Hello everyone,

DLG last week was a great success, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to a productive few days together.

Our workshops on workload relief measures and budgeting for 2027 were certainly challenging at times, but they were also fruitful. They gave us the opportunity to have some important conversations about the realities facing our schools and how, as a system, we can continue to support our leaders and communities effectively.

Our Mass and dinner were also wonderful occasions, and it was a privilege to hear Bishop Mark’s first address to DOBCEL principals. At the heart of his message was the importance of Generosity, Courage and Compassion in all our leadership interactions. These are powerful measures for the way we lead, the decisions we make and the relationships we build.

Bishop Mark also emphasised the importance of the parish–school relationship and encouraged our principals to reach out to their local priests at every opportunity. Strong relationships between our schools and parishes remain fundamental to our Catholic identity and mission.

Today, I have been at Parliament House meeting with various Members of Parliament and advocating for rural education issues that are particularly important to our Diocese and our school communities.  Our meeting with Shadow Minister for Education, Brad Rowswell was very productive.

We are grateful to Joe McCracken, Member for Western Victoria and a great supporter of Catholic education, for hosting us and arranging a number of valuable meetings.    

Tomorrow morning, I’m heading to Finland to attend and participate in the upcoming education summit. Accompanying me will be DOBCEL principals Emily Clarke and Ben Shields, along with Julia Petrov from CEB and Dave Runge.

It is a great honour for DOBCEL to be invited to participate in the Summit and an outstanding achievement to have two sessions selected for presentation at the Conference. Of approximately 4,800 proposals submitted, only 200 were selected – and two of those came from DOBCEL. That is something our whole organisation can be very proud of.

We are looking forward to learning a great deal, sharing some of our own experiences and making new connections with like-minded educators from around the world. Most importantly, we will bring that learning home and use it to help us continue becoming an even better system of schools.

I also want to acknowledge the increased engagement we are seeing across our social media channels. It has been terrific to see more people engaging with, sharing and celebrating the stories of our schools, staff, students and communities. Every interaction helps extend the reach of those stories and strengthens awareness of the wonderful work happening across DOBCEL.

Thank you to everyone who is contributing, engaging and helping us tell the DOBCEL story. Please keep it going.

With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director

This Saturday, 15 August, is the Feast of Assumption.

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary commemorates the glorification of Mary, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus the Christ. The feast acquired a special status as a feast of Mary when Pius XII in 1950 defined the assumption as a core belief of Catholic faith. 

On this feast we are encouraged to affirm our humanity and work to enhance the dignity of people as daughters and sons of God. 

(from Stories and Seasons: Saints and Feasts for Catholic Schools and Parishes by Kevin Treston)

Liberation theologian, Leonardo Boff sees the Assumption of Mary as God's vindication of the poor and humble. Mary's exaltation fulfils the promise of the Magnificat, where God "lifts up the lowly" (Luke 1:52) and subsequently the Assumption of Mary becomes a symbol of God's commitment to justice and liberation.

Ref: Leonardo Boff, The Maternal Face of God: The Feminine and Its Religious Expressions (1987).

Recent social media results show strong momentum and a clear opportunity to build greater connection across the DOBCEL community. 

In the 28 days from 13 July to 9 August, our content generated 56,110 views, up 431 per cent, while short and longer video views also increased significantly. 

Importantly, 77.4 per cent of views came from people who do not currently follow our channels, showing that the stories we share are reaching well beyond our existing audience. 

What is particularly encouraging is the type of content generating this engagement. Posts featuring our students, staff, schools, events, achievements and everyday community moments are among our strongest performers. 

The message from the results is simple: people want to see people. Our social channels give us an opportunity to celebrate the life, culture and character of our schools and to show the wider community what Catholic education across our Diocese looks and feels like. 

We want to build on this momentum by sharing more of the wonderful things already happening every day across our schools. Student achievements, staff milestones, sporting and arts events, liturgies, classroom activities, camps, community partnerships, Catholic identity and mission, special celebrations and even simple behind-the-scenes moments can all make great stories. They do not need to be highly produced - often a good photo, a short video and a few sentences are all we need. 

This is where we need your help. We are asking schools, principals and staff to keep the communications team informed about upcoming events and celebrations.  We'd love it you could send through social posts, photos, videos and stories that we may be able to share more broadly. 

