Weekly Newsletter #61 - 2 July 2025

Reflection: An End of Term Blessing

As the term comes to a close we take time to contemplate all that has been. Here is an end of term reflection that speaks of blessing. May we grow to know more deeply the presence of God in and amongst all our communities, revealed in and through our work and experiences this last term.

This Day We Say Grateful
A Sending Blessing

It is a strange thing
to be so bound
and so released
all in the same moment,
to feel the heart
open wide
and wider still
even as it turns
to take its leave.

On this day,
let us say
this is simply the way
love moves
in its ceaseless spiraling,
turning us toward
one another,
then sending us
into what waits for us
with arms open wide to us
in welcome
and in hope.

On this day,
in this place
where you have
poured yourself out,
where you have been
emptied
and filled
and emptied again,
may you be aware
more than ever
of what your heart
has opened to
here,
what it has tended
and welcomed
here,
where it has broken
in love and in grief,
where it has given
and received blessing
in the unfathomable mystery
that moves us,
undoes us,
and remakes us
finally
for joy.

This day
may you know
this joy
in full measure.

This day
may you know
this blessing
that gathers you in
and sends you forth
but will not
forget you.

O hear us
as this day
we say
grace;
this day
we say
grateful;
this day
we say
blessing;
this day
we release you
in God’s keeping
and hold you
in gladness
and love.

- Jan Richardson

From the Executive Director

As we come to the end of what has been a long and demanding Term 2, I want to thank you for your continued commitment to our schools and students. An 11-week term is always a big ask, especially with so much illness circulating across communities and I know it hasn’t been easy. Your efforts, resilience, and care for one another and your students is deeply appreciated.

A quick reminder that the DOBCEL 2035 Survey remains open. If you haven’t yet had a chance to complete it, please do take the time. Your input will help shape the direction of Catholic education across our Diocese in the years to come. It’s a 20-minute investment that will make a real difference.

On a personal note, I’ll be taking some leave from now until the beginning of Week 2 in Term 3. Ann and I are heading to Europe to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, a milestone we’re both very happy and grateful to reach. During my absence, Megan Ioannou will be Acting Executive Director – our schools are in capable hands with Megan and I know she’ll be well supported by our wonderful team. 

Wishing you all a restful and refreshing break ahead and I look forward to returning re-energised in Term 3.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

Nexus Rollout – DOBCEL’s Implementation of Aurion for HR Core and Payroll Management

Strategic Need

DOBCEL’s workforce comprises a diverse mix of teaching and non-teaching staff. Managing this complexity requires a HR and payroll solution that is:

• Accurate in handling varied roles and employment conditions.
• Flexible enough to support casual and ad hoc arrangements.
• Compliant with evolving education sector and regulatory requirements.

Why Aurion Was Chosen
Aurion was selected to meet DOBCEL’s workforce management needs due to its education-sector-specific capabilities and compliance features.

Key Functional Capabilities
• Multi-Role Support: Ensures staff working across roles or locations are paid correctly.
• Pro-Rata Calculations: Automatically applies for mid-year starters.
• Leave Accrual Accuracy: Differentiates between term and non-term time.
• Flexible Payments: Supports casual, task-based, and short-term engagements efficiently.

Compliance & Transparency
• Legal Readiness: Aligns with legal and industrial award obligations.
• Audit-Ready: Simplifies compliance reporting and oversight.

Benefits for Staff & Schools
• Timely & Accurate Pay: Fewer errors, reduced manual intervention.
• Operational Efficiency: Payroll staff spend less time managing payroll intricacies.
• Employee Self Service: Ability to update details, view sick and annual leave balances and apply for leave.

User Acceptance Testing will be commencing early August with an expected go live date in Mid-October.

Reminder: Release of Stage 1 of the New SIMON User Interface

We would like to remind schools that Stage 1 of the new SIMON User Interface will be released on Wednesday, 16th July, after 5pm. This marks the beginning of a new era for SIMON, as we embark on a journey to enhance the user experience with a series of updates over the next 12 months.

