Weekly Newsletter #64 - 6 August 2025

Reflection – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Friday 8 August is the Feast of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary MacKillop led an extraordinary life. She was born on January 15, 1842, in Fitzroy, Melbourne, to Scottish immigrants Alexander and Flora MacKillop. She passed away on August 8, 1909, in North Sydney. Despite early financial hardships that led to what she considered an “unhappy” childhood, Mary’s life took a remarkable turn.

At the age of 18, she moved to Penola, South Australia, to work as a governess for relatives. During her time there, she crossed paths with Fr Julian Tenison Woods. Together, they established a school for underprivileged children. This initiative laid the foundation for the creation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, making Mary the founder of Australia’s first religious institute.

In 1871, a dispute with the Bishop of Adelaide led to Mary’s excommunication (the act of refusing to allow someone to be involved in the Church, especially the Roman Catholic Church, and not allowing that person to take part in the Sacraments). The following year, the Bishop reversed this decision, acknowledging Mary’s innocence. In a testament to her commitment, Mary journeyed to Rome in 1873/74. There, she secured the Pope’s approval for the rule of her Order, a significant achievement.

Under Mary’s guidance, the Sisters of St Joseph thrived. They embarked on a mission to provide education, especially in remote and rural Australia, (including in the Ballarat Diocese) also caring for orphans, and engaging in other charitable endeavours across the countryside. Despite facing challenges, Mary’s determination remained unwavering.

The Sisters of St Joseph continue Mary MacKillop’s legacy today. They serve the disadvantaged in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, Scotland, Ireland, and Peru. Her story resonates as a testament to the transformative power of determination education and compassion. Adapted from Diocese of Parramatta.

Here are some prayers and reflections that may be suitable to celebrate this amazing Australian woman, Australia’s first saint, in your school community this week:

Prayer and Reflections for Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day 2025

Acknowledgment:  https://www.marymackillopplace.org.au

From the Executive Director

This week, the DOBCEL Board had the opportunity to meet in Horsham and visit a number of schools in the region with Bishop Paul. These visits are always a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, seeing firsthand the commitment of staff, the joy of students, and the strength of our Catholic communities. There’s nothing quite like being in our schools to truly appreciate the impact of our collective work.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 Survey. Your insights and reflections will help guide our shared direction over the coming decade, and I’m grateful for your contribution.

I’m also looking forward to our upcoming Diocesan Leadership Gathering, taking place next week. It’s always valuable to come together with our Principals for focused discussions, shared learning and connection. I know our time together will be both productive and energising as we continue to support one another in this vital work.

With thanks for all you do,
Tom Sexton, Executive Director  

DOBCEL Strategy 2035 Update

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the DS2035 Baseline Survey. We are thrilled to share that we received responses from every school across our Diocese – a true reflection of our collective voice and commitment to shaping the future together.

The survey was designed around the pillars and practical principles of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 – this will be one of our key data points. The results have now been sent for independent analysis, and we look forward to sharing key findings with you.

Another key source of insight comes from the data collected at our Network Collaboration Days, where many of you participated in the ‘Grow and Let Go’ activity. This process offered a rich snapshot of the aspirations and challenges you see in our schools today.

What did we hear?

Across all zones, teachers highlighted a strong desire to grow areas such as critical thinking, student agency, emotional intelligence, real-world learning, wellbeing, and collaboration. At the same time, there was a clear call to let go of overly rigid curriculum structures, standardised testing pressures, excessive documentation, outdated pedagogies, and time-draining administrative burdens.

This collective wisdom is helping us build a sharper picture of what matters most to our people and where our system can grow. We will share more about the next steps in this process soon.

Thank you again for engaging so fully – your voice is helping shape our shared future.

Country Education Partnership

We are excited to announce that CEP will be hosting the Small Schools Forum on Friday, October 10th, in collaboration with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. This event promises to be an enriching experience for all involved, offering valuable insights and opportunities for networking.

Taking place across 8 live sites in Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Bendigo, Dunkeld, Geelong, Mildura, Moe, and Shepparton the Small Schools Forum will feature inspiring speakers and presentations from practicing small school principals. Attendees will have ample opportunities to connect with peers and delve into discussions on topics relevant to small schools. We will be announcing the full agenda soon.

We encourage all interested individuals to join us for this cross-sectorial event. Whether you come as part of a cluster or as an individual, your participation is invaluable.

Catholic Identity & Mission Updates

Professional Learning

Inhouse professional learning started off with a session facilitated by Bernie Tolan on Tuesday exploring some Church documents and their relationship to Catholic schools. More to come by viewing this site and linking in through the zoom at appropriate time. Please see future webinars with Monday 11^th coming up on ESCI scales: https://awakenings.ceob.edu.au/professional-learning

Vatican II - Keeping the Windows Open Webinar Series

Last night, Garratt Publishing commenced a 4-part series on the effect of Vatican II with the 3 forthcoming Tuesdays to continue the conversation. Our own diocesan priest Dr Kevin Lenehan, Master of CTC, contributed to this outstanding session. It’s not too late to join in and back track the first webinar with CI&M support. To learn more and register for free, visit garrattpublishing.com.au.

