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200 Gillies St North
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
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execdirector@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 03 4344 4350

Catholic Education Ballarat

200 Gillies St North
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

Phone: 03 4344 4350

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Weekly Newsletter #57 - 4 June 2025

  • Reflection: Pentecost
  • From the Executive Director
  • Celebrating the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Winners
  • Showcasing our Catholic Schools in Action
  • Nexus Rollout – Group Communications Update
  • Expression of Interest: Power to Kids in Schools Program - Applications Closing This Friday!
  • People and Development Updates
  • Social Justice Update: Laudato Si' - World Environment Day
  • Catholic Identity and Mission Updates
  • Wellbeing Updates
  • Learning and Teaching Updates
  • Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Reflection: Pentecost

This coming Sunday, 8th June is The Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost (Greek for 50th day) is celebrated by Christians 50 days after Easter, and marks the day that the Holy Spirit became known to  the apostles while they were cowering and hiding behind locked doors following Jesus’ resurrection. After receiving the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, the apostles immediately went out and preached Jesus’ message to everyone—even those who could not understand.

The Christian celebration of Pentecost originates from a Jewish feast that concluded the 50 days of Passover and celebrated the end of the barley harvest, plus the beginning of the wheat harvest. 

Adapted from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/pentecost-the-birthday-of-the-church/

Invitation to prayer….

Scripture: 

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was a formless void, there was darkness over the deep, and God's spirit hovered over the water.” 

Genesis 1:1-2

Reflection: 

In this text we see one of the  first images encountered in the Bible is this beautiful picture of the Spirit of God moving over the surface of the waters at the dawn of creation. Everything that follows in the scriptures is set in the context of the goodness of creation and our call to care for our common home. This call is especially urgent today, in the light of the climate emergency. Let’s pray that God’s nurturing spirit will challenge and strengthen us to make profound changes in our lifestyles. Changes that will prevent further damage to our environment and restore creation for the common good.

To ponder…

What changes can we make to better care for the gift of creation? 

Prayer:

Come Holy Spirit,
blow away division and despair.
Light your flame of courage and hope in us
and warm our hearts with wisdom and love.
Be our Helper, as we seek your ways of justice.
Be our Comforter, as we share your peace with our wounded world.
Be our Advocate, as we call for the fullness of life for all. 

Amen.

Click here to view the resource. 


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From the Executive Director

Last Friday evening, we gathered as a diocesan community to celebrate the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards Dinner – a highlight in our calendar and a truly inspiring occasion. The evening recognised staff who have dedicated 30 years of service to Catholic education, as well as the exceptional nominees and recipients of the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. These individuals exemplify what it means to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to the lives of students, colleagues and communities. Their stories remind us of the deep commitment that continues to shape our schools and our shared mission. To read more about each of the award winners and to see some photos of the evening, please visit the DOBCEL website.

In this same spirit of reflection and renewal, I’d like to highlight a recent article by educational leaders Pasi Sahlberg and Glenn Savage: The next three steps to help public schools. While the focus is national, the insights are highly relevant to our own context and the direction we are pursuing through DOBCEL Strategy 2035. The article calls for a long-term, bipartisan approach to school improvement, a renewed focus on equity and student wellbeing, and the creation of a new national framework for collaboration and innovation. I encourage all of you to take a few moments to read the article – it’s both timely and thought-provoking, and speaks directly to the kind of system-wide leadership we are called to embrace.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing leadership and dedication to our students and communities. The impact of your work reaches far beyond the classroom, and it continues to build a stronger, more hopeful future for Catholic education in our Diocese.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

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Celebrating the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Winners

We were delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, during the Catholic Education Week Dinner on Friday, 30 May.

These prestigious awards honour individuals and teams who exemplify the values and mission of Catholic education through their dedication, leadership, and service. Chosen from a remarkable group of 15 nominees across the Diocese, this year’s winners have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering faith, community, and excellence.

Congratulations to the following 2025 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Winners –

Carmel Hanley, Lumen Christi Primary School Delacombe, Principal
Nominated for: SCHOOL AS COMMUNITY

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

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

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

You can click on the name to read the full nomination.

Their contributions reflect the core principles of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035—Deeper Collaboration, Networked Local Innovation, and Collective Autonomy and Agency—and serve as an inspiration to all within our Catholic education community.

