Weekly Newsletter #52 - 30 April 2025

Reflection - Easter Blessings

As we continue through The Easter Season, and after experiencing the death and funeral of Pope Francis, the following poem by John O’Donohue, is an extremely powerful piece. This reflection also picks up some of the many messages and themes from Pope Francis. It could also be an invitation that the first Easter Sunday morning is not a one off event, The poem is an invitation for Christians to live Easter each and every day of their lives.

EASTER BLESSINGS

On this Easter morning, let us look again at the lives we have been so generously given and let us let fall away the useless baggage that we carry — old pains, old habits, old ways of seeing and feeling — and let us have the courage to begin again. 

Life is very short, and we are no sooner here than it is time to depart again, and we should use to the full, the time that we still have.

We don’t realise all the good we can do. A kind, encouraging word or helping hand can bring many a person through dark valleys in their lives. 

We weren’t put here to make money or to acquire status or reputation. We were sent here to search for the light of Easter in our hearts, and when we find it we are meant to give it away generously.

May the spirit and light of this Easter morning bless us all, watch over us and protect us on our journey, open us from the darkness into the light of peace and hope and transfiguration.

- John O’Donahue

From the Executive Director

Last week, we had the pleasure of gathering with our Southern Zone schools for the Warrnambool Collaboration Network Day. These gatherings are an important part of how we bring our DOBCEL Strategy 2035 to life, through shared learning, deep conversation, and a renewed commitment to our collective purpose. The day was a great success, thanks to the thoughtful engagement and collaborative spirit of all involved. It’s positive to see our Strategy 2035 taking shape through the dedication of school leaders and staff.

We look forward to continuing this momentum with upcoming Collaboration Network Days in our Mid-North and Northern Zones throughout May.

With the Federal Election taking place this Saturday, I encourage all in our school communities to be informed and active participants in the democratic process. This is a key moment to reflect on how government policies impact Catholic education, and to consider how we can advocate for what matters most.

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has outlined several important priorities, including:

• Fair funding for Catholic school students to ensure equitable resources across all settings.
• Support for families’ choice of school, recognising the role of Catholic schools in a diverse education landscape.
• Investment in school infrastructure and capital works to meet the growing demand in many areas.
• Support for students with additional needs, ensuring inclusive learning environments for every child.

I encourage you to visit the NCEC website for more information and resources to guide your conversations and decisions during this election period.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the many schools across our Diocese who took the time to commemorate Anzac Day last week. Whether through liturgies, assemblies, or student participation in local services, your efforts honour a profound legacy of service and sacrifice.

Anzac Day is a time to remember those who served and continue to serve in defence of our country. It invites us to reflect on the values of courage, mateship, and resilience. Thank you to every school that contributed to this important national commemoration with such reverence and respect.

As always, thank you for the work you do every day to support Catholic education. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events and continuing our shared journey through 2025.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

Photos from the Southern Zone Network Collaboration Day in Warrnambool

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ANZAC day photos from schools across our diocese

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Through participation and reflection, our students deepen their understanding of the ANZAC spirit and the Christian call to peace, justice, and service. May we continue to carry their memory in our hearts and uphold the gift of peace they fought to protect. Lest we forget.

We have included photos from the list of schools below.

• Loreto College - Ballarat
• Monivae College - Hamilton
• Siena Catholic Primary School - Lucas
• Ss Michaels and John's - Horsham 
• St John's Primary School - Dennington 
• St Michael's Primary School - Daylesford 
• St Brigid's College - Horsham
• St Brigid's Primary School - Ballan 
• St Columba's - Ballarat North 
• St Malachy's School - Edenhope 
• St Mary's Clarkes Hill - Brown Hill 
• St Mary's Primary School - Ararat 
• St Patrick's College - Ballarat 
• St Patrick's Primary School - Gordon 

Three DOBCEL Schools Named Finalists in 2025 ResourceSmart Schools Awards

Three local schools have been named as finalists in the prestigious 2025 ResourceSmart Schools Awards, recognising their outstanding contributions to sustainability. Siena Catholic Primary School (Lucas), St James’ Parish School (Sebastopol), and St Patrick’s Primary School (Port Fairy) are among the inspiring finalists announced across eight award categories. To read the full website article, please click here. 

Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action

Laudato Si' Collaboration Days last week

At the beginning Term 2, schools grabbed the opportunity to work collaboratively on their Laudato Si' Action Plans.  They explored the background of the landmark document written by Pope Francis in 2015 and considered the Laudato Si' action goals.

In the final session they worked in their school teams to begin their school's Laudato Si' Self Assessment Tool. Through developing 'Collaborative Cultures', they explored 'Sustainable Stewardship' and considered their 'School as Community'. The day was facilitated by Sarah Page, from CEB's Catholic Identity and Mission Team.

Congratulations to St Mary's Primary School - Hamilton, Sacred Heart Primary School - Casterton, St Joseph’s Primary School - Coleraine, St Malachy’s Primary School - Edenhope, St Joseph’s Primary School - Penshurst and St Mary’s School - Robinvale, who met on Tuesday, followed by St Mary’s Primary School - Donald, Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School - Murtoa, St Patrick’s Primary School - Nhill and St Mary’s Primary School - Warracknabeal who gathered on Thursday.

St James' Parish School and The University of Melbourne

St James’ Parish School and The University of Melbourne have established a community-focused partnership to create The Learning with Place© Lab School. This Lab School is a result of a longstanding collaboration (that began in 2016) between St James’ and Associate Professors Jeanne Marie Iorio and Catherine Hamm regarding The Learning with Place© research project. This project supports children, teachers, families and communities to build deep relationships with the environment to activate positive climate action.

As part of this project, the children, teacher, and researchers co-constructed curriculum and experiences that meet national and state educational outcomes and supported school- and community-wide sustainability practices. Most recently, children and teachers created ‘“Our Common Home - Koling Wada Ngal (Let’s walk together). This garden is a tangible outcome of Learning with Place©, demonstrating the children's engagement with and understanding of their local environment.  

The Learning with Place© Lab School is an innovative approach for community-centered education that prioritises environmental awareness, cultural responsiveness, and collaborative learning. Highlights include:  

• Sustainability Focus:
  • The emphasis on sustainability practices promotes environmental awareness and responsibility among students. 
• Teacher Development:
  • The professional development opportunities enhance teacher skills and knowledge. 
• University-School Partnership:
  • This partnership provides valuable research and practical experience opportunities for university students. 
• Community Building:
  • The project strengthens connections between the school, families, and the wider community. 
• Culturally responsive education:
  • By the foregrounding local First Nations perspectives and local place, the school is taking steps to ensure that the education is culturally responsive. 

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.

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.

SIMON Update: 1 week to go! Registrations close next Friday, 2nd May 2025 – don’t miss out!

Here’s what’s waiting for you at this must-attend event:

Inspiring Keynote – Hear from the incredible Dave Runge, exploring future-focused education

Hands-on Experience – Be among the first to explore our brand-new user interface

Fresh Location, Fresh Flavours – Enjoy a new venue and a mouthwatering food menu

Epic SIMON Showbag – Packed with goodies you’ll actually use

Awesome Prizes – 10 sponsor giveaways + a MAJOR PRIZE from SIMON… including your chance to win a JBL speaker!

Spots are limited – click here to register now to secure your place.

Accommodation options are available; the details are on the TryBooking link and below.

Quest Werribee (Use discount code DCEC25)
Or
Holiday Inn Werribee

We can’t wait to reconnect, collaborate, and learn together at this year’s conference. See you there!

P.S. Please share this with relevant staff who would benefit from attending.

Thank you to all of this year’s supporters (listed below).

People and Development Updates

Crucial Conversations – 29 & 30 May, Ballarat Location

Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leaders Forum - 17 & 18 June 2025 

Schools will be expected to organise and pay for any necessary travel and accommodation costs of participating staff.

For further information on the forum, please contact Janet Claassen or Fiona Murphy.

