Weekly Newsletter #51 - 23 April 2025

Reflection - Remembering Pope Francis

This week people are coming to terms with the death of Pope Francis. As a Catholic educational community, this time may invite us to reflect upon his life and work and what it means for us in our ministry. In 2020, Pope Francis and Austen Ivereigh wrote a book Let us Dream - The Path to a Better Future. The very last thing Pope Francis included in this book is a poem by Alexis Valdes titled Hope, In light of his death and especially in this Easter season, this poem may point to the lasting effects of Pope Francis for us and our times.

HOPE

When the storm has passed and the roads are tamed.
and we are the survivors of a collective shipwreck.

With tearful heart and our destiny blessed.

we will feel joy simply for being alive.

And we’ll give a hug to the first stranger.
and praise our good luck that we kept a friend.

And then we’ll remember all that we lost.
and finally learn everything we never learned.

And we’ll envy no one for all of us have suffered.
and we’ll not be idle but more compassionate.

We’ll value more what belongs to all than what was earned.
We’ll be more generous and much more committed.

We’ll understand how fragile it is to be alive.
We’ll sweat with empathy for those still with us and those who are gone.

We’ll miss the old man who asked for a buck in the market.
whose name we never knew who was always at your side.

And maybe the poor old man was your God in disguise.
But you never asked his name because you never had the time.

And we’ll all become a miracle and all will become a legacy.
And we’ll respect the life, the life we have gained.

When the storm passes I ask you Lord, in shame
That you return us better as you once dreamed us.

Alexis Valdes

Ivereigh, A & Pope Francis (2020) Let us Dream - The Path to a Better Future Simon and Schuster: London

From the Executive Director

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you had a restful Easter break and found time to reconnect with loved ones over the holidays. This term begins with both celebration and reflection. In recent days, we joined the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His deep compassion, unwavering commitment to justice, and vision for a more inclusive Church will continue to inspire us in our work with young people.

Yesterday, we marked a major milestone in our year with the first of our Network Collaboration Days, bringing together around 500 teaching and non-teaching staff from schools across the Central Ballarat zone. Held at the Mercure Ballarat, the day provided a powerful opportunity to connect across schools and deepen our shared understanding of the DOBCEL 2035 Strategy.

It was a privilege to speak alongside two distinguished guests: Professor Pasi Sahlberg, a world-renowned Finnish educator and advocate for equity and innovation in education, and Dave Runge, an Australian futures strategist focused on helping organisations create positive, long-term change. Their insights helped us imagine new ways of working together and staying grounded in purpose while preparing for the future.

Tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming our Southern Zone schools to the next Network Collaboration Day in Warrnambool, with further events scheduled in May for our Mid-North and Northern zones. These days are an opportunity to engage deeply with our strategy, which reflects our shared focus on community, collaboration, and a collective commitment to shaping the future of Catholic education.

As we approach the Federal Election on 3 May, Catholic school communities have a vital role in advocating for the future of Catholic education. A full communications update, including priority issues, key resources, and guidance for school leaders and families, will be shared with school principals tomorrow. Please also keep an eye on DOBCEL’s social media channels, where we’ll be posting helpful information in the lead-up to election day.

Finally, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to all nominees for the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. Your work across our schools is a daily witness to the values that underpin Catholic education – compassion, integrity, humility, and service. Thank you for your commitment and for the impact you have on the lives of students, families, and colleagues every day.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

Pursuing Fullness of Life, Network Collaboration Day – Central Zone Photos!

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2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Nominees Announced

Congratulations to our 15 Spirit of Catholic Education Award nominees

We are thrilled to announce the nominees for this year's Spirit of Catholic Education Award. These individuals have been nominated by their peers and have demonstrated dedication, passion, and commitment to our community, embodying the true spirit of Catholic education.

Congratulations to the following 15 nominees

Nominee      (School/Office)  - Nomination category

Maria-Stella Blagus, St Paul's Primary School, Mildura, Religious Education Leader - CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Bambi Afford, St. Columba's Primary School Ballarat, Co-Principal - CATHOLIC IDENTITY

John O'Sullivan, St Malachy's Primary School Edenhope, Principal - CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Carmel Hanley, Lumen Christi Primary School Delacombe, Principal - SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

Ned Baldwin, St Alipius Primary School Ballarat East, Maintenance and Garden Worker - SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

Mary Hogan, St Joseph's Charlton Primary School Charlton, Principal - SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

Jacinta Skilbeck (Director Faith & Mission), Natasha Cummings (Social Justice & Community Service Coordinator) & Natalie Elliot-Jackson (Learning Diversity Assistant), Emmanuel College Warrnambool - SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

Joanne O’Kelly, Emmaus Catholic Primary School Mount Clear, Deputy Principal - Wellbeing - SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

Tony Nield, St Brigid's College Horsham, Business Manager - SUSTAINABLE STEWARDSHIP

Peter Morgan, Emmanuel College Warrnambool, Principal - SUSTAINABLE STEWARDSHIP

James Couzens, St Patrick's College Ballarat, Classroom Teacher - RICH PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES FOR DEEPER LEARNING AND WELLBEING