We commend all nominees for their outstanding work and thank them for the positive impact they continue to make in the lives of students, families, and colleagues.

We proudly congratulate our 30 Years of Service to Catholic Education Award recipients for their unwavering dedication and faithful service to Catholic education - your commitment inspires us all.

To learn more about the winners and their inspiring stories, please visit the DOBCEL website.

Let us continue to celebrate and support those who embody the true spirit of Catholic education.

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Showcasing our Catholic Schools in Action

Living His Passion: Trinity College Colac Student Performs in Memphis!

We are proud to congratulate Charlie, a talented Year 11 student at Trinity College Colac, who has taken a short break from the classroom this week for an extraordinary reason - to perform in Memphis, Tennessee, the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

Already gaining recognition locally as an Elvis tribute artist (and soon internationally), Charlie made the most of his trip with a special visit to Graceland, honouring the King of Rock 'n' Roll in true style.

This is a remarkable milestone in Charlie’s journey as a performer, and a true celebration of passion, talent, and dedication. As a school community, we are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and can’t wait to see where his music takes him next.

This remarkable experience is not only a testament to Charlie’s talent, but also reflects the heart of Catholic education, nurturing the whole person, encouraging students to follow their passions, and using their gifts to inspire others.

Celebrating St Alipius Parish School Students – Bound for Broadway!

We are thrilled to congratulate the talented students from St Alipius Parish School who have been cast in this year’s Bound for Broadway production, presented by BCMA.

This vibrant junior production is a celebration of imagination, adventure, and the joy of musical theatre - and our students are bringing it to life with incredible energy, teamwork, and creativity.

A special congratulations to the following performers:

  • Emily Wilkie – Young Simba

  • Lupita Guzzoni Kaval – Jojo

  • Mack Hannaford – Wickersham Group 2

  • Miah Ryan – Baloo

  • Violeta Guzzoni Kaval – Horton

  • Asha Romein – Zookeeper Zeke

  • Sophie Wilkie – Alex

  • Aubrey Jones – Sebastian

  • Riley Weir – Ensemble

  • Ivy Micallef – Ensemble

Their commitment to the arts reflects the values at the heart of Catholic education - nurturing the whole person, encouraging self-expression, and fostering community through shared experiences. Through performance, these students are developing confidence, compassion, and a strong sense of identity - gifts that will serve them well both on and off the stage.

Featuring much-loved songs like Hakuna Matata, Under the Sea, and Alone in the Universe, Bound for Broadway is a colourful, one-hour show for the whole family to enjoy.

Congratulations to our students and the school community - we are so proud of the way you continue to live out the spirit of Catholic education through creativity and collaboration. Click here for ticketing information. 

Celebrating St Joseph’s Primary School's Inspiring Eisteddfod Journey

Today, the students and staff of St Joseph's Primary School, Red Cliffs, especially the talented Marimba band and their dedicated leader, Mrs Winders, took to the stage to compete in the band section at the Mildura Eisteddfod.

After weeks of hard work, creativity, and commitment, the students performed with enthusiasm and skill. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them for sharing their gifts and representing their school with such passion.

This wonderful experience is a true reflection of the values of Catholic education - encouraging students to strive for excellence, support one another, and use their talents to bring joy and inspiration to the community.

Congratulations to the entire Marimba band and Mrs Winders!

Emmanuel College France Study Tour 2025

Emmanuel College’s recent 19-day Language and Culture Tour of France was an unforgettable experience for 22 students and 3 staff, who explored five cities while immersing themselves in French life, language, and history.

The tour began in Colmar, where students quickly bonded and confidently navigated their new surroundings. A highlight was the homestay with families from Lycée St André, our sister school, where students experienced daily life, attended classes, shared meals, and formed lasting friendships. A visit to Europapark and the historic city of Strasbourg added excitement and cultural depth to the homestay experience.

In Paris, students visited iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Versailles, and soaked in the beauty of Monet’s Gardens at Giverny. In Normandy, they reflected on WWII history at the Caen Memorial, D-Day beaches, and the American Cemetery. The journey continued through Saint-Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, and Bayeux, where the tapestry brought medieval history to life.

