Weekly Newsletter #70 - 17 September 2025

From the Executive Director

As we come to the final week of Term 3, I want to thank you once again for the dedication, professionalism and faith-filled service you bring to Catholic education across our Diocese. I hope the upcoming holiday break provides you with the chance to rest and return refreshed for the final term of the year.

Last Friday, I was privileged to attend the VCEA Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Recognition Dinner in Melbourne. This annual event is always a highlight, as we celebrate the achievements of students and the important role education plays in shaping not only their futures, but also the lives of their families and communities. You can read more about the event and view a gallery of photos in the article below.

This week, I’ve been in South Australia with James Merlino and Professor Elizabeth Labone from VCEA, visiting Catholic Education South Australia to discuss capital works funding and mechanisms. It was a valuable opportunity to see how things are being done in other jurisdictions and to consider the lessons we can take back home to strengthen our own planning and investment in facilities.

I also want to acknowledge the deep sadness around the recent decision to close Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Murtoa, at the end of 2025. Our priority now is supporting every child and family to continue receiving the high-quality Catholic education they deserve. We are deeply grateful for the 62 years of dedication, faith and learning at Our Lady’s, and will ensure that legacy is honoured and celebrated.

Thank you again for everything you have contributed this term. I wish you a safe and restful holiday break.

With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director 

St. Hildegard of Bingen and Season of Creation

Today is the Feast Day of St. Hildegard of Bingen. (1098–1179) Hildegard has been referred to as a ‘creation mystic’, since her writings are so comprehensive, dealing with the full breadth of creation. She was a Benedictine nun and is a Doctor of the Church. It is often said that Benedictine spirituality includes reading the book of the Scriptures and reading the book of creation. It looks out into the world and sees God’s activity there. The following quote from Hildegarde is an interesting one for us to ponder this Season of Creation.

Update - Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Murtoa

Please refer to the linked statement below from Executive Director, Tom Sexton.

Celebrating Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduates

On Friday 12 September, students, families and educators gathered at Rydges Melbourne for the 2025 Victorian Catholic Education Association (VCEA) Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Recognition Dinner.

This annual event is a highlight of the education calendar, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they complete their secondary schooling. This year, 206 students across Victoria were recognised, including 27 students from the Diocese of Ballarat.

The evening was beautifully organised by the VCEA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Party and featured a rich program of cultural recognition and words of encouragement. Wurundjeri Elder Mr John Terrick delivered a Welcome to Country, followed by inspiring addresses from Professor Elizabeth Labone and Professor Mark Rose, who each spoke about the importance of education.

DOBCEL Executive Director, Tom Sexton, was proud to attend alongside colleagues, joining in the recognition of the graduates and their families. The message shared throughout the night was clear: education is not only valuable for each individual graduate, but also has a lasting impact on families and communities for generations to come.

The booklet for the evening carried the proud message “VCEA welcomes the Class of 2025”, with a blessing prayer by Melissa Brickell 2008, NATSICC featured on the back page:

This was truly a night of joy and pride, honouring the resilience, talent and future aspirations of these young people.

Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Recognition Dinner

DS2035 Featured in Canadian Education Magazine

An article by education experts Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Dave Runge on DOBCEL’s Strategy 2035 has been published in the current edition of Principal Connections, a leading Canadian magazine for school leaders.

In the piece, Sahlberg and Runge explore how system strategy can be more than a static plan – instead, becoming a living expression of aspirations that drives continuous improvement, empowers sustainable leadership, and creates impact that is system-wide, future-focused, and enduring.

Principal Connections is published by the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario and reaches thousands of school leaders across Canada.

111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees & Jubilee of Migrants – Sunday, 5 October 2025

The theme for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which coincides with the Jubilees of Migrants and of the Missions, is “MIGRANTS, MISSIONARIES OF HOPE.” The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO), an agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has created online resources—including liturgies for primary and secondary schools, homily notes, prayers of intercession, stories, and interviews—to help celebrate this special day. Resources available at: https://acmro.catholic.org.au/wdmr/2025

Final Call: Apply Now for the 2026 Teaching Excellence Program

Applications are now open for the Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) 2026, a flagship professional learning opportunity through the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. Applications close on Friday 10 October.

