Weekly Newsletter #54 - 14 May 2025
- Reflection - Pope Leo XIV
- From the Executive Director
- Sister Marie Vagg died peacefully at St John of God Hospital on 7th May
- Showcasing our Catholic Schools in Action
- Celebrating Teachers Who Inspire!
- Support for Schools in SSP (Systematic Synthetic Phonics) Selection
- SIMON User Conference 2025: Two Days of Innovation, Collaboration, and Educational Breakthroughs!
- People and Development Updates
- Social Justice Update: Laudato Si’ Week - Raise Hope, May 17th to May 24th
- Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
- Wellbeing Updates
- Learning and Teaching Updates
- Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Reflection - Pope Leo XIV
On 8 May, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, became the 267th Pope. Many people are wondering Who is he? And What is he like? Much has already been written about him. He is the first Pope originating from The United States, he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru. Some of his own reflections from over the years give an account of what deeply concerns him. His following quotes share some insight into his wisdom.
"We are often preoccupied with teaching doctrine...but we risk forgetting that our first task is to teach what it means to know Jesus Christ," Vatican News 2023
"Our work is to enlarge the tent and to let everyone know they are welcome inside the Church." 2023 Press Conference
“We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receive, like this square, with open arms. Everyone, everyone who needs our charity, our presence, dialogue and love” First Address, St. Peter’s Square, 8th May 2025
Pope Leo XIV
Augustinian Moderate American
69 years old
Strong ties to Latin America
Ministered for many years in Peru
“Holy One beyond all names
Eternal Wellspring
May love rise again in us today
With food for every table
Shelter for every family
And reverence for every life.
Forgive us our failings in love
And free us from all falseness
That the light of our souls may shine
And the strength of our spirits endure
For earth and all its people
This day, tonight and forever.
Amen.”
(The Lord’s Prayer.
Celtic version
By John Philip Newell)
May Pope Leo be blessed in his ministry.
May it be so.
Amen
By Sue Thomas
From the Executive Director
Today, schools from the Mid-North Zone came together in Horsham for their Network Collaboration Day. These gatherings continue to be a vital opportunity to engage with the DOBCEL Strategy 2035, strengthen connections across schools, and build collective insight into the work ahead. Through meaningful dialogue and shared reflection, our school communities are helping shape a culture of collaboration that supports growth, innovation and shared purpose across our Diocese.
Tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming school and system leaders back to Horsham for the Term 2 Diocesan Leadership Gathering. This gathering is a chance to pause and reflect, to connect with colleagues, and to continue shaping what future-focused leadership looks like in our context. Grounded in Strategy 2035, DLG will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the Collaboration Innovation Research Prototypes (CIRPs), with details on how to get involved and where to access further information.
The next Network Collaboration Day will take place in Robinvale on Tuesday 27 May, with schools from the Northern Zone coming together to continue this important work. I look forward to bringing schools from the Northern Zone together to listen, learn, and lead with purpose.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our students, staff and communities. We look forward to seeing many of you at DLG and continuing our shared journey of learning and connection.
With best wishes,
Tom Sexton, Executive Director
Mid-North Zone Collaboration Day photos
Sister Marie Vagg died peacefully at St John of God Hospital on 7th May
Marie was surrounded by sisters in her local community, who have been lovingly caring for her in recent months.
We remember Marie as a woman of deep faith, her ministry contribution over the years as a dedicated teacher and principal in Ballarat, Edenhope, Mortlake, Manangatang, Warracknabeal and St Arnaud. We also acknowledge Marie’s work with St Vincent de Paul as well as her Parish work.
May she rest in peace in the loving embrace of her God whom she served so faithfully.
FUNERAL MASS
The Funeral Mass will be held at St Alipius Church, 84 Victoria Street, Ballarat East on Thursday, 15 May at 10.30am
LIVESTREAM
The livestream of the Funeral Mass on Thursday, 15 May at 10.30am AEST will be able to be viewed on the following link: https://youtube.com/live/--wAe3Hw2xs?feature=share.
