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200 Gillies St North
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
Subscribe:https://ceob.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

execdirector@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 03 4344 4350

Catholic Education Ballarat

200 Gillies St North
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Phone: 03 4344 4350

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Weekly Newsletter #50 - 2 April 2025

  • Reflection - Praying...Silence
  • 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
  • SIMON Finance: Spotlight on NEXUS Partner – Professional Advantage with Dennis Dalla Costa
  • Invitation to Contribute to The 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference Through Art and Prayer
  • People and Development Updates
  • Wellbeing Updates
  • Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
  • Learning and Teaching Updates
  • Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Reflection - Praying...Silence

   Praying…

Lent is a time for Christians to focus on prayer. What might this prayer look like?

The following reflection by Raymond Friel explores a form of prayer that is an ancient Christian practice and may have implications for our modern world.

Silence

  Our world is full of continual distraction -

Our attention is demanded by a thousand pop-ups,

Messages, photos, videos alerts

We no longer hear the sound of silence

Where God can be found

Let us enter into silence today

Set aside our anxieties, the to-do list,

The conversation that run in our heads

Set aside our ego and its concerns

About what to say, how we have to look,

Who has offended us, who likes us

Let go of all that and just sit in silence

With the loving presence of the Holy Spirit

Who dwells in us, if we could but listen

And be attentive to his presence.


Loving God help us to set aside for a few moments

The targets, the actions plans, the even better ifs

And just be ourselves with you

And when distractions and thoughts rise up

Which they will, help us with one sacred word

That is special to us, to come back to our intention

To be with you, to empty ourselves of the stuff that does not matter.

Help us simply to be still and know

That you are God, help us to be still,

To be 

Friel, R (2018) Prayers for Schools - Original prayer and resources for teachers and chaplains Redemptorist Publications Hampshire

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From the Executive Director

Last Friday, we celebrated the opening of the upgrade at St Patrick’s Primary School in Ballarat, with $2.1 million funded by the Albanese Government’s Capital Grants Program and significant additional contributions from the school community. This investment comes 101 years after the school first opened and includes a redesigned reception, improved classrooms, and The Madden Hall, named in honour of the late Clare Madden, a beloved teacher whose kindness and passion for music left a lasting legacy. 

The Hon. Catherine King officially unveiled the new facilities, and Bishop Paul Bird blessed the school. I was pleased to express my gratitude to the school community for their support, particularly Principal Ben Shields, former Principal Mark Hogbin, and Business Manager Michelle Cushing for their tireless efforts in bringing this project to life.

This week, our Board meeting took place in Robinvale. It was a productive session, and I am pleased to have also had the opportunity to continue my school visits on the way to and from Robinvale. These visits are always a highlight, as they allow the Board Directors, Megan, Matt and myself to connect with our dedicated staff and witness the fantastic work being done across our schools.

I am looking forward to our upcoming Network Collaboration Days for the Central Zone and Southern Zone in Week 1 of Term 2. These sessions, featuring special guests Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge, are a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, understand our strategic vision, and explore how we can collectively contribute to achieving our goal of becoming a High Performing System of Catholic Schools.

Finally, I wish everyone a well-deserved, safe, happy, and holy Easter break and look forward to seeing everyone return refreshed and ready to continue our important work in Term 2.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

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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.

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Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action

Easter Reflection: A Journey of Hope, Forgiveness, and New Life

This week, Emmaus Catholic Primary School Year 6 leaders came together to reenact the significant moments of Jesus' Final Hours.

This powerful reenactment serves as a reminder of the profound themes of hope, forgiveness, and the promise of new life that are central to the Easter story.

Across our diocese, we are committed to providing opportunities for our students to deepen their understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry. Through this reflection, we are reminded of our own calling to live as people of faith, hope, and love. The Easter story invites us to embrace the values that Jesus taught—offering forgiveness, living with hope, and embracing the gift of new life that His resurrection brings.

Well done to the Year 6 leaders for bringing these important moments to life and helping the Emmaus school community reflect on the true meaning of Easter. May we all carry the message of Easter with us as we continue to walk in faith and love.

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A Journey of Reflection and Solidarity: Stations of the Cross and Caritas Walk

Earlier this week, the Saint Brigid's Primary School, Ballan community gathered for a meaningful and solemn journey through the Stations of the Cross, facilitated by the Foundation through Year 6 classes.

