-seminar-series/.
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 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 session
Early Career Teachers - Professional Learning 2025
2025 dates for your diary
First Year ECT Program
Term 2 Location | Monday May 19 9am-3pm Ballarat - The Courtyard, Sovereign Park | 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
| Central Location | Northern Location Session will go ahead subject to numbers | Cost | Mode of delivery | |
Term 1 Location | Thursday, March 20 9am-3pm Please note CHANGE OF VENUE: Ballarat - The Courtyard, Sovereign Park, 223 Main Rd Golden Point REGISTRATIONS CLOSED | NEW DATE: Wednesday, June 4 9am-3pm Mildura or Robinvale (TBC subject to registrations) https://www.trybooking.com/CYLCK | $80 | Face to Face |
Term 2 Location | Thursday June 12 Online check-in (1 hour) 3:45-4:45pm | Thursday June 12 Online check-in (1 hour) 3:45-4:45pm | $80 | Online |
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 |
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
PRIMARY NEWS
Flare Phase C Professional Learning Day One
Tuesday 22 April, 9am – 3pm Online via the Flare Website Zoom Link.
All Phase C schools are required to register for this event as soon as possible.
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.
This PL event will focus on:
- Reviewing prior learning about Structured Literacy and the Sciences of Reading/Learning
- Tightening up and enhancing the Literacy Block
- Checking for Understanding (Teach Like a Champion) - Advanced
- Adaptive Teaching to meet the needs of all learners
- Strategic planning and goal setting
Please contact Holly Southwell if you have any questions: hsouthwell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
English Bites
English Version 2.0 Familiarisation
The second of three sessions will be held this afternoon for schools registered for the V2.0 English Curriculum familiarisation.
Please ensure you 🔗register your attendance before the session begins.
Session 1 Recording: 📽️View here
(The following slides will be referenced during viewing.)
For further information, 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
Expression of Interest – Sounds Write Training
Siena Catholic Primary School is offering a 4-day training program in Sounds-Write, a highly effective Structured Synthetic Phonics program. This training will equip educators with the skills and knowledge to implement a research-based approach to teaching reading and spelling.
Training Dates: 16th, 17th, 19th, and 20th June. Wednesday is a training free day. The reason being is so that we can provide staff with a brain break in what is an intensive training schedule.
Location: Siena Catholic Primary School, 150 Eleanor Dr, Lucas
Cost: To be advised once details are confirmed
We invite expressions of interest from all who are keen to attend.
To express your interest, please contact sryan@slucas.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
Supporting Your SSP Selection: May 8 @1:30pm - 3:30pm
Register now! ➡️ Supporting Your SSP Selection
We’re thrilled by the strong response from schools exploring systematic, synthetic phonics programs and are pleased to offer: Supporting Your SSP Selection: May 8 @1:30pm - 3:30pm
📍 Location: Ballarat Office (200 Gilles Street, Lake Wendouree) & Online via MS Teams
🎯 Purpose: Supporting schools in their discernment and change management process when selecting an SSP program that best suits their context.
Program Presentations
Teachers and leaders from schools across the diocese will share insights on:
- Sounds Write
- InitiaLit
- PhOrMeS
- Little Learners Love Literacy
- UFLI
- SpellEx
- No Nonsense Phonics
Key Features of These Programs
✔ Logical sequencing of sounds
✔ Quick introduction of VC and CVC words for early independent decoding/recoding
✔ Explicit teaching of the basic alphabetic code
✔ Explicit teaching of the extended alphabetic code once the basic code is mastered
✔ Ample opportunities to practise blending
✔ Strong focus on the reciprocity between decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling)
📢 Please ensure all attending staff are registered individually.
Register now! ➡️ Supporting Your SSP Selection
For further information, contact:
- Mel Fox – MFox@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 0448 821 100
- Belinda Chiswell – BChiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 0484 641 997
- Julie Cooper – JCooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 0417 595 886
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
English Curriculum Network
ECP Forum
Next week, on Thursday 27 March from 3:30 - 4:30 pm, we are going to have our first Forum.
The Forums this year will be a space for us to share what we are doing and what we would like advice on in terms of teaching and learning in the 7 - 10 space.
Forum 1 will focus on the question:
How are you teaching grammar and the mechanics of language in the 7 - 10 space?
We will frame the session around the following questions:
- What does the Vic Curric 2.0 say you should be teaching and what does NAPLAN indicate that you should be teaching?
- Is it working? What are the strengths and/or weaknesses of your program?
- Are students showing the benefit of this teaching in their other work?
- Are you doing this as a separate unit (with a text book?) or incorporating it into units of work?
- Who is making the resources?
Everyone is welcome to come along.
The link to attend is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6yPnuzkFQ6S3GAZlZAzvIA
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
- Talent Acquisition Partner – Ballarat Office – Fixed Term (Parental Leave) at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 March)
Principal Vacancy
- Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton (closes 23 March)
School Vacancies
- 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)
- English Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (Closes 28 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)
- Student Counsellor - St Mary MacKillop College - Swan Hill – Ongoing position at 0.40 FTE (closes 4 April)
- Assistant Principal : Wellbeing – Loreto College – Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 April)
- Technology, Visual Art Teachers – Marian College – Ararat – fixed term positions at 0.5 and 0.8 FTE (closes 18 April)
- Curriculum Leader Religious Education (POL 2) - St Mary MacKillop College - Swan Hill – ongoing position 1.0 FTE (closes 5 May)
- English Teacher - St Mary MacKillop College - Swan Hill - ongoing position 1.0 FTE (closes 5 May)
- 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – casual position (closes 4 July)