Weekly Newsletter #67 - 27 August 2025

From the Executive Director

Last week, I was privileged to join colleagues from across the country at the Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns. More than 1,400 Catholic educators and leaders gathered under the theme Hope, Anchored in Faith, with an inspiring program of keynote speakers, workshops and panel discussions. The conference provided a rich opportunity to reflect on our shared mission, explore the challenges and opportunities facing Catholic education, and strengthen our collective commitment to faith, excellence and equity. A piece featuring highlights from the conference is included in this week’s newsletter below.

I would like to remind all Primary School Principals of the importance of engaging with Flare Primary Literacy in preparation for 2026. Flare is a cornerstone of our DOBCEL 2035 Strategy, supporting all five pillars and offering schools clear pathways to strengthen literacy outcomes. I ask that you complete the engagement form by this Friday 29 August, to enable the Flare team to set dates and communicate them in a timely way.

I also want to acknowledge the deeply challenging time being experienced in some of our communities following recent tragic events involving police. We keep the families and loved ones most directly affected in our thoughts. Below you will find a prayer for peace and healing, which I encourage you to share in your schools and use as a source of strength and solidarity during this difficult time.

Finally, I encourage you to read the following article, How Education Must Adapt in Today’s Rapidly Changing World, by Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate. He reminds us that as social, cultural and technological shifts reshape the landscape, education must be courageous in responding to change rather than retreating from it. This is an important provocation for our work as we seek to equip students for the future with wisdom, resilience and hope.

With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director 

A Reflection For This Week

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”  John 14:27

God of Comfort and Peace,
We hold in our prayers and hearts the police officers who were shot in Porepunkah, while serving the community.
We pray for their families, colleagues, and all who carry the weight of this tragedy.
Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, help us bring healing where there is injury,
courage where there is fear,
and compassion where there is sorrow.

We give thanks for all who serve to protect and care for others, especially first responders.
May their commitment and service remind us of the sacredness of life
and our shared responsibility to create everlasting peace.

Situations such as this can lead us to feeling we can’t do very much to help those who are suffering or to change what has taken place. In our own lives and contexts though, we can do something very powerful. We can create peace and love.

God of Hope, help us grow Your peace.
Where violence breaks lives, help us sow seeds of healing.
Where division grows, help us plant unity.
Where despair lingers, help us awaken hope.

Let the transformative power of peace and love begin with us,
And may it flow outward from us to all creation,

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

Amen.

Diocesan Prayer

To mark the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat in 2024, Bishop Paul Bird composed a special Anniversary Prayer. Following a request from the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Bishop Paul has now adapted this prayer to serve as an ongoing Diocesan Prayer. We encourage its use throughout the diocese as a unifying expression of faith and community.

Copies of the prayer card have been posted to schools. There also an A4 version of this prayer for display. If you would like additional printed copies of the prayer card or a copy of the A4 prayer, please contact the Pastoral Ministry Office pastoralministry@ballarat.catholic.org.au. Both prayers are also available to download from the diocesan website https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/prayer-for-the-catholic-diocese-of-ballarat/

Diocesan Liturgical Commission

Australian Catholic Education Conference 2025

The 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns brought together more than 1,400 Catholic educators and leaders under the theme Hope, Anchored in Faith. The gathering was an inspiring opportunity to share ideas, strengthen collaboration and reflect on the future of Catholic education.

Sr Nathalie Becquart, Under-Secretary for the Synod of Bishops, opened the conference with a keynote on synodality and shared leadership in the Church. Professor Dylan Wiliam challenged us to rethink assessment practices, offering practical insights on using assessment to support learning. Dr Simon Breakspear explored how schools can simplify complexity and focus on strategies that create real impact, while Dr Steve Constantino highlighted the power of authentic family and community engagement.

Together, these voices encouraged us to be bold, adaptive and faith-centred in leading Catholic education into the future. You can see some images from the conference below.

Collective Autonomy and Agency – Andy Hargreaves

Last week, Pasi Sahlberg, Dave Runge and Professor Andy Hargreaves worked with a group of middle leaders as part of The Beating Heart of Educational Transformation program. Professor Hargreaves joined the session online, sharing insights on “leadership from the middle” – an approach that empowers educators at all levels to lead collaboratively and turn challenges into opportunities. 

The group had a robust discussion around Collective Autonomy and Agency, led by Andy Hargreaves. Linked below is an edited transcript from the session, which highlights the importance of collaboration and our collective professional judgement.