This special event allowed the school community to come together in prayer, reflecting on the passion and sacrifice of Jesus. Each station provided an opportunity for deep reflection and an expression of faith. 

Following the Stations of the Cross, students and staff participated in a ‘long walk’ to support Caritas and raise awareness about social justice issues. In solidarity with those who walk long distances in search of basic needs such as water, food, and education, the staff and students walked for 30 minutes as a powerful symbol of empathy and compassion.

Congratulations to Mrs. Winter for her exceptional organisation and preparation of both events. Her efforts made this experience possible and impactful for everyone involved!

This event serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to support and stand with those in need. It is part of our ongoing commitment to social justice and living out the values of kindness, service, and community.

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Easter Artwork Display: The Stations of the Cross

As we approach the Easter season, St. Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Alfredton students have been exploring the Easter story through both study and creativity. Each class has completed a piece of artwork depicting one of the Stations of the Cross, offering their unique interpretations of this powerful journey.

The artwork is now displayed in the corridor leading to the hall, allowing us all to prayerfully walk alongside Jesus through His final days on Earth.

If you're in the school this week, you're invited to come and admire the students' incredible work, which beautifully reflects their understanding and reflection on this significant time in the Christian faith.

Well done to St. Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Alfredton for creating such a wonderful exhibition of artwork!

Damascus re-enacts the Easter story with 'The Final Hours'

Every second year Damascus transforms the College campus back to the middle-east of 2000 years ago, to tell the tale of the last few hours of the man we call Jesus.

‘The Final Hours’ is a College drama production that will run for four shows, commencing, Tuesday 15 April and will conclude on Friday 18 April, involving a cast and crew of over 40 students from Years 8-12.

Mr Andrew Seeary, Performing Arts Coordinator said that for more than a quarter of a century and through eighteen individual seasons ‘The Final Hours’ has been presented at the same time of year, with the same words, same subject matter and the same music, and has proudly continued to be one of College’s longest running traditions.

“It is quite remarkable, as this year we celebrate the shows 35th anniversary,” he said.

“The production is the proclamation of our identity as a Catholic school by the dramatic retelling of one of the Gospel’s central stories and at the same time actively serving our College motto to ‘Live by the light of Christ’, he said.  

“From its simple beginnings in 1990 when a group of senior drama students at the then St. Martins in the Pines stepped up onto a small wooden platform this passion play has grown into a complex and technically challenging theatrical event.”

The performance will again utilise both interior and exterior locations around the College grounds and involve over 40 students in both acting and technical roles. The play showcases not only the talents and skills of these students but the wonderful natural beauty and architecture of the Mount Clear site.

The Final Hours Sessions are sold out and will be on:

  • Tuesday 15 April March, 8pm
  • Wednesday 16 April, 8pm
  • Thursday 17 April, 8pm
  • Friday 18 April, 8pm

Check out the amazing photos below from a recent night rehearsal!

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Damascus College Reunion Day

On Saturday, over 100 alumni from the classes of 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 gathered for the 2025 Reunion Day. Principal Mr. Steven Mifsud welcomed past students and staff from Sacred Heart College, St Martin’s in the Pines, St Paul’s Technical College, and Damascus College, celebrating their shared history since 1881.

The event featured Sisters of Mercy, Marie Davey and Therese Power, as well as a moving speech from Corrina Dichiera, a past student and staff member. Alumni enjoyed an archive display, history video, campus tours, and time to reconnect over refreshments. The day concluded with after parties around Ballarat.

Well done to Damascus College for maintaining lifelong connections and supporting alumni to stay engaged through their network.

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SIMON Finance: Spotlight on NEXUS Partner – Professional Advantage with Dennis Dalla Costa

SIMON is collaborating with Professional Advantage (PA), a leading Australian technology company, to modernise its finance operations. Established in 1989, PA has over 300 experts across Australia, the US, and the UK, specialising in Microsoft solutions like Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure.

Through this partnership, PA, along with trusted Nexus partners such as Aurion for payroll and Intellischool for data analytics, SIMON is delivering a comprehensive whole-of-school solution. This initiative is designed to support DOBCEL schools, offering them a future-proofed, efficient alternative.

