Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Ltd (DOBCEL) has confirmed the purchase of a 7.3 ha parcel of land at 720 Deakin Avenue, Mildura, adjacent to the Mildura South Sporting Complex. Executive Director, Tom Sexton, says there are no imminent plans to make application to develop a school on the site. ‘This acquisition is part of our medium to long term planning to ensure we are well-placed to support the education needs of the Mildura community into the future. ‘The site presents as an ideal size and location for future school development, including main road access from both Deakin Avenue and San Mateo Avenue. ‘Catholic education is committed to providing opportunities…

Globally recognised Finnish educator Professor Pasi Sahlberg and Director of Future Schools Australia Dave Runge will work with Catholic Education Ballarat to advise and guide development of a strategic plan to shape directions for the next five years. Professor Sahlberg, currently based at the University of Melbourne, is a former school teacher and Director-General of the high-performing Finland education system. He has advised schools and education system leaders around the world and been professor at UNSW Sydney and a visiting Professor of Practice at Harvard University. As Director of Future Schools, Dave Runge has brought a passion for reimagining education to his work with educational organisations across Australia and internationally…

All 58 Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) primary and secondary schools now have access to a leading online mental health and wellbeing platform designed to proactively support families and students and strengthen parent-school partnerships. SchoolTV is a highly regarded, evidence-based suite of resources, endorsed and informed by eminent child and adolescent psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. CEB Leader of Wellbeing, Tony Perkins says effective responses to student wellbeing require a proactive and whole-of-community approach where schools and families are on the same page. ‘SchoolTV provides regular communication and support materials for parents with the common goal of better wellbeing outcomes for all students,’ he said. ‘This is a high-quality suite of resources…

More than 18,000 students and 2,200 teachers and staff this week return to 52 Catholic primary schools and 11 secondary colleges across the Diocese of Ballarat, from Mildura in the north, Portland in the south, and west to Edenhope and Nhill. ‘On behalf of Catholic education in the Diocese, I extend a warm welcome to all students, staff, and families, particularly those joining our school communities for the first time,’ Executive Director of Catholic Education, Tom Sexton said. ‘We look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead, where every student has opportunities to flourish fully in their learning in schools that are safe, caring, committed to excellence, and live…

Cost-of-living pressures are front of mind for Catholic school principals as children return to school next week, with Catholic Education Ballarat moving to re-assure families experiencing genuine hardship that fee relief is available. ‘Catholic schools aim to serve their communities by providing a high-quality, faith-based education option that is accessible to all families who are supportive of our ethos and values,’ Executive Director, Tom Sexton said. ‘More lower-income families are facing financial hardship as cost-of-living has increased through higher rents, cost of groceries, energy, and the like, on top of back-to-school expenses. ‘While our schools strive to keep fees as low as possible and minimise additional charges, we understand some…