Catholic Identity and Mission Updates

Idol Talk? In the Image of the Disabled God Disability, the Imago Dei and Practical Consequences

We hope you can join the Australian Catholic University (ACU) for a discussion taking up the Synod on Synodality’s recent invitation to deeper theological reflection on disability, human dignity and the Incarnation.

The Loyola Institute and the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry invite guests to listen to the response to this call, with reflections based on:

• the theoretical understanding of disability and human limitation (and society's response to it) in the context of Incarnation
• the practical response to it by Church and society at large
• the prophetic role of the Church in relation to the 'internal exile' (Fratelli Tutti 98) of many of its members.

The Idol Talk Conference will feature speakers representing a diverse range of institutions, including The Loyola Institute, Australian University of Theology, Society of Jesus Australia (JEA and JSMA), South Cross Care Queensland, BBI-The Australian Institute of Theological Education, Sisters of Saint Joseph, Catholic Social Services Victoria, Speaking Insights, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Australian Catholic University, University of Tasmania, John Pierce Centre, People with Disabilities Australia, L'Arche and Xavier University.

See below for keynote speaker and respondent bios. The full program and abstracts will be available in accessible format for download in advance of the Conference.

The conference will be held at the ACU Melbourne Campus, with online registration also available for virtual attendance. Please RSVP by Wednesday 14 May. Click here for more information, event details and registration. 

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

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

Wellbeing Updates

Last week we welcomed Dr Shiralee Poed to DOBCEL!

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).

First day was with the Southern Zone schools. Thanks to Janet Cain Principal of St Colman's who was instrumental in coordinating a community of practice with a specific focus on strengthening universals approaches to behaviour support. There were 8 schools represented on the day. 

Our Second day hosted over 130 participants from approximately 20 schools, collaborating and learning from Dr Shiralee, specifically focusing on strengthening universal approaches and exploring Tier 2 tools in the classroom, making explicit links to the SWPBS framework. 

Upcoming PD Term Two / 2025  

1. Tuesday May 6th / Central - Zone Network  

2. 22nd May Southern - Zone - Network  

3. Thursday May 29th / 30th is Mhips training - Ballarat  

4. Tuesday June 3rd - North Network - St Paul’s Mildura  

5. Thursday June 5th - Mid North - Horsham Office    

Social behaviour – Data Support

A tiered approach to data collection for behaviour and wellbeing session happening in Ballarat. 

Learning and Teaching Updates

Early Career Teachers - Professional Learning 2025

A reminder that the program days for the Early Career Teacher are approaching for Term 2, and we encourage all early career teachers to attend. Feedback from term one participants was extremely positive.  

1st Year ECTs

2nd/3rd Year ECTs

*Please note minimum numbers are necessary for all sessions to go ahead. 

If you have any queries about the program, please contact Julie Cooper  jcooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or Fiona Murphy  fmurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Webinars: Term 2

Below you will find the ACER events calendar, compiling all of the webinars and workshops ACER will be hosting this term. May is a busy month for webinars and June is filled with PAT workshops.

 Book your spot today! 

Click here to download the calendar

1. From research to assessment: diving into PAT Reading Tuesday, 6 May 4 pm AEST
2. From research to assessment: diving into PAT Maths Wednesday, 7 May 4 pm AEST
3. Transforming learning: Teaching and assessing 5 essential skills Tuesday, 20 May 4pm
4. Using PAT data to support differentiated teaching practice Wednesday, 21 May 4 pm
   

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, focusses on moving forward and reflects the hope of many Australians for a more united country. This can be done collectively and individually, through understanding and acknowledging our past and present-day, whilst working collaboratively towards a future that is built on justice and equity. A resource document has been created that may prove valuable in celebrating this week. If you have any queries, please contact CEB’s Education Officers: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Helen Christensen on 0467 415 768 or via Helen's email or Jeanette Morris on 0408 360 098 or via Jeanette's email.

You can also download the resource document here. 

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.  