If something interesting is happening at your school - or you see a student, staff member or community doing something worth celebrating - please let us know.   Often the content you are sending us for the newsletter can also be shared on our socials.

In tandem to our school coverage, the projects and portfolios at DOBCEL are equally worth celebrating.  As you’ll see from the stats pictured, our external engagement is increasing on all fronts.

Our focus for the next stage is more people, more community and more celebration. By working together, we can continue increasing engagement while creating social channels that genuinely celebrate our schools, our people, our Catholic culture and the communities we serve. Our schools are already creating these stories every day - we simply want to help more people see them.

Please reach out to let us know about your events, via: comms@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Follow us on our social media accounts:
Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

Collaborative Innovation Research Prototypes (CIRPs) provide schools with the opportunity to explore innovative ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to system-wide improvement. Through collaborative inquiry and shared reflection, CIRP teams generate valuable insights, strengthen professional networks, and build knowledge that benefits schools across the Diocese.

Applications for the next round of CIRPs close this Friday 14 August 2026.

Schools currently participating in a CIRP are also invited to apply for a renewal. Renewal applications are intended for teams that can demonstrate significant learning from their current project and present a strong case to continue, refine, embed, expand, or scale their work.

Renewal application information will be sent directly to current CIRP teams.

For further information, application guidance, and supporting resources, please visit the CIRP information page or email Strategy Implementation Manager. 

A meeting of minds in Horsham!

DOBCEL leaders, school principals and business managers from across the western part of the state, from Portland to the northern regions of the Sunraysia, gathered in Horsham last week for the Diocesan Leadership Gathering (DLG).

The DLG gathers once per term and is a great way to collaborate, celebrate success, build insight into current issues and plan for the future.

This term's agenda was built to support our schools as they move forward, including financial planning and management, faith-led insights from our new Bishop and a strategic lens on our broader priorities.

Click here to view our social media post.

Planting hope: St Aloysius students bring Laudato Si’ to life in Carranballac

Students from the St Aloysius Primary School Laudato Si’ Team recently put Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ into action through a day of environmental restoration, service and community connection at Carranballac.

Following the devastating bushfires that swept through Streatham, Carranballac and surrounding rural areas in January 2026, the students partnered with BlazeAid Australia to support the restoration of fire-affected farmland. Working alongside BlazeAid volunteers and members of the local community, students planted more than 250 sugar gums and native trees, contributing to the establishment of shelter belts, green corridors and regenerated habitat for local wildlife.

The experience provided an authentic opportunity for students to engage with the seven Laudato Si’ Action Goals and Catholic Social Teaching. Through practical service, students responded to the Cry of the Earth and the needs of a fire-affected community while learning about biodiversity, ecological restoration and their responsibility to care for our common home.

Prior to the excursion, all students were invited to decorate tree guards with colourful artwork and messages of hope for the farmers and their families. These messages became a powerful symbol of solidarity, reminding students that caring for creation is also about caring for people and communities.

The project was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of community partners. The Catholic Development Fund generously supported the cost of transport, while Ballarat Coachlines partnered with the school to further reduce the cost of bus hire. Their support enabled students to take their learning beyond the classroom and make a tangible contribution to the wider community.

Sarah Page, Social Justice Education Officer at DOBCEL, also joined the students for the day, working alongside them and the BlazeAid volunteers. We are grateful to Sarah for her ongoing guidance, passion for ecological education and commitment to assisting young people to make a genuine contribution to environmental restoration.

This was Catholic Social Teaching in action. The students did more than plant trees—they planted hope, strengthened community connections and demonstrated a lasting commitment to caring for our common home.

Through experiences such as this, St Aloysius Primary School continues to bring its vision, “Fullness of Life for All,” to life through faith, learning and action.

Click here to view our social media content.

[Photos and content shared by Torie Waight, Catholic Identity Leader/Classroom Teacher of St Aloysius Primary School, Redan]

Growing and learning in the school garden

Students at St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlton have been enjoying a hands-on lunchtime gardening activity, with plenty of eager helpers coming together to plant the school’s garden pods.

The students planted a variety of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, snap peas, celery and strawberries, which they look forward to harvesting and enjoying as healthy snacks in the months ahead. To add a splash of colour to the garden, they also planted vibrant pansies.

