News and Media

Tom Sexton (Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat), Neville Bertalli (Bertalli Family Foundation), Professor Joanna Barbousas (Dean, School of Education, La Trobe University), Emma Rutherford (DOBCEL FLARE Literacy Improvement, Project Lead), Holly Southwell (DOBCEL FLARE Literacy Improvement Executive), Breeanna Wade (DOBCEL FLARE Literacy Improvement Executive), Professor Pamela Snow (Professor of Cognitive Psychology, School of Education, La Trobe University), Professor Tanya Serry (Professor of Literacy, School of Education, La Trobe University

Catholic Education Ballarat welcomes Bertalli Family Foundation support for literacy in remote schools

Ten remote Catholic primary schools across the Diocese of Ballarat will benefit from additional support to implement a structured literacy approach in 2025 thanks to a $100k grant from the Bertalli Family Foundation.

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Today is World Teachers’ Day!

Today is World Teachers’ Day. It is a very special and important day for our DOBCEL community. 🍎 Our Executive Director, Tom Sexton would like to personally thank and congratulate the 1,700 teaching staff across…

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WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY – This Friday 25 October 🍎

World Teachers’ Day honours the dedication, hard work, and passion of teachers who play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of our children. World Teachers’ Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect…

DOBCEL Chair Terry Harney and wife Marie, along with Executive Director Tom Sexton and wife Ann, were on hand for the event.

Catholic education leader recognised in commemorative publication launched at Westminster Abbey today

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) Executive Director Tom Sexton has been recognised as a thought-leader in education in Australia in a publication marking the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth launched…

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DOBCEL leaders learn with Canadian colleagues

Alongside the co-design of the new DOBCEL 2035 strategy, our diocese has continued to grow partnerships with Canadian colleagues who have travelled similar journeys of education system improvement in recent years. A delegation including Terry…

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DOBCEL Principals and leaders on Irish Pilgrimage

A number of Principals and leaders from across the DOBCEL community are currently in Ireland on a Spiritual Heritage Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage provides an important opportunity for the leaders to understand more deeply the profound…

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Parents encouraged to participate in student wellbeing and learning survey.

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) is running a parent survey in partnership with the University of New England, AU to learn more about Student Wellbeing and Learning. All parents/carers of children attending Catholic schools in…

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Every Conversation Matters – National Child Protection Week 2024

The safety and wellbeing of the children and young people in our care is the highest priority for DOBCEL schools. This week, during National Child Protection Week 2024, we are all encouraged to consider the…

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Collaborative School Camp at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat

This week, 43 grade 5/6 students and 7 staff members from four of our smaller rural schools came together for a very exciting collaborative camp at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. The camp is a wonderful…

OLHC teacher and Soup Bus volunteer, Angelique Greene, with OLHC students.

Our Lady Help of Christians School Soup Bus food drive

Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) students in Wendouree had a special visit from the Soup Bus today to learn more about its work and hand over food cans generously donated by the children and their families. The project was organised by OLHC teacher Angelique Greene, who  volunteers with the Soup Bus and is herself a fantastic role model within the school community.

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Communication Your Way – Speech Pathology Awareness Week

Next week is Speech Pathology Awareness Week with the theme “Communication Your Way”.
At DOBCEL, we have a talented and dedicated team of speech pathologists and visiting teachers supporting and advising our students, teachers, and families about communication.

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Early Career Teachers Retreat

41 teachers have gathered in Halls Gap last week for a two-day retreat.

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Marian College, Ararat recognised in The Age’s 2024 Schools that Excel

Marian College Ararat has been awarded The Age’s 2024 Schools that Excel winner for non-government schools in rural/regional Victoria.

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Catholic schools are leaders in student wellbeing, according to new research

Students attending Catholic secondary schools rated their emotional and mental wellbeing the highest of any Australian school sector.

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Refurbished learning spaces for St Columba’s

St Columba’s, Ballarat North students and teachers have this term moved into beautifully refurbished learning spaces

Tom Sexton with students from St Paul's Primary School, Mildura, on the Murray River, which forms the northern boundary of the Diocese of Ballarat.

Catholic Education Ballarat leader recognised in Commonwealth commemorative publication

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) Executive Director Tom Sexton has been recognised as a thought-leader in education in Australia and invited to participate in the British Parliament Trust’s commemorative book marking the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth.

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Regional Dioceses Work to Grow School Leaders

Three country dioceses – Ballarat, Sandhurst and Wagga Wagga – have collaborated to offer an intensive 7-day residential leadership program to help develop Catholic school leaders.

Tom Sexton joined Juliana Addison MP for Wendouree and Acting Principal
Anthony Clifford at Our Lady Help of Christians School (OLHC), Wendouree for the announcement of
the funding today.

Catholic Education Ballarat welcomes Victorian Government support for new and upgraded facilities

Nine Catholic school communities across the diocese of Ballarat will benefit from funding for new and upgraded facilities announced by the Allan State Government today. Catholic Education Ballarat Executive Director Tom Sexton says the funding…

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‘Our Diocesan Community’- July edition now available

Read about the great work happening across our diocesan schools, parishes, and agencies. The July edition of “Our Diocesan Community” is now available for reading or downloading. Download July edition  

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New learning facilities coming for St Mary’s, Ararat

The St Mary’s Catholic primary school community in Ararat is to benefit from a $3,000,000 upgrade

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Schools benefit from IT infrastructure

Benefiting from a decentralised, efficient IT infrastructure with he implementation of Paessler’s PRTG Network Monitor

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St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat $1000 Choral Scholarships – 2025 Applications Now Open!

