Weekly Newsletter #49 - 26 March 2025
- Reflection - Lenten Almsgiving
- From the Executive Director
- Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 - Nominations Period Extended – Now Closing on Friday 4 April
- Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action
- Award For Three Ballarat Diocese Principals
- People and Development Updates
- Wellbeing Updates
- Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
- Learning and Teaching Updates
- Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection - Lenten Almsgiving
Almsgiving is a word that is not used very much these days. Yet it features as a part of many people’s Lenten journeys. What does it mean to say that during Lent, Christians focus on Almsgiving in their lives? According to The United States Catholic Bishops, Almsgiving “is the act of donating money, goods, or time to those in need, reflecting a commitment to compassion and social justice”
The following reflection by Kevin Treston explores what almsgiving may involve by engaging with a statement from what are commonly known as the Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel. (Matthew 5:3-12)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled”
Those who strive to realise the reign of God vision are motivated to do something about this vision, rather than simply speculate about how “righteousness” envisages “all things coming to be right and just.” For this to happen, we might try to become involved in the pursuit of justice and the promotion of the common good.
Such a pursuit is not an occasional gesture of charitable actions. The passion of “hunger and thirst” leaves us with no option about doing detached impersonal donations. Through the experience of “hunger and thirst” our souls are craving for the food and drink of fulfilment to enhance the wellbeing of people and the earth.
Situations of injustice, racism, poverty, discrimination, economic deprivation, sinking homelands, refugees seeking asylum, all may stir us to anger and evoke a frantic determination to do something about those aberrations of wholistic life.
We may get anxious about offending significant people in our lives if we become involved in justice causes. Nevertheless, we will do what we can for such just causes, even with all the inhibitions of our personal limits. The flame of justice will be fanned by the breath of the Spirit and our commitment to justice. p. 51
Treston, K (2024) Choices for Life, The Beatitudes for Daily Living Garrett Publishing Mulgrave
Invitation to prayer…
God of All Goodness,
Give us hearts for generosity.
Show us how to hold our possessions lightly,
Ever mindful of their temporary value.
Inspire us to share what we have in full measure,
So that others are able to live without need or want.
Let us know the grace of a bountiful life, One overflowing with gratitude for all that we have to give.
In the name of Jesus,the one who showed us how to give, we pray.
Amen
Anon
From the Executive Director
Yesterday, the DOBCEL Leadership team came together for a meeting, and I am pleased to share some exciting updates and opportunities from our discussions.
Catholic Education Ballarat is proud to be joining the Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE) Alliance. This partnership, led by Women's Health Grampians, aims to prevent violence against women and promote gender equality through collective action and shared resources. I look forward to sharing more about CoRE soon, including some tools we can all use to take action towards ensuring safe, equal and respectful communities.
The SIMON team presented enhanced tools for streamlining NCCD workloads for schools. These advancements will help reduce administrative burdens and allow educators to focus more on teaching and learning. For more information, please visit the following Knowledge Hub or reach out directly to Andrew Weir.
Looking ahead, our next Board meeting will take place in Robinvale next week. We will use this opportunity to discuss our ongoing commitment to child safety, community engagement, and strategic planning aligning this with our broader goals of fostering inclusive learning communities, empowering leadership, and achieving best practice across our schools. I will also continue my school visits next week in Mildura and Robinvale and I look forward to engaging with school communities, discussing ways to further support their individual needs.
Finally, nominations for the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards have been extended and are now open until April 4th. These awards recognise outstanding service and leadership within our Diocesan school communities and Catholic Education Ballarat. In line with our 2035 Strategy, categories include Catholic Identity, Collaborative Cultures, Engagement and Belonging, School as Community, Rich Pedagogical Practices for Deeper Learning and Wellbeing, and Sustainable Stewardship. I encourage you to nominate your colleagues who exemplify the spirit of Catholic education in their daily work. Award recipients will be honoured at the Catholic Education Week Dinner on May 30th.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton, Executive Director
Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2025 - Nominations Period Extended – Now Closing on Friday 4 April
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 Catholic Education Ballarat.
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
World Down Syndrome Day and Harmony Day
On 21 March, the Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mount Clear community came together to celebrate the special significance of World Down Syndrome Day; a global awareness day. As a school community, Emmaus celebrated the differences that make each of us unique.
The school embraced the “Lots of Socks” Campaign initiated by Down Syndrome Australia. Emmaus showcased colourful, mismatched and themed socks. By doing so, their aim was to raise awareness, deepen our understanding of Down Syndrome and remove stereotypes.
They also used the socks worn, as a metaphor to embrace and accept the differences that help to make us the precious individuals that we are.
Catholic identity is at the heart of everything we do, guiding our mission to create a community where every individual is valued and embraced. We believe that each person is a reflection of God's image, which inspires us to foster an environment of love, compassion, and respect.
We've also included a few great photos from Lumen Christi Primary School, Delacombe, St Mary's Primary School, Colac and St Joseph's Primary School, Red Cliffs, Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac and St Joseph's Primary School, Charlton who also celebrated World Down Syndrome Day and Harmony Day.
