News
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Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC), Wendouree teacher and author launches creative writing guide for children
Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) School, Wendouree teacher and author, Jodi Toering, is passionate about inspiring children to write creatively and has collaborated with fellow author, Sue Lawson, to publish a practical guide for teachers and students. ‘Titled ‘Inside Story’, the guide aims to introduce young writers to the different approaches to storytelling and help them gain the confidence to put pen to paper. ‘The idea came from a combination of hearing of the challenges experienced by teachers and wanting to support them, as well as nurture young writers,’ Jodi and Sue said. ‘We wanted to create an accessible, fun, but most of all, practical guide.’ Jodi says in…
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Catholic school teachers gather for conference as Auslan grows in prominence
With Auslan becoming an increasingly popular choice of second language for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Ballarat, more than 200 teachers and Deaf community members will come together today (Monday 15th April) for professional learning focusing on promoting inclusion through the Auslan Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) program. Auslan TCL provides an innovative pedagogical approach to language learning in Victorian Catholic schools which is underpinned by research in best-practice languages programs and inclusive education programs. Catholic Education Ballarat Leader of Teaching and Learning, Joe Ewing says 17 Catholic primary schools across the Diocese of Ballarat now offer Auslan as their language program. ‘Learning both English and Auslan – one auditory…
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Calling all student teachers
Any student teachers enjoying the term break and thinking about where to begin their teaching career next year might want to take a look at the opportunities on offer in the Diocese of Ballarat. From the Murray river to the sea, a wide range of career and lifestyle opportunities are available across 63 primary and secondary school settings. Check out further information, and don’t miss the video where some of our recent graduate teachers identify COMMUNITY, OPPORTUNITIES, BELONGING, SUPPORT and GROWTH as key features of their experience joining a DOBCEL school community.
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DOBCEL achieves ST4S security and privacy certification for school data system
DOBCEL has now been awarded Safer Technologies 4 Schools (ST4S) certification recognising the high-level of safety and security standard of its SIMON platform. ‘The security of data across all 58 of our DOBCEL schools and offices is a very high priority particularly against the backdrop of the increasing number of data hacking and theft incidents occurring,’ Executive Director Tom Sexton said. ‘While we can never absolutely guarantee data security, this ST4S certification for our SIMON community is a rigorous process, and we are proud that it has met and exceeded the requirements.’ The ST4S program is a national initiative developed to enhance the security, privacy, interoperability, and online safety of…
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More families choosing a Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat
February school census data has revealed more families in the Diocese of Ballarat are choosing a Catholic education with 2024 enrolments across 63 primary and secondary schools increasing by 273 students or 1.5%, representing more than 1 in 5 of all students in the region. The figures show increases of 110 primary students to 10,178, and 163 secondary students to 8,467, a total of 18,645, up from 18,372 in 2023. Executive Director of Catholic Education in the diocese, Tom Sexton, says with many Catholic schools in smaller communities where population and schooling demand can be variable, the overall increase in enrolments is pleasing. ‘Research shows families value the holistic approach…
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Early Career Teacher Induction
Around 30 beginning teachers from around the Diocese gathered today for the first of our early career teacher program days – a three-year integrated program designed to support early career teacher induction into the diocese and the teaching profession, within the context of Catholic education. In welcoming the early career teachers, Executive Director, Tom Sexton reminded them of their vital role and responsibility in the lives of their students. ‘You will have already experienced the joy of seeing children learning and growing in your classes but be assured your influence and impact will be lifelong and may not be realised until many years down the track.’ The early career teacher’s…
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2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Award Nominees Announced
The Spirit of Catholic Education Award is aimed at continuing to recognise the outstanding service and leadership within Catholic education throughout our Diocesan school communities, and Catholic Education Office. It is with great pleasure that the nominees for the 2024 Spirit of Catholic Education Award are shared with our communities. Congratulations to the following nominees: Christina Sofis (Loreto College) – Fostering Inspiring Leadership Sharon Dwyer (OLHC Warrnambool) – Empowering all to Flourish Kevin Brodie (DOBCEL Ballarat Office) – Empowering all to Flourish Finance and Compliance Team (St Brigid’s College) – Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship Cynthia Maiden (St Joseph’s, Hopetoun) – Enhancing Family Engagement, Governance and Stewardship Olga Lyons (St Patrick’s, Port Fairy) – Fostering Inspiring Leadership…
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DOBCEL schools committed to supporting students with diverse learning requirements
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Ballarat are committed to delivering best practice approaches to supporting students with diverse requirements to fully flourish across their learning and wellbeing. Key among these commitments is having a dedicated leader responsible for learning diversity and inclusion in every school. These school leaders and DOBCEL Education Officers – Learning Diversity, come together in regional networks each term. The networks support collaboration and sharing of best practices and insights, through discussion of inclusive teaching strategies and resources, as well as empower leaders to enhance learning environments and address diverse requirements in schools effectively. The networks have now commenced their meetings across the diocese for 2024.…
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NAPLAN – GUIDE FOR PARENTS
NAPLAN tests start next week on 13 March and run until 25 March. An information guide for parents, families and carers of students participating in NAPLAN is now available and includes frequently asked questions. The guide, prepared by ACARA (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority) is available here – https://bit.ly/3wpdI8w. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum. It is important to remember the main purpose of NAPLAN is to provide additional information for teachers, schools, and parents about how students are progressing, and to help identify areas for improvement.
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Teacher and author brings love of writing to students every day
It’s not often that children have the opportunity to develop their reading and writing skills with guidance from a published children’s author. But at Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) Primary School in Wendouree, this is a daily treat. OLHC Years 2,3,4 teacher, Jodi Toering, has recently published her second children’s book ‘Night Watch’, the story of a pair of tawny frogmouths as they soar through the skies and through the night keeping watch over the Australian countryside and fauna. ‘Growing up I had two dreams – to be a teacher and to write picture books for children,’ Jodi says. ‘I love bringing stories to life for the children, not…