(10.30am PNG, QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS/10am SA/8.30am WA).
Showcasing our Catholic Schools in Action
Celebrating the Feast Day of St Catherine, Siena Catholic Primary School Lucas
To celebrate the Feast Day of St Catherine, Siena Catholic Primary School Lucas, shared in a fantastic day of prayer, language learning, food and activities. Siena CPS is a Teacher as Co-Learner school where students are immersed in Italian language with our staff on a daily basis.
The school has recently appointed a Language Assistant Donato, who originates from Crispiano, Italy and was a head chef across multiple countries as his past profession. Due to the fantastic skills of Donato, students from all grades participated in hands-on language learning opportunities. This included creating various types of pasta from scratch, bruschetta and passata, with all the fresh vegetables and herbs coming straight from our school garden. Bellissimo!
Throughout the day the students were immersed in a variety of cultural and religious activities, learning more deeply about St Catherine, table fellowship- sharing in a pizza lunch, and learning further Italian words and phrases.
As part of the town Siena in Italy, students delved into the 'contradas' (the Italian word for a district or neighborhood) of Siena, from which the school house groups are named, Torre/Tower, Onda/Dolphin, Leocorno/Unicorn and Drago/Dragon.
The day was finished with a beautiful liturgy to celebrate St Catherine of Siena, followed by our annual mock 'Il Palio' horse race. The students raced on hobby horses around our quadrangle, mimicking the famous bi-annual horse race between the Contrade of Siena in the Piazza del Campo.
Overall it was an incredible day of learning and fun! Fantastico e divertente!
Article written by Tim Gilbert, Language Leader and Grade 3 Teacher, Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas.
Our Lady Help of Christian's Primary School (OLHC) Warrnambool East celebrated Japanese celebration, Kodomo no hi (Children's Day)
OLHC Warrnambool East celebrated Japanese celebration, Kodomo no hi (Children's Day) on Monday, 5 May. They had a large Koinobori display with our wish of Health, Happiness and Growth for all children.
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.
Celebrating Teachers Who Inspire!
The NCEC are looking for candidates to be featured in a new, exciting initiative!
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) is proud to launch a new initiative on their website: Teachers Who Inspire - a celebration of the passionate educators and leaders in Catholic schools who are building strong, faith-filled learning communities across Australia.
Through personal stories and reflections, this series aims to spotlight the incredible impact Catholic educators are making in the lives of students every day.
The NCEC have just published their first feature: a Q&A with Principal David Graham, exploring how faith, purpose and possibility guide his leadership. Read it here.
The NCEC is now inviting nominations for future features! If you know a teacher or school leader with a story worth sharing, they would love to hear from you - or feel free to pass this opportunity along.
Participants are invited to share:
Here’s what participants are being asked to share:
A bit of background:
- Name
- School and current role
- Year levels/subjects taught
- How long they’ve been in teaching or leadership
And a few reflective questions:
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
- Can you share a moment in your career where you really felt you made a difference?
- Is there a story from your time teaching that has in inspired you/had a deep impact on you?
- How does your faith shape your teaching approach?
- What’s the most rewarding part of teaching in a Catholic school?
- What do you think is the most valuable role Catholic education plays in today’s society?
Photos are encouraged to help bring these stories to life (with appropriate permissions if students are featured).
Help us shine a light on the educators who are making a difference every day in our DOBCEL community.
Nominate or get in touch with the NCEC today! To participate or for more information, please contact: comms@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Support for Schools in SSP (Systematic Synthetic Phonics) Selection
On Thursday, 8 May, educators from across the Diocese of Ballarat gathered both in person and online for a professional learning session focused on supporting schools in the selection of a Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) program.
With representation from each of the four zones, the session aimed to deepen understanding of effective phonics instruction and its vital role in early reading success.
