Weekly Newsletter #68 - 3 September 2025

From the Executive Director

As we move into the final fortnight of the term, I want to acknowledge and thank all staff for the dedication and commitment you continue to bring to your work each day.

With the weather starting to feel more like spring, there’s a welcome sense of renewal and energy in the air. Knowing that a number of schools have had significant absences due to illness, I hope this change of season brings a lift for you and your school communities as we head into the busy weeks ahead before the end of Term 3.

Last Friday, I attended the Ballarat Diocesan Secondary Principals meeting at Monivae. It was an excellent meeting with a wide range of discussion topics from AI use in schools to Psychological Safety for staff.

Today I attended the VCEA Consultative Committee meeting where we discussed issues of importance to all Catholic schools in Victoria.

I encourage you to continue engaging with our DOBCEL Strategy 2035, which sets the direction for the years ahead. The more we connect our everyday work to this shared vision, the more we strengthen our collective efforts as a system.

Thank you once again for everything you contribute to Catholic education across our Diocese.

With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director 

Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is a time that the Church, in ecumenical dialogue, offers to humanity a time to renew its relationship with the Creator and with creation, through celebration, conversion and commitment together.

In other words, the Season of Creation is the annual ecumenical celebration of prayer and action for our common home.

Here is an experience that may be a suitable prayer for staff during this month.

National Child Protection Week in Victoria – 7–13 September 2025

Theme: Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action 

National Child Protection Week is a vital time for schools to reflect on and strengthen how we safeguard children. This year’s theme, “Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action,” reminds us that while dialogue is essential when it comes to raising awareness, challenging harmful norms, and sparking new ideas and real change is only possible when we turn those conversations into meaningful action.  

This week provides a focused opportunity to embed conversations into actions. 

Ready-to-Use Resources for Educators 

• NAPCAN’s Resources Hub  – Access posters, tip sheets, and downloadable materials tailored for Child Protection Week 2025- primary and secondary resources
• Kids helpline – Abuse and safety resources for schools- Primary and Secondary Resources
• Catholic Education Sandhurst – Includes whole school information, information for newsletters, social media posts, prayer, podcasts and more.  

Supports for students and families: 

• 13YARN - an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line offering confidential yarning with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellors. Phone 139 276, 7 days, 24 hours.
• Kids helpline- Resources on what is abuse and what students can do if they’re unsafe. 
• Beyond Blue Beyond Blue has an online youth mental health service. It has online chat, forums and phone counselling. Phone 1300 224 636, 7 days, 24 hours. 
• Parentline Victoria- 132289. Parentline is a phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 Years. They offer confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues.  
• Raisingchildren.net.au- The Australian parenting website for parenting resources and information.  

Suggested Activities: 

National Child Protection Week is more than a date on the calendar. It is a powerful reminder that every conversation with our students matters in the momentum of building school communities where children feel safe, supported, seen, and heard. 

Performing Arts Showcases at St. Francis Xavier Primary School

The St Francis Xavier Primary School community recently came together to celebrate the wonderful performing arts journey of every child. Over three special evenings, children showcased their growth with pride, demonstrating their skills in music, dance and drama.

At St Francis Xavier, showcase evenings are the equivalent of a ‘school concert’ and provide an opportunity for every child to apply their learning in performing arts to a new context and share their skills with family and friends. In addition to performances from both our junior and senior choirs, performing arts leaders and a selection of solo performances, all 22 classes shared their learning across the three evenings.

The collective efforts of St Francis Xavier staff ensured each evening was a success, and we extend our thanks to our dedicated staff for making this joyful, collaborative celebration of learning possible!

Applications closing soon – CDF Fr James Wall Bursary 2025

Don’t miss your chance: Nominate a Year 10 Student before 12 September 

Applications for the prestigious CDF Father James Wall Bursary close on Friday 12 September 2025.

Seven Year 10 students from Catholic secondary schools across Melbourne, Sale, Ballarat and Bunbury will each receive $5,000 to support their Year 11 and 12 studies. The bursary recognises students with strong leadership potential in areas such as learning, arts, sport, community service and social justice.

