Weekly Newsletter #53 - 7 May 2025

Reflection - Mother's Day

This Sunday, 11 May,  is Mother’s Day. The following reflection may speak to you about the role of mothers. May God bless all mothers and all those who give of themselves in caring and nurturing others. This Mother's Day, let's celebrate the love, strength, and support of all mother figures - whether they're the ones who raised us, stood by us, or simply showed us the care we needed when we needed it most.

Blessing the Mothers

Who are our
first sanctuary.

Who fashion
a space of blessing
with their own being:

with the belly
the bone and
the blood or,
if not with these,
then with the
durable heart
that offers itself
to break and grow wide,
to gather itself
around another
as refuge,
as home.

Who lean into
the wonder and terror
of loving what
they can hold
but cannot contain.

Who remain
in some part of themselves
always awake,
a corner of consciousness
keeping perpetual vigil.

Who know
that the story
is what endures
is what binds us
is what runs deeper
even than blood

and so they spin them
in celebration
of what abides
and benediction
on what remains:

a simple gladness
that latches onto us
and graces us
on our way.

Jan Richardson

From the Executive Director

This morning, leaders from across the Diocese took part in a full-day professional learning workshop on Consent and Respectful Relationships education. Hosted by the VCEA in partnership with Jesuit Social Services, the session offered practical tools, rich discussion, and a shared commitment to fostering respectful, inclusive school cultures. It is great to see many of our school leaders engaging deeply with these important themes and actively building the confidence and capacity to lead this work within their school communities.

Looking ahead, we have several key events taking place across our Diocese this month that offer continued opportunities for collaboration, learning and shared reflection.

Schools in the Mid-North Zone will come together in Horsham on Wednesday 14 May for their Network Collaboration Day, followed by the Northern Zone Network Collaboration Day in Robinvale on Tuesday 27 May. These days are a vital part of understanding our DOBCEL Strategy 2035 and are an opportunity to bring leaders together to learn from one another, deepen collective insight and strengthen our shared mission.

Our stimulus piece this week is a 12 minute video from Prof Andy Hargreaves on Deep Collaboration, a key part of our strategy.

The Diocesan Leadership Gathering (DLG) is also taking place next week in Horsham, bringing together school and system leaders for a time of reflection, connection and future-focused dialogue. Anchored in the direction of Strategy 2035, this gathering will continue to co-design what leadership for the future looks like in our context and how we can continue to grow and lead with purpose.

Further information and resources for the Collaboration Innovation Research Prototypes (CIRPs) will be shared at DLG, including a webpage where you will be able to learn more and access application information. In the meantime, if you have an idea for a CIRP and require support, please reach out to Julia Petrov at simanager@dobcel.catholic.edu.au. 

We’re also pleased to support the upcoming SIMON Conference, taking place tomorrow and Friday. The conference promises to be a valuable opportunity for school staff and leaders to enhance their understanding and use of SIMON’s new interface. With practical sessions, system updates, and networking opportunities, this will be an excellent occasion to build capacity and confidence in the digital systems that support teaching, learning and administration.

Thank you for all that you do to lead and support our school communities. As we move through this busy season of connection and professional learning, I hope these upcoming events offer inspiration, clarity, and renewed energy for the important work ahead.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

Empowering School Leaders to Champion Respectful Relationships

Today, school leaders from across the Ballarat Diocese took part in a dynamic full-day workshop focused on building confidence and capacity to lead Consent and Respectful Relationships education.

Hosted by the VCEA in partnership with Jesuit Social Services, the session offered practical tools, rich discussion, and a shared commitment to fostering respectful, inclusive school cultures. Held at Red Lion, the event brought together leaders from both primary and secondary schools.

DOBCEL Deputy Director: Catholic Education, Matthew Bryne, says “This professional learning is another great opportunity to grow our capacity to respond to complex questions about relationships and sexuality from the perspective of the Catholic tradition. Educators do amazing work in educating to Respectful Relationships; honouring research-informed approaches grounded in Catholic identity is very important.”

