Weekly Newsletter #75 - 5 November 2025

From the Executive Director

It was wonderful to see so many of our principals at last week’s Diocesan Leadership Gathering. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the thoughtful conversations and reflections that make these gatherings so valuable. It was also a special opportunity to thank and farewell those principals who are retiring or finishing up at the end of this year – we are deeply grateful for your leadership and dedication to Catholic education.

My thanks also go to all staff for your patience and understanding during the ongoing SIMON service disruption, and for prioritising password resets and the continued use of multi-factor authentication. Your cooperation and care for the security of our systems help ensure we continue to protect the information entrusted to us. We will continue to keep everyone updated on this issue as more information comes to hand.

As we reach the midway point of the term, I want to acknowledge the commitment and energy that everyone continues to bring to their work. Thank you for the way you support one another, care for your students, and contribute to the shared mission of Catholic education across our schools.

With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director 

Reflection of the Week

Why is November called the Month of Remembrance?

The month of November is traditionally a time in which the Catholic community remembers those who have died. It is related to the fact that the end of November is the end of the Liturgical Year with a new Liturgical Year starting the First Sunday of Advent – the four-week period of preparation before Christmas. The Church uses this end of the year period as a time of special prayer and reflection for those who have died, praying especially that they are enjoying eternal life with God. Reflecting the movements of the liturgical cycle of endings and beginnings and hope based on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (November 2, 2025)

In our Mass today we remember the faithful departed – those who have gone before us. As we do so, we might recall people we have known personally. We might remember a father or mother who has died, a husband or wife, other members of our family, people who were good friends. Their passing can leave a kind of emptiness within us.

The Scriptures recognise the sorrow we feel when someone we love dies. But they also offer us hope in the midst of our sadness. Today’s commemoration of the departed invites us to pray for those who have died, that they might be blessed with a new life, an eternal life of peace and joy.

One of the prayers we draw from our Christian tradition is very simple. We pray, “May they rest in peace.” In the context of a funeral service, this prayer has an immediate sense as we take a loved one to their resting place. As we begin the journey to the graveside, the priest says to the congregation: “In peace let us take them to their place of rest.” There is a beautiful tenderness in seeing a funeral as a “laying to rest”. We lay our loved one to rest, as one might gently lay a child down to rest in the evening. But this is not all. Our Christian faith sees death as a kind of sleep. We speak of those who have died as “sleeping in Christ”. And, according to our faith, it is a sleep from which they will awaken! Just as Christ woke from death to a glorious resurrection, so too, we pray, will those who have died. As we gather at the graveside, we pray: “Lord Jesus, grant that this one we love may sleep here in peace until you awaken them to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life.” This is one beautiful meaning of the prayer, “May they rest in peace”. “May they sleep peacefully till they rise to glory”.

I would also like to note another beautiful meaning in the phrase “may they rest in peace”. In this further sense, “rest” does not refer to the rest of a peaceful sleep. Rather it refers to the kind of rest we might associate with a refreshing holiday. It’s like the “rest” that God enjoyed when the work of creation had been completed. It was not a going to sleep but a relaxing and a rejoicing in the goodness of creation. The Book of Genesis says: “God saw all he had made, and indeed it was very good . . . and God rested on the seventh day.” (Genesis 1:31-2:2)

The Scriptures speak of a future place of rest in which people will share in the joy of God’s own seventh day rest. This is eternal rest in a very positive sense, resting in everlasting light, happiness and peace. To rest in this sense is not so much sleeping undisturbed. It is rather to be fully awake and enjoy the refreshment of everlasting communion with God.

In the gospel, Jesus addresses those who are weary and are longing for rest. He invites us to find our rest in him. “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) The rest that Jesus is speaking of is the kind of rest we have when we’re with a very good friend. We can be at ease with them. We can be at peace in their company.

In our Mass today we pray for all those who have died. May they find eternal rest in Christ. May Jesus draw them to himself. May they find rest in his company as people find rest in the company of a dear friend. We pray: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Bishop Paul Bird CSsR

Catholic Education Welcomes Copyright Reforms

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has welcomed the Copyright Amendment (Remote Learning and Other Measures) Bill 2025, describing it as a positive step toward recognising the realities of modern classrooms.

Executive Director Jacinta Collins said the amendments ensure teachers can confidently use high-quality materials and methods—including online resources—without legal uncertainty. The changes also extend protections to parents, guardians, and community members involved in learning, reflecting the collaborative spirit of Catholic education.

Ms Collins noted that while this is an important first step, further action is needed to keep pace with technology, particularly in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support learning. She urged the government to balance copyright protections with fair access for educators, ensuring Australia remains aligned with global standards in educational copyright law.

“We look forward to working with the government for the benefit of all teachers and students in our schools,” Ms Collins said.

Australia’s 1,755 Catholic schools educate 820,000 students and employ more than 112,000 staff, making Catholic education the largest non-government school provider in the nation.