Lauren Gould, Catholic Education Ballarat, Education Officer – Languages - RICH PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES FOR DEEPER LEARNING AND WELLBEING

Yuichi Deguchi, St Joseph’s Primary School Warrnambool, Teacher of Japanese (LOTE) - COLLABORATIVE CULTURES

Chris Young, Catholic Education Ballarat, Team Leader: Payroll - COLLABORATIVE CULTURES

Brendan Chalmers, Catholic Education Ballarat, Capital Works Project Delivery Officer - ENGAGEMENT AND BELONGING

Each nominee has made significant contributions to their respective roles and has positively impacted the lives of students, staff, and the broader community. We thank them for their dedication to fostering the ‘Spirit of Catholic Education’.

Winners of the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Award will be announced at the Catholic Education Week dinner on Friday May 30.

You can read more about the Spirit of Catholic Education Award and the nomination process here.

Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action

SEEN Documentary Viewing at Emmaus Catholic Primary School

Emmaus Catholic Primary School are deeply honoured to be hosting SEEN the film. SEEN is a powerful documentary exploring how personal healing transforms parents, impacting parenting and shaping child brain development.

SEEN will be screened in Wayaperri, our school gymnasium (Wayaperri meaning a place to meet, in Wadawurrung language) on Wednesday 21st May at 7:00pm. The length of the film is 75 minutes.

Tickets will cost $15 per person. There will be 150 tickets available.

This invitation is open to the broader community too, so please let your friends and family know. We would love to welcome all interested adults to Emmaus, to engage in the viewing of the SEEN documentary with us.

Click here to find out more. 

The King of Kings Easter Movie Voucher Giveaways: Five 2-for-1 ticket vouchers for your Church/Parish

Please find below details to see The King of Kings in cinemas.

To see The King of Kings In Cinemas, the #1 animated biblical film, is a record-breaking hit in Australia and New Zealand, grossing over $28 million worldwide and earning a rare A+ CinemaScore—one of only 128 films in 40 years!

Watch the trailer here.

Book Tickets here.

Special Offer for Parishes & Groups:  

• 2-for-1 Vouchers: We’re offering five 2-for-1 ticket vouchers for your parish, school, and communities to share with families or ministries. Email bruno@rialtodistribution.com with your postal address and recipient name—vouchers will be posted this week!  
• Group Deal: Book a private screening for groups (ANYTIME) at HOYTS, EVENT, VILLAGE, READING, or local cinemas for special rates. Contact your cinema or email me for assistance and further inquiries.  
• In-House and Church Screening: Host The King of Kings at your church or school hall ($5 (children and $7 (adults) + $20 delivery fee. Email bruno@rialtodistribution.com for details.

Why It’s a Must-See This Easter:  

• Easter Tradition: Critics call it “a moving reminder of the season’s spiritual meaning” and “the best animated film about Jesus to date,” ideal for faith-filled Easter moments.
• Family-Friendly: Rated PG, it’s perfect for kids, families, and church groups, bringing Jesus’ miracles, love, compassion, and sacrifice to life through a child’s eyes.  
• Record-Breaking Success: With $19 million in its opening weekend and $14.6 million in pre-sales, it’s the biggest biblical animated film debut ever, surpassing The Prince of Egypt.  

Hurry – Buy Your Tickets This Easter Break!

Don’t miss the greatest story ever told on the big screen! The King of Kings is now playing in Australia, but Easter showtimes are selling out fast https://www.flicks.com.au/movie/the-king-of-kings/ or your local cinema’s website.  

Rave Reviews:  

* Fr. Rob Galea (Instagram): “I laughed. I cried. I felt drawn to pray. The King of Kings stirred my heart and left me wanting to know Jesus more… A Christian animated film for the whole family.”  

* National Catholic Register: “A remarkable animated feature… The King of Kings frames the life of Christ through the imagination of Charles Dickens, offering a fresh and engaging perspective.” Read full review  

* Common Sense Media: “This engaging faith-based film makes the story of Jesus’ life feel fresh for younger, adventure-loving children.”  

* Daily Express: “Heartwarming, inspiring, and emotional.”  

* Film Focus Online: “Beautifully crafted animation film that blends history, faith, and imagination.”  

* HeyUGuys: “A film that will resonate with families and faith-based audiences alike.”  

* NYC Movie Guru: “A kid-friendly story of Jesus Christ that will captivate younger audiences.” 

Featuring an all-star voice cast: Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, Oscar Isaac, Kenneth Branagh, and Mark Hamill. 

Join thousands of families and parishes across AU/NZ in making The King of Kings part of your Easter tradition. Share this with your community, youth groups, and families—let’s celebrate faith, hope, and redemption together!  

SIMON: Update on the SIMON Nexus Finance roll-out and implementation plan

We are pleased to advise that we are in the process of finalising a phased roll-out plan of the Nexus Finance product to Ballarat Diocese schools, commencing with a pilot school during Term 2.

