CEB professional learning online sessions (Term 3, 2026)
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 week our session focuses on the Season of Creation 2026: Living Water - Faith, Ecology, and Action. As we prepare for the Season of Creation (1 September - 4 October), this session invites participants to deepen their understanding of water as a sacred gift. Through theological reflection, ecological awareness, and a justice lens, participants will explore how the theme Living Water calls Catholic communities to faith-filled and practical responses in both school and personal life. This session is open to all who are interested in the Season of Creation. Thursday, 13 August 3:45pm-4:45pm. Meeting link in the PDF below.
- Next week we are joined again for our RSE and RRRR session by special guest Drew Hanger from Jesuit Social Services. All RE teachers as well as any other teachers involved in the teaching of RSE and RRRR are encouraged to attend. Thursday, 20 August 3:45pm-4:45pm Meeting link in the PDF below.
Building capacity: Contextualising RRRR teaching and learning material to implement in Catholic schools
The VCEA is offering the opportunity for key staff involved in leading Respectful Relationships to attend a professional learning workshop to confidently implement Respectful Relationships curriculum so that it is aligned with Catholic teachings and identity.
The day will be facilitated by the Catholic relationships and sexuality education consultant Caitlin Humphrys. The details are:
Date: 8 September 2026
Venue: Red Lion Hotel
Registration: Via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DHQZS
Cost: Covered by VCEA.
This will only be offered face-to-face.
If you wish to attend this PD, could you please register ASAP as we need to finalise the event as Caitlin is travelling from Queensland and we need to ensure we have the numbers needed for the PD to proceed.
Adolescent Man Box
The first online session was really supported by the schools in this Diocese. This introductory session set the groundwork for what will be a wonderful four sessions over this term and Term 4.
The online workshops will be facilitated by Dino Martiniello from the Jesuit Social Services and will:
- Unpacking the Man Box by building awareness through conversations and self-reflection
- Exploring the Adolescent Man Box pressures and age-appropriate insights
- Promoting healthier alternatives
- Bystander and responding to individuals
- Implementing strategies to manage resistance and backlash
- 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 3:45pm.
The remaining four sessions are:
- Term 3, Week 6 – Thursday 20 August, 3:30pm–4:30pm
- Term 3, Week 8 – Thursday 3 September, 3:30pm–4:30pm
- Term 4, Week 1 – Thursday 8 October, 3:30pm–4:30pm
- Term 4, Week 3 – Thursday 22 October, 3:30pm–4:30pm
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.
Aggiornamento Term 4 2026
Register now!
The Term 4 2026 Aggiornamento sessions are 90-minute online modules with TAP accreditation.
We are appreciative of ACU, 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.
Our term 4 offerings:
- Session 1: 102 A personal God: Thursday 12 November (repeat 17 November)
- Session 2: 103 The Great Tradition: Thursday 3 December (repeat 8 December)
The cost per module is $30 per person. You need to participate with your own computer i.e. participants are unable to share a computer.
Here are the Try Booking links for you to register and pay, once that is done, Gina Bernasconi will be in contact with you early in Term 4.
Link to Session 1: 102 A personal God: (Thursday, 12 November)
102 repeat: (17 November)
Link to Session 2: 103 The Great Tradition: (Thursday, 3 December)
103 repeat: (8 December)
Creating an LGBTIQA+ inclusive faith community webinar
Catholic church reform
This webinar will explore LGBTIQA+ realities and Catholic faith. We will discuss identity, faith, and belonging – and what it means for the Church to be a place where all are truly welcome.
The panel features Angela Han, Founder of Acceptance Perth, an inclusive and affirming community for LGBTIQA+ Catholics, their families and friends; Stef Rozitis, a PhD researcher on masculinities in education with a lifelong Catholic journey; and, Tim Smyth, a longtime member of Acceptance, whose search for a welcoming parish reflects a wider story within the Church.
Susan Sullivan will be moderating the event.
EVENT DETAILS
WHEN: Wednesday 12 August 2026
TIME: 7pm – 8.30pm AEST*
WHERE: Via Zoom
COST: Free
REGISTRATION: Click this link REGISTER HERE.
Online registration is essential. Zoom meeting details will be forwarded upon registration.
The presentation will be recorded and made available the week following the session. The presenting organisation will send an email with details on how to access the video once it is available
Please find below the DOBCEL Hospitality: Guidelines for Catholic Schools Supporting Gender Diverse Students.
Season of Creation Mass 2026
If you are unable to join the 2026 Ballarat Diocesan Season of Creation Mass in person next Friday 21 August 2026 at Redcliffs, you can watch it live online or view the recording later on the Ballarat Diocesan website.
Live Stream Details
- Event: 2026 Ballarat Diocesan Season of Creation Mass, Friday 21 August 2026, 9:30am
Access: Watch the Season of Creation Mass 2026 Livestream or scan the QR code.
- Recording: Available on the main diocesan website to watch anytime during the Season of Creation.
- Resources: You can access additional resources to support celebrations in your school throughout the Season of Creation, 1 September to 4 October 2026, here.