Catholic Identity & Mission Updates

ECSI Masterclass IV: Good Practices in Enhancing Catholic School Identity (Online) - Save the Date and Register

Aggiornamento Letter to Principals

Dear Principals and Religious Education Leaders,

Following the success of this year’s Aggiornamento professional learning sessions (aggiornamento, Italian for “updating” came to prominence as one of the aims for the Church of the Second Vatican Council), we are pleased to say that we are able to offer further sessions in 2026.

 The Aggiornamento sessions we are offering are 90-minute online modules with TAP accreditation. We are appreciative of ACU, Assoc Prof. Robyn Horner and Dr. Teresa Brown in particular, for the privilege and generosity of access to Aggiornamento.

The Learning Outcomes for the modules include introducing participants to the practice of thinking and talking about Catholic faith in dialogue with their experiences in the contemporary world and, enabling participants to consider the ways in which they may apply their learning in their specific school and our diocesan context. As such, the first two modules, we are offering 101 & 106 are specifically oriented towards graduate teachers and those teachers new to the diocese or who are returning to the diocese.

The cost per module will be from $30-$50 depending upon numbers; this cost is payable to ACU.

Although clashes in dates will inevitably occur, our hope is that you’ll be able to prioritise these learning opportunities for colleagues not only for their theological content, also and essentially for the personal and spiritual learning each session will offer.

The modules will be advertised via the PL Calendar and enrolments invited early in 2026.

Sincerely,

Gina Bernasconi & Justin McInerney   

Professional Learning Updates

Please keep an eye on Professional Learning offered by CI&M and colleagues via the Awakenings Professional Learning Link as occasionally events need to be moved, all links changed to reflect circumstances of our team.

Next Monday, 10^th November our resident biblical scholar Veronica Lawson rsm will be offering a view on the infancy narratives advertised as “Stories of the Earth Community: The Infancy Narratives of Matthew and Luke and their Relevance for Today.” Last term Veronica facilitated a lively discussion with the topic “The Finding and Hiding of Moses” and she is very much looking forward to this further opportunity of engaging with interpretation of scripture through an eco-feminist lens.

Kim Hawkes has needed to postpone her session on “Mary: exploring the development of the traditional prayer - Hail Mary - across time and ways that Mary, mother of Jesus, might be reimagined through recontextualising the traditional prayer, through music and images” until Thursday 20^th November.

And Sarah Page will be facilitating a session “Exploring Ecological Conversion: Living Laudato Si’ at Christmas” that presents an opportunity to embrace a spirituality that resists consumerism, places God at the centre of our lives, and nurtures care for creation.

As Garratt Publishing, Australian Catholics and other facilitators of relevant PL send us invitations, we will forward them on to you via your REL and through this briefing.

For more information, visit Awakenings Professional Learning site or speak to someone from the CI & M team. 

Invitation to Attend Online Seminar from the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion

The Sisters of Our Lady of Sion invites everyone to the upcoming Online Seminar entitled "Muslim-Christians Relations with Prof Daniel Madigan SJ on Thursday, 6 November 2025 (4:00 - 5:00PM). 

To register, please click here.

For more information, visit the Notre Dame de Sion website.

Social Justice Updates

We Are the Action Heroes

Hope is not only a feeling — it’s something we do.

At the recent Raising Hope for Climate Justice Conference, actor and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called Pope Leo XIV an “action hero for climate justice.”

Smiling, the Pope turned the spotlight toward the people:

“There is indeed an action hero with us — it is all of you, who are working together to make a difference.”

He then offered a timeless challenge:

“God will ask us if we have cared for the world He created and for our brothers and sisters. What will be our answer?”

Our Answer Begins with Action

While governments debate their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs - climate commitments) under The Paris Agreement, people of faith are responding with People’s Determined Contributions (PDCs) — living commitments from families, parishes, schools, and communities around the world.

👉 Add your voice and your action: raisinghope.earth/action

🎥 Watch and share the 50-second campaign video — tag your parish, movement, or family, and show that hope is alive: Let’s Turn Hope into Action – Pope Leo XIV (YouTube)

Use the hashtags: #AnswerTheCry #CommitToOurCommonHome #RaisingHope

Together, we are the action heroes Pope Leo spoke of — ordinary people with extraordinary hope.
This is what faith in action looks like.

ResourceSmart Schools Awards 2026

The ResourceSmart School Awards are Victoria’s largest sustainability celebration for primary and secondary school students, teachers and school volunteers. Since 2008, over 1,600 schools have participated in the ResourceSmart Schools program, with over 200 recognised in the ResourceSmart Schools Awards.

Showcase your sustainability story: Entries are open!

This year, the ResourceSmart Schools Awards celebrate 17 years with the theme ‘Our Sustainable Community’, acknowledging the supportive network where teachers, students and stakeholders share knowledge, passion and commitment to drive sustainability for a thriving environment.