To acknowledge the initial release of this development, the versioning of SIMON will move to version 4, with the release version number moving to 4.25.2.0

We encourage all schools to continue trialling the new UI and to communicate this critical change to their staff. Details and instructions are below; your feedback and engagement have been crucial as we transition from the legacy interface to the modern and efficient experience.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the SIMON team and the schools that have been instrumental in managing this change. Your efforts have been invaluable in making this transition as smooth as possible.

This first release is just the beginning. Each subsequent release will bring further improvements and updates, ensuring that SIMON remains at the forefront of educational technology. We look forward to working closely with schools as we evolve and enhance the SIMON experience.

What’s New in the SIMON UI:
• Streamlined workflows – get more done with fewer clicks
• Clear, powerful data visuals – insights at a glance
Unveiled at the May User Conference, the new experience is shaped by user feedback and tailored to support everything from classroom management to high-level decision-making.

Haven’t switched to or tried the new UI yet?
Check out the Nexus New UI Presentation to learn:
• How your SIMON Administrator can enable the new UI
• How to give all users access to it
• See also our introduction to the new user interface, SIMON Knowledge Hub New User Interface.

What’s Next:
All schools will transition - The old UI will no longer be accessible.
The official switch to the new UI will occur on July 16th 2025, after 5pm with version v4.25.2.0
Action Required:
It’s crucial to inform your school community now. Demonstrate the new UI and ensure everyone knows about the upcoming permanent change. Early preparation will make for a smooth transition.

Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration.

Reminder: DOBCEL 2035 Survey – Our 2025 Baseline

We have launched the DOBCEL 2035 Survey, marking an important milestone in our shared journey towards the future of Catholic education across our Diocese. 

Important note: The survey will be open until the end of Week 1 in Term 3.

This survey will form our 2025 baseline. It will give us a clear picture of the current landscape across our schools and help us measure our progress in relation to the DOBCEL 2035 Strategy.

What you need to know:

• It will take about 20 minutes to complete. We understand that this is a commitment, but the insight you provide is vital to our long-term planning. Your considered responses are deeply valued.
• The survey will be open until the end of Week 1 in Term 3
• The survey can be accessed via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25-DS2035
• All teaching staff and education support roles are encouraged to respond.
  
• Principals of RI/MP JP schools are invited to share the link with their staff and encourage them to complete the survey.
• The survey uses four response options: strongly disagree, disagree, agree, and strongly agree. There are no neutral choices, and each question requires a response. Please answer as honestly and thoughtfully as you can.
• All responses will remain confidential.

A flyer is available to help promote the survey within your school:

Please print and display it in staff areas to help spread the word and encourage participation.

We understand that some of the questions – such as how many students attend your school, or how far away the nearest Catholic, government, or independent school is, can feel frustrating to answer, especially when this information is already known.

These questions are included so that the researchers can apply consistent rules when analysing the data across a wide range of school contexts. Please keep this in mind when responding. All responses are important and need to be included for the data to be fully and constructively analysed.

Thank you for your contribution. Your input matters and is deeply valued. The data gathered through this survey will help shape our direction and evaluate our success in the years ahead.

Showcasing our Catholic Schools in Action

Bringing Italian to Life Through Creativity and Culture at Sacred Heart

This term at Sacred Heart Primary School - Mildura, students have embraced the joy of learning Italian through fun, hands-on activities that celebrate both language and culture. From counting with colourful pasta to building mini Colosseums out of Nutri-Grain, students explored Italy’s rich heritage in imaginative and engaging ways.

These creative classroom experiences reflect the heart of Catholic education - nurturing curiosity, cultural appreciation and a genuine love of learning. 

Bravo to all the young linguists at Sacred Heart and their dedicated educators for bringing Italian to life this term!

History Comes Alive at St Mary's Ararat

Students in the Junior Learning Community at St Mary’s Primary School, Ararat were recently transported back in time through an exciting History Box incursion. This hands-on experience sparked curiosity and wonder as students explored artefacts, dressed in historical clothing, and discovered stories from the past.