The professional development was designed for up to 25 participants, specifically targeting school leadership involved in Respectful Relationships education. Schools were invited to send up to three staff members, including Wellbeing Leaders, Religious Education Leaders, and Health and Physical Education Leaders.

Participants left inspired and equipped to take meaningful steps in supporting Respectful Relationships education across their school communities.

Lumen Christi Primary School, Deputy Principal, Shane Bruty attended today’s session.

“I’m always very eager to be the best leader I can be for our children. We want to develop socially and emotionally equipped children who have the skills and strategies to be able to be independent and have agency.”

“There are so many organisations doing amazing things, and I have a huge appreciation to Catholic Education Ballarat for bringing these opportunities to us. It’s always great to mix in with like-minded people with the same passion.” he said.

St Thomas More Primary School Principal, Simon Duffy and the school’s Learning Diversity Leader and Wellbeing Leader, Kelly McMahon, also attended the session.

“Leadership plays an essential role in both practice and application for the school community. We believe it’s important that all schools are aware of the most current practice and process to help guide our future community leaders,” they said.

For more information about the Respectful Relationships programs and funding, please click on the following link: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/building-respect-more-victorian-schools

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Central Zone Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs) Network Day

Yesterday, Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders from the Central Zone came together at Our Lady Help of Christians Wendouree for a valuable day of professional learning and collaboration. The day began with a warm welcome and prayer led by students, followed by a walkthrough highlighting SWPBS practices in action.

Jaci and Elise shared insights on implementing SWPBS, including teaching routines, reinforcing behaviour, and Tier 1 supports. DOBCEL Leader of Wellbeing, Tony Perkins, introduced a collaborative funding opportunity, encouraging group discussion and idea sharing.

The "Weights and Balloons" activity offered space for reflection on role development, challenges, and visibility within school communities, supported by key DOBCEL wellbeing resources. A session on SEL followed, focusing on current programs and effectiveness.

To close the day, guest speakers Jenny Robertson and Sarah Shaw from Grampians Mental Health & Wellbeing shared their expertise in infant, child, and youth mental health, and opened up opportunities for future collaboration.

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Speech Training for Learning Support Officers

The CEB Speech team has offered speech training to Learning Support Officers, some Learning Diversity Leaders and some classroom teachers across our diocese again this year. This training is to support key people in our schools to support speech sound development and practice in school speech programmes across our diocese. 

This year the training was attended by staff from over 18 schools from across our diocese.  Some fantastic feedback about the sessions has so far been received from participants at all sessions. 

Showcasing our Catholic schools in Action

Star of the Sea Parish REL Sacramental Preparation

In response to the changing reality of parish life and the needs of the students in their care, the RE Leaders of some of our Southern Zone schools are trying something new. Coming from St Joseph’s Warrnambool, St Pius X Warrnambool West, St John’s Dennington, OLHC Warrnambool East, St Patrick’s Koroit and St Patrick’s Port Fairy, they have been working together in 2025 in a way that exemplifies the strategic pillars of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035.

Networking as a ‘collaborative culture,’ the RELs have been released across a number of days to come together to design sacramental education for the students in their schools that is grounded in sound pedagogical practices, aligns with the Awakenings RE curriculum, is underpinned by ECSI and engenders a sense of engagement and belonging.

For the sacraments of Reconciliation and Confirmation, the students were then able to come together as a group as they prepared for each sacrament. This has been supported by preparation with the family, in alignment with the Diocesan policy. Both days have been great opportunities for collaborative learning with other children as they prepare for these important sacraments, with Eucharist scheduled for Term 3.

Commenting on the work they have done, Stacey Atkins from St Pius X writes:

"Collaborating with the RELs from the Star of the Sea Parish is an enriching experience. It ensures that we create powerful and life giving opportunities for the students in our schools whilst building our capacity as educators and inspiring us in important work."