Throughout the tour, students demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and joy. From mastering the Paris Metro to dancing at a French “boum”, they embraced every challenge and opportunity. They returned home with stronger language skills, deeper cultural insight, and memories to last a lifetime, proudly representing Emmanuel College at every step.

This story was supplied by Julia Smith, Languages Coordinator, Emmanuel College, Warrnambool. 

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Nexus Rollout – Group Communications Update

As we begin the exciting rollout of the Nexus Platform, we will be sharing the communication schedule and implementation plan, tailored to each school group across DOBCEL.

This structured, group-based approach is designed to ensure every school receives timely updates, training opportunities, and ongoing support throughout the transition.

As previously communicated, the initial pilot phase — involving the CEB Office and a primary school will allow us to refine our delivery model. Based on the outcomes of this pilot, we will proceed with a group-by-group rollout, ensuring a smooth and well-supported implementation for all schools.

More information will be provided during the Diocesan Leadership Gathering Teams meeting next week where we will deliver important communication in relation to the process, proposed school rollout groups, support mechanisms, and timelines.   It would be beneficial to invite your Business Managers and Administration staff currently using SAS2000/ SchoolEdge to this part of the DLG meeting to ensure they are also briefed on the upcoming program.

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Expression of Interest: Power to Kids in Schools Program - Applications Closing This Friday!

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.

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People and Development Updates

Did you know that Sunday, 1st of June marked the Global Day of Parents?

We value the wellbeing of our staff and their families, which is why we want to remind you of the Converge Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  - your confidential and professional support service available at no cost to you.

Whether you're returning to work after parental leave, navigating the teenage years, or simply trying to encourage healthier habits in your home, Converge offers expert resources to guide and support you.

Explore the Parenting Content Series on the Converge App

Inside the Converge app, you'll find expert insights tailored to help you with:

✔ Returning to work after parental leave

✔ Talking to teenagers about mental health

✔ Surviving the ups and downs of teen life

✔ Understanding and supporting neurodivergent kids

✔ Setting social media boundaries

✔ Encouraging healthy habits (yes, even veggies!)

For Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing access (See below our organisational code for appointment bookings)

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Social Justice Update: Laudato Si' - World Environment Day

Image Source: This work was generated using Canva Magic Media. Any copyright subsisting in this work is owned by DOBCEL.

“You are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens but also as followers of Christ! Respect for the environment means more than simply using cleaner products or recycling what we use. These are important aspects, but not enough.

We need to see, with the eyes of faith, the beauty of God’s saving plan, the link between

                the natural environment and the dignity of the human person.”                                          

 (Pope Francis address: Meeting with Young People, Santo Tomás University, Manila, Jan. 18, 2015)

This year I encourage you to celebrate World Environment Day in your school communities through prayer and action, aspiring to respond to the following Laudato Si’ Goals:

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform goal of Response to the Cry of the Earth invites us to protect and restore our common home, recognising the interconnectedness between the well-being of the planet and our own. This includes addressing issues like the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, pollution, and ecological sustainability. The goal encourages us to take action through various means, including promoting sustainable practices, reducing our carbon footprint, and advocating for policies that protect the environment. 

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform goal of Response to the Cry of the Poor invites us to actively address the suffering of the poor and vulnerable, promoting justice and compassion. This includes defending human life, promoting the dignity of all people, and seeking solutions to issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, especially as they disproportionately affect marginalized communities. 

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform goal of Ecological Spirituality invites us to recognise the spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world, and to respond to this connection with love, respect, and a renewed commitment to care for creation. This involves acknowledging the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.

Take action:

To express gratitude for the gift of creation, you can start by simply being present and observing the beauty around you. A small action, like planting a seed or turning off the lights when leaving a room, demonstrates responsibility for the environment and all living things.

  • Appreciate the beauty of nature: Take a moment to truly look at the world around you, whether it's a tree, a bird, or a flower. Notice the details, the colors, and the wonder of it all.
  • Express gratitude: Offer a prayer or a thank you to God for the gift of life and creation.
  • Reduce your impact: Make conscious choices to reduce your environmental footprint, such as using less plastic, conserving water, or recycling.
  • Make a pledge: Commit to a small, specific action you can take regularly, like planting a tree or volunteering for a local environmental cause.
  • Educate yourself and others: Learn about environmental issues and share your knowledge with others.

