Weekly Newsletter #56 - 28 May 2025

Reflections - Reconciliation Week and Catholic Education Week

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

National Reconciliation Week started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities.

In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation Australia was established in 2001, with the intention to provide national leadership on reconciliation. In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week and subsequently across bridges in cities and towns to show their support for reconciliation.

This year's theme Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. The theme Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.                             

From National Reconciliation Week

Invitation to Prayer

Leader: Our land, from the Murray to the Sea and all creation reflects your face, 

O God – Ever-ancient, always new. 

All: We give thanks and praise to God. 

Leader: Our land, from the Murray to the Sea and all creation sounds with your voice, 

O God – calling for justice and peace. 

All: We give thanks and praise to God. 

Leader: Our land, from the Murray to the Sea and all creation breathes with your life, 

O God – the spirit alive in all your people.

All: We give thanks and praise to God.

Leader: Great Creator Spirit, from the dawn of creation you have given your children the good things of Mother Earth. You spoke and the gum tree grew. In the vast desert and the dense forest, and in the cities and at the water’s edge, creation sings your praise. Your presence endures at the rock at the heart of our Land. When Jesus hung on the tree you heard the cries of all your people and became one with all: the First Australians, the hunted, the dispossessed, the convicts, those fleeing oppression, those seeking a better life. The sunrise of your Son coloured the earth anew, and bathed it in glorious hope. We re-commit to bringing this hope to all, this Reconciliation Week and always.

All: In Jesus we have been reconciled to you, to each other and to all creation. Lead us on, Great Spirit, as we gather from the four corners of the earth; enable us to walk together in trust from the hurt and shame of the past into the full day which has dawned in Jesus Christ.

Leader: God of all, we pray for lasting Reconciliation That the wrongs of the past may be recognised. That our awareness of the journey so far be awakened and that the Spirit moves us to walk the talk and see through what has been started.

                                     All: Amen                                    

Adapted from A Prayer for Reconciliation Week 

The Vision of a Catholic School this Catholic Education Week

This Catholic Education Week, we take time to reflect upon what is our underlying vision, mission and purpose. A very helpful document that explores these questions is Life to the Full: The Mission and Purpose of Catholic Schools - NCEC  here.  This booklet was produced in 2024 and explores the context of Catholic schools in the Australian setting. Here are some powerful statements from the document:

Catholic schools are “called upon to offer an educational service appropriate to the present times”. They are communities of welcome, forgiveness, equality, inclusion and encouragement to experience, live and proclaim the joy of the Gospel. They are nourished by prayer, liturgy, witness, social justice, service and pastoral care.

The mission of Catholic schools is centred around the integration of faith, learning, life and culture. This does not just happen in the classroom, but through the witness offered by teaching and non-teaching staff, and through the experience of the student being part of a community which models this integration in a life-giving way.

Found at Life to the Full: The Mission and Purpose of Catholic Schools - NCEC

A PRAYER FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

God of all Creation,
In this Jubilee Year of Hope,
we give thanks for the gift of Catholic Schools
in the Diocese of Ballarat — past, present, and future. 

We give thanks for those who have worked tirelessly, 

in establishing our school communities 

In reflection we acknowledge the joys, hopes, and griefs 

that have been a part of the story of the Catholic schools in our Diocese 

You call us to be Pilgrims of Hope,
walking together with courage, compassion, and faith.
May we be a blessing to each other, our students and families
May we all be inspired by Your Spirit
to grow in wisdom, love, and service.

As we journey through this week of celebration and into the future,
help us to see You present in all those we encounter and through all creation
in our classrooms, on the playgrounds,
When things are going to plan and when a path emerges we have not considered.

May our schools be places of inclusion,
truth, and Gospel joy
Let the hope of Christ, light our way, especially, in the darkness
May our work build a future animated by hope, justice and peace.

We ask this through Jesus, our teacher.
Amen.

From the Executive Director

Last week, I had the honour of speaking at the blessing and opening of the Xavier Flood Senior Learning Centre at Damascus College. Named in memory of a much-loved and long-serving teacher and leader, this new senior learning centre reflects the College’s deep commitment to innovative and student-centred education. It was a proud moment for the Damascus community and a powerful reminder of the impact that learning environments can have on students’ lives.

This week, as we mark National Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the importance of truth, justice and healing in our shared journey with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In a moving gesture of solidarity, Damascus College recently came together with Loreto College and St Patrick’s College to commemorate National Sorry Day. Staff and students from all three schools participated in a joint ceremony that demonstrated a strong and united commitment to reconciliation across the Catholic education community in Ballarat.

