Weekly Newsletter #19 - 23 Jun 2021
Reflection
St Joseph the Worker
Pope Francis has proclaimed a “Year of St Joseph”, running from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021, with the theme: Show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
There are many dimensions to the life of St Joseph, of which we know little. Bishop Vincent Long of Parramatta picked up one of these dimensions in a recent reflection to mark this year in the Church’s calendar:
Have you ever imagined St Joseph as a migrant worker? Would he have taken with him as many tools of trade as he could carry when he fled with Mary and the child Jesus into Egypt? What would it have been like for him trying to find work in a foreign land to support his family? Would anyone help them, or would these ‘outsiders’ be exploited or left to fend for themselves?
Can we see in the faces of temporary seasonal workers the face of St Joseph, seeking work in a foreign land, trying to support his family? Can we see migrant workers as our sisters and brothers in need of our care? Can we welcome them into our homes, communities and churches and defend their dignity and rights?
The recent circuit-breaker in Victoria has highlighted the vulnerability of not only seasonal workers, but also workers in casual or ad hoc employment. They are the hidden victims of this pandemic. The instability of their situation has implications not only for their financial security but also their mental health. It is only right to turn to St Joseph the Worker to intercede on their behalf:
Silent and well-known carpenter of Nazareth, model of workers.
By the work of your hands, you contributed to the work of the Creator.
You earned your living, and you provided for the needs of the Holy Family.
Intercede for all workers, especially for the unemployed,
in the difficulties of their daily lives and in their anxieties for tomorrow.
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
may they use their strength and talents to make visible God’s new creation,
to offer a concrete service to society, and to earn wages worthy of their efforts.
With confidence and trust we make this prayer through Jesus. Amen.
From the Executive Director
ICON Announcement
I would like to advise, on behalf of the DOBCEL Board, that after very careful and deliberate discussions and discernment at our most recent Board meeting on 15 June 2021, the Board has made the decision to withdraw from the ICON project.
This decision is based on:
- the experience of six primary schools and one secondary school who have used ICON since 2018,
- we have worked in good faith with ICON staff to resolve many flaws in the eAdmin software and while some have been resolved many remain unresolved to our satisfaction,
- the particular needs of our many small, rural and remote schools, and
- our most recent Auditor’s report on all 56 DOBCEL schools, which outlined an increased level of risk for the Board should we continue with the roll out of ICON in our DOBCEL schools.
DOBCEL will continue in the spirit of solidarity to provide CECV with the data required of Federal Government, State Government and other regulatory authority reporting needs.
I would like to note that this has been a very difficult decision and it is with a great deal of reluctance that DOBCEL withdraws from this particular CECV initiative. However, the Board and CEB believe it is the right decision from the point of view of Catholic education in our diocese.
In Term 3, we will work on DOBCEL’s own IT strategy which will be based on the following key software packages: Synergetic, ELMO (HR & Payroll software) and SIMON. The Board and CEB is very keen to work with DOBCEL schools in fleshing out this strategy including how and when we will move our current ICON schools onto Synergetic and ELMO. I look forward to discussing this strategy with you at our Term 3 Leadership Gathering.
Australian Early Development Census
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is currently underway. I encourage our primary schools to participate in this important census. See further information.
Sr Luke Kenna
Sr Luke Kenna died peacefully on Sunday morning at St John of God Hospital, Ballarat. Sr Luke had a severe stroke during the week.
Sr Luke was a life time learner and educator. Her great strength in ministry was being with the more vulnerable. She taught in various schools in the Diocese including Ballarat East, Ballarat North, Robinvale, Wycheproof and Penshurst. Sr Luke also had extensive involvement at Centacare, Ballarat supporting children and teenagers with education while their families were often struggling with a range of life and family issues.
Sr Luke’s funeral will be held on Friday 25 June at St Alipius Church, Ballarat at 12.30pm.
Announcements
Murray McDonald – Lumen Christi Primary School, Delacombe
It is with regret that I inform you that I have accepted the resignation of Murray McDonald as Principal of Lumen Christi Primary School, Delacombe, effective at the conclusion of the 2021 school year (read the full announcement).
In his letter, Murray indicated that he believed that his retirement from Lumen Christi should coincide with the School’s Review and Validation, and he felt very affirmed by the evidence of the growth across all aspects of school life during his Principalship. However, now as the school would be planning for the next five years, it would be appropriate for “new eyes, new capabilities and new energy to be brought to the role for the important work ahead”.
On behalf of the Diocesan Education Community, I congratulate Murray on his forty-two year contribution to Catholic Education and wish him all the very best for the future.