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat is inviting applications from Years 3 – 6 students with musical interest and aptitude, for a Cathedral Choral Scholarship for 2025. The Choral Scholarships are modelled on similar approaches operating in…

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Diocese of Ballarat Catholic schools well-advanced on structured approach to teaching literacy

Executive Director of Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education (DOBCEL), Tom Sexton, says Catholic primary schools in the Diocese have been moving towards an explicit instruction, phonics-based approach to teaching reading, as part of a structured…

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Improving literacy in the secondary years (ILSY) an ongoing focus for Diocese of Ballarat Catholic schools

A focus on improving the literacy and learning outcomes of secondary school students across the diocese of Ballarat continued today with professional development led by project partner the University of Melbourne Faculty of Education. Initiated…

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St Patrick’s, Port Fairy named Sustainability Victoria’s Community Leadership School of the Year

Huge congratulations to St Patrick’s, Port Fairy on receiving Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools award for “Community Leadership School of the Year,” alongside Tecoma Primary School. St Patrick’s Principal, Olga Lyons said the award was wonderful…

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Grandparents share stories of life and learning at St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballarat

More than 60 grandparents visited St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballarat today to share their stories as part of a school-wide focus on ‘story’ and recognition of the school’s centenary on its Drummond St site. ‘Today…

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St Columba’s leads the way with STEM resourcing initiative

St Columba’s Primary School, Ballarat is one of the first schools in Victoria to better support student engagement with the Digital Technologies curriculum by utilising a range of learning tools available for borrowing from the…

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Reconciliation an ongoing commitment for Catholic education

National Reconciliation Week 2024 – Now More Than Ever Catholic school communities across the diocese of Ballarat will next week join all Australians in marking National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and recommitting…

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Embedding Child Safe Standards Workshops

This week leadership team members from schools across the diocese are participating in Child Safe Standards Workshops delivered by expert consultant in the field, Sarah Morgante. The full-day workshop, delivered in each of the four…

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Maths teachers upskill with Michael Ymer

Internationally recognised mathematics teaching practitioner Michael Ymer has this week led professional learning for teachers from across the Diocese. Michael explored the challenges of mathematics classrooms, managing a range of abilities, and modelled practical ways…

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State Budget: Catholic school families miss out on blatantly unfair support package

The Allan Labor Government has excluded the vast majority of Catholic school families from the $400 School Savings Bonus announced in today’s State Budget in a move described by Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education as…

Zone representatives and Executive Director, Tom Sexton  being presented with the Message Stick by Vicki Clark. L - R: Gerard Raven (Mid Northern), Shelley Ryan (Central), Cynthia Maiden (Northern) and Peter Morgan (Southern).

Message Sticks begin their journeys

To mark the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Ballarat, and in recognition of, and sensitivity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers, four Message Sticks will simultaneously journey to each Catholic school…

Spirit of Catholic Education Award recipients 2024 (from left) Executive Director, Tom Sexton, Cathy Prunty, Cynthia Maiden, Tony Haintz and Dr Berenice Kerr (Deputy Chair, DOBCEL Board).

Outstanding contributors to Catholic education recognised

Outstanding contributors to Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat were recognised with Spirit of Catholic Education Awards and 30 Year Service Awards at a Catholic Education Week Mass and dinner in Ballarat on Friday…

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St Alipius students and teachers benefit from new learning spaces and facilities

Students and teachers at St Alipius Catholic Primary School, Ballarat East are benefitting from recently completed building works and refurbishments that were officially opened and blessed today (Friday 3 May). The building project at the…

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Catholic schools prepare to celebrate

Catholic Education Week (29 April – 3 May) is an annual opportunity for Catholic schools across the Diocese of Ballarat to celebrate their distinctive ethos and mission with their school and wider communities. In 2024,…

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New facilities blessed and opened at St Mary’s, Robinvale

Congratulations to the St Mary’s, Robinvale school community on the official blessing and opening of its wonderful new facilities today. The significant project includes refurbishment of four classrooms, a new classroom, outdoor learning areas, and…

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DOBCEL launches advertising campaign

From 22 April – 19 May, Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat is running a diocesan-wide TV and radio advertising campaign to let more families know about the wonderful opportunities a Catholic education can…

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Teaching excellence runs in the Dwyer family

Mother and daughter teachers, Sharon, and Eliza Dwyer, are among the 17 nominees for this year’s Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, recognising outstanding contribution to Catholic education in the Diocese of Ballarat. Sharon, who teaches…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

Foundation teacher Sharon Dwyer, from Our Lady Help of Christians School (OLHC), Warrnambool, was nominated for an award by her school community for 'Empowering all to Flourish'.

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…

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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…

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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…

Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC), Wendouree teacher and children’s author, Jodi Toering, with her students enjoying ‘Night Watch’.

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…

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Spirit of Catholic Education Awards

One of the highlights of Catholic Education Week (29 April – 3 May) in the diocese is the presentation of the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. These awards aim to recognise outstanding service and leadership…

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Catholic education conrms purchase of land in Mildura

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…

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Globally recognised education innovators guide plan for Ballarat Diocese Catholic schools

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…

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Ballarat Diocese Catholic schools proactively supporting students and families with new wellbeing initiative

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…

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Exciting year ahead as 18,000 students and 2,200 staff return to Ballarat Diocese Catholic schools

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,…

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Catholic School Fee Relief Available as Cost of Living Pressures Rise

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…