• Entries open: Now!
• Entries close: Monday 9 March 2026
• Finalists announced: Wednesday 23 April 2026
• Award ceremony at Melbourne Cricket Ground: Thursday 11 June 2026

Find out more and enter here

Prophetic Voices from the Margins: The Way Forward to COP30

“We are one family, with one Father. We inhabit the same planet and must care for it together.”  — Pope Leo XIV

As the Church’s call to ecological conversion grows stronger, bishops, youth, and faith leaders from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Brazil unite ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Together, we’ll lift a moral voice for creation and explore what it means to care for our common home today.

🌍 Join the Laudato Si’ Movement Asia Pacific for an inspiring online gathering of prophetic voices for climate justice.

Date & Time:            

• October 30th 2025, 8:00pm (AEDT)
• November 27th 2025, 8:00pm (AEDT)

Duration:                    2 hours
Register now:             Zoom Registration Link

Featured Speakers:

• Bishop Allwyn D’Silva (India) – Champion for the poor and ecological justice across Asia
• Bishop Gerry Alminaza (Philippines) – Leading voice for fossil fuel divestment and just transitions
• Adi Mariana Waqa (Pacific/Australia) – Theologian uplifting Pacific voices of resilience and hope
• Ashley Kitisya (Africa) – Youth leader driving faith-based climate action in Africa
• Eduardo Scorsatto (Brazil) – Catholic youth leader connecting faith and ecological awareness in the Amazon
• Jacqui Rémond (Australia) – Co-founder of the Laudato Si’ Movement, reflecting on integral ecology in the Pacific

Come be part of the Church’s living witness for creation — a global family caring for our common home.

Upcoming Key Social Justice Dates:

Pastoral Ministry Office Updates

Prayer for Remembrance Day – November 11

Special Masses – November 19 & 20
Invitation from Bishop Paul

Bishop Paul invites all in our diocesan school communities—principals, teachers and staff—to join in prayer and reflection during two special Masses being celebrated later this month.

• Wednesday, November 19 – Anniversary of the Dedication of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat
  This day marks the anniversary of the dedication of our cathedral, a moment to give thanks for our diocesan faith community and its ongoing mission in education and service.
  •    Mass of the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral
  •    Prayers: Missal pages 1095–1097
  •    Readings: Lectionary Volume II, pages 1328–1341
  
• Thursday, November 20 – Mass for Persecuted Christians
  As part of the global observance of “Red Wednesday”, our diocese will pray for persecuted Christians on Thursday, November 20.
  •    Mass for Persecuted Christians
  •    Prayers: Missal pages 1346–1347
  •    Readings: Lectionary Volume III, pages 544–560

Bishop Paul encourages all parishes and school communities to join in these special celebrations.

If your parish is holding a Mass for Persecuted Christians, you are invited to register it with Aid to the Church in Need at www.rednovember.org, where you’ll also find helpful prayer and reflection resources under “Resources.”

Let us come together in prayer—giving thanks for our cathedral and remembering those across the world who suffer for their faith.

Laudato Si’: Everything is connected

Thought and banner for NOVEMBER is:  What communities are you part of?  How can you participate and support others in your community to be more resilient to climate change and to hope and act with creation?  (Catholic Earthcare Caritas Australia Laudato Si Card Set)

Applications open for 2026/27 Young Catholic Women's Fellowship

The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry is pleased to announce applications are now open for the Australian Young Catholic Women’s Fellowship for 2026/2027. More information at this link.

2026 Applications close this Friday 7 November

The Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP) enables middle leaders from across three country Dioceses (Ballarat, Sandhurst & Wagga) to engage in a residential 7-day professional development program with a significant focus on the skills, knowledge and capabilities for effective middle leadership within a Catholic context.

The program provides opportunities for participants to identify their effective leadership practice and apply this within their own school context through a spaced learning model, and a coaching program.

Applications for the 2026 program close on Friday 7 November, 2025.

For further information, application form and principal endorsement please see attachments below:

The Beating Heart of Educational Transformation: Empowering Leadership Across DOBCEL Schools

The “Beating Heart of Educational Transformation” program is energising leadership and collaboration across our DOBCEL school community. Designed specifically for middle leaders - the pivotal figures best placed to drive meaningful change - this initiative goes beyond traditional leadership training. Rather than focusing on skills or theories alone, the program invites participants to reflect on their unique school contexts, build collaborative cultures, and navigate the real-world paradoxes of educational leadership. 

Launched with an inspiring masterclass from Andy Hargreaves, the program has, since February, engaged participants in action research, expert mentorship, and a blend of in-person and virtual workshops. Sessions are presented by Dave Runge from Future Schools and facilitated by Fiona Murphy, bringing fresh perspectives and expert guidance to the group. This approach balances top-down direction with local innovation, fostering a culture where educators share responsibility, adapt to local needs, and connect their work to the broader DOBCEL 2035 Strategy. 

The impact is already being felt. Participants report increased professional agency and autonomy, with many piloting new initiatives in their schools. Schools involved have seen a rise in cross-school collaboration and shared leadership opportunities. The benefits are clear: greater professional agency, stronger networks, and a system where change is driven by those closest to the work. 