The session aligned with DOBCEL’s commitment to a 10-year Primary Literacy Strategy, delivered through Flare. This strategy supports schools by providing:
Tailored professional development for primary educators
A knowledge-rich literacy curriculum with aligned resources and assessments
Systems to track student progress and provide effective interventions
Strong literacy leadership development
System-wide monitoring and reporting on literacy improvement
A key focus was the importance of Structured Literacy, where instruction is explicitly sequenced from simple to complex, ensuring students master foundational skills before progressing.
Seven widely used SSPs were presented by educators from our schools:
Little Learners Love Literacy – St Patrick's Camperdown
Sounds Write – Siena Lucas
InitiaLit – Sacred Heart Mildura
SpellEx – Sacred Heart Mildura
PhOrMeS
No Nonsense Phonics – St Paul's Mildura
UFLI – St Joseph's Redcliffs
Presenters provided insights into each program's structure, costs, training, suitability, available resources, and the reasons behind their school’s choice.
Key reflections from participants included:
The value of learning from peer schools to make informed decisions
The importance of aligning program choice with each school’s specific context
Acknowledging that change requires careful planning and management
The benefit of ongoing professional dialogue and collaboration
One participant summed it up well: “It was great. Very helpful in narrowing down what program is best for our school.”
This session was an important step forward in ensuring every school is supported in choosing an SSP that meets the needs of their learners—strengthening literacy outcomes across our system.
SIMON User Conference 2025: Two Days of Innovation, Collaboration, and Educational Breakthroughs!
From system reform to smarter student engagement, the SIMON User Conference 2025 was an inspiring two-day journey that brought together a powerhouse lineup of educators, thought leaders, and tech innovators. Held on May 8–9, this year’s event featured insightful keynotes, practical workshops, and dynamic discussions across every corner of school operations and education technology.
The event opened with a compelling keynote by Dave Runge, Director of Future Schools, setting a visionary tone for system improvement. Kevin Brodie, SIMON’s General Manager, joined throughout the conference, leading sessions on administration, system enhancements, and the unveiling of the new SIMON UI and eAdmin tools - two standout announcements of the event.
A rich variety of sessions followed, highlighting expert voices including:
Andrew Weir, who brought clarity to everything from student enrolments and communications to excursion manifests and community engagement.
Stephanie Porter, offering practical strategies on learning areas, social behaviour, and personalised learning plans (PLPs).
Tim Wilson, diving into the technical side of PAM, Parent-Teacher Interviews, and real-time reporting.
Tegan Burgess, co-presenting on the new SIMON UI and enrolment processes.
Mark Vanderkley, supporting discussions around SIMON’s future innovations.
- Rory Walsh, bringing Google integration to SIMON tools.
A vibrant partner community added real-world depth to the program. Highlights included:
Greg Campitelli (Enquiry Tracker) and his marketing masterclass to boost enrolments.
Rowan Freeman and Ruby Hooke (Intellischool), showcasing SIMON Connect analytics for data-informed decision-making.
Troy Vertigan and Mel Gillies (Reflex Technology Group), unpacking the AI security frontier.
Dan Dawson (Schoolzine), sharing research-backed tips on accessible communication.
Marcus Ferraro and Dylan Coombes (The School Photographer), reimagining school photography as a branding tool.
Nathan Wood (Alumnly), engaging the Alumni community within schools.
Chris Hordern (HordernIT), with SIMON Everywhere’s push-notification power.
Dennis Dalla Costa and Sammy Pinkus (Professional Advantage), connecting SIMON to the Microsoft Business Central Finance System.
John Abougelis and Stephanie Mason (Passtab), on compliance and time-in-lieu innovation.
Lewis Carter and Derek Mamo (Aurion), providing strategic payroll insights.
Attendees also heard from Laura Overdyk (Mater Christi College) on lesson planning success, Anne Ruddell (DOBCEL) on implementing SWPBS using SIMON, and Sammy Pinkus on eAdmin efficiency. Rounding out the event was the interactive Ask the Experts Panel, where attendees had their voices heard by the full SIMON leadership team.
With a buzzing welcome event, collaborative sessions, and exciting tech on the horizon, the 2025 SIMON Conference wasn’t just a professional development experience—it was a celebration of progress, connection, and the future of education.