Article written by Jo-anne Van der Voort - Education Officer: Religious Education (Primary)

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.

Dancing with Our Stars 2025: Foundation Teacher, Gemma Snibson, Dances for a Cause!

We’re thrilled to announce that St Francis Xavier Primary School’s very own Foundation teacher, Gemma Snibson, is taking the spotlight in this year’s Dancing with Our Stars, proudly supporting the Ballarat Foundation.

Gemma is one of the local Ballarat “stars” swapping school shoes for dancing heels - as she trains hard for the big event. This glamorous charity fundraiser aims to raise over $200,000 for vital programs supporting the Ballarat community. Each star has a personal target of $10,000.

We are incredibly proud of Gemma’s dedication, generosity, and willingness to take on this enormous challenge. Let’s get behind her with our cheers, votes, and donations as she dances her heart out for a great cause. 

So far, Gemma has raised $3,620! Please click here to view Gemma's fundraising page. 

Stay tuned for how you can support Gemma on her fundraising journey!

The Ballarat Foundation's Dancing with Our Stars is more than just a night of entertainment, it is a vital fundraiser that directly supports programs aimed at breaking the cycle of disadvantage in the Ballarat community.

Each year, local personalities partner with professional dancers to deliver dazzling performances while raising funds for important initiatives such as:

• TAC L2P Learner Driver Program: Helping young people without access to a supervising driver or vehicle to achieve their probationary licence.
• Back to School Vouchers: Providing essential items like uniforms and stationery to students in need.
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: Delivering free books to children to foster early literacy.
• Volunteering Ballarat: Connecting volunteers with organisations to strengthen community engagement.

This year, the Ballarat Foundation is aiming to reach a major milestone of $1 million raised since Dancing with our Stars began!  That’s $1 million going directly to local programs and projects that help disadvantaged people in the Ballarat community.

SIMON Update: Exciting News - New SIMON Build Launching for User Conference

We’re pleased to announce that a new build of SIMON will be released in time for the upcoming SIMON User Conference this Thursday and Friday.

This release offers a fantastic opportunity for you to explore the latest functionality and refreshed user interface as it’s being demonstrated live on Day 2 of the Conference. You’ll be able to engage with the enhancements firsthand and gain deeper insights into how SIMON continues to evolve.

A huge thank you to the SIMON team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this build to life on schedule. Their efforts have ensured we can showcase this milestone with confidence and excitement.

Please find the link to the release notes here: SIMON Knowledge Hub New Build Release Notes

We can’t wait to share it with you!

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.

Social Justice Update: Laudato Si’ Lent & Easter Season

Ecological Education

“All Christian communities have an important role to play in ecological education. It is my hope that [all] will provide an education in responsible simplicity of life, in grateful contemplation of God’s world, and in concern for the needs of the poor and the protection of the environment.” (LS #214) 

Ecological Education: Education for Transformation

In the spirit of Dilexit Nos, education is being transformed to include ecological and social values that prepare future generations to face the challenges of climate change. From classrooms to parishes, we see the growth of awareness that engages both the heart and mind.

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform goal of Ecological Education emphasises the urgency of embracing integral ecology in our homes, communities, and schools to foster ecological awareness and transformative action.

✔️ More firmly grasp and acknowledge the interdependence of all living systems
✔️ Develop a deeper sense of responsibility for the environment and the impact of our actions
✔️ Incorporate into our daily lives concrete steps to both protect the planet and live sustainably within it

Take action: 

With Laudato Si’ Week just around the corner, it’s a great time to take action and consider the following questions:. 

❤️ How are you being called as a member of your school community to engage in ecological education? 

❤️ How can you embrace ecological education in your daily life? 

Pray: 

Join us in prayerfully meditating upon the song “Keepers of the Earth” linked here, performed by children from the Centuple Resource Centre and in conjunction with the Sustainable Environment, Food, and Agriculture Initiative in Nigeria.