Most recently, leaders consolidated their understanding of collective autonomy and agency, reflecting on how their leadership and practice have evolved over the past year. Through project case studies and action learning, they are documenting new ways of working and collaborative practices - demonstrating the program’s influence and the momentum it is building across our system. 

The Beating Heart of Educational Transformation is helping us unlock leadership potential and move forward - together. 

People & Development Updates

DOBCEL & Simon Breakspear People Leader - Pilot Program 2026

DOBCEL is pleased to partner with Simon Breakspear to deliver a practical people leadership program to help build essential people leadership skills.

The program covers –

• Cultivating psychological safety
• Clear communication and deep listening
• Giving effective feedback.

For further information on the program please click here.

Click through to the flyer below.

For questions, please contact Fiona Murphy on FMurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Early Career Incentives Program 2026

DOBCEL is proud to offer Early Career Incentives bonus payments for graduate teachers commencing their careers in DOBCEL schools. 

What’s on offer?
✅ $5,000* graduate sign-on bonus
✅ $10,000* graduate sign-on bonus in identified remote or small schools
*Pro-Rata payment for part-time

Additional for remote and small schools:
✅ $5,000 relocation support 
✅ $9,629 annual remote allowance (paid fortnightly for 3 years)
       - Equivalent to POL 3 (CEMEA)
       - Indexed annually

Limited funding available. Click here to know more about the program. 

Application Link: ECIP2026

Applications open 17 October - 14 December 2025.

For more information, kindly contact James Murphy (JMurphy@dobcel.catholic.edu.au) or Vicki Dekker (VDekker@dobcel.catholic.edu.au).

Professional Learning Opportunities

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

2026 Professional Learning Guide

Be sure to check out this week’s DOBCEL 2026 Professional Learning Guide for new events and updated details!

• New! – Principal Induction 2026
• New – Additional FLARE Primary Literacy Strategy events have been added following popular demand and feedback!

• Update! – The Safeguarding Masterclass sessions have been updated with new details for the first two sessions including an expertise guest speaker who will be presenting for the Term Two session.
• Update! – New Learning Outcomes have been included for various FLARE Primary Literacy Strategy events

We encourage all school leaders to review the Learning Guide and invite team members to explore the many opportunities available for professional growth and collaboration in 2026.

Over the coming weeks, events will progressively be added to the Professional Learning Program and Calendar page on the DOBCEL website, where registrations will open via TryBooking.

Link to 2026 Professional Learning Guide

Converge Updates

November Wellbeing Highlights from Converge

November is packed with resources to support your wellbeing—from November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and many more.

Converge has curated a rich collection of resources, events, and support services to help.

Mental Health Month: Support for Leaders & Teams

Manager Support + Employee Counselling

Converge’s Manager Support service pairs perfectly with Employee Counselling to guide both leaders and staff.

• Explore Manager Support
• Employee Counselling
  

World Menopause Month: Dedicated Support Line

Staff can access expert care via Converge’s Menopause Support Line:

Webinars for Staff & Leaders – Explore Creating Safe Spaces

• Transforming Lives (Leaders)
• Awareness Sessions
  

Converge 2026 Wellbeing Calendar

Converge have made some exciting updates to help you inspire and engage your people in their health and wellbeing.

The Wellbeing Calendar is your go-to playbook for celebrating key wellbeing moments and initiatives throughout the year. It’s also your guide for sharing meaningful messages that keep wellbeing top of mind across your schools.

To help you make the most of it, join Converge for an interactive session, who will walk you through everything you need to know to bring the calendar to life in any workplace.

Access the Converge 2026 Wellbeing Calendar

• All the resources and information you’ll need for your 2026 wellbeing initiatives.

e-Safety Professional Learning

The following short professional learning opportunities outlines webinars, other training and tips to help you protect your school from cybercrime.

Webinars for school leaders and staff:

Social media age restrictions explained

• Hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• Date: Various available
• Time: 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm
• Register at any time before the webinar, at Social media age restrictions explained – a guide for educators and youth-serving professionals

Tips for boosting cyber safety and password protection
To learn more about your cyber safety strengths and to receive a tailored plan to increase your individual cyber safety, complete this 5-minute cyber safety check.

We encourage all staff to change your passwords regularly. A strong, unique and unpredictable password is the first line of defence against a cyber security attack. To check the strength of your password and find out if it has been leaked, refer to the Password strength tester. 

Have Your Say – Australian Teacher Workforce Survey Now Open in Victoria

The 2025 Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is now live across Victoria, offering educators a vital opportunity to shape the future of teaching in Australia.

This national survey is designed to capture the real experiences of teachers and school leaders—from classrooms to early childhood settings—and inform education policy, workforce planning, and support initiatives. The more voices we hear, the stronger and more representative the insights will be.

Why Participate?

• It takes just 10 minutes to complete.
• Your input helps ensure decisions reflect the realities of today’s education landscape.
• All registered teachers receive a unique survey link via email.

