Early career teachers' formation retreat at Hall’s Gap
Last week, early career teachers from Catholic schools across the Ballarat Diocese gathered to participate in a formation retreat in Hall’s Gap.
It was a wonderful opportunity for these teachers to connect with one another and nurture their own spirit in a beautiful setting.
The day was facilitated by staff from Catholic Education Ballarat: Jim Waight, Julie Cooper and Martin Ryan.
During the two days participants explored:
- What does it mean to be part of the story of Catholic Education Ballarat?
- How might we experience and create peace in our working lives and our personal lives?
- The concept of “sabbath” and how we might find “sabbath” time in our own lives.
- The life of St Francis and the context and meaning of 2026 being “The Jubilee Year of St Francis.”
- How we too are called to live our lives more like St Francis.
Participants were also invited to join in prayer experiences whilst being immersed in the beauty of God’s creation.
The following comments are taken from the evaluation notes submitted by some of the participants.
What is something you have gained from over these two days?
“…greater and deeper knowledge of saints in general but particularly the life of St Francis.”
“…the time to pray, connect with creation and to think more spiritually.”
“…a reminder to stop and take time.”
“…sabbath moments are all around us and it is important to take time and notice and be more present.”
“… great connections and a sense of peace.”
“…deeper connection to my spiritual self and God.”
“…connection with others and listening to everyone else’s experiences.”
“… a sense of pride towards my job, new friendships and connections.”
“… a sense of gratefulness and appreciation of this opportunity.”
“… the notion of experiencing God in the ordinary things of life.”
As a Diocesan education community we are very proud of and grateful for the work of our early career teachers.
Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) Teacher Perception Survey
For current TCL schools only
As part of an ongoing improvement plan, the TCL program requires ongoing evaluation for its refinement and sustainability into the future.
This survey will gather information on teacher perceptions to measure pedagogical and self-perception shifts for teachers delivering TCL and reflect on opportunities for staff collaboration within a whole school approach to Languages teaching and learning.
Language Leaders/TCL principals: please share this TCL Teacher Perception Survey with TCL classroom teaching staff (not for LSOs or Language Assistants). Please complete by Week Seven (Friday 28 August 2026). Staff will need approximately 5-7 minutes to complete the survey.