Social Justice Update

Laudato Si’ – International Day of the World's Indigenous People 
Saturday 9 August

Threaded throughout his encyclical, Laudato Si’, the late Pope Francis emphasised the importance of listening and learning from the wisdom of our indigenous brothers and sisters regarding environmental stewardship, knowledge which has been passed from generation to generation for thousands of years.

He acknowledged the crucial role of the world’s indigenous people in protecting the environment and their unique perspective on sustainable living. Laudato Si’ calls for authentic dialogue between indigenous knowledge and scientific research to find solutions to the climate crisis. 

This quote truly emphasises our late Pope's call for a reciprocal exchange of knowledge, where the wisdom of indigenous peoples is valued alongside scientific understanding. Laudato Si’ highlights the connection between the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, emphasising that environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalised communities, including indigenous populations. The encyclical encourages leaders to empower and consult with indigenous peoples and to recognise their traditional ecological knowledge.

The 9th of August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982. This International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, consider looking through your Laudato Si' lens, with the mind and heart of God. Let us converge on the importance of recognising and celebrating the rights, wisdom, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the face of the global environmental crisis and the need for a more inclusive and just approach to development. Seek to listen in order to better understand the world in which we live. 

Laudato Si’ Partners News

Jillian Hogbin, Caritas Australia, Diocesan Director, Ballarat, has shared some excellent information and valuable resources in relation to the conflict in GAZA.

Here are a few links that may be helpful for you and your school:

• A Prayer Service for Gaza - Primary (Primary Resource)
• Peace Prayer Service for Gaza - Secondary (Secondary Resource)
• A Prayer for Gaza (Parish/General)
• Urgent relief for survival in Gaza (Blog posted 30 July)
• FAQs - Gaza Crisis 2025.docx (updated 22 May)

https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/gaza-crisis/ (monitor for up-to-date stats and information)

For more information on the ResourceSmart Schools Photography Competition: ResourceSmart Schools Photography Competition.

In case you missed it last week, check out the latest ResourceSmart School’s Professional Learning Events for this term, open to all Victorian schools and stakeholders.

Term 3 Key Social Justice Dates

People and Development Updates

Deputy and Assistant Principal & Senior Leader Network Meeting

The Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leader network meeting for term 3 will be held online on Wednesday 20 August from 2:30 - 3:30pm.

The session will share details of the draft DOBCEL Staff Wellbeing Framework and allow for discussion time between peers.

Please register to attend here (nil cost).

This session is open to all Deputy and Assistant Principal and Senior Leaders across the Diocese.

For further information please contact Fiona Murphy or Janet Claassen.

Professional Learning Opportunities 

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

Student Wellbeing Updates

Respectful Relationship Student Forum Opportunity for Primary and Secondary Schools in the Central Highlands

The forum will emphasise fostering a positive mindset among students, encouraging them to become active bystanders who respect and uphold the rights of others. This initiative is based on the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum, specifically designed for Year 5 and 6 students, focusing on Curriculum Topic 8: Positive Gender Relations.

LOOKOUT Training Opportunities

These free training opportunities support staff working with young people in Out-of-Home Care.
Learning Mentor Training focuses on individual student support and practical strategies for the mentoring role.
Designated Teacher Training equips school leaders and staff with the knowledge to implement system-wide supports.

View and download the flyers below for full details.

Term 3 Professional Learning/Network Opportunities 

General Teaching & Learning Updates

Explore the latest opportunities for professional growth, support, and engagement. Click on the links in this section for more information on each offering and see the Quick Links below for more information on previously advertised opportunities.

NAPLAN Data Professional Learning

VCAA are offering workshops to support school analysis of 2025 NAPLAN data reports. The workshops and webinars are practical and intended to build staff capability in analysis and investigation of cohort, class and individual data reports. A variety of session types are offered:

• 5 hour webinar
• 5 hour face to face workshop
• Full day face to face session
• 1 hour online staff meeting session.

All options are free to schools.

To view available sessions and make a booking click here.

Build Inclusive Learning Environments with Apple Technology: Ballarat Event

We’re excited to partner with Apple Education for a one-day event focused on Building Inclusive Learning Environments with Apple Technology. Explore practical tools and accessibility features designed to support diverse learning needs. Learn how on-device machine learning, inclusive design, and built-in tools can help support every learner.

When: Thursday 18 September 2025
Where: Ballarat, Victoria
Time: 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (AEST)
Who should attend: Digital leaders, inclusion and diversity leaders, teachers, and school leaders.