Promote the Survey AITSL has launched a dedicated promotion toolkit featuring:

• Newsletter copy
• Social media assets
• Posters
• Email templates
• PowerPoint presentations

These resources are ready to share across your networks, diocesan channels, and school communities.

Your voice matters — help shape the future of education.

For more information or to access campaign materials, visit the AITSL website.

Student Wellbeing Updates

Term 4 Professional Learning/Network Opportunities

Information Session: Relationships and Sexuality Education & Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships

Join Bernie Tolan and Anne Ruddell from the Catholic Identity and Mission and Student Wellbeing teams for a 30-minute session that will explore alignment the 4Rs curriculum with the Fullness of Life document and Awakenings Curriculum, alongside the Victorian Curriculum, and Child Safe Standards. Learn how these resources support a pastoral and theologically grounded approach to promoting respect, dignity, and dialogue in Catholic education.

When: Tuesday, November 11: from 12:00 - 12:30PM

Where: Online via Teams Link

CEP Exclusive Child Safety Series with Kristi McVee

Please find the recordings links below for CEP’s three-part exclusive series (approx. 1 hour running time each) with former police detective and child safety advocate Kristi McVee,.

• Session One – Online Safety: Practical strategies to help keep young people safe online. Watch here
• Session Two – Abuse Awareness: Understand the signs of abuse and how to respond effectively. Watch here
• Session Three – Managing the Community: Insights on fostering safe, connected, and supportive school communities. Watch here

CEP is also planning a 4^th session next year with further Q and A which we will share when we receive more details.

Expression of Interest – Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Role 2026

In 2026, Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs) across the Central Zone will have the opportunity to take on the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) role.

MHiPS is a Victorian Government initiative designed to upskill experienced teachers to become Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders, increasing schools’ capacity to support student mental health and wellbeing. The program is a partnership between the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) at the University of Melbourne.

Please note: participation requires current VIT registration, and while the initiative is supported by designated central and regional staff, DOBCEL does not run the training.

Central Schools can contact  Jane Bennett (jbennett@dobcel.catholic.edu.au) for further information or to clarify the role.

 Learn more about MHiPS here: 🔗 www.mhips.org.au

The SWVR Mental Health Branch (DE) is hosting a MHiPS Showcase Event in Ballarat for our CHA 2026 schools and have extended the invitation to Catholic and Independent schools in the area.  

• When: Monday 10 November 2025 
• Time: Presentation begins at 9.30 am, followed by a light lunch and networking at 11.30 am 
• Where: Ballarat Golf Club, 1800 Sturt Street, Alfredton, Victoria 3350 
• Who: Staff who will be leading or supporting MHiPS — including school leaders, wellbeing team members, and Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders 

This event has been organised to assist schools in their planning for the upcoming implementation of the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative this year. Attendees will have the chance to hear from school leadership and Mental Health Wellbeing Leaders who are involved in MHiPS as well as meet regional staff supporting the MH Reforms. For schools commencing MHiPS in 2026, this event provides a valuable opportunity to gain insights and hear what the role and the initiative look like on a practice level and in a variety of school settings. The event will include an interactive panel, a chance for attendees to ask questions, and seek clarity and inspiration for 2026. 

Please register via this ARC link the staff member/s who will be attending, and forward this invite to anyone in your school who will be supporting MHiPS next year and may like to attend. 

 If the ARC registration link doesn’t work for your schools, please just email our team inbox with your RSVPs (including staff names, school, and any dietary requirements). 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MH Branch at swvr.mental.health@education.vic.gov.au 

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) in 2026

Thank you to those who have expressed interest in engaging with the Student Wellbeing Team to support your school’s implementation of School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) in 2026.

We’re currently collating all expressions of interest and will be in touch in the coming weeks to outline how professional learning and tailored support will look for your school.

Navigating social media age restrictions

From 10 December 2025, children under 16 will no longer be able to create or keep accounts on most major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X and YouTube.

While under-16s can still view publicly available content, schools may need to consider new ways to communicate with students and families. Educational platforms like Google Classroom and YouTube Kids are not affected.

Visit eSafety’s new Social Media Age Restrictions Hub for guidance, resources and webinars to help your school community prepare and support parents, carers and students through the transition.

4Rs Masterclass Opportunities (Secondary)

This two-day intensive training unpacks the updated Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) learning materials and builds participants knowledge, skills and confidence for its delivery.  It is designed to empower those who are leading and/ or supporting the implementation of the Respectful Relationships whole school approach, personal and social capabilities, and/ or consent education. 

Secondary
Further Information: Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) SECONDARY 2-Day Masterclass

Ballarat Registration for Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th November 2025 (attendance required for both days)

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)

The International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations–recognised day, observed annually on 3 December 2025.

Its aim is to raise awareness, understanding, and inclusion of the 5.5 million Australians with disability.

Resources for schools, communities and workplaces can be found at IDPwD website.

Click on the flyer below for more information.

Supporting transitions in Education – School fact sheet ACD

Fact sheet for families from Advocating for Children with Disabilities in supporting transitions in education.