Please click here to read all the information about the new update. 

People and Development Updates

Crucial Conversations – 29 & 30 May, Ballarat Location

Catholic Identity and Mission Updates

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

Relationships ECSI Masterclass: Sacred Spaces (Online) - Save the Date and Register

Learning and Teaching Updates

Early Career Teachers - Professional Learning 2025

2025 dates for your diary

First Year ECT Program

Second & Third Year ECT Program

If you have any queries about the program, please contact Julie Cooper jcooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or Sarah Hanley shanley@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Primary Literacy PL Dates – Term Two

Phase A Leaders’ Coaching Thursday 1^st May 12pm – 3pm

This session will cover:

• The OLM process
• Change Management – Implementation Health Check
• De-implementation
• La Trobe Research partnership
• Assessment & data
• Reporting
• Using DIBELS to support PLP goals

All Phase A Leaders are required to register here.

Leaders from other phases or from self-guided schools are welcome to register here.

Phase B Leaders’ Coaching Friday 2^nd May 12pm – 3pm

This session will cover:

• OLM Process
• Repeated Reading routine
• Assessment & data
• Writing moderation
• Reporting
• Using DIBELS to support writing PLP Goals
• Change management - Implementation Health Check

All Phase B Leaders are required to register here.

Leaders from other phases or from self-guided schools are welcome to register here.

Phase C Leaders’ Coaching Friday 9^th May 12pm – 3pm

This session will cover:

• OLM process
• Repeated Reading Routine
• Assessment and data
• Reporting
• Using DIBELS to support writing PLP Goals
• Change management - Implementation Health Check
• Resource creation - expanded sentences

All Phase C Leaders are required to register here.

Leaders from other phases or from self-guided schools are welcome to register here.

Literacy Leaders’ Forum – Tuesday 13^th May 10am – 3pm

This event is open to all primary leaders and teachers of literacy. This event is not specifically designed for a particular Flare phase and is designed to be relevant to both guided and self-guided literacy improvement schools.

The content of the day is as follows:

• Welcome and Acknowledgement (Julie Cooper)
• Prayer (Kate from St Patrick’s, Nhill)
• What’s happening in schools (led by Nicole from St Joseph’s, Penshurst)
• One school’s Action Research Project (led by Jo from St Thomas More, Alfredton)
• Quick Wins for improving literacy (led by Catherine from St Mary’s, Hamilton)
• Classroom observations and feedback (Belinda Chiswell)

Thank you so much to the generous leaders who have offered to contribute to this collaborative day of learning. We really appreciate the time, effort and courage this takes.

All are welcome to register here.

When participating in online PL offered by the Flare Primary Literacy team, schools and teams are encouraged to combine and work together from a shared space. This is a great way to foster connection between schools, learn from one another and mitigate the isolation that is often experienced when PL is held online.  Please speak to your local Learning & Teaching Ed. Officer if you would like support in setting this up for future PL experiences.

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  

Education Officer: Secondary

At the end of Term 1 the recruitment process for the vacant position of CEB Secondary Education Officer concluded. Diocesan secondary colleges had previously been served in this role by the great work of Julia Petrov, who has moved into the space of diocesan strategy.

We are pleased to announce that the Education Officer: Secondary position has been accepted by Ingrid May. Ingrid has recently moved to Victoria from Western Australia where her latest position was as Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning at John Paul College in Kalgoorlie. Prior to this she has worked at St Mary MacKillop College in Busselton and has experience in Jewish schools in Victoria.

As a teacher Ingrid has taught Science and Humanities across Yrs 7-12 whilst as a school leader she has led curriculum development, data analysis and assisted with whole school organisation and strategic planning. Whilst new to the Ballarat Diocese, Ingrid has familiarity with several of the founding charisms of our schools.

We warmly welcome Ingrid, who will begin with CEB in Week 5 of this term. She is looking forward to becoming acquainted with the secondary colleges and Leaders of Learning across the diocese.

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• Education Officer: Learning Diversity – Swan Hill or Mildura – Ongoing position at 0.6-1.0 FTE (closes 4 May)
• Education Officer: Learning Diversity – Horsham – Ongoing position at 0.6-1.0 FTE (closes 4 May)
• ICT System Administrator – Ballarat – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 4 May)
  

Principal Vacancy

• No Principal Vacancies. 

School Vacancies

• Assistant Principal: Curriculum Leader – St Michael’s School, Daylesford – Ongoing position 1.0 FTE (closes 24 April)
• Teacher – English/Humanities – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 April)
• Music Teacher - Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 28 April)
• Learning Support Officers – Damascus College, Mount Clear – Fixed Term 1.0 FTE (closes 30 April)
• Learning Support Officer – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – Fixed Term 0.5 FTE (closes 2 May)
• Exam Supervisor – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – Casual position (closes 4 May)
• 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)
• Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Coleraine – Fixed Term (Terms 3 & 4) at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 May)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – casual position (closes 4 July)
• Classroom Teacher 2026 – St Mary’s – Warracknabeal – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 December)