A process to appoint a Principal for Lumen Christi will commence in the near future.
Anne Anderson – St Mary’s Primary School, Donald
I am very pleased to announce that Mark Maloney has agreed to accept the role as principal of St Mary’s Primary School, Donald for Term 3. This will allow Anne Anderson to take her well deserved Long Service Leave.
Mark Moloney was Principal at St Patrick’s Primary School in Koroit from 2001 to 2020. His career includes a Principalship at Sacred Heart Primary School in Casterton, Deputy Principal and teaching positions at St Thomas’ Primary School in Terang, and teaching positions at St Colman’s Primary School in Mortlake. During 2021 Mark has been a Mentor Principal in the CEB Principal Mentor program.
We look forward to welcoming Mark to the Interim Principal position at St Mary’s Primary School in Donald.
Lee Schlooz – Education Consultant – Southern Zone
Lee Schlooz, Education Consultant – Southern Zone, will be on Long Service Leave for the duration of Term 3. We are pleased to announce that Eugene Dalton has agreed to take on this leave replacement during Lee’s absence. Eugene has been Principal at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School in Warrnambool before taking Long Service Leave this year.
We wish Lee all the very best as he takes a well-deserved break and we welcome Eugene to CEB and look forward to working with him in this new role.
A reminder that if your school has new staff starting in Term 3, send their email address to Emma Newman to add to the Weekly Newsletter mailing list.
I wish everyone in all our school communities a restful holiday break. I am grateful, as always, for all that you do in these COVID times so that as partners in Catholic education and open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.
Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat
System Improvement Updates
Student Free and School Closure Days
Please find attached the notification template for school student free and school closure days (Word document). We ask that all DOBCEL schools please complete the template for Terms 3 and 4 this year and return to Sarah Quinn ASAP.
Intentions for school student free and school closure days in 2022 will need to be submitted by 3 December 2021.
Wellbeing
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)
The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Term 3 newsletter is now available.
Learning and Teaching
‘Introducing the EAL Curriculum’ Webinar Series
‘Introducing the EAL Curriculum’ webinar series episodes 1-4 are now available to view on CEVN. See further details on The HIVE.
NAIDOC Week 2021 – Heal Country! (4-11 July)
The theme of NAIDOC week this year invites all Australians to become more knowledgeable and active in regard to protecting this ancient and sacred country we call home. Heal Country! relates to our land, waterways and sites of significance as well as the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Visit The HIVE for details on how to join in the celebrations.
High Ground Q&A Session
CECV invites school staff to watch the Australian film High Ground and attend an online Q&A session with members from the crew/cast on Tuesday 27 July from 3.30pm - 4.45pm. Visit The HIVE for further information and for details on how to register. Registrations close on Friday 23 July.
Business Services Update
Compliance and Risk Management
Hazard and Incident Notification Tool (HINT)
The Hazard and Incident Notification Tool (HINT) will be used to record essential information about hazards and incidents including: what happened, when it happened, who was involved and the extent of any injuries or damage.
HINT will replace all other existing hazard and incident notification platforms currently being used by schools and CEB offices. All staff will have access to insert a hazard or incident occurrence. HINT will pre-populate staff and student details from within SIMON to help speed up the notification process. It will also introduce a simple tick box injury/illness classification process. The tool will make it easier and quicker for staff to complete notifications electronically, using their computer, tablet or mobile phone. Staff will be able to log into SIMON on campus or remotely to complete a hazard or incident notification. This will be particularly helpful for staff on yard duty, excursions, camps, tours or offsite sporting events.
Stage 2 of HINT development is almost complete and should be available by the start of Term 3. It includes the creation of a HINT incident/hazard notification follow-up section and SIMON sickbay pass integration.
If students have a medical plan for the dispensing of medication or administering of creams and it is routinely performed, then this is not inserted into HINT unless an episode or an incident warrants further medical intervention. Other treatments such as applying band aids and heat/ice packs or the student having a rest/quiet time in the sick bay may also be deemed minor and not require escalating to HINT. It will be the attending staff member (ie first aid administrator) at each school who will determine how minor the incident might be and whether it is a sick bay only recording or whether it warrants record tracking through HINT.
A HINT reporting feature is also being developed and will be available mid Term 3.
200 Years of Catholic Education Updates
June Newsletter
The 200 Years of Catholic Education June Newsletter (Edition 13) is now available. Congratulations to St Alipius Primary School, Ballarat East students for featuring in the national Faith in the Future student video.