Our Schools in Action

World Teachers' Day Celebrations

Last week we celebrated the World Teachers Day – Hats Off to all our Teachers! 

Some schools shared these wonderful appreciation videos for their teachers:

• Lumen Christi Primary School
• St. Brigid's College
• St Joseph's Primary School, Coleraine
• Monivae College, Hamilton   
  

Thank you to the following schools for sharing these marvellous photos: 

• Loreto College, Ballarat
• St. Brendan's Primary School, Coragulac
• St. Paul's Primary School, Mildura
• St. Thomas More Primary School, Alfredton
• St. Michael's Primary School, Daylesford
• St. Mary's School, Robinvale
• St. Patrick's Primary School, Port Fairy

Little Feet Big Footprints 

On Monday October 27, Year 6 students from St. Michael's Daylesford, St. Patrick's Gordon, St. Augustine's Creswick, St. Brigid's Ballan and Our Lady Help of Christians Wendouree, gathered to share presentations based on the Catholic Social Teaching Principles. It was inspiring to hear students share stories as to why they were raising awareness for organisations such as: Dolly's Dream, MND and Down Syndrome Victoria (to name a few). Students made explicit links to the Catholic Social Teaching Principles and shared ways in which they had raised money or awareness to support their chosen cause. Each student was commended for the courage they displayed to talk with great passion and enthusiasm. 

Following the presentations, students worked in groups to discuss the Little Feet Big Footprints program for 2025 and the aspects of the program that should be maintained or added ahead of 2026. 

Teaching & Learning Updates

Early career teachers term 4 – Educator Wellbeing

 Our next Early Career Teacher (ECT) professional learning session will be on Tuesday, 18 November from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm.

This session will focus on Educator Wellbeing and will be presented by Be You.

The session will explore practical strategies to help you maintain balance, manage stress, and foster wellbeing as you continue to grow in your teaching career. It’s a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and invest in yourself before the end of the school year.

We recognise that Term 4 is always a busy one, and some teachers may prefer more individual support at this time of year. If you would like a 1:1 conversation with a CEB staff member to reflect on your experiences, discuss challenges, celebrate successes, or simply debrief on the year that’s been, please contact James Murphy who will arrange a meeting with a CEB staff member at a suitable time.

We look forward to seeing you at the session!

To register for the Be You session please click here  (this is a no-charge event)

Any questions please contact James Murphy or Julie Cooper

Primary Leaders of Learning 2026

Thank you to those who were able to attend our final Session of PLoL for 2025. We know how busy this stage of term 4 is and we really appreciate you making the time to join us. 

We are in the stages of formalising Primary Leaders of Learning for 2026 and your feedback and thoughts are very much welcomed and appreciated.  If you are yet to do so, please tuck away some time to complete this🔗GOOGLE FORM  by the end of Week 4.  Your contributions will contribute greatly to the future direction of PLoL.  All leaders across the diocese are invited to complete this feedback. 

Below, you'll find the Session #4 recording, slide deck, and other relevant professional readings and resources we explored together. 

• Session #4 Recording 
• Presentation Slide deck PDF 
• AllReady Project 
• Intention Setting Slides  
• PLoL 2025 Feedback and 2026 thinking (please complete) 

We thank you for your support across 2025 and look forward to continuing to support leadership capabilities of our Primary leaders across the diocese in 2026. 

For further information please reach out to 

• Samantha Meerbach ✉️ smeerbach@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0417 511 118 
• Sarah McKnight ✉️ smcknight@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0427 406 918 
• Joe Ewing ✉️ jewing@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0429 985 460 
• Belinda Chiswell ✉️ bchiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 📱0484 641 997 
  

Added Whole Staff PL Dates for 2026

In response to feedback, the Flare Team has added three further dates to the 2026 PL Calendar. These will provide the opportunity to gather face to face for whole-staff learning if schools wish to do so. We are not able to provide this option for all whole-staff sessions, but have prioritised one session per phase, depending on the content that best lends itself to real-life delivery.

Please note that schools do not have to attend BOTH of these. You will register for either the face-to-face option OR the online option.

ANYONE may register for any of these dates. If you are a self-guided school, you are more than welcome to join us for any Flare PL offering, either as a whole staff group or as individuals. If you are a guided school, you may wish to register new staff for prior phase PL as part of your induction processes.

Registrations will be opened prior to the end of 2025, via the Flare 2026 Calendar which will soon be made available on the Flare website. We kindly encourage you to register for the whole-staff PL days at your earliest convenience. Specific venues will be determined following registrations - as numbers dictate.

Literacy Leaders - Important Reminder

Please remember that if you are a Literacy Leader who missed the recent Literacy Leader Coaching VC, the recordings are now available. We ask that you please prioritise watching the recording and completing the required administration tasks within the next week or two.

Expression of Interest – Sounds Write Training

Siena Catholic Primary School is offering a 4-day training program in Sounds-Write, a highly effective Structured Synthetic Phonics program. This training will equip educators with the skills and knowledge to implement a research-based approach to teaching reading and spelling. There will be both a focus on F-2 training, 3-6 and Education Support Training, building on our training this year. 