The lunchtime gardening initiative provides students with a wonderful opportunity to learn about sustainability, healthy eating and caring for the environment, while working collaboratively and taking pride in their school grounds. The students are excited to watch their plants grow and see the results of their hard work.

[Photos sourced from Facebook page of St Joseph's Primary School, Charlton]

This week, we feature another Teachers Who Inspire nomination, recognising not just one teacher, but an exceptional team of educators from Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Wendouree.

The nominated staff members are (the whole team):
Karen Bell, Grace Catterson, Allison Clack, Samantha Curtis, Carlie Daley, Hannah Fitzpatrick, Ashleigh Goossens, Angelique Greene, Elise Hankin, Kim Ickeringill, Naomi Irvin, Nicole Irvin, Marnie Jones, Morgan Knaggs, Lisa McKenzie, Sarah Ness, Karli New, Adele Pye, Sharalle Raven, Nicole Ross, Dionne Skellern, and Kirsty Torney.

Principal Jaci Commons believes that behind the school's success is a remarkable team of educators who work as one, united by a shared purpose and commitment to every student.

As part of their nomination, the team was asked:

Is there a story from your time teaching that has inspired you or had a deep impact on you?

They shared:

One of the greatest privileges of working at Our Lady's is watching children become known by an entire community. A student might be greeted by name by office staff, encouraged by a Learning Support Officer, celebrated by a specialist teacher, supported by leadership and challenged by their classroom teacher... all before lunchtime.

When children know that so many adults genuinely care about them, they begin to see themselves differently. They begin to believe they are valued, capable and worthy of belonging, and that belief becomes the foundation for learning, confidence and hope. That is the power of community.

Congratulations to the educators of Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Wendouree. Thank you for the positive difference you make in the lives of your students each day. May your dedication, compassion, and commitment continue to inspire your school community for many years to come.

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. 

Explicit Maths Program (EMP) training

For those schools who have indicated they are interested in attending in-person training for the EMP program, please note the following training day:

When: Tuesday, 18 August 2026 (10:00am - 3:00pm)
Where: Tarneit Rise Primary School, Tarneit

For further details and registration, please click here.

Please note this event is not directly affiliated with DOBCEL but is an open invitation to any schools who are already implementing or looking to implement the program in 2027.

National Science Week – share your school’s celebrations

Dear Secondary Learning Leaders,

National Science Week is kicking off on Saturday, 15 August and runs until Sunday, 23 August.

If your school is planning activities to celebrate, it would be wonderful to showcase these across our Diocese. Please send photographs and a short blurb for inclusion in the DOBCEL newsletter to comms@dobcel.catholic.edu.au.

If your school is looking for ideas and resources, please visit:

• National Science Week
• National Science Week – Schools

Australians Together has also developed free, Australian Curriculum-aligned resources for Foundation to Year 10 to support the inclusion of First Nations perspectives. These include ready-to-use lesson plans and activities linked to this year’s theme, Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all.

Please feel free to forward this information to your Science Learning Area Leader and teaching teams.

Happy Science Week!!

Kind regards,
Ingrid May
Education Officer: Secondary (DOBCEL)

Professional Learning Opportunity 

Crucial Conversations- DOBCEL facilitated

For more information, please contact Emma Baldwin

People and Development - professional learning opportunities - Term 3 and Term 4

The following people and development professional learning opportunities are available for staff to attend:

R U OK? Day is Thursday 10 September 2026 and is the National Day of Action, providing an ideal opportunity to engage staff and the wider school community with the values of R U OK?

A conversation could change a life.

Learn more about the 4 steps of a RU OK ? conversation

Here are some resources you may like to access for R U OK Day:

Resources for Work
Primary School Resources
Secondary School Resources

SWPBS Briefing on 9 September

This online session will outline what the commitment to SWPBS will look like for schools considering implementation in 2027. Participants will receive an overview of the implementation process, expectations, timelines, and the support available throughout the journey. We are also pleased to have both a primary and secondary school leader sharing their experiences and discussing the positive impact SWPBS has had within their school communities.

Schools interested in joining the 2027 SWPBS Cohort will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This information will assist us in establishing Communities of Practice and providing targeted support based on school location and identified needs.

This is a valuable opportunity to begin considering your school's wellbeing and behaviour priorities for 2027 and explore how SWPBS may support your goals through a proactive, evidence-informed framework.