The program supports highly skilled teachers to further enhance their practice, build professional connections, and access resources that have a lasting impact in the classroom.

In a short video testimonial, Sarah Slater – Student Leadership Coordinator and Acting Faculty Coordinator: English at Loreto College, and a participant in the inaugural TEP in 2022 – shares how the program has shaped her teaching, highlighting:

• Long-term impact on day-to-day classroom practice

• Access to practical, engaging resources

• Ongoing support through the alumni network

• Rich professional learning and connection with colleagues

Learn more here and listen to Sarah's testimony below.

DOBCEL-ACU PhD Cohort Initiative – EOIs Close This Friday

Following the recent presentation by Associate Professor Steven Lewis and Associate Professor Jessica Holloway at the DLG in Horsham, we are pleased to share the slides and Expression of Interest form for the DOBCEL–ACU PhD Cohort Initiative.

This is a unique opportunity for DOBCEL teachers and leaders to undertake a part-time PhD while continuing in their current roles. Research projects will align with Strategy 2035 and be guided by ACU’s leading academics. More detail can be found in the slides, with FAQs included on the EOI form.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by this Friday, 19 September 2025, to execdirector@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this inaugural cohort.

VCEA Accreditation Policy Update

The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) has released updated accreditation standards for staff in Catholic schools. These standards provide clearer requirements, roles and responsibilities, and expand the range of accreditable professional learning activities.

The updates take effect immediately and replace the previous Accreditation to Teach and to Teach Religious Education or Lead in Catholic Schools in Victoria.

School leaders are asked to share the updated standards with staff and access the support materials on CEVN.

Catholic Identity & Mission Updates

Priority Courses for 2026 – Sponsorship Applications Now Open

DOBCEL has identified the priority professional learning courses for 2026, with links and flyers now available online. These courses support teachers and leaders in meeting the VCEA Accreditation Policy requirements, particularly Level 2 Accreditation for those teaching Religion or holding leadership positions.

The programs provide valuable opportunities for theological reflection, formation, and deeper engagement with the Catholic tradition. Sponsorship is available, with enquiries and applications to be directed to sponsorship@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

Applications close Friday 31 October.

Full course details and application information can be found on the DOBCEL website. 

CTC Information Sessions for Studies in 2026

On Monday, 27 October 2025, various Course Advisors from Catholic Theological College (CTC) will be holding an online opportunity to learn about the range of courses and units that are offered. This provides a chance to ask questions as to what Graduate Certificate or Masters courses may entail.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Monday 27 October
Time: Commences at 7pm (AEST)
Location: Online (via Zoom). A link will be sent to registered participants on Friday 24 October
Registration: Registration is essential! Click here to register

Garratts Online PD

A Conversation with Chris Sidoti on Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel

Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (ACCCR) and Garratt Publishing are offering this opportunity to join Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti to discuss the events in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel and the questions of justice, human rights and accountability they raise.

Chris Sidoti is a member of the UN Human Rights Council’s International Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem and Israel. The Commission investigates alleged crimes committed during the conflict, with genocide among its critical areas of focus.

This month, the Commission released their latest report and Chris will share his reflections and insights on the events in Gaza, West Bank and Israel. The event will be moderated by Eleanor Flynn, Co-chair of ACCCR, and Sister Susan Connelly, a passionate advocate for justice, will respond to Chris’s presentation and draw out key threads for deeper discussion.

This event will be accredited for Category C - 1.5 Hours.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Thursday 25 September 2025
Time: 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm AEST
Location: Via Zoom
Cost: Free
REGISTER HERE 

Online registration is essential. Zoom meeting details will be forwarded upon registration.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) – Melbourne 2025

• The program has been released for the ACYF that will take place in Melbourne from Sunday, November 30 - Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Visit https://acyf.org.au/program/ and read the full media release linked below.
• Expressions of interest to attend are required by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 to guarantee your accommodation for the Festival. If you’re interested in going, please contact your school or local parish office.  
  