The SIMON team have received fantastic feedback so far, attendees have mentioned that the new User Interface is a fresh and intuitive face to SIMON. There's also excitement around student fee generation through SIMON with integration to Business Central.
We've included a few photos below!
People and Development Updates
Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leaders Forum - 17 & 18 June 2025
| Program Overview | The two-day forum is open for both primary and secondary Deputy and Assistant Principals and Senior Leaders. |
| Time | Day 1 – 10:00 – 4:00pm and Day 2 9:00 -2:00pm |
| Date | Tuesday 17 June and Wednesday 18 June |
| Location | St Brigid’s College Horsham VCAL room – 97 Robinsons St, Horsham |
| Cost | $150 (cost includes Day 1 – morning tea, lunch and evening dinner) Day 2 - morning tea and lunch |
| Try booking registration | https://www.trybooking.com/DASUB |
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’ Week - Raise Hope, May 17th to May 24th
Ten Years of Inspiration and Action
10 years ago, the late Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’, setting out a bold vision for our common home. While we celebrate 10 years of prayer and action together, we look ahead to an even brighter future. The next chapter of Laudato Si’ begins with us.
This anniversary year, the Year of Jubilee, the theme for Laudato Si' Week is Raise Hope, inspired by the Jubilee Year and its theme, Pilgrims of Hope. We are all called to raise hope by sharing the light that you’ve found in Laudato Si’. Aim to reach 10 people for the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ by simply listening, discerning and responding. This may include taking up an action towards living a sustainable lifestyle based on new learning and entering into dialogue about this change with a family member, colleague or friend.
Laudato Si’ Week is also a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge with gratitude the incredible inspiration of Pope Francis in caring for our common home and reconnect with our community of God. In this joyful moment, hope spreads around the world.
“Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concerns for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.”
Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ 244
Laudato Si' Week Resources:
For Primary School Laudato Si’ Week Resources, 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, 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:
Laudato Si’ Week Raise Hope - Saturday 17th - Saturday 24th May 2025
World Bee Day - Tuesday 20th May 2025 Why are bees important? Bee teacher resources
International Day of Biological Diversity - Thursday 22nd May 2025 International Day for Biological Diversity | United Nations
National Sorry Day - Monday 22nd May 2025 National Sorry Day - Reconciliation Australia
National Reconciliation Week Bridging Now to Next - Tuesday 27th May to Tuesday 3rd June 2025 National Reconciliation Week - Bridging Now to Next
Image Source: Laudato Si’ Week – Raise Hope. his work was generated using Canva Magic Media. Any copyright subsisting in this work is owned by DOBCEL.
Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
Please use the QR Code for the flyer above.
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
Bishop Paul Bird's 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood
Bishop Paul will celebrate his 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood on May 17, 2025. He was ordained on May 17, 1975 at Waratah in Newcastle. Read more about Bishop Paul at the diocesan website https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/our-diocese/bishop-paul-bird/
Prayer of Thanksgiving for this special occasion:
God of Hope, we give thanks for the fifty years of priesthood of our Bishop Paul.
We are grateful for his unwavering faith, dedication to your people, and the countless ways he has nurtured us with your love.
May he continue to be a faithful steward of God’s mysteries and a servant of the people of God and continue to lead his flock as a faithful witness to the Gospel.
May his example of long and faithful service be an inspiration to all your faithful, and may he find renewed fulfilment and purpose in his vocation
Support him with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, so that he can continue to preach the Gospel with priestly passion and lead the Church in the Diocese of Ballarat, with wisdom, strength, courage and compassion. Amen
Dr Susan Crowe, Diocesan Liturgical Commission
Liturgy Formation at Buninyong
The Diocesan Liturgical Commission will be presenting a Liturgy Formation session on Funeral Ministry at Ss Peter & Paul’s Church Buninyong on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Bishop Paul will celebrate Mass at 10.30am and the formation session will follow from 12.00noon – 4.30pm. Scan or click the QR code to register your attendance or go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1398425. People from all parishes in the diocese are welcome to attend.