Each school may submit one nomination. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate and support the next generation of Catholic leaders.

For more details, visit the CDF Fr James Wall Bursary webpage or email events@melbcdf.org.au.

Catholic Identity & Mission Updates

Congratulations to Laura Avery, Chair of the DOBCEL Catholic Identity and Mission Committee, on her appointment as the inaugural Director of the University of Notre Dame Australia’s new Global Centre for Catholic Leaders. With extensive experience in Catholic education nationally and internationally, Laura brings a strong background in mission, policy, and leadership formation. In her new role, she will guide the centre’s work in supporting and forming leaders who are faith-driven, service-oriented and equipped to respond to the evolving needs of Catholic organisations.

Social Justice Update

Laudato Si' - Welcome to the Season of Creation

Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is marked through the Christian world from September 1st (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) through to October 4th (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy, awe and wonder of creation as well as encouraging awareness-rising initiatives to protect the natural environment.

Hope fuels action: through prayer, discernment and commitment we can create a foundation for prayer.

You are invited to join in celebrating a Mass Celebrating Creation, in Creation. Please see invitation below.

Live streaming information will be shared closer to the date.

A Via Creationis has been prepared for you to make use of in your own school setting. Please download the file before making any changes to the slides for your school use: Via Creationis - Season of Creation Prayers for Schools 'Season of Creation 2025'

Social Justice Statement 2025-2026 - Signs of Hope on the Edge

As we entered the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis reminded us that we are all “Pilgrims of Hope.” Let us be a Church that brings healing, dignity, and hope. Let us walk with those who are homeless and mentally unwell, not just as service providers, but as neighbours and friends.

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

New Gaza Resource

Our advocacy team have created a new solidarity action for parishes and schools.

As the humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza, one way for schools and parishes to show their solidarity with the people in Gaza and hope for their better future is to organise to make and fly kites. Kites have long been a symbol of hope in Palestine, including when Palestinian children set the world record with almost 15,000 kites flown in Gaza on 28 July 2011.

Kites in Solidarity Guide

Message from Catholic Earthcare

New! 10th Anniversary Laudato Si' Film

Marking the 10th Anniversary of this landmark encyclical, the film showcases and celebrates how Catholic communities across Australia live out ecological conversion and action! Look to see if any of your schools or parishes are represented: 10th Anniversary Laudato Si’ Film

Season of Creation – Creation Changemakers Campaign

Registrations are open for this year’s Season of Creation, Creation Changemakers Campaign. In line with the 2025 theme, “Peace with Creation”, schools are encouraged to create a ‘Garden of Peace’ – whether large or small – as a reflective space to care for and consider creation. 

Season of Creation – Art Competition

Entries are now open for the Season of Creation Art Competition! Keep an eye out from 15th September for the link to view and vote on the amazing student creations. Winners and finalists will be announced 26th September.

For more information about the Art Competition and how to enter visit: caritas.org.au/art-comp

Season of Creation – Dove template for Parishes

For this Season of Creation some parishes may engage in garden-based initiatives (e.g. peace garden, tree planting, reinvigorating gardens). Please feel welcome to share the Dove template from the Creation Changemakers Campaign with parishes, inviting them to incorporate the doves into their garden.

Term 3 Key Social Justice Dates:

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

Term 3 Professional Learning/Network Opportunities 

Term 4 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 

Happy Father's Day

Celebrate Father’s Day with SchoolTV’s Father’s Day Special Report! We encourage schools to share this report to support families and spark meaningful conversations at home. Schools can easily access the blurb and Special Report link through their SchoolTV dashboard and share it with their communities. For any questions about accessing your dashboard, please contact Jo Sheldrick at SchoolTV who will be happy to assist.

Teaching & Learning Updates

Primary Leaders of Learning (PLoL)

Thank you to those who were able to attend Session #3 of PLoL on Wednesday 28 August. We know how busy this short term is and we really appreciate you making the time to join us or letting us know if you weren't able to get there and are viewing later online! 