• A fundraising guide is available from the ACYF website for parishes to assist pilgrims with costs associated to attend the Festival
• Learn more at ballarat.catholic.org.au
  

Social Justice Update

Laudato Si' - The Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is a special time for us to come together to celebrate God our Creator and the gift of all creation. It is a chance to reflect, to grow, and to make a commitment to care for our common home. As part of the worldwide Christian family, we join with our sisters and brothers in prayer and action, working together to protect and cherish the world God has entrusted to us. 

This Season of Creation, you are invited to join in celebrating a Mass Celebrating Creation, in the Cathedral of Creation. Please see the invitation below. Please park in the Vale Street carpark located behind St James Parish Church and enter the school from the side entry. In the event of inclement weather, we will move into the Church for Mass.   

If you are unable to attend in person, you are most welcome to join us via livestream here.

If you’re unable to attend the Mass on Friday 19th September, a Via Creationis resource is available for use in schools. Please download the file before making changes: Via Creationis - Season of Creation Prayers for Schools 'Season of Creation 2025' (1).mp4 

We’d love to see how your community celebrates! Please share photos and a short description with spage@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.  

Laudato Si' Partners News

New Gaza Resource

The advocacy team at Caritas 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

Key Social Justice Dates:

Professional Learning Opportunities

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

Student Wellbeing Updates

There are precautions that we can take to prevent children seeing disturbing content online. eSafety has a range of helpful resources translated into several languages. 

For parents and carers  

• How to get started with parental controls  
• General online safety advice for parents 

For kids and young people  

• I saw something online I didn't like (for primary-school aged children)  
• Dealing with disturbing content (for young people)  

For educators  

eSafety’s Toolkit for Schools supports schools to create safer online environments and be prepared with processes in place when incidents do happen.    

The Respond modules provide guidance on reporting requirements, minimising harm and supporting wellbeing. By being informed and prepared, we can all contribute to reducing the risk of children and young people being exposed to this content, and support those who are.  

Other resources include: 

• Inappropriate content (Fact sheet)  
• Inappropriate content (Scenarios) 

Respectful Relationships Masterclasses

SWVR Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) PRIMARY 2-Day Masterclass  

Ballarat Registration for Monday 13th & Tuesday 14th October 2025 (attendance required for both days) 

Term 4 Professional Learning/Network Opportunities 

Out of Home Care Notification

Upcoming Term 4  survey

Principals will be contacted early in Term 4 to complete an online data survey, conducted externally of CEB. The data is collected via an online survey relating to the education status of students in formal statutory OoHC.

There is a feature for you 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 

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 

SWPBS Information Session

We’re excited to offer a session for schools either starting or refreshing their SWPBS journey. 

Where does your school currently sit with SWPBS implementation? Whether you're just beginning in Phase 1 or progressing through Phase 2, this session is a chance to reconnect with the updated SWPBS Implementation Guides and reflect on how effectively your school is applying the framework. 

 📅 Date: Wednesday the 8th October 
📍 Locations: Horsham Office / Ballarat Office (choose the most convenient) 

Join us to hear about our renewed commitment to SWPBS and explore how we can support your school's journey.

Information Session: RRRR, Policy & CI/M Work

Join us for a Q&A session covering the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) curriculum, relevant policies, and Continuous Improvement/Monitoring work. 

📅 Date: Wednesday, 30th October 
🕒 Time: 3:30 PM  

Meeting link
Meeting ID: 450 237 025 253 9 
Passcode: CD6kH7Fd 

Primary Wellbeing Leaders Network Day

Yesterday, Wellbeing Leaders from North Primary Schools gathered at OLSH Merbein for a valuable day of collaboration and professional learning. The program included sessions on Attendance and Engagement, Learner Agency and Empowerment through ‘Ready to Learn Plans’, and SIMON Social Behaviours and Data. Representatives from LookOut also joined to discuss Out of Home Care, before the day concluded with a focus on Behaviour Support Plans, shared reflections, and plans for further sharing through Communities of Practice. 

Teaching & Learning Updates

Flare Staffing News

Flare Executive team member, Breeana Wade, has recently accepted a two-year Deputy Principal position at Sacred Heart Primary in Mildura. She will be seconded from her current CEB position during this time. We congratulate Breeana and the Sacred Heart community on the appointment. 