Through engaging learning like this, Catholic education continues to nurture a deep sense of inquiry, connection, and appreciation for those who came before us. A meaningful way to link the past with the present- and inspire thoughtful learners for the future!

Speech Pathology Work Experience for Grace from Loreto College!

This week we welcome Grace Barr, a Year 10 student from Loreto College, who is completing her work experience with Catholic Education Ballarat. Grace is spending Monday to Wednesday with CEB Speech Pathologist Miranda Pearse to learn more about the role of speech pathologists in schools.

During her time with Miranda, Grace has visited several schools including St Columba’s (Ballarat), Lumen Christi (Delacombe), St Thomas More (Alfredton), and St Patrick’s Primary School (Ballarat). She has had the opportunity to observe speech program training, Foundation speech screening, and speech pathology assessments.

We hope this experience has provided Grace with valuable insight into the role speech pathologists play in supporting students' learning and communication.

Content written by Miranda Pearse. 

It's wonderful to see DOBCEL providing students with valuable work experience opportunities, allowing them to engage with real-world learning and gain insights into the workplace.

Through time spent with our Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) staff, students are not only learning practical skills but also experiencing the supportive environment that underpins Catholic education.

Important Update: Instagram Posts to Become Searchable on Google

From 10 July, Google will begin indexing Instagram posts, making them searchable via Google search results. This is an important change for all school communities to be aware of, particularly when it comes to managing digital content and student privacy.

Schools are encouraged to review their Instagram accounts, especially:

• Older or forgotten posts that were not intended for a wider public audience

• Photos of students that may not align with current media release permissions

• Content that could appear out of context when viewed in search results

Instagram has introduced a new “Searchability” setting that allows users to opt out of having their posts indexed by search engines. It may be worthwhile advising your school’s communications or social media teams to review this setting and update it as needed.

If you need assistance in managing these changes or updating your school's social media settings, please contact Marketing and Communications Manager, Ruth Appleyard at rappleyard@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Parish Updates and Information

After consultation with the priests and parishioners of the parishes involved, as well as the Council of Priests of the Diocese of Ballarat, a number of parishes have now joined together. Details are as follows:

• The Parishes of Ballarat North, Beaufort and the Cathedral will become Ballarat Cathedral Parish.
• The Parishes of Linton, Redan and Sebastopol will become Holy Trinity Parish, South West Ballarat.
• The Parishes of Ouyen, Robinvale and Sunraysia will become Saint Anne and Joachim Parish, Sunraysia.

Yarra Theological Union and/or Catholic Theological College

Please consider the sponsorship opportunity for studies through the Yarra Theological Union and/or Catholic Theological College. The Therese D’Orsa Mission Education Bursaries are now open for applications, but please note the tight deadline (Friday 11 July) for submissions. Click here to view the flyer. 

Student Involvement - Speaking to Country and Art submissions

Catholic school students from all across Australia are invited to contribute to the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference through contributions through Speaking to Country recordings and Art submissions.

1. Speaking to Country recorded submissions

Schools are invited to create a short (less than 15 seconds) Speaking to Country in collaboration with their local Traditional Owners. These contributions will be edited into a film that may be included in the Welcome to Country led by Yidinji Elders.

Recordings must be submitted by 25 July 2025.
Access criteria, submission form and media consent form here.

2. Student Art Submissions on our theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’

School communities are encouraged to support student participation in an artistic reflection on our conference theme, ‘hope, anchored in faith’. Students can submit creative works—visual art, photography, sculpture, music, or film—that explore our conference theme and key areas of focus - Faith, Excellence and Access. Selected artworks will be displayed in the conference Chapel.

Submissions must be received by 25 July 2025.
For more information download the full criteria and entry form.

Download teacher preparation/student reflection powerpoint

2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference

The Countdown Is On!

We're counting down to the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference, from 20–22 August at the Cairns Convention Centre! With the theme ‘Hope, Anchored in Faith’, the conference will explore Catholic education through the pillars of Faith, Excellence, and Access.