By taking these small steps, you can show your appreciation for the gift of creation and your responsibility to protect it.

Let us Pray: 

“Creator God, we give thanks for the gift of your creation,

For the beauty and wonder of this world,

And for the preciousness of all living things.

We hear the cry of the Earth,

The cries of the poor and marginalised,

and the plea of our common home.

Grant us, Lord, the grace to respond to this call with compassion and action.

Open our hearts to the needs of those who suffer

from environmental damage and social injustice.

Help us to recognise that these two cries are intertwined,

and that caring for creation is inseparable from caring for the poor.

   Inspire us to embrace an ecological spirituality, 

a way of life that is rooted in awe and wonder for nature

and a deep sense of responsibility for its well-being.

May we find joy and peace in the natural world,

and be inspired to act as stewards of God's creation.

Give us wisdom and courage to make choices that support sustainability,

promote justice and heal our planet.

Help us to create a world where all can live with dignity

and where our common home is preserved for generations to come.

We pray that our actions may be an answer to the cries of the Earth

and the cries of the poor,

and that we may be a blessing to all creation.

Amen."

Laudato Si’ Partners News:

Term 2 News from ResourceSmart Schools -  ResourceSmart School Term 2 Newsletter

Upcoming Key Social Justice Dates:

World Environment Day - Thursday 5th June 2025

World Oceans Day - Sunday 8th June 2025

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - Tuesday 17th June 2025

World Refugee Day - Friday 20th June 2025

NAIDOC Week - Sunday 6th to Sunday 16th July 2025

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - Wednesday 30th July 2025

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Catholic Identity and Mission Updates

IN THE SPIRIT OF LAUDATO SI' - FORMING ECOLOGICAL LEADERS IN SCHOOLS
In our upcoming professional learning session, we ask, 'How can educators inspire ecological leadership rooted in faith and justice?' This online session for AC+ subscribers explores how to form leaders who care for our common home, drawing on the vision of Laudato Si’. 

Speakers
Sue Martin 
is a passionate education and engagement manager delivering ecological and spiritual solutions that connect people to place, currently working as an Ecology officer at Australian Jesuits. Experienced across government, schools and NRM, she lives by the Jesuit motto ‘faith doing justice’ and leads locally as chair of Cattai Hills Environment Network and vice president of NSW’s Environmental Education Association.
Alice Carwardine works in the mission and formation team for the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Oceania Province. She previously worked as the Catholic Earthcare Coordinator for Caritas Australia. She enjoys spending time running professional development and retreats for staff, as well as workshops and retreats for students on the topics of Laudato Si' and integral ecology.

Join us Tuesday 17 June, 4.30–5.30pm AEST.

Book here.

MYSTICISM: PROFESSIONAL LEARNING RECORDING AND RESOURCES

The Australian Catholics Education Hub offers a range of resources to support educators to help students connect with God and wonder at the good news of Jesus' divinity. Catholicism is not just a system of thought – it’s a sacramental, mystical tradition that speaks to the heart and the head. We hope you find this recent Professional learning session recording and accompanying notes helpful to inspire wonder, nurture encounter and, open up the fullness of faith, for your students. 

In the Spirit of Laudato Si' - forming ecological leaders in schools

Mysticism: Professional learning recording and resources

Catholic Theological College Online Information Session - Monday 16 June

Catholic Theological College is running an online information session on Monday 16 June at 7pm (AEST). 

In this session participants meet the course advisors and learn about study options at CTC, including the wide range of courses and units that be undertaken online and/or face-to-face.

Please click here to view the flyer and registration information. 

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Wellbeing Updates

Central Highlands New RR Schools Induction 

The Central Highlands Respectful Relationships team will be hosting a half-day induction session for Catholic and Independent schools on Wednesday, 25 June from 9.30am - 12.30pm. Location Mackillop and Glowery Room 3 Lyons St South Ballarat.  Attendees will have the option of attending face to face or online (via webex). 

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the Respectful Relationships curriculum, covering the "what, why and how" of the RR initiative. It will support participants to understand more about what drives Family Violence, how it can be prevented and how this relates to the Respectful Relationships initiative in schools.  
 