To ensure continuity of the Flare program for schools and minimise disruption for staff, CEB is putting several actions into place for succession planning. Further information and details will be provided to schools in Term 4.  

PAT Resources on The DOBCEL Schools Hub 

As you and your teams prepare for the administration of PAT at the start of term 4 this is a reminder that in the DOBCEL Schools Hub you will find a series of previous webinars which will explain the available resources for administration, tools for recording the data and analysis of the data. 

If you have any queries, please contact: 

• Breeana Wade: bwade@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 
• Lisa Templar: ltemplar@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 
• Teresa Hadden: thadden@dobcel.catholic.edu.au 

Term 4 2025 ACER’s PAT Webinars

With term 4 quickly approaching please make note of the upcoming webinars being presented by ACER about the administration and analysis of PAT data:

• PAT administration and testing guidance [15 October]
• PAT interviews: school leadership – hear how other schools are using PAT [22 October]
• Predicting PAT learning growth [5 November]
• Leading improvement in student engagement [13 November]
• PAT Science and STEM Contexts: how and why schools use these assessments [26 November]

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 
  

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

• 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

• Term 4 Primary Leaders of Learning (PLoL) – Wednesday 22 October. Register here
  

Career Opportunities

CEB 

• Psychologist – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 September) 
• Education Officer – Learning & Teaching – ongoing or secondment opportunity at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 September) 

Principal Positions 

• Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Penshurst – 1.0 FTE (closes 23 September) 
• Principal – St Joseph’s Primary School, Warrnambool – 1.0 FTE (closes 29 September) 

Schools 

• 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 Teachers 2026 – St Columba’s School, Ballarat North – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes18 September) 
• Alumni & Community Engagement Officer – Emmanuel College, Warrnambool – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 18 September) 
• Education Systems Coordinator (Digital) – Loreto College, Ballarat – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 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) 
• Primary Teacher Positions – St Mary’s School, Robinvale – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 19 September) 
• Facilities Support Officer – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 September) 
• Learning Support Officer – Monivae College, Hamilton – ongoing position at 0.79 FTE (closes 21 September) 
• Drama Teacher – Damascus College, Mt Clear – part-time, fixed-term position (closes 22 September) 
• Specialist Teacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Ararat – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 22 September) 
• Specialist Teacher 2026 – St Augustine’s School, Maryborough – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 26 September) 
• Generalist Teacher – St Paul’s Primary School, Mildura – fixed-term position at 0.40 FTE (closes 26 September) 
• Casual Relief Teacher – St Mary’s Primary School, Swan Hill – casual position (closes 30 September) 
• Classroom Teacher – St John’s School, Dennington – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Business Manager – St Patrick’s School, Gordon – ongoing position at 0.8 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Curriculum Leader Humanities – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Curriculum Leader Religious Education – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Health & PE Teacher – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• English Teacher – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October)  
• Director of Wellbeing – St Mary MacKillop, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Learning and Diversity Leader – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Student Wellbeing Team Leader – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Classroom Teacher – St Patrick’s Primary School, Stawell – ongoing & fixed-term positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Volunteer Rowing Coaches – Damascus College, Mt Clear (closes 3 October) 
• 2026 Drama, LOTE, Music, Technology Teachers – Marian College, Ararat – ongoing positions at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Classroom Teachers – St Joseph’s School, Warrnambool – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 3 October) 
• Learning Area Leader – Health & Physical Education  – Damascus College, Mt Clear – POL appointment at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October) 
• Community Connection Ambassador – Damascus College, Mt Clear – POL appointment at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October) 
  Instructional Coach – Early Career Teachers  – Damascus College, Mt Clear – POL appointment at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October) 
• Instructional Coach – Design & Pedagogy – Damascus College, Mt Clear – POL appointment at 1.0 FTE (closes 6 October) 
• Classroom Teacher – St Malachy’s School, Edenhope – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 10 October) 
• Learning Support Officer – St Jame’s School, Sebastopol – fixed-term position at 0.79 FTE (closes 10 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) 
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballarat – casual positions (closes 31 December) 

Other Diocese 

• Deputy Executive Director – Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (closes 22 September)