Please click here to read the full interview with Dennis Dalla Costa, Business Development Manager at Professional Advantage based in Melbourne. 

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Invitation to Contribute to The 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference Through Art and Prayer

The Australian Catholic Education Conference has announced that Catholic school students and staff are invited to contribute to the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference through art and prayer.

Catholic school staff and students from all across Australia are invited to contribute to the 2025 ACEC through contributions to the prayer program and student art displays in the conference Chapel - a dedicated space for reflection, prayer, and spiritual connection. 

More information about the criteria and how to take part is on the Australian Catholic Education Conference website.

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People and Development Updates

Engage Your Mind with access to the Flourish Wellbeing E-Magazine 

All DOBCEL staff have access and can subscribe to the Flourish Wellbeing E-Magazine which provides full contextual health and wellbeing content in a simple, contemporary and engaging format.

Expertly written articles each month and featuring engaging videos and a monthly podcast called Thrive – Where Wellbeing Converges. Click here to read the April Edition online. 

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:

  • 17 & 18 September Mildura location (confirmed Mildura location and please note change of dates)
  • 11 & 12 November - location TBA

*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 

https://www.trybooking.com/CZNTC

Cost

Cost $500 (inclusive of learning materials (3 x books), morning tea and lunch)


Southern Zone: Learning Support Officer workshop to build child safety confidence and knowledge in responding to disclosures of abuse

Where: Mercy Regional College, McAuley Senior Campus 15 Henderson Street, Camperdown Victoria.

Date: Tuesday 22nd April.

Time: 9.00am-3.30pm

No cost. 

Sarah Morgante Director of One Red Apple will workshop with LSOs to build child safety awareness and confidence to understand risks of harm and abuse and responding to disclosures of abuse made by students.

LSOs play a key role in supporting a culture of child safety and are often working with our most vulnerable students. Child Safe Standard 8 recognises that LSOs are placed at the forefront of child safety and consequently they must be equipped with the knowledge and skills required including how to support their own wellbeing when responding to challenging situations.

Bookings will be available via Try Booking soon.

Any questions please contact Manager Child Safety, Jacqui Righetti - jrighetti@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

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Wellbeing Updates

From our team to your team - have a great break!

Thanks to all our Student Wellbeing / MHWL and SWPBS Leaders who continue to do such great work this Term. The new leaders this term had many modules and communities to navigate their way through. 

Your efforts in organising programs, providing guidance, and being a listening ear are invaluable. Thank you for your tireless dedication to our school communities. Your work enriches the lives of many, and we are deeply appreciative of all that you do.  

From the Student Wellbeing Team at Dobcel,  we say goodbye to Ashleigh Graham who will be on Maternity leave from the first week of Term 2.  

Ash’s expertise in supporting students' behavioural needs has been a valuable and supportive process. We wish her joy and happiness in anticipation of the safe arrival of her baby.  

We hope you all have a great break, and we look forward to working with our leaders and schools in Term 2.

Upcoming Professional Learning Semester One

  1. Tuesday May 6th Central Zone Student Wellbeing Leaders Network - Ballarat Office 
  2. Thursday May 22nd Southern Zone Student Wellbeing Leaders Network (location TBC)
  3. Respectful Relationships Newsletter can be found here!
  4. Thursday 29/30th May - MHiPS training - Ballarat 
  5. Tuesday 3rd June Northern Zone Student Wellbeing Leaders Network - St Paul's Mildura 
  6. Thursday 5th June - Mid North Zone Student Wellbeing Leaders Network - Horsham Office 
  7. Wednesday June 18th- A tiered approach to data collection for behaviour and wellbeing - location TBC Click here for the Trybooking link. 
  8. Tuesday 19th June -Secondary Wellbeing Leaders Network - Location TBC

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

Our guest speaker for this full day session is Dr. Shiralee Poed. Shiralee is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Queensland, bringing over 30 years of experience including her role as Chair of the Association for Positive Behaviour Support Australia and co-author of SWPBS Handbook (Australia). 
 
This session promises to provide teachers and leaders with valuable universal strategies and insights to enhance their approach to supporting positive behaviour in the classroom. It is highly recommended that teachers and school leaders attend in teams wherever possible. 