Yesterday, schools from across our Northern Zone came together in Euston for their Network Collaboration Day. These gatherings are a vital part of our shared work, creating time and space to connect, exchange ideas and explore how Strategy 2035 comes to life in our classrooms and communities. The collaboration, energy and shared purpose evident throughout the day were a credit to everyone involved.

We also celebrate Catholic Education Week across our Diocese this week. Many of our schools commenced celebrations last week and this Friday, we’ll come together for Mass, followed by our annual dinner and the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards ceremony. This is a special occasion where we recognise staff who have dedicated 30 years of service to Catholic education, as well as those whose outstanding contributions are acknowledged through the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. These stories of service and leadership speak volumes about the strength and heart of our Catholic schools.

Each of these moments, from commemorations and collaborations, to celebrations of service, reflect the ongoing work and shared purpose of Catholic education across our Diocese. Thank you for continuing to lead with compassion, courage and conviction in your school communities.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

Northern Zone Collaboration Day

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Showcasing our Catholic Schools in Action

Catholic Education Week Celebrations

It's been so wonderful to see so many schools celebrating Catholic Education Week! Check out some of the great photos from, Sacred Heart - Casterton, St. Paul's Primary School - Mildura, OLHC - Murtoa and St Joseph's Primary School - Red Cliffs. 

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Reconciliation Week 

It's been so wonderful to see so many schools acknowledging Reconciliation Week! Check out some of the great photos from St Alipius Parish School - Ballarat, Mercy Regional College - Camperdown, Monivae College - Hamilton, St Mary's - Clarkes Hill, St Mary's - Hamilton, St Joseph's Coleraine, St Joseph's - Penshurst. 

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The Blessing and Opening of the Xavier Flood Senior Learning Centre at Damascus College, Ballarat

Last week, we celebrated the Blessing and Opening of the Xavier Flood Senior Learning Centre at Damascus College, Ballarat – a dynamic new space dedicated to senior student learning, collaboration, and academic excellence.

Named in honour of Mother Xavier Flood, the Centre embodies our commitment to delivering vibrant, contemporary Catholic education across the Diocese.

The celebration was rich in symbolism and community spirit, featuring a Smoking Ceremony, student and staff addresses, a moving choir performance, and a blessing by Bishop Paul Bird CSsR.

Our Executive Director, Tom Sexton, delivered the DOBCEL address and was joined by Megan Ioannou, Director of Stewardship, to unveil the commemorative plaque. Both toured the new facility with House Captains and joined the Damascus College community for morning tea.

A wonderful event celebrating faith, learning, and legacy.

Photo Of Bishop Paul Bird For Use

Photo of Bishop Paul Bird CSsR

Please see the photo below of Bishop Paul Bird CSsR for use in parishes, schools and agencies, to accompany the official portrait of Pope Leo XIV.

Expression of Interest: Power to Kids in Schools Program Now Open

As seen in the CECV Circulars, DOBCEL is advising schools of the opportunity to express interest in participating in the Power to Kids in Schools program for 2025–26. Developed by MacKillop Family Services in partnership with the University of Melbourne, this evidence-based initiative is designed to strengthen school responses to child sexual exploitation, harmful sexual behaviours, and dating violence.

The program supports schools in delivering Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) and contributes directly to meeting the Child Safe Standards under Ministerial Order 1359. Using a whole-of-school approach, it provides educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to have necessary and often challenging conversations that support the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Participating schools will receive:

• A contextualised school climate survey to assess readiness
• Professional learning for leadership teams and staff
• Ongoing support and adaptable training
• Access to a digital library of resources
• Tools for capacity building and sustainable implementation
• Support for monitoring progress

In a 2024 pilot across Catholic primary and secondary schools, participants reported significantly improved knowledge and confidence, with 99% indicating a greater capacity to prevent, identify and respond to sexual safety concerns.

This program is fully funded for a limited number of schools through the Australian Government’s CRRE initiative. Schools must demonstrate readiness and leadership commitment and be aligned with Respectful Relationships implementation and their school improvement planning.

Expression of Interest Applications Close on Friday 6 June 2025.

To register for the information session, complete the online form or for more information, contact Tony Perkins on 0417 007 166 or tperkins@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Recognising Young Leaders: Australian Olympic Change-Maker Program Now Open for Nominations

The Australian Olympic Committee’s Olympic Change-Maker program is once again inviting schools across the country to celebrate and recognise secondary students who embody the values of the Olympic spirit – friendship, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence.

Now in its seventh year, the program acknowledges students who are making a positive impact in their school or community, both through sport and through leadership, inclusion, and driving change. To date, more than 6,000 students have been recognised as Change-Makers.

