On Tuesday, I visited Parliament House alongside Julianna Addison MP, Jacinta Ermacora MP, Martha Haylett MP, Michaela Settle MP, Lizzie Blandthorn MP and Elizabeth Labone from the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) to sign a Building Blocks Partnership Memorandum of Understanding.

The agreement will support the development of a new 99-place Early Learning Centre on the site of St Mary’s Primary School, Swan Hill. This is a very exciting opportunity for the school and the broader Swan Hill community, helping to meet the growing demand for high-quality early childhood education.

During the visit, funding was also confirmed for two important school projects, focussed on completing feasibility studies for the construction of two kindergartens, including:

• $149,900 for St Brendan’s Primary School, Coragulac 
• $149,300 for St Patrick’s Primary School, Koroit 

We also welcomed the opportunity to raise several other matters of importance to DOBCEL and our schools, including access to government-contracted school bus services, planning for new Catholic schools and the need for adequate capital funding.

National Catholic Education Conference

From Sunday to Wednesday next week, I will be in Canberra for the annual National Catholic Education Commission conference for Executive Directors and Chief Executive Officers representing Catholic education governing authorities across Australia.

As part of the conference, I will chair the National Regional, Rural and Remote Directors Forum, which provides an important opportunity to discuss the issues and opportunities specific to our regional, rural and remote schools and communities.

Delegates will also meet with the Federal Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, and the Shadow Minister for Education,  Julian Leeser MP, to discuss key priorities for Catholic education nationally.

Enterprise Bargaining Agreement

I would like to acknowledge the significant work being undertaken by principals, business managers and Catholic Education Ballarat staff as we collaborate on school and CEB budgets for 2027.

Considerable planning has occurred over the past 12 months. All schools budgeted for a $1,500 bonus in December 2025 and a seven per cent salary increase in 2026, based on the EB25 offer. This forward planning will help mitigate some of the financial impact of the likely outcome of the current enterprise bargaining negotiations.

Importantly, our staff will continue to maintain pay parity with equivalent Victorian Department of Education employees—a commitment that has been upheld since the late 1990s.

While the anticipated salary increase is significant and well deserved, it will also present financial challenges for schools and the broader system, particularly as much of the additional cost remains unfunded for the Catholic sector. Careful financial planning and prudent stewardship will therefore remain essential in the years ahead.

New Podcast Episode: A Global Perspective on DOBCEL

Filmed at our STEM MAD event last month, our latest podcast features Paula Doran in conversation with internationally renowned Finnish educator Professor Pasi Sahlberg. Together, they explore what Pasi sees happening across the DOBCEL system—and why this work matters well beyond our own schools.

As many of you know, Pasi has worked alongside DOBCEL in the development of Strategy 2035, drawing on decades of international experience as a teacher, researcher, policymaker and adviser to education systems around the world. In this conversation, he reflects on the importance of giving young people genuine agency, the power of teachers and schools to create meaningful change, and what events such as STEM MAD can tell us about the future of education.

This is a thoughtful conversation about students, teachers, innovation and the capacity of education systems to think boldly about what comes next—with a globally respected educator who has been closely involved in helping DOBCEL shape that future.

With best wishes,
Tom Sexton
Executive Director

This week our Catholic communities deal with two challenging but important subjects, “Child Safety Week” and “R U OK Day”.

It is a time we are reminded of our obligations as Catholic communities to be aware and vigilant in our attention to those who are vulnerable and who are at risk.

We recognise and give thanks to the people in our communities who do such terrific work to support others and provide hope when sometimes hope feels beyond reach.

In this year of Jubilee of St Francis, we might reflect on the Peace Prayer of St Francis and harness the sentiment within its words so that we too can be advocates of people in need.

National Child Safety Week culminates in the Catholic Church with Safeguarding Sunday

The following reflection was written by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ and published in Australian Catholics publication- August 2026.

“Safeguarding Sunday (formerly Child Protection Sunday) is dedicated to making the world safe for children and to identifying and responding to any abuse that occurs. It emphasises preventing, noticing, remembering, and acting in response to abuse.

In the Catholic Church, of course, we have much painful experience to remember. Moving accounts of the lasting harm done by people representing the Church to survivors of abuse and to their families constantly keep it before our attention. Most recently the conviction of Bishop Saunders has reminded us again of how our mission as Church has been violated by many of those called to guide and embody it.

We are called to be a community that follows Jesus and by our generous following of his way attracts people to recognise God’s love. It is to be a place of love, generosity, respect, forgiveness, prayer and hospitality, one that reflects all the qualities found in Jesus’ life. And we once took it for granted that the lives of all those called to teach, preach and represent the Church would reflect those values.

We now know, however, that this expectation was unjustified. Many priests and Religious had over many years used their position to abuse children sexually and to deny accusations made against them. The children were often disbelieved by parents and other Catholics. Bishops had often moved priests and teachers to other positions where their abuse continued. Catholic authorities gave priority to preserve the good name of the Church by keeping silence about abuse over care for the children in their care. As the extent of abuse and its cover-up throughout the Catholic Church was gradually revealed, the alienation of Catholics from the Church grew and affected relationships within the Church.

If trust is to be rebuilt, it has become clear that children must be kept safe in all Church settings and that any suspicions of abuse must be dealt with transparently and effectively. Children must be safeguarded and protected. As Catholics, we need to work at all the relationships that make up our church so that they reflect the values enshrined in our mission. The love and respect that Jesus shows in the Gospel stories must be shown in all Church decisions, meetings, protocols, guidelines and relationships. It must translate into welcome at the Church door, geniality in answering phones, promptness in responding to requests, care to listen to complaints, and transparency in dealing with them. In particular, we must keep children safe and hold adults responsible.