Sounds Write Facilitator: Jacinda Vaughan

Training Dates: 9th, 10th, (11th-  Real time teaching day across the school observation) 12th & 13th February 2026. Wednesday is a training free day - no payment required. The reason being is so that we can provide staff with a brain break in what is an intensive training schedule.

• Location: Siena Catholic Primary School, 150 Eleanor Dr, Lucas
• Cost: To be advised once details are confirmed. 

We invite expressions of interest from all who are keen to attend.

To express your interest, please contact sryan@slucas.catholic.edu.au.

Media Literacy Week: Building AI Literacy in Our Schools

This week is Media Literacy Week in Australia — a reminder of the importance of equipping young people with the skills to think critically, evaluate information, and navigate the digital world responsibly.

In an era of AI and misinformation, helping students understand how artificial intelligence shapes the media and information they consume is more vital than ever.

💻 Day of AI Australia is a fantastic, free national program supported by leading Australian universities. It offers engaging, curriculum-aligned resources designed to help teachers foster AI literacy across both Primary (Years 1–6) and Secondary (Years 7–10) classrooms.

✨ What’s Included

• ✅ Free teaching materials aligned to the Australian Curriculum
• ✅ Updated annually and tailored to each year level
• ✅ Flexible – teach it anytime during the school year
• ✅ Supported by Australian universities and industry experts

💡 How to Access

Teachers can log in to the Day of AI LMS using their registered email and select the level suited to their class.
The platform provides everything you need to confidently integrate AI learning into your classroom.

🔗 Explore the Day of AI Australia Program

Let’s empower our students to become thoughtful, informed, and ethical digital citizens this Media Literacy Week!

FIRE Carrier Program: Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education

We are delighted to see more schools across the Ballarat Diocese taking authentic steps towards reconciliation and developing in-depth cultural awareness. The FIRE Carrier Program can help you to formalise this process as well as address school compliance areas including Child Safe Standards, the VCEA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy. Beyond compliance it is a way of making your school a more culturally aware and culturally safe place. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families attending the school are welcome to be part of the process if they would like to be.

If you are ready to take the next step and join the FIRE Carrier Program, check the latest FIRE Carrier Program Information Booklet. Once you have had a look at the booklet and the FIRE Carrier Program Presentation, please discuss it with your school leadership team. If you are requiring further clarification/information, please contact your relevant Education Officer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education –

Central and Far Northern Zone primary schools and Secondary Colleges - Damascus College, Loreto College and St Patrick’s College, please contact Helen Christensen.

Mid-Northern and Southern Zone primary schools and Secondary Colleges - Emmanuel College, Marian College, Mercy Regional College, Monivae College, St Brigid’s College, St Joseph’s College, St Mary MacKillop College and Trinity College, please contact Jeanette Morris.

Setting up for Success Day - 2026

After a successful pilot in 2025, we are pleased to again offer the 1^st year graduate teacher ‘Setting Up for Success’ day. A day specifically tailored for graduate teachers commencing their first year of teaching in 2026. This day is designed to provide graduates with practical tips and early connections that will set them up for a confident start to the year.

 The program will cover:

• Professional responsibilities
• Setting up classroom routines
• Engagement strategies
• Getting to know your learners
• Taking care of yourself - educator wellbeing

 Session Details

• Central - Ballarat: Tuesday 20 January 2026, 9:00am – 12:30pm, followed by a networking lunch (supplied) location – Catholic Education Ballarat office – 200 Gillies St, Lake Wendouree
• North - Robinvale: (if required): Thursday 22 January 2026 – 9:00am – 12:30pm, followed by a networking lunch (supplied) location – St Mary’s School, 12 Watkins St, Robinvale (session to be confirmed based on graduate numbers – location of session will be based on the location of the majority of graduates, so may be subject to change)

 This is a free, optional program and we recognise that not everyone may make it. It is deliberately scheduled before the school year starts to provide meaningful learning to enable early career teachers to succeed from day 1.  Participants of the 2025 Pilot Group found it highly valuable, helping to refresh practices learned at university and during placements, while also building peer connections with fellow graduate teachers. We invite you to encourage your 2026 graduate teachers to register and take advantage of this opportunity.

Click here to access a flyer to share with any 2026 first-year teachers.

Graduates can register for the program here.

Learning & Teaching Team Appointments for 2026

The CEB Learning and Teaching Team is pleased to announce two new appointments to begin in 2026.

Fiona Hudson joins us from Henderson College in Mildura where she has worked as a school leader with a particular focus on staff professional learning and data analysis. She has worked with responsibility across the school but with a particular focus on primary curriculum. Fiona will be located in the Northern Zone, working from the Mildura office.

Sarah Siakew is coming to us from Girton Grammar in Bendigo where she has had oversight of curriculum and pedagogy across the school, having also held leadership positions in other independent schools. Sarah is currently engaged with doctoral studies, investigating continuous improvement for schools, and will work from the Ballarat office.