DOBCEL encourages all secondary schools to consider nominating students who reflect these values. It’s a meaningful way to affirm the contributions of students who go above and beyond to build inclusive, respectful, and engaged school communities.

Each nominated student receives a certificate from the Australian Olympic Committee. In addition, all nominees are invited to participate in a streamed National Olympic Change-Maker Forum in September, featuring Olympians and local Change-Makers. A select group of 25 students from around Australia will then be invited to attend the National Change-Maker Summit in Canberra – a three-day experience of leadership development, workshops and presentations at the Australian Institute of Sport and Parliament House.

Nominations are now open. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of young people in our schools who are leading with heart and courage, both on and off the field.

For more information or to make a nomination, visit the Australian Olympic Change-Maker program website.

People and Development Updates

REMINDER: Have Your Say – Help Shape the Next Enterprise Agreement

As we move towards the preparation for shaping the next Agreement, we want to hear from you.

All DOBCEL primary school staff are invited to a short online session (40 mins) to:

• Hear an update on the consultation process,
• Have an opportunity to discuss key priorities with colleagues, and
• Nominate your personal top 3 priorities via a quick poll.

These optional sessions are grouped by role/job type. Your insights will directly inform DOBCEL’s bargaining approach.

Session Schedule:

No need to register – just click the MS Teams link for your preferred session.

We’ve scheduled sessions at both morning and afternoon times to ensure a fair balance, allowing some participation during work hours and some in your own time, while also minimising disruption to learning, supervision and school operations.

Attendance is optional and does not attract TIL if outside your normal work hours.

These sessions are for DOBCEL primary school staff only. Secondary staff should speak with their school leadership about sessions relevant to them.

We value your voice and look forward to your contribution.

Catholic Identity and Mission Updates

Liturgical Music Symposium With Tony Alonso

I went to hear Dr Tony Alonso speak about liturgical music. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m so glad I went. Tony shared his gift of music throughout the day, interwoven through prayer, lecture and song. 

People across the diocese, from parishes, schools and Catholic Education Ballarat, seized the opportunity to hear a modern international artist speak. I was interested in his background as an American university lecturer and a theologian, and his insights were thought provoking and grounded in scripture.

Tony discussed the invitation from God for all to sing, which repeated throughout the Old and New Testaments, as well as the giving of one’s full self to God through the reason of Baptism. He spoke of music healing wounds and drawing people closer to God. The power of music takes the listener and singer to a place where words cannot. Tony mentioned the way that singing seems to be counter cultural, left to the ‘experts’or those with the microphone. He argued that music is not just an optional extra for liturgy, but an essential part of it - the more music is connected to the liturgy, the holier it is! 

Some thought provoking questions he left me with were around the choice of music for the different moments of liturgy and the importance of giving children the types of liturgical songs that will sustain them as they grow. He also said everyone can sing - ‘If God made it, God wants to hear it’!

Bernadette Luckman 

Catholic Identity and Mission Primary Education Officer, CEB

Wellbeing Updates

Out of Home Care 

Out of Home Care 

SchoolTV invites parents, carers, grandparents, educators and school leaders to attend an exclusive webinar supporting primary and secondary students. 

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II) 
DATE: Wednesday, 18 June 2025 
TIME: 7:30 pm 

This exclusive session with two of Australia's leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later. 

Register using this link or via the QR code below. 

Upcoming PD Term Two / 2025  

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

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

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.  

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 

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.

Flare Primary Literacy Leaders’ Forum

We warmly encourage all Literacy Leaders – and anyone else who may be interested - to register for our Term 3 Forum on Friday 22^nd 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).

Flare Primary Literacy Drop-In Sessions: On Hold

Over the past few weeks, we have trialled an online ‘drop in’ session on Friday afternoons. These have been quite well utilised, but general feedback tells us this is not the ideal time for schools. We will go back to the drawing board and find a new time. Watch this space!

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.

Story Shelf is Launching in Week 7! 

Story Shelf website is ready to launch in Week 7 - a simple way for our schools to share and borrow class sets of books across the diocese. It’s easy, free, and already gaining momentum! 

12 schools (and counting!) are ready to connect and exchange texts. Lumen Christi, Delacombe and St Alipius, Ballarat East have already kicked things off!

“Such a great initiative and such a practical, common-sense way to save schools money and increase resources for students. It will definitely help with our student engagement in the novel study.”
- Tristan, St Alipius, Ballarat East -

IMAGE: Students at St Alipius, Ballarat East enjoying Us Bob Walawurru borrowed from Lumen Christi, Delacombe.

What is Story Shelf?