(Prayer and text inspired by the Ignatian Solidarity Network & Nazareth.org)

Laudato Si’ Partners News:

Outdoor Classroom Day

To get involved, or simply find out more, follow the link Outdoor Classroom Day

Laudato Si’ Week 

Laudato Si Week 2025 - Raising Hope

2025 is a breakthrough year for our common home. The 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ and a worldwide Jubilee open doors to action throughout the year. Catholics are bringing new hope to creation. Join us!

Take action: 

This is a breakthrough year for creation, with the anniversary of Laudato Si’, a global jubilee, and major global events. Show the world that Catholics care for creation. Send your photos and stories of caring for creation to Our Diocesan Community.

For resources and further information please register your interest on the global Laudato Si’ Movement website via this link: https://raisinghope.earth/ 

• Prayer & Reflection – Vigils, prayer gatherings, retreats, or spiritual reflections inspired by Laudato Si’.

↳ Prayer for Season of Creation .pdf 

↳ Ecological Examen 

• Educational Activities – Workshops, and discussions on integral ecology and care for creation.

↳ Ecological Examen 

↳ GUEST BLOG: Living Laudato Si’: How Integral Ecology Can Guide Our Climate Responses  

• Community Engagement & Advocacy/Ecological Actions – Public talks, marches, campaigns, and initiatives promoting sustainability and social justice. For example:

↳ Host your own Catholic Clean-Up the Diocese event during Laudato Si’ week 

↳ Tree planting, planting and raising seeds of hope in your local community

↳ Biodiversity projects 

• Creative & Cultural Expressions – Art exhibits, photography exhibitions, music performances, storytelling, and film screenings reflecting Laudato Si’ values. 

↳ Films for children - Moana, Fern Gully, The Lorax, Wall-E, Rio: The Last Rainforest, Brother Bear, Laudato Si' For Children, The Story of Stuff, Plastics You Throw Away, The Life Cycle of a T-Shirt… 

↳ Films for Teenagers and adults - The Letter, David Attenborough series, for example David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef : ABC iview, A Life on Our Planet… Watch the Catholic Social Teaching Secondary film, ‘Care for Our Common Home’ 

↳ Explore the Care for Our Common Home Comic.

• Digital Events – Online meetings, live streams, and virtual campaigns to raise awareness globally. 

↳  Host a collaborative online forum between schools where students share and celebrate their Laudato Si’ actions

For Primary School Laudato Si’ Week Resources from Caritas Australia, click the following link, Laudato Si' Week - Primary where you will find a range of resources including Prayers, Reflections & Prayer services, Story/Case Study, Lessons & Units and Guides.

For Secondary School Laudato Si’ Week Resources from Caritas Australia, click the following link, Laudato Si' Week Secondary where you will find a range of resources including Guides, Lessons & Units, Prayers, Reflections & Prayer services and Story/Case Study.

Upcoming Key Social Justice Dates:

Outdoor Classroom Day - Thursday 8th May 2025

World Fair Trade Day - Saturday 10th May 2025

Laudato Si’ Week - Friday 16th - Saturday 24th May 2025

International Day of Biological Diversity - Thursday 22nd May 2025

National Sorry Day - Monday 22nd May 2025

National Reconciliation Week Bridging Now to Next - Tuesday 27th May to Tuesday 3rd June 2025

Catholic Identity and Mission Updates

Annual Conference in Halls Gap for Religious Education Leaders

Twenty-one Religious Education Leaders (RELs) who are in the first or second year in the role have come together for an annual conference in Halls Gap Tuesday and Wednesday 5/6th May. RELs have come from across the diocese to be formed in the Catholic tradition and to discuss and share the complexities of the role as they play a key leadership role in mediating the tradition within the unique context of their individual schools. 

Please use the QR Code for the flyer above. 