One excerpt from the transcript summarises the discussion in the following words:

Aurion Payroll Implementation Update

The Centralised Payroll Team, together with representatives from our Secondary Schools, has been working closely with the Aurion implementation team through a series of training sessions over the past few weeks.

Training Resources
All sessions have been recorded, with supporting documentation to be made available in a centralised location for schools in the coming weeks.

Collaboration & Support
In response to school feedback, a networking forum will be established to enable sharing, collaboration, and peer support during this transition.

Training & Feedback Workflow
A clear workflow has been developed to capture and escalate all issues and feedback through our consultants at KPMG ahead of Go Live (see diagram below).

Next Steps
Further information on staff training in the Aurion portal will be communicated in the coming weeks.

SIMON Updates

New UI Navigation Webinar
Thank you to the 300+ staff who registered and the 205 who attended last week’s webinar. The session recording is now available in the Knowledge Hub: New UI Navigation Webinar

SIMON / Passtab Integrations Webinar
Join us on Thursday, 4 September at 10:30am for a detailed look at the SIMON–Passtab integration, including setup guidance for schools. Registrations are still open: Register Here

Training: SIMON as the Administration System
Group 3 training commenced this week, with the SIMON team visiting schools on-site to provide hands-on support. We now have 14 schools live on SIMON, with another 5 scheduled by week’s end. As your group is due to commence, expect further communication from SIMON to set up your school’s training time.

Business Central training also underway with Jordan and Dean supporting our school Business Managers (photo below).

Conferences
This week, SIMON will present and exhibit at the Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools Deputy Principals Conference and the Associated Catholic Colleges Conference. These are valuable opportunities to connect with schools across the sector and showcase our Nexus solution. Follow updates and photos via SIMON's LinkedIn.

Creative Acts: Artists and their inspirations

The State Library's latest exhibition, Creative Acts: Artists and their inspirations explores the timeless question: Where does creativity come from? and offers an insight in the unseen inner worlds of artists, to discover the intense, sometimes otherworldly forces that drive them to bring something entirely new into being.

One of the contributors, Dr Deanne Gilson is a Wadawurrung woman of Aboriginal and Australian/English descent from Ballarat, with an art practice spanning nearly forty years.

To learn more, visit the State Library's website. 

Red Tail Art Gallery

St Malachy's Edenhope has taken the opportunity to display all the artwork our students have worked on for the past year at the Red Tail Gallery. Our main focus was on nature landscapes such as aerial farm paintings and the Great Barrier Reef. We are so fortunate to have such a generous local gallery that allows us to show everyone in our close knit community the hard work our students put into their artwork. We would like to thank Mrs. Craig for all the time and effort she has put into helping unlock our students' creative potential, we couldn't have done it without her. Everyone is more than welcome to come to the Red Tail Cockatoo Art Gallery to see all the amazing artwork that is displayed there. 

Written by Milly and Lizzie 

Social Justice Update:

Laudato Si' - Signs of Hope on the Edge

Social Justice Statement 2025-2026

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2025-2026 Social Justice Statement was released on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The Statement titled “Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health” highlights the experience of people living with the challenges of homelessness and mental ill-health.  Each year since 1940, the Conference has released a statement for reflection and discussion ahead of Social Justice Sunday on a key issue in Australian society. 

The Ballarat Diocesan Social Justice Commission invite all to a Webinar in celebration of the launch of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2025-2026, “Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health” on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7.00pm – 8.15pm. The webinar will include an overview from Bishop Paul Bird CSsR and presentations from James Treloar, Senior Manager in Homelessness and Housing Support at CatholicCare Victoria, Michael Ryan, OAM, President of the Ballarat region of the St Vincent de Paul Society and Maria Noonan, CEO of St John of God Hospital Ballarat and Warrnambool.  Please register via the diocesan website - Social Justice Statement - Current - Diocese of Ballarat.  

The Statement and more information can also be accessed https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au

Laudato Si' Partners News

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

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

• Action: engage with this Creation Changemakers campaign
• Action: Art Competition with Catholic schools to promote - School Art Competition 2025 | Catholic Earthcare
• Action: Information about Season of Creation opportunities to share with the schools in your diocese - Season of Creation - CEO Comms.docx

Action: Sign and share the Gaza Pledge - https://www.caritas.org.au/act/peace/peace-in-gaza/

Term 3 Key Social Justice Dates:

Catholic Identity & Mission Updates

From now until 28 August, the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network is discounting the price of tickets for their national conference by $50.