It’s a growing network of DOBCEL schools working together to:
✅ Share and borrow class sets of quality texts
✅ Save money while building your school’s collection

We Need You!

To make this work, we need:
✔️ Schools willing to share their books
✔️ Schools keen to borrow for upcoming novel studies
(You can be one or both!)

How Will It Work?

A user-friendly website is on the way, launching in Week 7. Via the website, schools will be able to:
- Browse what’s available
- Connect with other schools
- Arrange their own book exchanges
Perfect timing to help plan ahead for Term 3!

How to Get Involved?

Just take a very quick minute to fill in the form below. We’ll follow up with next steps!

🔗 REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL'S INTEREST HERE

For further details please reach out to

Belinda Chiswell – Education Officer: Learning & Teaching

✉️ bchiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0484 641 997

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.

DOBCEL Nexus Capability Rollout Update – Term 2

As part of our ongoing transformation agenda, we are progressing through key capability areas to support improved systems and services across DOBCEL schools and offices. As part of this process, the Project team presented to the Diocesan Leadership Team on Friday, 16^th May.  Below is a summary of each phase of the rollout and our timeline for completion.

PageUp – Pilot Phase Underway

PageUp is an applicant tracking system that provides cloud-based solutions that will consolidate and streamline every stage of recruitment – efficiently receiving, reviewing and managing applications; conducting interviews; extending employment offers; and onboarding new team members.

Training has commenced with our pilot group consisting of the CEB office and four schools (three primary, one secondary) as we prepare for full implementation. 
Go Live Date: 16 June 
The pilot is a critical first step in shaping a consistent and effective rollout model for all schools. 

Finance System Rollout (Business Central) – Structured & Phased

We are currently developing comprehensive training modules, with an initial pilot involving the CEB office and a primary school to test our delivery approach.

Rollout Strategy:

• Cycle Length: 4 weeks per group
• Group Size: 5–6 schools per cycle. These groupings are currently being finalised and we will be able to provide more information shortly

Phases:

• Setup and data transfer. We are nearing finalisation of a data cleansing process and will reach out to schools shortly for support in the tidying up of the historic data that will be imported into Business Central.  
  2. Training
  3. Go Live
  4. Two weeks of post-Go Live support by CEB office and Professional Advantage staff

Post-Rollout Plans:

• The SAS database to be centrally maintained for seven years for audit and record retention purposes.
• Transitional Logistics: New staff will remain in SAS (for PAY3K processes) until the Aurion rollout, with continued support from the CEB office.

Aurion Payroll – Term 4 Launch Target

We are currently in the build and configuration phase, working closely with our consultants and school representatives and aiming to sign off on the blueprint next week.

• Next Steps
• Develop training materials
• Deliver training to admin staff and payroll approvers

SIMON – Fee Module & UI Enhancements

The Fee Generation Module has been successfully completed and is now under evaluation.
The updated User Interface (UI) is scheduled for rollout by end of term and was officially launched at the recent SIMON User Conference.  Further information on the new SIMON UI can be found here New SIMON User Interface

Ongoing Support – Helpdesk Monitoring

Our Helpdesk team will actively monitor user feedback and support requests to identify any common themes or concerns during the transition period.

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• Case Coordinator – Complaints Resolution – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 June) 
• Speech Pathologist – fixed-term position at 0.5 FTE (closes 15 June)
  

Principal Vacancy

• Principal – St Brendan’s, Coragulac at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 June)
• Principal – St Patrick’s, Port Fairy at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 June)

School Vacancies

• Mathematics Teacher – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 30 May)
• Director of Years 10 – 12: Position of Leadership (POL 4) – Loreto College, Ballarat - ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 June)
• Assistant Rowing Coordinator - Damascus College, Mt Clear – fixed-term at 0.5 FTE (closes 2 June)
• Teaching Opportunities commencing Team 3, 2025 – Loreto College, Ballarat, ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 June)
• Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching – Damascus College, Mt Clear - ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 June)
• Learning Support Officer – Emmaus, Mt Clear - fixed term at 0.73 FTE (closes 11 June)
• Specialist Teacher – Physical Education – St John’s School, Dennington – fixed-term 0.47 FTE (closes 13 June)
• Mathematics Teacher – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 June)
• Science Teacher - St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 June)
• English Teacher - St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill - ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 June)
• Principal – St Brendan’s, Coragulac – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 June)
• Principal – St Patrick’s, Port Fairy – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 June)
• Classroom Teachers – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 June)
• Business Manager – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0FTE (closes 4 July)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – casual position (closes 4 July)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – casual position (closes 25 November)
• Classroom Teacher 2026 – St Mary’s – Warracknabeal – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 December)