Strengthening Educational Ties: Enhancing Collaboration Between Primary and Secondary Schools in the Diocese
Earlier this week, St Michael's Primary School, Daylesford welcomed St Patrick's College, Ballarat's Deputy Principal (Community) John Richards along with student leaders Brendan and Lincoln to our school.
John, Brendan and Lincoln spoke to St. Michael’s boys in Years 4-6 about life at secondary school and what they can do now in order to set themselves up for success in the future.
We are truly grateful for the beautiful collaboration between primary and secondary schools throughout the diocese. This spirit of cooperation is at the heart of our Catholic Identity and serves as a testament to God’s love, allowing our DOBCEL community to flourish in many meaningful ways!
Making Lemonade and Raising Funds for Project Compassion!
It was great to see St Paul's Primary School, Mildura participating in Project Compassion! As a part of their Project Compassion Walk for water, a group of Grade 6 students have decided that they wanted to have a lemonade stand at school to raise some money.
They have been very busy juicing lemons and calculating quantities for their homemade lemonade. They sold their lemonade during recess time today for $1 a cup!
Congratulations to the students for their initiative! We are very proud of their efforts. A special thanks to Uncle Monkey's Fruit Market for donating the lemons. This serves as a fantastic example of local community collaboration in raising funds for those in need, which is also central to the mission of Catholic education.
Award For Three Ballarat Diocese Principals
Last Friday, 21 March, the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals (VACPSP) held their second President’s Ball at the Melbourne Town Hall and three Ballarat Diocese Principals were among the award winners.
Leanne Eastman , St Brendan’s Coragulac, Michael Mahoney, St Mary’s Colac and Jack Lenaghan, Sacred Heart Colac were presented with the award for: Excellence in Faith and Mission in a Victorian Catholic Primary School.
Please click here to view the full story written by Justin McInerney.
Check out the wonderful photos below provided by The School Photographer.
Pictured here left to right: Julie Leonard, Jane Daffy, Michael Mahoney, Jack Lenaghan, Leanne Eastman and Justin McInerney.
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.
Crucial Conversations – 29 & 30 May, Ballarat Location
| Date, time & location | Time – Day 1 9:00-4:00 and Day 2 9:00 – 3:30 Location – Courtyard Room, Sovereign Park Motor Inn, 223 Main Rd, 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
ReLATE catch-up in Ballarat today!
A group of dedicated educators gathered for a ReLATE catch-up day in Ballarat today. Through key theory, reflection and activities, the team explored each foundational concept of ReLATE: Safety, counter stress school environments, enhanced teaching and learning, and sustainable whole-school culture.
The day built on connection and safety for all educators, supporting the understanding and practice of creating safe spaces for our students and each other through a trauma-informed lens. This included understanding the impact of stress on minds and bodies, and ways to support ourselves and others to regulate in times of high stress. The day finished with a focus on overall staff wellbeing, protection against stress-induced conditions and a deeper focus on our holistic self-care practices.
Pictured here: CEB Speech Pathologist, Miranda Pearse, working with a student.
AllReady Project Update
The Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) Speech Pathology team is trialling a different approach to support students’ communication skills through the AllReady Project.
The project focuses on speech pathologists and classroom teachers working together collaboratively to respond to whole-cohort speech and language screening data. This project, lead by Miranda Pearse and Rebecca Free, will continue throughout 2025.
This year, St Augustine’s, Creswick and Our Lady Help of Christians, Warrnambool are the schools participating in the AllReady Project.
Initial screening of 81 Foundation students has been completed, with results aligning with national and international trends of increased communication difficulties in cohorts significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (Zuniga Montanez et al., 2025).
Research shows that 7.5% of children have Developmental Language Disorder (Norbury et al., 2016), yet fewer than a third are identified before experiencing reading difficulties (Adlof et al, 2017, Nation et al., 2004, Tomblin et al., 1997, as cited by Adlof & Hogan, 2019).
Given this research the CEB Speech Pathology team is committed to working with diocesan schools to build teacher knowledge and confidence in identifying students with communication difficulties early and to ensure their full inclusion in the classroom.
Enhancing students’ communication skills is vital, as language difficulties can affect learning, relationships, mental health, and future career prospects.
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* |
Strengthening Universal Practices to support Classroom Behaviour: Essential Strategies for Teachers and School Leadership - Masterclass with Dr Shiralee Poed 24th of April – Horsham Register via link: https://www.trybooking.com/CXXTA |
SWPBS Refresher – Ballarat Office
It was wonderful to connect with passionate educators to explore the SWPBS Framework of Data, Systems and Practices which underpin successful implementation of positive behaviour support in schools.
Together we examined the overarching SWPBS systems:
Ownership (Expectations and Matrix)
Teaching (explicit lessons)
Reinforcement (Building a culture of appreciation)
Accountability (Responding to and correcting behaviour)
Data (collecting and using data for informed decisions)
Anne Ruddell, facilitated a “hands on” session around SIMON data tools, exploring how SIMON can be used to collect behavioural outcome data and how to conduct the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) to support strategic planning.