Join Catholic educators, liturgists and musicians for Pilgrims of Hope, a national conference on liturgy and music, 1–3 October 2025 in Adelaide. Learn more and register at: pilgrimsofhope.com.au.

R U OK? Day

R U Ok Day

R U OK? Day is Thursday 11 September 2025 and is the National Day of Action, providing an ideal opportunity to engage staff and the wider school community with the values of R U OK? 

You can also encourage and support an R U OK? Culture every day of the year by having regular, meaningful conversations which builds trust and engagement within our communities.  

Learn more about the 4 steps of a RU OK ? conversation 

1. Ask R U OK? 
2. Listen with an open mind
3. Encourage action
4. Check in 

Here are some resources you may like to access for R U OK Day: 

• https://www.ruok.org.au/work
• https://www.ruok.org.au/education
• https://www.ruok.org.au/education#PRIMARYSCHOOLRESOURCES
• https://www.ruok.org.au/education#SECONDARYSCHOOLRESOURCES 

Professional Learning Opportunities

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

Student Wellbeing Updates

Student Wellbeing/ Mental Health & Wellbeing Leaders Network

The Mid-North SWB/MHWL Leaders met at St. Brigid’s Horsham for a Network meeting last Thursday where leaders showcased various initiatives which they are implementing - celebrating successes and challenges of the MHWL role. Lauren Broadbent from St. Patrick’s Stawell shared her renewed approaches to implementing SWPBS including streamlined data collection processes and explicit teaching of expected behaviours.

The meeting was followed by a walkthrough of St. John and Michael’s in Horsham lead by Mollie Murray where she outlined the schools “Real Schools” approach to Restorative Practice.

Bravehearts is an Australian child protection not-for-profit organisation, solely dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.

Educational Resources including lesson plans and activities can be found via this link.

Bravehearts Day is Australia’s longest-running child protection campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.

Further information about Bravehearts Day can be found on the Bravehearts Website

Term 3 Professional Learning/Network Opportunities 

Upcoming Wellbeing Priorities for 2026

Reflecting on your wellbeing priorities and the desire to strengthen your systems and processes for supporting student behaviour: 

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) offers a clear framework of structures and supports, provided there is a strong commitment to its implementation. 

What is SWPBS; 

SWPBS stands for School-wide Positive Behaviour Support. It's a P-12 Framework that schools use to improve student behavior, wellbeing, and academic outcomes by creating positive, safe, and supportive learning environments. It focuses on preventing negative behaviors and promoting positive ones through evidence-based strategies.   

SWPBS - Expression of Interest 2026 

Secondary Teaching & Learning Updates

English Curriculum Project — Seminar 6 

Using and teaching non-fiction texts 

When: Thursday, 28 August, 3:30–4:30pm (AEST) 
Where: Online (Zoom) 
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pP5OqTLxQLalww_dlY7WNQ 

Overview: In this session, we’ll explore effective approaches for selecting and teaching non-fiction texts across Years 7–10, with strategies you can implement. 

Primary Teaching & Learning Updates

Engaging with Flare Primary Literacy in 2026  

All primary schools have been asked to consider their Literacy pathway for 2026. Details can be found on the Ausust 13  Executive Director’s update. Engagement indication forms need to be completed  by THIS Friday 29th August. This timeline will enable the Flare team to set dates and share these with schools in a timely way.  

If you have any questions about Primary Literacy, please contact: 

Joe Ewing jewing@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 0429 985 460 or   
Emma Rutherford erutherford@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 0419 479 264 

Keyboarding

The Flare Team has recently explored many online typing programs that aim to support the development of keyboarding skills.   

Based on our research and exploration, our recommendation is 🔗Typing Club.   

If your school already uses something that you are finding to be effective, please continue to do so. There is no expectation that you change. 

About Typing Club 
Explicitly taught: Years 3-6 
Explored: Foundation - Year 2 (developmental and age-appropriate activities) 
Pro version: $3.40 - $6 per student (depending on licences) RECOMMENDED 
Free version available. 
Builds accuracy, speed, and correct finger placement in a structured, systematic and engaging way 

Next Steps 

For further information or support, please reach out to  

Belinda Chiswell Education Officer: Learning & Teaching
📧bchiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  
📱0484 641 997

Storyshelf

The DOBCEL Story Shelf is being used by more than 15 schools across the Diocese. It is helping teachers and students access class sets of novels for Years 3–6. A big thank you to the schools who have contributed so far!