The program features inspiring keynote speakers, including Sr Nathalie Becquart, Prof Dylan Wiliam, Dr Steve Constantino, Dr Simon Breakspear, and Dr Jordana Hunter, with Philippa McDonald as MC. Sessions will cover Catholic identity, teaching, leadership, community engagement, and resourcing. We look forward to welcoming you to this national celebration of Catholic education and leadership!

Watch the video message from Executive Director, National Catholic Education Commission Jacinta Collins, Bishop of Cairns, Joseph Caddy AM and Executive Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns Durm O’Riordan.

Click here to register!

People and Development Updates

People and Development - Professional Learning Opportunities 

The following people and development professional learning opportunities are available for staff to attend. 

Latest Updates and Resources from Converge (DOBCEL Employee Assistance Program)

Stay connected with Converge by exploring the latest updates, articles, resources, podcasts, videos and more all curated by Converge Mental health and Wellbeing experts.

• Wellbeing Articles
• Converge Wellbeing App
• Flourish E-Magazine
• Thrive Podcast
• July to Sept Wellbeing Calendar

A reminder of the available resources for all DOBCEL staff through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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

Learning and Teaching Updates

The Teaching Excellence Program - Staff Professional Learning Opportunity

Applications open until 10 October 2025.

The Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) enables highly-skilled teachers to advance their capability and confidence for exemplary teaching.

TEP2026 is fully funded by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership and is a 10-month professional learning program for highly-skilled teachers, aimed at supporting and challenging them to become even better teachers. In many cases there is also additional funding available for CRT coverage, travel and accommodation if school meets regional or rural location criterion.

Program benefits –

• Invest in yourself: reflect, grow and reinvigorate your love of teaching.
• Elevate your practice: learn how to use more evidence-informed practices to help achieve the best outcomes for your students.
• Grow your network: connect with passionate teachers across Victoria from government, Catholic, and independent schools. Establish lifelong connections with other Academy alumni after graduation.
• Unlock further growth: become eligible to apply for the Teaching Impact Fellowship. As a teacher fellow, you receive funding to design and implement an improvement project at your school to transform teacher practice and student learning.

TEP is open to highly-skilled teachers with a minimum of three years’ teaching experience from the government, Independent and Catholic sectors, including those teaching in alternative settings.  

Graduates of previous TEP program report that their teaching skills have improved, and their enthusiasm for the profession has grown. They also report the TEP has ‘inspired and invigorated them’, ‘revitalising’ them and reigniting their joy around teaching, with 84 % of 2023 TEP participants saying the program had a ‘significant impact’ on their students' learning outcomes.

Program Structure

Over one school year, teachers are expected to engage with and contribute to:

• orientation session (online)
• conference (1 day) in Melbourne
• discipline days (4 days) in Melbourne
• Teaching Excellence Learning Communities (TELCs) days (4 days). These are place-based (closest Academy location: Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Melbourne, Mildura, Moe, Shepparton).

The breakdown of time per term (based on 2025 program) is expected to be –

Term 1 – 4 days

Term 2 – 2 days

Term 3 – 2 days

Term 4 – 2 days

More information on the program can be found at here  or to speak with someone please contact the Teaching Excellence Program Coordinator on 03 8199 2900

Early Career Teacher Professional Learning - Term 3 2025

*SAVE THE DATE*

EARLY CAREER TEACHER RETREAT - Halls Gap

Wednesday 13^th - Thursday 14^th August

This retreat experience is designed for all teachers in their first, second and third year of their career. Content is organised on a three-year cycle ensuring participants are offered formation in a sequential and systematic way.

The event is designed to nurture and nourish the spirituality and wellbeing of our early career teachers. There will also be a formation component to the experience as participants will explore themes related to the Jubilee Year theme, Pilgrims of Hope such as pilgrimage, hope, journey and transformation. The retreat is invitational.

As part of the retreat, investigation will also take place regarding the deep connection between The DOBCEL Strategy 2035 and how the strategy is underpinned by the Catholic story and vision.

Venue: Country Plaza Halls Gap, 141 Grampians Road, Halls Gap Vic 3381
- Catering will be provided.

- Accommodation at the venue to be organised by the school.