Relationships ECSI Masterclass: Sacred Spaces (Online) - Save the Date and Register
| Date | Wednesday 21 May 2025 |
| Times | LIVE ONLINE AET 15h30-17h00 NSW 15h30-17h00 QLD 15h30-17h00 VIC 15h30-17h00 SA 15h00-16h30 CET 07h30 – 09h00 |
| Masterclass overview | You are warmly invited to join us this 21 May for the third ECSI Masterclass! Building on the success of our Masterclass last April and November, the third offers you and your colleagues a deep theological and architectural dive into the question of sacred spaces and the Catholic dialogue school. The Masterclass event is free of charge and open to all those invited by their Catholic Education Office. More information about the entire series of ECSI Masterclasses can be found at this page. We look forward to seeing you online! |
| Presenters and Facilitator | Presenters: Prof Dr Didier Pollefeyt, Dr Jan Bouwens Facilitator: Dr Michael Richards |
| Registration link | https://ecsi.site/au/masterclass-registration/ Registration also includes an (optional) request for input and examples. One week prior to the Masterclass, the specific link and login details will be sent to all those registered online. |
Wellbeing Updates
Upcoming Webinar: Understanding Anxiety and School Refusal with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
| Session Name | Upcoming Webinar: Understanding Anxiety and School Refusal with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg |
| Date, location and time | Thursday 22 May | 3:30 PM | Online |
| Information | We’re pleased to invite staff across the diocese to a special webinar with renowned psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, focusing on the rising challenge of anxiety and school refusal in students. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia’s leading child and adolescent psychologists, a passionate mental health advocate, and the founder of SchoolTV—a trusted online resource used by schools across the country to support student wellbeing and build capacity in families and educators. This webinar is timely and highly relevant. This session is designed to support staff to better understand these complex challenges and respond with confidence and compassion. We encourage all interested staff—leadership, wellbeing, classroom, and learning support—to join us for this important conversation. Let’s continue working together to support every student’s wellbeing, learning and fullness of life for all. |
| Registration link | Register here |
Out of Home Care
| Session Name | Designated Teacher Training 2025 |
| Information | DT Training is free and offered to anyone who has been appointed Designated Teacher in their school or has an interest in supporting students who are in Out-of-Home Care. School leadership is strongly encouraged to attend this training to support the implementation of the Designated Teacher role within their schools. Training will assist participants gain an understanding of:
|
| Registration | Term 2, 2025 2nd June - F2F, whole day, Horsham College (register here by Tuesday 27th May) OR 5th June - online, two x 90 minute sessions, attendance is required at both Part A and Part B (register here) |
Out of Home Care
| Session Name | Learning Mentor Training 2025 |
| Information | The Learning Mentoring (LM) role is integral to supporting the learning, academic achievement and wellbeing of young people in Out-of-Home Care. A Learning Mentor works with the individual student/s and alongside a schools Designated Teacher (DT). The Learning Mentor role is a requirement of the the Out-of-Home-Care Education Commitment: a Partnering Agreement and can be a teacher or staff member allocated in consultation with the student. Learning Mentor training is free and offered to new and existing mentors. It’s an opportunity to share current research and high impact strategies relating to the role for all settings. Training will assist participants gain an understanding of:
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| Registration | Term 2, 2025 11th June – online, 90 minutes (register here) |
Upcoming professional learning for teachers
| Session Name | Recognising online coercive control in young people's lives |
| Date and Time | 20 May, 3.45pm (AEST) |
| Registration | REGISTER NOW |
| Session Name | Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men |
| Date and Time | 29 May, 3.45pm (AEST) |
| Registration | REGISTER NOW |
| Session Name | Responding and reporting: critical online incidents in school settings |
| Date and Time | 4 June, 3.45pm (AEST) |
| Registration | REGISTER NOW |
| Session Name | Sexual extortion: What educators need to know |
| Date and Time | 19 June, 3.45pm (AEST) |
| Registration | REGISTER NOW |
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
GENERAL NEWS
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.