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

Don't Miss Out! Supporting Your SSP Selection

📅 When: May 8, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
 📍Where: Ballarat Office (200 Gilles St, Lake Wendouree) & Online via MS Teams

👉 Register now  Supporting Your SSP Selection

💡 Hear from schools across the diocese using:
 ✅ Sounds Write
 ✅ InitiaLit
 ✅ PhOrMeS
 ✅ Little Learners Love Literacy
 ✅ UFLI
 ✅ SpellEx
 ✅ No Nonsense Phonics

🔍 Learn about:
 ✔ Key program features
 ✔ How to support change in your school
 ✔ Best fit for your context

📢 All attendees must register individually.

👉 Register now  Supporting Your SSP Selection

📩 Questions? 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  

Mathematics Teaching and Learning Centre (MTLC)

The MTLC is pleased to announce that a new selection of pre-recorded webinars is now available.

In 2025 the MTLC team are varying the availability of these sessions to provide the opportunity for teachers to be able to access them at their own convenience.

Full descriptions can be seen on the website here: 2025 MTLC Master Class Webinar Series.

VICTORIA ROCKS! FREE Online times tables competition 

Dates: May 14 – 16

Register now!

Help your school reach new heights with Victoria Rocks. The online times tables competition that will boost maths confidence alongside accuracy and recall speed.

How does it work?

Learners will try to answer as many multiplication and division questions correctly as they can. The winning school and class will be based on the highest average number of correct answers per pupil.

Students can access both at school and at home!

Rules:

1. Every correct answer that a student gives, in any game type, between the hours of 7:30am AEST to 7:30pm AEST each day will contribute to their class and school score.
2. There is a 60-minute limit playtime per player, per day.
3. Each class has a minimum player count of 10. If fewer than 10 in the class play in the competition, their total will be divided by 10 regardless.

Head to https://ttrockstars.com/events/events-online/victoriarocks2025/?totr to see how your school can get involved and register your students!

Michael Ymer Term 2 Full day Conference

Engaging Mathematics Activities

Target Audience:  Upper Primary Years

Venue: BALLARAT: Sovereign Park Motor Inn

Date 18^th June

Conference Details & Registration: Click on this link to access the flyer with all the details, including information on how to register.

We highly recommend booking early.

ECP and VECN Update

Our first ECP Seminar for the term will take place on THURSDAY 1 May from 3:30 – 4:30 and will focus on designing effective lessons.

Our session will look at elements of explicit instruction (engagement, instruction, assessment) and then ask practical questions that you face every day in your classroom:

• How long should a ‘do now’ be?
• Is silent reading a good way to start a lesson?
• How big is a ‘chunk’ if we want to ‘chunk’ learning?
• How often should I be checking for understanding and should it be a formal check?
• What kind of models or examples should I be using and should they be for every task?
• Do I need an ‘exit ticket’ for every lesson?
• How do I know that feedback which isn’t written is having an effect?
  

We also have time for you to ask questions and to share your thoughts too.

The link for the session is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/s910giVUS5-08Ln7Ht0S0A

Our first VCE Seminar for the term will be on Thursday 8 May and will be supporting VCE teachers through the tricky challenges of Analysis of Argument (Section C in the exam). Registration for this session is here (remember we have two time slots and you can choose the one that best suits you):

3:45 – 4:30pm  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ENwBN4EwT0G_hkZbt4fWdA

7:30 – 8:15 pm https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2LP0_Y-QROaHqGGJktqUoA

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 at this stage. 

School Vacancies

• 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)
• Boarding Head of House – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – Fixed Term (closes 11 May)
• Learning Support Officer – St Thomas More School, Alfredton – Fixed Term at 1.0 FTE (closes 12 May)
• School Counsellor – Emmaus Catholic Primary School, Mount Clear – Fixed Term at 0.6 FTE (closes 13 May)
• Positions of Leadership – St Patrick’s College, Ballarat – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 May)
• Classroom Teacher – St Joseph’s School, Charlton – Fixed Term up to 1.0 FTE (closes 16 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)