Schools are encouraged to attend as an RR team. Please share this forms link to each person planning to attend so we have accurate details for all participants. 

Out of Home Care 

Session NameDesignated 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: 

  • the experience of children in Out-of-Home Care
  • attachment and trauma theory
  • the requirements of the Out-of-Home Care Education Commitment (The Partnering Agreement)
  • the importance of culturally responsive schools
  • the role of Department Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)
  • the role of the Designated Teacher
  • the role of LOOKOUT Centres.
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 NameLearning 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: 

  • Out-of-Home Care
  • trauma theory and the impact of trauma on children
  • the requirements of the Out-of-Home Care Education Commitment (The Partnering Agreement)
  • the importance of relationships in the school context
  • the importance of culturally responsive schools
  • the role of the Learning Mentor
  • the role of LOOKOUT Centres
Registration 

 Term 2, 2025 

11th June – online, 90 minutes (register here) 

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  

Social behaviour – Data Support:  

A tiered approach to data collection for behaviour and wellbeing  

Wednesday June 18th Ballarat (Venue TBC) Trybooking Link 

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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

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 

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 

PRIMARY NEWS

PRIMARY LEADERS OF LEARNING – Session #2 Recording

Thank you to those who attended Session #2!

Below, you'll find all links for this session (Wednesday 28 May)

📽️Session #2 Recording

📝Presentation Slide deck PDF

🎯Intention Setting Slides (feel free to make a copy for your use if you'd prefer)

🔗Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Poster

🌐EEF - Effective Professional Development Website

💬Session #2 Feedback (leads to link to PL certificate)

If you'd like to chat through your goal or anything further after viewing the recording, you're most welcome to connect with one of the presenters or your local Education Officer: Learning & Teaching.. We’d love to touch base and support you further on your leadership journey.

⭐Please feel free to register ahead for PLoL Sessions 3 + 4

Term 3 PLoL - Wednesday 27 August

https://www.trybooking.com/CZCUU 

Term 4 PLoL - Wednesday 22 October

  https://www.trybooking.com/CZCUX

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

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 now LIVE!

Story Shelf website is now live and ready for your school to access ahead of Term 3!

It’s easy, free, and 13 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.”
- Tristan, St Alipius, Ballarat East -

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

Story Shelf is a user-friendly website and is NOW LIVE!

Via the website, schools are now able to:
- Browse selection of books that are available
- Connect with other schools
- Arrange their own book exchanges
Perfect timing to help plan for Term 3!

Click here to access Story Shelf (and be sure to bookmark the page!)

It's not too late 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 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.

SECONDARY NEWS

This term the English Curriculum Project (ECP) has moved into looking at the practical implications of elements of explicit instruction in an English classroom. The two sessions this term have focused on lesson design and also the limits of explicit instruction; the moments where a novice learner becomes an expert learner and needs to have access to open ended tasks in order to demonstrate independent thinking and voice. 

Our Forum this term will take place on the 26 June and will be an opportunity for teachers to share and discuss explicit instruction in their own classes. You can sign up for this session here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IxhJ-A6PS8Wzmg8vsqlehg

We have also built some excellent networks within the ECP and so if you have a question about an element of teaching or would like to ask someone in a school setting how they are approaching something, just let Kirstin know (kirstin@kirstinbourne.com) and she is happy to put you in touch with someone who can share with you.

VCE English Catholic Network

Our VCE Project (VECN) has had excellent levels of engagement across the website and the online live sessions. The most recent sessions for analysis of argument were particularly well received and resulted in additional resources being developed in response to requests. We will be releasing our resources for teaching texts for Unit 4 within the next week. If you are in the network, you will have a notification when they arrive. We have also enabled the discussion function on the website and so feel free to use this if you would like to chat with colleague across our network. 

For further details on joining the ECP and VECN, please contact Ingrid May, Learning and Teaching Education Officer (Secondary) on imay@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

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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 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)
  • Principal – St Joseph’s, Coleraine – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closing 1 July 2025)

  • Principal – St Joseph’s, Penshurst – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closing 1 July)

School Vacancies

  • 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)
  • Mathematics Teachers – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 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)
  • Generalist Teacher – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term at 0.48 FTE (closes 27 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)
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