Booking Link:  https://www.trybooking.com/DASUR

ACER is pleased to offer a series of webinars targeted to schools using, or about to use, the PAT Progressive Achievement suite online.   

For further information refer to ACERS’s School Engagement Events Brochure. Link here

Webinars Term 3:

1. PAT interviews: ACER leaders discuss PAT. Wednesday 23 July 4pm AEST (30 minutes) Click here for registration.
2. Understanding PAT Norms Wednesday 20 August 4pm AEST (30 minutes) Registration link https://acer.ac/patnorms25
3. New assessment: PAT Maths 5th Edition Thursday 28 August 4pm AEST (30 minutes) Registration link ac/newmaths
4. Analysing and interpreting ACER’s reports for linear assessments Wednesday 3 September 4pm AEST (45 minutes) Registration link ac/linear25
5. Analysing and interpreting ACER’s reports for adaptive assessments Thursday 4 September 4pm AEST (45 minutes) Registration link ac/adaptive25
6. What’s new in the PAT Teaching Resources Centre: resources, navigation and more! Wednesday 10 September 4pm AEST (45 minutes)

 Registration link acer.ac/newpattrc25

Flare Literacy Leader Coaching Sessions - Term 3

ALL Guided Literacy Improvement School Lit. Leaders, please register by end of Term 2

We highly recommend that, where possible, Principals attend these sessions alongside their Literacy Leaders.

Phase A Leaders Thursday 24^th July 12pm – 3pm – register here

Phase B Leaders Friday 25^th July 12pm – 3pm – register here

Phase C Leaders Friday 1^st August 12pm – 3pm – register here

All sessions will be online via the Flare Zoom link (on home page of Flare Website)

Flare Literacy Leaders’ Forum – Term 3

Friday 22^nd August 10am – 3pm – register here

All Literacy Leaders, Principals and Teachers are welcome to register for our Term 3 Literacy Leaders’ Forum.

This event is not phase-specific and is applicable to Guided and Self-Guided Literacy Improvement schools.

The agenda for this event includes:

• What’s happening in our schools?
• Literacy ‘quick wins’
• Classroom observations and feedback
• Sharing resources
• Flare Primary Literacy 2026

This session will be online via the Flare Zoom link (on home page of Flare Website)

Expression of Interest - UFLI Professional Learning 

Following the recent Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) Forum, a number of schools have expressed interest in participating in UFLI professional learning. If there is sufficient interest across the diocese, we have the opportunity to host regional workshop/s with a certified UFLI trainer.

To help us gauge demand and plan accordingly, please complete the Expression of Interest form via the link below:

👉 Click here to complete the form

For further information please email Julie Cooper jcooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Story Shelf 

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

Upcoming English Curriculum Project - Term Three Dates

We’re excited to share the upcoming English Curriculum Project events for Term Three. These sessions are designed to deepen professional learning, enhance curriculum planning, and support classroom practice:

• Seminar Five: Re-visiting Reading
  Thursday 7th August
   Explore updated strategies to support reading comprehension and fluency across the secondary years.
   Register here
• Seminar Six: Using and Teaching Non-Fiction Texts
  Thursday 28th August
   Dive into strategies for teaching non-fiction in engaging and meaningful ways.
   Register here
• Forum Three: Professional Conversations and Resource Sharing
  Tuesday 11th September
   An opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share classroom strategies and resources with colleagues across the network.
   Register here

For questions or contributions, contact Kirstin directly at kirstin@kirstinbourne.com or Ingrid May (DOBCEL) imay@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Wellbeing Updates

SWPBS Update

Wow some exciting things happening in the SWPBS space!

SRC (Student Representative Council) – developed their feedback acknowledgment systems this term.

Representatives from Foundation to year 6 co designed the Feedback and acknowledgement system and launch this term. 

Go Lucy and the Team :) 

Feedback / Acknowledgement  

Year 5’s students from St Patrick’s  Stawell had a professional learning day last year  

St Patrick’s year 5’s designed and built their feedback and acknowledgement.  