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. 

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

Wellbeing Updates

Upcoming Webinar: Understanding Anxiety and School Refusal with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg 

MARAM Training for Nominated Staff in Schools

Upcoming professional learning for teachers 

Upcoming PD Term Two / 2025  

South Network 22nd May (St. Pius X Warrnambool) Trybooking Link 

MHiPS training - Thursday May 29th / 30th Ballarat 

North Network Tuesday June 3rd (St Paul’s Mildura) 

Mid North Network Thursday June 5th (CEB Office Horsham) 

Social behaviour – Data Support: A tiered approach to data collection for behaviour and wellbeing  

Wednesday June 18th Ballarat (Venue TBC) Trybooking Link 

Learning and Teaching Updates

Early Career Teachers - Professional Learning TERM 2 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 - ***REGISTRATIONS CLOSE Friday 9 May***

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. 

Future Skills Summit hosted by Apple Education – Melbourne

Explore how Apple is helping educators and enterprises empower learners with future-ready skills. Hear from education leaders at Lindisfarne Anglican College and RMIT, discover updates from Apple’s WWDC (including Apple Intelligence), and see how Apple tools are boosting real-world creativity, productivity and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to reimagine learning and leadership for the future.

Aimed at schools using Apple Devices, more specifically Mac with teachers or students.

Tuesday 13^th May, 2025

1:30–4:30 p.m. (AEST)

Apple, Level 36, 2 Southbank Blvd, Melbourne

More information and register here

Call for participants: DOBCEL Digital Leader Networks

The Digital Leader Networks initiative invites schools to join a dynamic Community of Practice (CoP) dedicated to advancing the teaching and learning of Digital Technologies and Digital Literacy. This program is designed for schools with a commitment to innovation, professional growth, and collaboration in the familiarisation and adoption phase of Digital Technologies curriculum and Digital Literacy Foundational Skill.

For further information see below or please contact Coby Reynolds creynolds@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

If this is of interest to you or your school complete the Expression of Interest Form by Friday 23^rd May.

Primary Literacy PL Dates – Term Two

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.

Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) Video Resources

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has released a suite of short video resources offering practical, evidence-based strategies to help teachers and school leaders create supportive learning environments. These cover important topics such as:

• building positive connections with all students
• establishing and maintaining an entrance routine
• establishing and maintaining an exit routine
• gaining all students’ attention
• responding to disengaged and disruptive behaviours
• setting behaviour expectations for completing learning tasks
• students gaining teacher attention
• students moving through the school
• acknowledgement and praise
• circulation
• clear communication
• deliberate pause
• non-verbal correction
• scanning your class
• voice control.

The Flare Team will be using these videos in the professional learning we provide but we also encourage you to engage with them as required.

You can access these videos (and other supplementary resources) through the Flare Website Resource Centre.

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.

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

We would like to extend a big thank you to all the schools and staff who are generously giving their time to present at our SSP Forum tomorrow. Your insights, experience, and commitment will greatly enrich this event. We also appreciate your willingness to engage and network with others who are seeking to make informed decisions for their schools.  These contributions help foster a strong, collaborative community, and we are grateful for the ongoing support.

If you are going to miss this event but need more information, please make contact with your Education Officer or one of us listed below.

📩 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.

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

• Payroll Officer– Ballarat – Fixed Term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 May)
  

Principal Vacancy

• No principal vacancies at this stage. 

School Vacancies

• 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 9 May)
• Head of Rowing – Loreto College, Ballarat – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 May)
• Classroom Teacher – St Aloysius’ Primary School, Redan – Fixed Term at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 May)
• Specialist Teacher – St John’s School – Dennington – Fixed Term 0.47 FTE (closes 13 June)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – casual position (closes 4 July)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – St Colombus School, Ballarat North – casual position (closes 24 November)
• Classroom Teacher 2026 – St Mary’s – Warracknabeal – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 December)