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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 from Diocesan Pastoral office 
  • Staff Engagement in Catholic Identity - Online sessions from Catholic Theological College appropriate for religious learning, reflection and TAP

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.  Costs:  Full day ticket is $75.00 per person and includes morning tea, lunch and evening workshop (no evening meal provided), evening workshop only is $25.00 per person.

There is the opportunity of sponsorship for five people from each parish in the diocese to attend this event.  Please contact your parish office to register your interest in this sponsorship.  Program and workshop details are available from the diocesan website. Bookings are essential through trybooking or scan the QR code. 

Click here to view the flyer. 

Enquiries ph. (03) 5337 7159 or email liturgy@ballarat.catholic.org.au

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

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Learning and Teaching Updates

GENERAL NEWS

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)
$80Face to Face

Term 3          

Location

Formation Retreat - August 13/14

Halls Gap

Formation Retreat - August 13/14

Halls Gap

TBCFace to Face
Term 4 ECT Check-ins Weeks 3 & 4 20/10 – 1/11ECT Check-ins Weeks 3 & 4 20/10 – 1/11N/AOnline

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/AOnline

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

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 

Thank you to all who joined us for a session of English Bites or joined us for all three! 

We hope you found the sessions valuable.

Session Recordings can be accessed here

  • Session 1 | 🎥 Recording
  • Session 2 | 🎥 Recording
  • Session 3 | 🎥 Recording

Included in this 📂folder you will find:

  • PDFs of the presentation slides
  • Resources referred to during sessions

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 

Primary Leaders of Learning – Term 2 Registration Now Open!

The Primary Leaders of Learning (PLoL) network provides a space for primary school leaders to connect, collaborate, and share evidence-based teaching practices. This is an opportunity to engage in open discussions, stay updated on curriculum developments, and support one another professionally. 

📅 Term 2 PLoL: 
Wednesday, 28th May 
🕜 1:30 – 3:00 PM 
💻 Delivered via VC – MS Teams 

🔗 Register for Term 2 

Term 2 PLoL Agenda: 

✅ Educational Leadership: Providing professional support to colleagues 
✅ Curriculum updates 
            ▪️VCEA curriculum and reporting requirements 
            ▪️Reporting to Mathematics V2.0 – Insights from diocesan leaders 
            ▪️English V2.0 and EAL 

Upcoming Sessions: 
🗓 Term 3 – Wednesday, 27th August | 1:30 – 3:00 PM 
🔗 Register for Term 3 

🗓 Term 4 – Wednesday, 22nd October | 1:30 – 3:00 PM 
🔗 Register for Term 4 

We look forward to leaders joining us, to work together and strengthen leadership and learning in our primary schools. 

For further information please reach out to 

Samantha Meerbach ✉️ smeerbach@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0417 511 118 

Sarah McKnight ✉️ smcknight@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0427 406 918 

Joe Ewing ✉️ jewing@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0429 985 460 

Belinda Chiswell ✉️ 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 - 4:30 pm, 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.   

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    Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

    Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

    • Learning Management System Administrator – Ballarat Office – Full-time Ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 April)
    • Education Officer: Learning Diversity – Horsham Office- ongoing position at 0.6 FTE up to 1.0 FTE (closes 4 May)
    • Education Officer: Learning Diversity- Swan Hill or Mildura Office- ongoing position at 0.6 FTE up to 1.0 FTE (closes 4 May)

    Principal Vacancy

    • No Principal Vacancies. 

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    • Classroom Teacher – Our Lady Help of Christians – Warrnambool – fixed term at 1.0 FTE (Closes 2 April)
    • 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)
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    • Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Coleraine – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 April)
    • Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Charlton – 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)
    • Teaching Opportunities Maths & Science – Loreto College – Ballarat – fixed term at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 April)
    • Media and Marketing Coordinator – Monivae College – Hamilton – Ongoing (closes 4 April)
    • Property and Facilities Coordinator– Monivae College – Hamilton – Ongoing (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)
    • Learning Support Officer – St Brigid’s College – Horsham – ongoing position part time (closes 22 April)
    • Teacher – Maths/PE - St Brigid’s College – Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 22 April)
    • Teachers – term 2 commencement – Trinity College – Colac – various ongoing/fixed term (closes 22 April)
    • Teacher – English/Humanities – Monivae College – Hamilton – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 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)
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