More than 60 titles are now available on the website, and the collection continues to grow. 🔗STORY SHELF WEBSITE

• Schools looking to hop on board: Register your interest here to either borrow books or add to our collection!
  ✅Complete the form here: 🔗LINK HERE

• Schools already on board: If you’ve purchased new class sets recently, please update your information so they are available for other schools to borrow.
  📚Submit additional texts here: 🔗LINK HERE

Submissions for new and updated book sets are open until the end of Term 3, Week 7 ready for teachers to access and plan for Term 4!

Primary Literacy Leaders’ Forum

Last Friday, Literacy Leaders from around the diocese gathered online for another wonderful day of networking and collaboration. Thank you, particularly, to Bonita Silva (All Saints, Portland), Catherine Egan (St Mary’s, Hamilton), Christine Sherry (Sacred Heart, Mildura), Lisa Younger (Lumen Christi, Delacombe) and Jill Applegate (St Mary’s, Robinvale) for helping lead our day of learning.

As we announced at the end of the Forum, we will not be going ahead with this meeting format in the future. The reason for this decision is that we will be incorporating non-phase-specific Literacy Leader networking opportunities into the Primary Leaders of Learning (PLOL) events from now on. More information about upcoming PLOL events is included in this newsletter, so please keep a look out for this.

Please note that the phase-specific Literacy Leader Coaching events will continue. Literacy Leaders from Guided Improvement schools are expected to attend their phase events each term, and all Literacy Leaders are invited to come along if the content is relevant to them.

General Teaching & Learning Updates

Build Inclusive Learning Environments with Apple Technology – Ballarat Event

We ask all Ballarat region schools to consider this opportunity. Registrations have been low and wider engagement is required to ensure that this event proceeds.

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

Quick Links

General 

• Applications for 2026 School Community Improvement Grants open until 10 November:
  • Community Improvement Grant
  • Grant Application Form
• Country Education Partnership (CEP) will be hosting the Small Schools Forum on Friday, October 10th, in collaboration with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership: Register here
• 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

• UFLI Foundations Professional Learning – Ballarat

  Educators are invited to attend a full-day UFLI Professional session facilitated by Ashraf Samsudin, Specialist Education Consultant with SPELD Victoria on Monday 10 November from 9am-4pm at St James' Parish School, Sebastopol. $300 per person. Confirm your interest via this Google form . For further information, please contact Julie Cooper – jcooper@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  

• Upcoming English Curriculum Project:
  
  • Seminar Six: Using and Teaching Non-Fiction Texts
    Thursday 28th August, register here
  • Forum Three: Professional Conversations and Resource Sharing
    Tuesday 11th September, register here

• Assessing Reading Without Running Records & Text Levels
  Monday 1^st September 3.45pm - 4.30pm. This session will be online via the Flare Zoom link (on home page of Flare Website).

• Flare Phase A – Day 2 Online PL
  Friday 19^th September 9am – 2pm register here
  

• 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
  

• Free NAPLAN Data Professional Learning Sessions: view available sessions and make a booking here

• ACER PAT Webinars – Term 3: For further information click here

Career Opportunities

CEB 

• Psychologist – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 September) 

Principal Positions 

• Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Warrnambool - 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September) 

Schools  

• Teacher (Specialist) – St Michael’s School, Daylesford – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 29 August)
• 5/6 Classroom Teacher / Leadership – St Brendan’s Primary School, Coragulac – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 27 August)
• Library Officer & College Archivist – Loreto College, Ballarat- ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 1 September)
• Teaching Opportunities 2026 – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 1 September)
• Positions of Leadership – Marian College, Ararat – fixed-term positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 2 September)
• Senior Classroom Teacher – St Alipius Primary School, Ballarat East – fixed-term position, full-time preferred, part-time by negotiation (closes 3 September)
• Junior Classroom Teacher – St Alipius Primary School, Ballarat East – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 September)
• Classroom Teacher (Graduate) – Siena Primary School, Lucas – maternity leave replacement at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 September)
• Classroom Teacher – St Augustine’s Primary School, Maryborough – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 5 September)
• Business Manager – St Thomas More, Alfredton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 September)
• Digital Systems Coordinator – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 8 September)
• Librarian – commencing 2026 – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 12 September)
• Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s School, Ararat – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 15 September)
• Deputy Principal – St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballan – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 September)
• Commerce/Accounting Teacher – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September)
• English Teacher - St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September)
• Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Colac – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September)
• 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)
• Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s Primary School, Gordon – maternity leave replacement at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September)
• Specialist Teacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Ararat – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 22 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) 

Other Dioceses 

• Deputy Executive Director - Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns – (closes 3 September)