2nd/3rd Year ECTs
*Robinvale St Mary’s School, 12 Watkin St, Robinvale Wednesday 4 June (*this is a make - up session for the missed session in term one) Click here to register. |
ALL 2nd/3rd Year ECTs - ONLINE Thursday 12 June (3:30pm to 4:30pm) Via video conference (MS Teams) Click here to register and the MS teams link will be sent prior to the session |
*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
- Transforming learning: Teaching and assessing 5 essential skills Tuesday, 20 May 4pm
- Using PAT data to support differentiated teaching practice Wednesday, 21 May 4 pm
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next
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.
Maker's Workshops
Please click here to view the information about the Maker's Workshops.
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 13th 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 23rd May.
PRIMARY NEWS
Flare Primary Literacy Leaders’ Forum
A huge thank you to all the Literacy Leaders from both Guided and Self-Guided schools who came along to the Term 2 Literacy Leaders’ Forum on Tuesday 13th May. It was amazing to see high levels of sharing and collaboration across a wide range of schools, and all participants came away feeling energised and inspired. It’s so exciting when the agenda and content of the meeting is led by our school-based colleagues - the experts on the ground.
We particularly thank Kate Farnham (St Patrick’s, Nhill) for her prayer and reflection about the fascinating Biblical Lexicon; Nicole Forbes (St Joseph’s, Penshurst) for leading an important and vulnerable conversation about the current realities in our schools and Jo Wheelahan for sharing the incredibly strategic Action Research taking place at St Thomas More, Alfredton. We also thank Belinda Chiswell (CEB) for presenting an insightful session about effective peer observation and feedback practices, and Julie Cooper (CEB) for chairing the meeting and keeping us all on track!
We warmly encourage all Literacy Leaders – and anyone else who may be interested - to register for our Term 3 Forum on Friday 22nd August, as these events are a great opportunity for authentic conversation, story-sharing and collaboration. You may even feel inspired to present or co-present an agenda item (please email Emma if you’d like to do so: erutherford@ceob.edu.au).
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.
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.
Supporting Your SSP Selection
We would like to extend a big thank you to all the schools and staff who generously gave their time to present at our SSP Forum and to those in attendance. Your insights, experience, and commitment greatly enriched this event. We also appreciated 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.
Pru Darcy – St Patrick’s Camperdown |
Tamara Wade – Siena, Lucas |
Christine Sherry – Sacred Heart Mildura |
Sophie Price – Sacred Heart, Mildura |
Bec Thurman – St Paul’s Mildura |
Hannah Byrnes – St Joseph’s, Redcliffs |
A recording will be available to view later this week, please keep an eye on next week’s newsletter for further details.
📩 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
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
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
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.
Michael Ymer Term 2 Full day Conference
Engaging Mathematics Activities
Target Audience: Upper Primary Years
Venue: BALLARAT: Sovereign Park Motor Inn
Date 18th 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.
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
- 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)
- Learning Support Officer – St Joseph’s school, Warrnambool – Fixed Term 0.8 FTE (closes 20 May)
- Head of Rowing – Loreto College, Ballarat – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 May)
- Human Resources Manager - Loreto College, Ballarat – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 May)
- Instrumental Tutor – Piano/Vocal – Damascus College, Mt Clear – Fixed Term at 0.2 FTE (closes 25 May)
- Administration Assistant – Leadership Team - Damascus College, Mt Clear- Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 25 May)
- Classroom Teacher – St Aloysius’ Primary School, Redan – Fixed Term at 1.0 FTE (closes 26 May)
- Mathematics Teacher – Marion College, Ararat – Ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 May)
- Specialist Teacher – St John’s School – Dennington – Fixed Term 0.47 FTE (closes 13 June)
- Classroom Teachers – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – Ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 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 25 November)
- Classroom Teacher 2026 – St Mary’s – Warracknabeal – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 December)