Opportunity to Host a Documentary
"Seen" is a groundbreaking documentary that explores the transformative power of personal healing for parents and also delves into the effects of such healing on parenting and its impact on child brain development.
Through the unfiltered and authentic narratives of real parents and experts in the field, "Seen" promises not just compelling storytelling, but also the potential for profound societal impact. Together, we are illuminating the path toward emotional liberation and healthier connections—with both ourselves and our children.
If your school is interested in hosting a screening, follow this link on the Seen website.
Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
Expression of Interest for THCT605
Please click here to complete the Expression of interest for THCT605: Enhancing Catholic Identity: Introducing the Leuven Project form. We will formalise registration at commencement of second term.
Click on the links below for information about each update.
- Prayer Service or Eucharist Liturgy to Celebrate Catholic Education Week 2025
- Information for Parishes
- Staff Engagement in Catholic Identity - Online sessions from Catholic Theological College appropriate for religious learning, reflection and TAP
Save the date - Liturgical Music Symposium with Tony Alonso
The Diocesan Liturgical Commission invites you to attend a day on liturgical music, presented by international composer, Tony Alonso on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, 3 Lyons Street South, Ballarat.
There will be three workshops during the day from 9.00am - 3.30pm and one evening Workshop from 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Cost will be $75.00 per person for full day (includes morning tea, lunch day and evening workshops) or $25.00 for evening workshop only. More information and booking details to come.
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
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/.
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
Upcoming Reconciliation Victoria Webinar
Empowering Minds, Nourishing Souls: Enhancing Teacher and Student Wellbeing through Indigenous Wisdom and Practice
Educators play a vital role in shaping the educational experience and wellbeing of their students. However, the pressures of teaching can lead to stress and burnout. This webinar, for First Nations and non-Indigenous educators, aims to explore wellbeing strategies specifically from an Indigenous perspective, integrating traditional practices and wisdom that honour the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and community. Dr Ren Perkins from Griffith University (Brisbane) and Health and Community Sociologist Ricki Spencer will be presenting this timely webinar.
DATE: Tuesday 1 April 2025
TIME: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
COST: Free
REGISTER: via this link
Please note that bookings are essential.
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 by Friday 28th March
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 the end of this week, so that the required materials can be forwarded to you.
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
Flare Primary Literacy Drop-In Sessions: Beginning in Term Two
In Term Two, we will trial an online ‘drop-in’ system. If you have a quick question for Emma, Holly or Breeana you can click on the ‘Join Flare VC’ button on the Flare homepage and then select the drop-in option between 3pm – 4pm every Friday and have a chat. There will be a ‘waiting room’ system, to allow for individual conversations.
English Bites
English Version 2.0 Familiarisation
The third and final 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 final session begins. ⭐
Session 1 Recording: 📽️View here
(The following slides will be referenced during viewing.)
Session 2 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.
DOBCEL Story Shelf – Primary
A Class Set Book Borrowing Initiative for Primary Schools
Primary schools are invited to join DOBCEL’s Story Shelf, a free book borrowing initiative where schools can share and borrow class sets of books within Diocese of Ballarat Zones.
⭐Express your interest 🔗link here ⭐
What it’s about?
➡️ Share and borrow class sets of books to access more stories and save money while building your collection.
➡️ We're looking for texts from (but not limited to): Ochre Novel studies, FLARE Reading Spine, and those supporting our Structured Literacy learners.
What is needed?
➡️ Schools that are interested in sharing books as well as those who would likely borrow books to complete the Google form 🔗link here
➡️ Both are essential for the success of Story Shelf!
How it works?
➡️ A website database will be created where schools can browse available books. Schools will be responsible for the arrangement of their own exchanges directly with other schools.
➡️ A trial will likely be explored in the Central Zone (depending on interest).
➡️ If interest is shown from other zones, expansion of the program will be considered.
Keen to join?
➡️ Complete the Expression of interest Google form 🔗link here before the end of Term 2
➡️ More details will be shared once the number of schools interested is finalised.
Looking forward to hearing from you and hope to launch this exciting initiative soon!
For further details please reach out to
Belinda Chiswell – Education Officer: Learning & Teaching
✉️ bchiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0484 641 997
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
This week, on Thursday 27 March from 3:30 - 4:30pm, we will have our first Forum for 2025.
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)
- Learning Management System Administrator – Ballarat Office – Full-time Ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 April)
Principal Vacancy
- No Principal Vacancies.
School Vacancies
- English Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (Closes 28 March)
- Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac – fixed term at 0.2 FTE (Closes 28 March)
- School Counsellor – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – ongoing part time 0.6 FTE (Closes 30 March)
- Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warracknabeal – fixed term at 0.2 FTE (Closes 3 April 2025)
- Classroom Teacher – Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mt Clear – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (Closes 4 April)
- Classroom Teacher - Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mt Clear – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (Closes 4 April)
- 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)
- Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Charlton – 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)
- Classroom Teacher – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (Closes 7 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)