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

Leaders that requested the Maths tools have had these shared on Friday last week. Anyone viewing online who would like a copy for their school, please email Belinda Chiswell bchiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au  

Below, you'll find the Session #3 recording, slide deck, and other relevant professional readings and resources we explored together.  

Primary Leaders of Learning (PLoL - Session #3) 

📽️Session #3 Recording 
📝Presentation Slide deck PDF 
🎯Intention Setting Slides (feel free to make a copy for your use if you'd prefer) 
📅 Book a session for UDL follow up 
🔹UDL Resources – 1 
🔹 UDL Resources – 2 
🔹 UDL Resources - 3 
🔗Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)  
💬Session #3 Feedback (leads to link to PL certificate) 

BOOKSHELF - Thanks to Shandell for sharing some amazing resources

👂🏼 Mr Barton Maths Podcast 
🌐 Think Forward Educators 
📖 Mathematics for Human Flourishing 

⭐Please feel free to register ahead for PLoL Sessions 4 on October 22, if you haven’t done so already.  

Term 4 PLoL - Wednesday 22 October https://www.trybooking.com/CZCUX 

SAVE THE DATE: Early Career Teacher – Term 4 Check-In

📅 Tuesday 18^th November 2025 
🕑 2:15 – 3:15pm (online) 

All Early Career Teachers in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of teaching are warmly invited to join our Term 4 Check-In. 

This session will feature: 
✨ Educator Wellbeing Workshop - presented by Be You (Beyond Blue’s educator wellbeing initiative), focusing on practical strategies to support your wellbeing as an educator. 
✨ Peer Connection - time to connect with others at a similar career stage, share wins, highlights, challenges, and ways to overcome them. 
✨ Guided Reflection - a CEB-facilitated conversation to help you reflect on the year: What supports do you need to finish strongly? What should you consider as you look ahead to next year? 
✨ Optional 1:1 Support - the opportunity to connect directly with a CEB staff member if needed. 

A TryBooking link will be shared soon, but for now please mark Tuesday 18th November, 2:15 - 3:15pm in your calendar. 
There is no cost to attend. 

For any questions, please contact Julie Cooper or Samantha Meerbach. 

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
  

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/ 

Student Wellbeing

• 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 here

Teaching & Learning 

• Keyboarding – based on our research and exploration, our recommendation for a typing program that best supports development of keyboarding skills is 🔗Typing Club. Please reach out to Belinda Chiswell for further information
• Storyshelf:
  • Learn more and express interest here
  • Already on board? Submit additional texts here
• Build Inclusive Learning Environments with Apple Technology – Ballarat Event
  Explore practical tools and accessibility features designed to support diverse learning needs. 18 September from 8:45am - 3:30pm. Register here and contact Coby Reynolds for more information
• 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 . Contact Julie Cooper for more information

• Upcoming English Curriculum Project – Forum Three: Professional Conversations and Resource Sharing
  Tuesday 11th September, register here and contact Ingrid May for more information.
  

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

• Flare Phase B – Day 2 Online PL Monday 6^th October 9am – 3pm register here
• Flare Phase C – Day 2 Online PL Monday 27^th October 9am – 3pm register here
• Literacy Leader Coaching and Networking – Term 4
  

  • Phase A Leaders Thu 16th October 12pm – 3pm register here 

  • Phase B Leaders Fri 17th October 12pm – 3pm register here  
  • Phase C Leaders Fri 24th October 12pm – 3pm 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

• 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 26 September) 

Schools 

• 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)
• Pastoral Care Worker – St Thomas More, Alfredton – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 15 September)
• Deputy Principal – St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballan – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 September)
• Primary Teacher – Lumen Christi Primary School, Delacombe – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 September)
• Classroom Teacher – St James’ School, Sebastopol – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 September)
• Classroom Teachers – St James’ School, Sebastopol – 2 x fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 18 September)
• Classroom Teacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Colac – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September)
• 2026 Classroom Teacher – Early Years – Our Lady Help of Christians, Wendouree – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September)
• Learning Support Officer - Integration – St Patrick’s School, Stawell – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 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)
• 5/6 Classroom Teacher (Graduates encouraged to apply) – St Brendan’s, Coragulac – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 31 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)