Online Professional Learning - Term 4
The CI&M team offer one hour online professional learning sessions for those who work across DOBCEL. They are intended to give short, but in depth, dips into various topics of interest across Catholic Identity. All who work in our schools are welcome to attend. Those who need to maintain accreditation to teach or lead RE will be able to apply for one hour towards this via TAP.
This Thursday, October 8, we welcome back Dino Martiniello from Jesuit Social Services to explore a different aspect of the Man Box project with us. All RE teachers as well as any other teachers involved in the teaching of RSE and RRRR are welcome to join the session at 3:45 to 4:45 pm.
Next week, on Thursday October 15, our session will give practical suggestions for the application of the Ten Characteristics of Prayer in classrooms. ‘How to Lead Classroom Prayer’ will take place from 3:45 to 4:45 pm and is best suited primary and lower secondary teachers of RE.
The links for both sessions are included in the PDF below.
Invitation to Adolescent Man Box Webinar
The final two online sessions of this five part series will be offered this term.
The online workshops are facilitated by team members from the Jesuit Social Services. This week’s presenter will be Dino Martiniello (from week 1). These last two sessions will continue to:
- Unpack the Man Box by building awareness through conversations and self-reflection,
- Explore the Adolescent Man Box pressures and age-appropriate insights,
- Promote healthier alternatives,
- Explore how to respond to individuals,
- Investigate how to implement strategies to manage resistance and backlash,
- Explore whole school approach to healthy masculinities within Respectful Relationships,
- Discuss the work of Respectful Relationships the connection between Catholic Social Teachings.
Each session will begin at 3.30pm with prayer with the PD beginning at 3:45 pm.
The remaining two sessions are:
- Term 4, Week 1 – Thursday October 8, 3.30–4.30 pm
- Term 4, Week 3 – Thursday October 22, 3.30–4.30 pm
Each session will be allocated a TAP number for accreditation purposes. Attendance will be recorded at each session if you wish to claim the accreditation hours.
ACU & VCEA Launch
Created for Respectful Relationships
Save the Date: 5 November 2026
ACU and the VCEA have worked together to release a suite of teacher resources for the teaching of Respectful Relationships through the Catholic lens.
We have been asked to extend to teachers of respectful relationships and Wellbeing Leaders, an invitation to this all-day professional development opportunity at ACU Melbourne Campus on November 5, 2026. This PD is being offered both face-to-face and online.
This is a free event to hear how Consent and Respectful Relationships Education can help children and young people develop the language and relational skills to understand dignity, boundaries, consent, healthy relationships and help-seeking. They will also address the all-important question of how to create conditions that keep children safe.
The event will include the launch of a suite of materials that offer a theological framework and practical guidance on how to shape your environment by influencing what a school community notices, models, challenges and accepts.
Presented by Australian Catholic University researchers from the Faculty of Education and Arts and Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, plus special guests who will offer insights and reflections based on experience. More details are in the attached flyer.
Registration: Please contact icps@acu.edu.au to receive a link to the registration page.
Invitation to Attend: Cardinal Mario Grech in Melbourne
The Global Centre for Catholic Leaders warmly invites you to join Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, for a conversation on "The Mission We Share: Co-responsibility in the Church."
Cardinal Grech will be in Melbourne on 4 November for a public session from 9am to 12pm. Taking place just one month before the Melbourne Synod, this event offers a valuable opportunity for those interested in the future of the Church and the practice of synodality.
Participants will hear from Cardinal Grech, engage in spiritual conversations and reflection, and have the opportunity to explore key questions with the Cardinal and a panel of guests, including:
- Is synodality here to stay?
- What does synodality mean for the way we lead and govern?
- What kind of formation is needed to support a synodal Church?
- How do we build co-responsibility within our communities?
This promises to be a timely and enriching conversation for all involved in Catholic leadership, ministry, and community life.
Aggiornamento Modules for Term 4 2026
Aggiornamento - small bites of theological questions for people with questions.
Description
There are two more 90-minute online modules in Term 4. Aggiornamento is Italian for "updating," and came to prominence as one of the aims of the Church of the Second Vatican Council. The modules have been developed collaboratively by Professor Robyn Horner and Dr Teresa Brown of the School of Theology at Australian Catholic University and draw from the resources of experts in the field.
Learning Outcomes
- To introduce teachers to the practice of thinking and talking about Catholic faith in dialogue with their experiences in today's world.
- To introduce teachers to the theological concepts and approaches that emerge from Vatican II.
- To enable teachers to practice the skills of dialogue and recontextualisation.
- To introduce teachers to the aims, purposes and language of the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) research.
- To enable teachers to consider the ways in which they might apply their learning in specific school and diocesan contexts.
How to monitor?
Ongoing feedback from participating teachers and survey of findings/opportunities to implement learnings in their classrooms.
Audience
All staff in the Ballarat Diocese, particular focus on teachers in their 1st to 5th year employment in Ballarat Diocese and teachers who are new to the Diocese or returning after a break.
Other details
The cost per module is $30 and is payable to ACU. Details will be provided to participants upon registration through the TryBooking links below. There are TAP hours for each module. Both modules will be facilitated by Gina Bernasconi and Justin McInerney
Module 102 A Personal God
To enable participants to identify the source of Christian belief in God: revelation.
Thursday 12 November 2026 | 3:45-5:15pm https://www.trybooking.com/DHZGB
Repeat Tuesday 17 November 2026 | 3:45-5:15pm https://www.trybooking.com/DHZGD
Module 103 The Great Tradition
To enable participants to identify a Catholic understanding of tradition as it is expressed in Vatican II’s Dei Verbum and to consider contextual processes that affect the handing on of tradition.
Thursday 3 December 2026 | 3:45-5:15pm https://www.trybooking.com/DHZGF
Repeat Tuesday 8 December 2026 | 3.45-5.15 https://www.trybooking.com/DHZGH
Priority courses for 2027 – 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 (a must if adjunct ‘principal’ with a title).
The courses 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 23 October 2026.
CTC/YTU Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education
Year 1 (Those commencing in 2027)
Semester 1
BS8610Z: Introduction to the Bible for Teachers: Bro Paul Creevey
Dates: Saturdays, 6 March, 20 March, 1 May, 15 May
Semester 2
CT8620Z: Introduction to Theology for Teachers: Bro Paul Creevey
Dates: Saturdays, 7 August, 21 August, 4 September, 9 October
Year 2 (Those continuing in 2027)
Semester 1
DT8630Z: Introduction to Moral Theology for Teachers: Bernard Teo
Dates: Saturdays, 27 February, 13 March, 1 May, 15 May
Semester 2
DR8640Z: Introduction to Religious Education for Teachers: John Meneely
Dates: Saturdays, 31 July, 14 August, 4 September, 9 October
ACU Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (GCRE)
Year 1 (Those commencing in 2027)
Semester 1
THBS562 Introducing the Scriptures | TBA
Semester 2
THCT563 Introducing Theology | TBA
Year 2 (Those completing in 2027)
The following units are being offered in 2027 as online synchronous (with weekly classes):
Semester 1
THCT564 Introducing Church Life | ACU Online MT
Semester 2
EDRE544 Change and Continuity in Religious Education | ACU Online MT
Or
For those who prefer a face-to-face option, similar units are offered in Melbourne on 4 Saturdays per subject (2 days at ACU Melbourne and 2 days online) TBA
For more information, visit our Sponsorship page on the DOBCEL website or contact Kate Lawry at 0428359854.