Invitation to La Trobe Professional Mathematics Masterclass
Discover practical, research-backed strategies for teaching mathematics.
Co-delivered by Professor Anna Stokke (University of Winnipeg) and Associate Professor Chrissy Monteleone (La Trobe University), this live masterclass brings together international and local expertise to help you teach mathematics more effectively, starting with what the evidence says works best.
The session is designed to be interactive, practical and immediately applicable. You'll leave with tools you can implement in your classroom the next day.
This masterclass will be held on Wednesday 18 November 2026, 3.30-5pm AEDT, at the State Library in Melbourne and is also available ONLINE.
This Masterclass costs $50.
Register now: https://bit.ly/4rACfjn
Why Mathematics Education Matters in a Changing World?
La Trobe University is presenting The Mallee Series - an annual event that will bring the Mildura community together to explore the critical policies, social issues and opportunities shaping regional Australia.
Join internationally recognised mathematics educator, Professor Anna Stokke from the University of Winnipeg (Canada) for a compelling conversation about why strong mathematics education matters for our children, our workforce, our economy and the future of our communities. Anna will also discuss why every young person needs access to excellent mathematics teaching and why this challenge belongs to us all.
Doors will open at 5.30pm, allowing time for registration and networking ahead of the keynote address, commencing at 6:15pm. The evening will be hosted by Professor Joanna Barbousas, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education Impact and Innovation and Dean of the School of Education at La Trobe University.
Book now for this FREE event.
Date: Thursday 19 November 2026 5.30 pm-7.30 pm
Contact: University Events: events@latrobe.edu.au
Location: Brian Grogan Lecture Theatre, La Trobe University, 471 Benetook Avenue, Mildura
Presented by: Professor Anna Stokke
Type of Event: Alumni; Community Event; Public Lecture; Public
Preparing for PAT testing
Transition to Adaptive PAT Mathematics and Literacy Assessments
ACER's advice regarding the use of PAT Mathematics and Reading assessments has evolved. While linear assessments were previously recommended for annual summative purposes, ACER now advises that adaptive testing provides sufficient precision and reliability to serve as the primary method for assessing student achievement in these learning areas. In response to this advice, and to strengthen consistency in assessment practices across DOBCEL schools, we will move towards a fully adaptive testing environment for PAT Mathematics and Reading.
Adaptive testing provides a more precise measure of student achievement and supports a more consistent assessment experience across the year. Schools should be aware that some variation in results may be evident during the transition period, particularly where comparisons are being made between adaptive and linear testing methodologies. These differences are expected to reflect improvements in measurement precision rather than changes in student learning and should be interpreted alongside other assessment evidence, teacher judgement, and curriculum-based measures.
Here is a link to a webinar presented by Daniel O’Loughlin from ACER with a focus on PAT Adaptive and the use of the Data Explorer.
Once you’ve clicked on the link scroll down to the last webinar
PAT Resources on The DOBCEL Schools Hub for PATM
As you and your teams prepare for the administration of PAT at the start of term 4 this is a reminder that in the DOBCEL Schools Hub you will find under the Administer Tab slide decks for administration, and tools for recording the data.
PAT Resources on the FLARE Website for Literacy Assessments bit.ly/DOBCELFlare
To access PAT Resources, go to > Resource Centre → Assessment & Reporting → PAT Administration Support
ACER’s upcoming free webinars Term 4 link is here
- Getting the most from PAT: Best Practice, assessment advice and updates Tuesday 13 October 4pm
- PAT Interviews: Conversations with schools using PAT – what next? Wednesday 28 October 4pm
- Tracking Student growth with PAT using data to understand learning progress Wednesday 4 November 4pm.
If you have any queries, please contact:
- Belinda Chiswell: bchiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
- Melanie Saleta: msaleta@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
- Teresa Hadden: thadden@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
News from English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Topics in this edition:
- Reporting
- Professional learning opportunities
- Culturally significant dates for Term 4
- Bilingual books
- Resources
- Network meeting date
Feel free to reach out Natasha Watt if you have any questions or require support:
NWatt@dobcel.catholic.edu.au | 0497 111 230
Working days: Monday and Tuesday
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority – 2027 Curriculum Lead Writer Opportunity
About the Opportunity
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is seeking to engage an experienced Catholic primary school curriculum leader to contribute to the development of guidance and example resources that support a whole-school approach to curriculum planning. As part of this work, VCAA is looking to appoint a lead writer with demonstrated expertise in curriculum planning and design, ideally supported by a postgraduate qualification in curriculum or a related field.
We invite expressions of interest from experienced Catholic primary school curriculum leaders who wish to be considered for this contracted work. The role would involve contributing to the development of curriculum resources throughout 2027, with the work undertaken outside the applicant’s substantive school position and with the support of their principal.
Expressions of interest will be provided to VCAA, which will manage the selection and engagement process directly.
Nature of engagement
- The work will be undertaken on a contract basis outside the applicant’s substantive employment position.
- The work will take place throughout 2027.
- Specific project requirements, timelines and remuneration arrangements will be discussed directly with shortlisted applicants.
- The scope and time commitment of opportunities may vary, as determined by VCAA.
Desired expertise and experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Current experience in schools and/or educational leadership
- A postgraduate qualification, preferably in curriculum or a related field
Interested applicants are invited to submit an expression of interest via the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority – 2027 Curriculum Lead Writer Opportunity form.
Selection process
Expressions of interest will be reviewed by VCAA. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted directly by VCAA to discuss the opportunity, expected deliverables, timelines and engagement arrangements.
Please note that submitting an EOI does not guarantee appointment to the project.
Free Be Digitally Wise Week 2026 Resources for Schools
Hosted by Catholic Network Australia (CNA), Be Digitally Wise Week 2026 offers a range of free cyber safety and digital citizenship learning opportunities for students from Foundation to Year 12.
Program highlights:
- Foundation-Year 2: Ollie Online (Live Virtual Incursion) - 22 October
- Years 3-4: Adventures Online (Live Virtual Incursion) - 22 October
- Years 5-6: Tech Trailblazers (On-Demand) - Available from 19 October
- Year 7: Thriving Online (On-Demand) - Available from 19 October
- Year 8: My Place in a Digital World (On-Demand) - Available from 19 October
- Years 9-12: Your Digital Future (On-Demand) - Available from 19 October
These free resources provide practical, age-appropriate learning experiences focused on cyber safety, digital wellbeing and positive online engagement.
Visit the Be Digitally Wise Week website- https://www.cna.catholic.edu.au/bedigitallywiseweek for full program details and registration information. Schools are encouraged to register and participate.
Building Agility into a Capability-Rich Curriculum
Join Apple and Future Anything for a FREE practical professional learning workshop exploring how schools can embed agility and future-focused capabilities into teaching and learning. Designed for teachers and leaders, the session will share research-backed strategies and classroom approaches that help students adapt, thrive and succeed in a changing world.
📅 Friday 30 October 2026
🕘 9.00am-4.00pm
📍 Melbourne CBD
👉 Visit the registration link for more information and to register.