Commendations Process & Badges 
This term, they launched the commendation aspect of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework. While we continue to expect students to engage positively in our school spaces, we’re also placing strong emphasis on recognising and celebrating these behaviours through praise and specific feedback.

Look at St Colman's, Mortlake new and revamped Matrix!  

Following on from Shiralee Poed Professional Learning Day – St Colman's audit and consulted with all stakeholders and created a fresh look Matrix – Well done St Colman's  

 Out of Home Care Notification 

Upcoming surveys in Term 3  

Students in Out-of-Home Care (OoHC) are a priority cohort across our Diocese. We are committed to ensuring that all available supports are in place to foster a strong sense of belonging, promote engagement, and enhance learning outcomes.  

Schools will be contacted to complete an online data survey. This is a twice-yearly collection of data relating to the education status of students in formal statutory OoHC, conducted externally of CEB. The data is collected via an online survey. Data collection occurs in Term 1 and Term 3, looking back on the previous semester.  

Schools are verified through data matching and are emailed via the school email address with a personalised link to a web-based home page with a list of student IDs for their school. Each student ID is linked to a survey. There is a feature for schools to report on additional students that were notified about as being in formal statutory OoHC or believed to be in OoHC.  

Data collection will include  

• enrolment at the school or Flexible Learning Option 
• attendance 
• First Nations status and Cultural Plan 
• Learning Mentor 
• Student/Program Support Group 
• Education Needs Analysis 
• Individual/Personal Education Plan 
• DHHS notification 
• suspensions 

To support schools to monitor your own student OoHC data, a template has been developed to utilise and adapt as required.    

For further information, checklists, and resources, please visit the OoHC SharePoint. Note: See your Learning Diversity Leader for your school’s SharePoint username and password  

To assist schools in adopting a whole-school approach to supporting students in OoHC, a checklist has been developed and can be adapted to meet your school's specific needs and is available here 

Please reach out to the student wellbeing team if you have any clarifying questions or seek further information: 

Anne Ruddell (Senior) aruddell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  

Brooke Nestor  bnestor@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  

Jane Bennett jbennett@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Monique Ryan monryan@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Deepfake support for schools

The rapid proliferation of generative AI and so-called ‘nudify’ apps is resulting in an alarming surge in ‘deepfake’ nude images in Australian schools. 

When school leaders or staff become aware of incidents involving AI-generated or digitally altered intimate images of students or staff shared without consent – whether via social media, messaging apps, school networks, or stored privately on devices – it’s critical they take action. 

Download the guide for schools 

Download the guide for schools 

Professional learning: Navigating the deepfake threat 

In Term 3, eSafety is running a professional learning session on AI-assisted image-based abuse: Navigating the deepfake threat. 

Tuesday 5 August, 3.45pm - 4:30pm (AEST) 

Or  

Thursday 4 September, 3.45pm - 4:30pm (AEST) 

Register now 

Social media age restrictions 

The Australian Government is protecting young Australians at a critical stage of their development, through world-first social media age restrictions. 

Part 4A of the Online Safety Act 2021 introduces an obligation on age-restricted social media platforms to prevent children under 16 years from having accounts on their services, by December 2025. This obligation is one part of a broader strategy to create safer digital spaces for everyone. 

Watch the Commissioner's message 

Term 3 Professional Learning/Network Opportunities 

CENTRAL STUDENT WELLBEING/MHWL LEADERS NETWORK Monday, August 4th 8:30am-3pm St James’ P.S. 252-258 Albert St., Sebastopol. Register here 

 Southern Student Wellbeing/MHWL Leaders Network 

Monday, August 18th 9:30am-2:30pm St. Colman’s P.S. 28 Dunlop St., Mortlake. Register here 

MID-North Student Wellbeing/MHWL Leaders Network 

Thursday, August 21st 10am-2pm Horsham CEB Office 6A McLachlan Street   Register here 

North Student Wellbeing/MHWL Leaders Network 

Tuesday, September 16th 9am-2pm Our Lady of the Sacred Heart P.S. 18 Box St, Merbein Register here 