Limited spaces available.
Priority registration is now open for DOBCEL schools.
Register here

For further information, contact Coby Reynolds creynolds@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Primary Teaching & Learning Updates

Assessing Reading Without Running Records & Text Levels
Monday 1st September 3:45 - 4:30pm

All schools are invited to attend an online presentation about why Running Records and the text levels provided by Benchmark Assessment Systems such as Fountas and Pinnell, PM and Alpha Assess, are no longer recommended for use and are being de-implemented by schools across the country. This presentation may be helpful for teachers, teams and schools who find it challenging to assess and report on reading without the support of text levels.

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

Please note that the presentation will not be recorded and you do not need to register.

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).

Primary Leaders of Learning – Term 3 Register now

The Primary Leaders of Learning (PLoL) network provides a space for primary school leaders to connect, collaborate, and share evidence-based teaching practices. This is an opportunity to engage in open discussions, stay updated on curriculum developments, and support one another professionally.

📅 Term 3 Session:
🗓 Term 3 – Wednesday, 27th August | 1:30 – 3:00 PM
🔗 Register for Term 3
💻 Delivered via VC (Microsoft Teams)

Term 3 Agenda:
✅ Developing professional learning
✅ Universal Design for Learning
✅ Curriculum updates

⭐Register ahead for Session 4 ⭐
🗓 Term 4 – Wednesday, 22nd October | 1:30 – 3:00 PM
🔗 Register for Term 4
💻 Delivered via VC (Microsoft Teams)

If PLoL participants would like to chat through your goals set in our Term 2 session, you're most welcome to connect with one of the presenters or your local Education Officer: Learning & Teaching.

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

Secondary Teaching & Learning Updates

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

Quick Links

General 

• Resources to celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week from 3-10 August
• 2025 CDF Father James Wall Bursary online application form. Seven $5,000 bursaries will support Year 10 students with leadership potential across academia, arts, sport, and community service. Eligible Catholic secondary schools may nominate one student
  

DS2035 – Stay Connected to the Strategy

• DOBCEL Strategy 2035 – Full Document (PDF)
• Strategy Portal – Resources, videos, and key messages.
• CIRP Page – Details and application form.

Catholic Identity & Mission

• Professional learning offerings will be updated via the following calendar link as they emerge
• National Liturgy & Liturgical Music Conference from 1-3 October in Adelaide – learn more and register at pilgrimsofhope.com.au 

• The Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be held in Melbourne from 30 November to 2 December 2025 for young people in Year 9 to age 25. Learn more and register at https://acyf.org.au/ 

Teaching & Learning – previously advertised opportunities

• Schools are advised to access VCAA resources to assist with familiarisation of the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0. The DOBCEL curriculum implementation timeline has been updated to reflect this latest information. Please note that both Mathematics & English A-D now sit separately in terms of final dates of implementation

• Victorian Teaching Excellence Program 2026: more info and registration

• Early Career Teacher Retreat – Halls Gap: a reflective and supportive retreat for teachers in their first three years. Taking place Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August, register now

• ACER PAT Webinars – Term 3: For Further information here

• Victorian Schools Garden Program Awards: more info and entry details

Career Opportunities

CEB

• Leader: Wellbeing - fixed term until January 2031 at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 August)
• Education Consultant – Southern Zone - fixed term until January 2031 at 1.0 FTE (closes 22 August)

Schools

• Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher Term 4, 2025 – St Colman’s, Mortlake – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 August)
• Year 7 & 8 Teacher – St Mary’s School, Robinvale – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 August)
• 5/6 Classroom Teacher – St Brendan’s Coragulac – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 August)
• EOI – Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura – ongoing and fixed-term positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 August)
• EOI – Learning and Community Leaders – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura - fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 August)
• EOI – Deputy Principal Position – Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura - fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 13 August)
• Director – Learning and Teaching – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 August)
• Teaching Positions – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 August)
• Student Extra-Curricular Activities Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 20 August)
• Applied Learning Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Transition Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Teaching & Learning: Reporting and Assessment Facilitator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Staff Professional Learning Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Senior School Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Pathways Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Learning Diversity Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• EAL Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Digital Wellbeing Coordinator – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader Science – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader Religious Education – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader Mathematics – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader Languages – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader Humanities – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader Health and Physical Education – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader English – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Curriculum Leader Arts/Technology – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Head of Campus – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Director of Wellbeing – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – POL Appointment (closes 20 August)
• Science Teacher 7-12 – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 22 August)
• 2026 EOI for all Subject Areas – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 22 August)
• Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s Swan Hill – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September)
• Casual Relief Teacher – Monivae College, Hamilton – casual position (closes 19 September)
• Casual Relief Teacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Swan Hill – casual position (closes 30 September)
• Volunteer Rowing Coaches – Damascus College, Mt Clear (closes 3 October)
• 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)