If you would like further information or would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the commitment in more detail, Anne Ruddell aruddell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au and Jane Bennett jbennett@dobcel.catholic.edu.au would be happy to meet with your leadership team or attend one of your meetings to unpack the framework, discuss implementation considerations, and answer any questions.

Please email through contacts for RSVP and links to the briefing meeting.

Invitation to webinar: Understanding peer to peer harmful sexual behaviours VC #3 secondary schools by Dr Gabby Hunt

Australian Bishops launch social justice statement on building unity

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has launched its latest Social Justice Statement, Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division, calling on Australians to respond to growing social division with compassion, dialogue and a commitment to human dignity. The statement was launched in Brisbane by Bishop Tim Harris, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service. 

In his address, Bishop Harris highlighted the challenges of polarisation, misinformation and prejudice within society and encouraged people to choose understanding over division. Grounded in the Gospel message of love, the statement invites Catholics and all people of goodwill to foster respectful dialogue, build stronger communities, and support those on the margins. 

The statement draws on the vision of Pope Leo for a “civilisation of love”, promoting justice, peace and meaningful encounter as pathways to healing divisions and strengthening social cohesion. Australians are encouraged to embrace kindness, friendship and active compassion in their daily lives as a witness to Gospel values.

[Photos shared by Annette Laoughlin-Smith of NCEC]

Catholic education supports stronger online privacy protections for children

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), together with Independent Schools Australia (ISA), has welcomed efforts to strengthen online privacy protections for children and young people through the proposed Children’s Online Privacy Code.

In a joint submission, NCEC and ISA highlighted the importance of creating safer digital environments while ensuring schools can continue to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and wellbeing support through trusted online platforms. The submission emphasises the need for child-centred privacy protections that are practical, balanced and support the educational use of technology.

The recommendations seek to safeguard students’ personal information, promote responsible data practices, and ensure young people can engage safely in the digital world while benefiting from the educational opportunities technology provides.

For more information, read the joint submission from Independent Schools Australia and the National Catholic Education Commission.

Thank you for your ongoing support of CDF and consideration of this request.

Attached is a two-part digital resource for inclusion in your school newsletter with the heading:

CDF Supporting Our Diocese of Ballarat 

By sharing this information with your school community, you help raise awareness of the CDF Community Fund, an initiative that directly supports the ongoing mission and ministries of the Diocese of Ballarat.

Please feel free to include this content in your newsletter anytime at your discretion.

Thank you again for your support of CDF and our shared faith-based mission.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions – Just a call away 0475 412 248.

In Fatih, Hope & Love
Regards,
Maxine Vallance, CDF Relationship Manager
 

Kev Cummins at Modular Media has offered DOBCEL schools the opportunity to update their photography prior to the end of the year.

With a charge of $750 per package, Kev will come to your school to take an updated package of photos that can be used on your digital and social media platforms.  

DOBCEL will pay half this cost, leaving the schools to pay $375 plus gst.

If you would like to take up this opportunity contact Kev directly via the following:
T:   0400 885 534 
E:   kev@modularmedia.com.au

Please join SIMON as we host two roadshows in the Ballarat region during October. 

These roadshows will see us visit a number of regions to showcase key SIMON functionality - both existing features and exciting new developments. Most importantly, they will provide an opportunity for meaningful, face-to-face engagement with our schools.

The SIMON Roadshow is designed to teach you more about SIMON in a relaxed environment. Topics are relevant to both Primary and Secondary Schools.

The structure of the day is as follows (including breakout sessions).

Session 1               10am-12 noon
Lunch Break           12nn-12.30pm     
Session 2               12.30pm-2pm          

Topics Covered (but not limited to)

• Configuring student notes
• Overdue work letters
• Heartbeat/student digest
• Social behaviour and pastoral chains
• Rollover – End of Year
• New student enrolments (incoming) and communication centre
• SIMON administration system

Thank you to the following schools for hosting the SIMON roadshow.

To register for one of these exciting free events, choose the location that suits you best and click on the trybooking link.

9 October             St Joseph's College, Mildura                     https://www.trybooking.com/DOMCX
21 October           Trinity College, Colac                                https://www.trybooking.com/DOLVV

To view current vacancies and learn more about career opportunities with DOBCEL, please visit our Careers Page and Teachers on Net via the links below.