Secondary STUDENT WELLBEING LEADERS NETWORK 

September the 18th Online - further details to follow 

Primary  STUDENT WELLBEING LEADERS NETWORK 

September the 11h Online - further details to follow 

Respectful Relationships 

We invite all Student Wellbeing Leaders and Religious Education Leaders to explore and build capacity to deliver Fullness of Life for All: Relationships & Sexuality Education AND Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) in your school. Wednesday 6 August 10am - 3pm Location: TBC Register here 

From our team to your team: have a great break

Thanks to all our Student Wellbeing / MHWL and SWPBS Leaders who have continued the great work this term. Your efforts in organising programs, providing guidance, and being a listening ear are invaluable. Thank you for your tireless dedication to our school communities. Your work enriches the lives of many, and we are deeply appreciative of all that you do.  

The Student Wellbeing Team at DOBCEL hope you all have a great break, and we look forward to working with you all in Term 3. 

Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025

Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) - Melbourne 2025

ACYF will take place in Melbourne from Sunday, November 30 - Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This national event brings together young Catholics (Year 9–25 years) for three days of faith, fun, and community. The Festival includes prayer, Mass, talks, concerts, workshops, games, and more.  Watch this video of invitation from Archbishop Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evbj5eFg3HM.  There is an opportunity of sponsorship from the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Foundation for pilgrims attending the Festival.  If you’re interested in going, please contact your school or local parish office.  Learn more at www.ballarat.catholic.org.au or scan the QR code below.

ACYF Resources to assist schools

Home - Australian Catholic Youth Festival Melbourne 2025

Resources - Australian Catholic Youth Festival Melbourne 2025

An invitation to the 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival - YouTube

2025 NATSICC Assembly “Pilgrims of Hope”:  September 29 - to October 3 in the Hunter Valley, NSW

This will be a gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics from across the country, brought together by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC). It will be a sacred and Spirit-led Assembly that offers a rare opportunity for deep listening, cultural exchange and shared faith.   

Running alongside the Assembly is a dedicated Youth Assembly, where young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics will come together to build faith, leadership and form a National Youth Ambassador Network to feed into NATSICC’s important work. 

Everyone is welcome - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics and those walking alongside Australia’s First Peoples in our Church. 

Click here for more information. 

Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community

Catholic Education Ballarat Vacancy

• Speech Pathologist – fixed-term position at 0.5 FTE (closes 13 July)
  

Principal Vacancy

• Principal – St Patrick’s, Port Fairy at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 July)
  
• Principal – St Malachy’s, Edenhope at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 July)

School Vacancies

• Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 July)
• Business Manager – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0FTE (closes 4 July)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – Siena Primary School, Lucas – casual position (closes 4 July)
• Performing Arts/Music Teacher - St Columba’s Primary School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 0.67 FTE (closes 4 July)
• Humanities Teacher – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 July)
• Teaching Opportunities and Positions of Leadership 2026 – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing teaching positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 July)
• Learning Support Officer – Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Wendouree – fixed-term position at 0.79 FTE (closes 11 July 2025)
• Classroom Teacher – St Columba’s Primary School, Ballarat North – fixed term position at 0.8 FTE (closes 14 July)
• Grounds & Maintenance Assistant – St Joseph’s, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 July)
• Maintenance & Facilities Manager - St Joseph’s, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 16 July)
• Learning Support / Teacher’s Aide – Siena Catholic Primary School, Lucas – fixed-term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 18 July)
• Casual Relief Teacher – St Augustine’s, Creswick – casual position (closes 18 July)
• Instrument Tutor – Piano – Damascus College, Mount Clear – fixed-term position at 0.4 FTE (closes 18 July)
• Classroom Teacher- Foundation - St Joseph’s, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 August)
• Classroom Teacher – Year 5 - St Joseph’s, Warrnambool – fixed term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 August)
• Casual Relief Teacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Swan Hill – casual position (closes 30 September)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s Primary School, Ballarat North – casual positions (closes 25 November)
• Classroom Teacher 2026 – St Mary’s, Warracknabeal – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 December)