Family Week – Celebrating 200 years of Catholic School families
8- 14 August 2021
Parents and carers are the primary educators of their children and are crucial partners in each student’s learning journey. Family Week is an opportunity for Catholic school communities to celebrate the contribution of families during our bicentenary celebrations.
Family Week recognises the significant contribution families have made to the foundation, growth and continuity of Catholic schools in Australia over 200 years.
Family Week will be held on 8-14 August, which coincides with the Feast Day of Australia’s First Saint, Mary MacKillop, who was a passionate educator and advocate for children and families.
This is meant to be a local school celebration and schools may choose a totally different activity, for example: a Family Mass, a Family Assembly for the whole school or by Year group, or a Family Picnic. Or, a school might decide to simply send out the Family Prayer card to all families or use one of the resources provided below.
Schools may also choose to celebrate the contribution of families at a time/date that better suits them.
- Suggested Activities & Events
- Newsletter Message template (Word document)
- Draw your family colouring page
- St Mary MacKillop colouring page (source Catholic Education Western Australia)
- Family Week Prayer Card (coming soon)
Please note all files are saved in the 200 Years Branding Folder – Family Week Materials, and can also be accessed via the 200 Years website Resource page.
Career Opportunities in the Diocesan Education Community
Principal Vacancies
- Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Red Cliffs, to commence Term 1 January 2022 (closes 28 June)
- Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Penshurst, to commence Term 1 January 2022 (closes 5 July)
- Principal – Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Warrnambool East, to commence Term 1 January 2022 (closes 12 July)
CEB Vacancies
- Psychologist – Ballarat office location, to commence Term 3 2021 – 1.0 FTE and ongoing position (closes 28 June)
- Education Officers : Learning and Teaching – 2 positions: Term 3 and 4 2021 LSL replacement position/ongoing position from Term 1 2022 – both 1.0 FTE (closes 28 June)
School Vacancies
- Teaching Positions 2022 – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – expressions of interest for 1.0 FTE and ongoing positions (closes 9 July)
- Timetable and SIMON Administrator – St Joseph’s College, Mildura – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 12 July)
- Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Hamilton – 1.0 FTE Week 3 of Term 3 until the end of Term 4 2021 (closes 12 July)
- Classroom Teachers – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – 3 Parental Leave positions: 1.0 FTE, 0.4 FTE, 0.6 FTE in Terms 3 and 4 2021 (closes 12 July)
- Assistant Principal: Learning and Innovation – Loreto College, Ballarat (closes 12 July)
- Assistant Principal: Faith and Identity – Loreto College, Ballarat (closes 12 July)
- Assistant Principal: Wellbeing – Loreto College, Ballarat (closes 12 July)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North (closes 31 July)
- Casual Relief Teachers – St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East (closes 10 December)
Around the Diocese
Our Diocesan Community (ODC)
The next edition of Our Diocesan Community (ODC) will be issued in July.
In looking at the way in which ODC is distributed to school families, DOBCEL has made the decision that schools will provide a digital edition of ODC to align with current practices of distributing information to parents (eg. electronic newsletters). A small number of paper copies will be forwarded to schools to be distributed as required.
This way of distribution balances school’s environmental sustainability responsibilities and reflects the leading communication method for parents. The value of this publication as a means of communication across the diocesan education community is important in sharing stories of the diocese and around the diocese.
We encourage you to send stories from your schools to odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au.
From Other Dioceses
NCEC Annual Report
The National Catholic Education Commission 2020 Annual Report is now available and highlights NCEC’s work in relation to education policy and advocacy, faith formation and religious education, governance and stakeholder engagement. The report also outlines our national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on all education sectors in 2020. A statistical snapshot of Catholic Education in Australia and a financial summary are also included.
Recruitment Opportunities in Other Dioceses
The following recruitment opportunities are currently available in other dioceses:
- Kildare Ministries – read the announcement about Jeff Burn’s retirement
- Catholic Education, Diocese of Wagga Wagga
200 Year Stories Sought by Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSVP)
This year as Catholic learning communties, we are celebrating 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. We know that without the dedication of school leaders, clergy and parents and carers, many of the schools that still exist in our country would not be thriving and providing quality education for our children today.
Many of you will have been educated in Catholic schools or you have chosen to send your children to Catholic school for a special reason. CSPV would love to receive your stories as part of the 200 years of Catholic Education celebrations. See further information here or email CSVP for details. Submissions close on Friday 30 July.
A New Hymn in Honour of St Joseph
Australian Marist Br Michael Herry has written a new hymn, One Quiet Man, inspired by Pope Francis’ proclamation of the Year of St Joseph. To listen to the song, please visit the Marist Music website. Br Michael can be contacted at michael.herry@marists.org.au