2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science - Now Open for Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Teaching Prizes, recognising exceptional educators who have made outstanding contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Two prizes are available:

• Primary School Science Teaching Prize – $250,000
• Secondary School Science Teaching Prize – $250,000

Each winner will receive $250,000 in prize money, a medallion, lapel pin, and award certificate. There is also the opportunity for highly commended recognition for other exceptional nominees.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reward teachers who inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong passion for STEM among their students.

🗓 Nominations close: Thursday, 18 December 2025, 5:00pm AEDT

Help shine a spotlight on Australia’s most inspiring science teachers — share this opportunity with your networks and encourage your community to nominate a deserving educator.

👉 Learn more and submit a nomination: The 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science – Science Teaching Prizes | business.gov.au

Invitation to Immunisation Webinar by NCIRS

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) invites you to join an upcoming webinar exploring how we can better protect adolescents through immunisation.

• Date: Wednesday, 5 November
• Time: 7:00–8:00PM (AEDT)
• Online Webinar

This session will highlight the essential role of school coordinators, staff, and nurses in delivering school-based vaccination programs. Participants will gain valuable insights into:

• The importance of adolescent immunisation
• Key drivers influencing vaccine uptake
• Opportunities for collaborative action to strengthen school vaccination efforts

We warmly invite colleagues from Catholic Education Departments to attend—particularly those involved in coordinating or supporting school vaccination programs.

Your support in sharing this invitation with relevant staff and encouraging registration would be greatly appreciated.

👉 Register here

Together, let’s strengthen our collective approach to protecting adolescent health through immunisation.

DOBCEL Canva Webinar Series

Final Session Next Week – Don’t Miss Out!

Boost your classroom creativity and digital confidence with our Canva Webinar Series – designed especially for educators. Whether you're just starting out or keen to explore Canva’s AI-powered features, this final session will help you create engaging content and collaborate with students more effectively.

🗓️ Wednesday 5 November
🕒 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Via MS Teams
Topic: Student Collaboration, Activities & Lesson Plans

Register or catch up on previous sessions: Click here
Questions? Contact Coby Reynolds at 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

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
  

Teaching & Learning 

• 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

• Term 4 2025 ACER’s PAT Webinars
  • Please make note of the upcoming webinars being presented by ACER about the administration and analysis of PAT data:
    
    • Predicting PAT learning growth [5 November, 4:00PM]
    • Leading improvement in student engagement [13 November, 4:00PM]
    • PAT Science and STEM Contexts: how and why schools use these assessments [26 November, 4:00PM]
• Monash University - Middle Years Extending Mathematical Understanding (EMU) Intervention Specialist Teacher Course
  • To help us plan effectively, we’re gathering Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from educators who are likely to register if applications open.

Student Wellbeing Updates

• Professional learning offerings will be updated via the following calendar link as they emerge

Career Opportunities

CEB

• Manager: Policy, Risk and Compliance – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 November)
• Education Officer: Wellbeing Secondary – fixed-term at 1.0 FTE (closes 9 November)
• Education Officer: Learning Diversity – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 9 November)
• Speech Pathologist – fixed-term position at 0.5 FTE (closes 9 November)

Principal Positions

• Principal - St Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool – 1.0 FTE (closes 16 November)

Schools

• Learning Support Officer – St Thomas’ Primary School, Terang – fixed-term position at 0.73 FTE (closes 5 November)
• Teaching Positions - St Mary McKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 (closes 5 November)
• Religious Education Teacher - St Mary McKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 (closes 5 November)
• Maths/Commerce Teacher - St Mary McKillop College, Swan Hill – ongoing position at 1.0 (closes 5 November)
• Learning Support Officer - St Patrick’s Primary School, Stawell – ongoing, part-time position (closes 7 November)
• Media and Community Engagement Officer – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – part-time, ongoing position (closes 7 November)
• Teacher for 2026 – All Saints Parish School, Portland – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 November)
• Sports and Camps Coordinator – St Brigid’s College, Horsham – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 7 November)
• Teacher Librarian – Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing position at 0.6 FTE (closes 10 November)
• Learning Support Officer – Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 November)
• Classroom Teacher - Sacred Heart Primary School, Casterton – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 14 November)
• Learning Support Officer – Our Lady Help of Christians School, Wendouree – fixed-term position at 0.79 FTE (closes 17 November)
• Maintenance Officer - Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing position at 1.0 FTE (closes 17 November)
• VCE Physics Teacher - Damascus College, Mt Clear – ongoing position, full or part-time considered (closes 17 November)
• Classroom Teacher - Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 November)
• Classroom Teacher – Sacred Heart Primary School, Colac – fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE (closes 21 November)
• Pastoral Care Worker- St Thomas More Primary School, Alfredton – fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE (closes 24 November)
• 2025 Casual Relief Teachers – St Columba’s Primary School, Ballarat North – casual positions (closes 25 November)
• Casual Relief Teachers – St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballarat – casual positions (closes 31 December)