For many years public attention focused on sexual abuse of children perpetrated in the Catholic Church and in some other religious bodies. The horror and condemnation directed against the Catholic Church were deserved. They were a gift that has led slowly to change. Now, however, we have come to realise how extensive the sexual abuse of children has been throughout society in families, now in child minding centres, state institutions and other places to which we have entrusted children. Child Protection Week is for all Australians.

That does not diminish the scandal and the need for vigilance in our Church. It increases it. It also invites us to thank God and the people who have worked so hard and effectively to ensure that children are safe in Church settings.

In most of our Catholic parishes and schools we can say fairly confidently that children are safe and that abuse will be detected and reported. That keeps children safe. But we need to continue to put into practice the motto of the day: ‘Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action.’”

Prayers of Intercession

This “Child Safety Week” we present our prayers to a loving and compassionate God, as we work together to create safe and protective environments where children and young people flourish.

That leaders of our Church work to foster justice for all.

May they lead our Church on a path of truth, justice and action by reaching out to survivors of abuse with the love and compassion. 

God of Life hear us.
Response: God of Life hear our prayer.

That we acknowledge our community, on occasions, has not been a safe place. May we work to ensure that policies and procedures are implemented to protect children, young people, co-workers and the vulnerable in our society.

God of Justice hear us.
Response: God of Justice, hear our prayer.

That we continue to reflect upon and act upon our obligations as Catholic communities to be alert, attentive and responsive when we see young people at risk. May we always do everything possible to help protect the young people in our care so that all within our communities are able to flourish and live their lives to the fullest.

God of Love, hear us:
Response: God of Love, hear our prayer

A Prayer for R U OK Day

Let us pray, 

Loving God, for those who live among us but are struggling.
Maybe we don't always see people's pain or fear.
We can't just take away that pain and fear.
Surround them with warm people who will walk with them,
so that they will one day experience your loving safety in their lives.

For some people, life is hard, cold and uncertain.
Help us to make them believe, step by step, in your love,
which permeates the whole world.

God of Kindness,
Sometimes there are periods in our lives when we feel scared and insecure we lack the confidence to be ourselves and to love others.
Help us not to be afraid.
Give us the strength to continue to believe
in the growing presence of your love in our world.

Amen

Kolet Janssen

DOBCEL welcomed the Victorian Government’s commitment of up to $5.47 million through its Building Blocks Partnership, announced yesterday. The investment will support a new three-room modular kindergarten at St Mary’s Primary School in Swan Hill, along with important infrastructure planning at St Brendan’s Primary School in Coragulac and St Patrick’s Primary School in Koroit. Together, these initiatives will support up to 178 kindergarten places.

We thank Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and the Department of Education for working with DOBCEL to strengthen access to high-quality early childhood education. By planning carefully for future demand and creating contemporary, welcoming learning environments, we can provide more children and families with the strong foundations they need for the future.

Pictured, DOBCEL Executive Director Tom Sexton (bottom left) was in attendance for the funding announcement.

Learn more: https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/building-block-partnerships

Podcast Season 3 Episode 4: The Driving Principles of Pasi Sahlberg

What happens when one of the world’s leading education thinkers gets to see DOBCEL’s young people putting creativity, curiosity and purpose into action?

Recorded at our STEM MAD event last month, Paula Doran sits down with internationally renowned Finnish educator Professor Pasi Sahlberg to explore what he sees happening across the DOBCEL system – and why it matters well beyond our own schools.

Pasi has worked alongside DOBCEL in the development of Strategy 2035, bringing decades of international experience as a teacher, researcher, policymaker and adviser to education systems around the world. In this conversation, he reflects on the importance of giving young people genuine agency, the power of teachers and schools to create meaningful change, and what events such as STEM MAD tell us about the future of education.

The conversation also takes the bigger view: how can the work happening at a grassroots level in regional Victoria contribute to a global conversation about education? And what can DOBCEL learn from the very best thinking and practice internationally?

It’s a conversation about students, teachers, innovation and the power of education systems to think boldly about what comes next – with a global thinker who has been closely involved in helping DOBCEL shape that future.

Listen to our latest episode here:

A new DOBCEL Strategy 2035 In Practice paper, DOBCEL Strategy 2035 In Practice – Collaborative Cultures, is now available as a resource for all staff through the Quick Links section of this newsletter. The paper explores how trust-based collaboration can support human flourishing across our schools and aligns closely with DOBCEL's commitment to fullness of life for all.  

Recently shared with Principals, the paper highlights two key dimensions of collaboration: collaborative professionalism among educators and co-operative learning among students. Drawing on research, our system survey results and practice, it emphasises that collaboration is not an additional program or initiative, but a core way of working that strengthens teaching, learning, wellbeing and shared responsibility across our system.  

The resource provides practical insights into building collaborative cultures, including the importance of trust, purposeful professional dialogue, collaboration focused on learning, and creating classroom environments where students learn with and from one another. It also includes reflections on the current state of collaboration across DOBCEL and practical steps schools and teams can adapt within their own contexts.  

We encourage staff to explore the paper and consider how it connects with their own work and the ongoing implementation of DOBCEL Strategy 2035. By strengthening relationships, shared learning and collective responsibility, we can continue building cultures that support both excellence and human flourishing across our schools and communities. 

Celebrating 25 years of Fr Marcello's vocation

The St Michael’s school community recently celebrated a very special milestone for Fr Marcello – 25 years since his ordination to the priesthood. For 25 years, Fr Marcello has generously answered God’s call to serve His people, sharing his faith, compassion and pastoral care with the many communities he has been privileged to journey alongside.

We are particularly grateful for the important role Fr Marcello plays in the life of our St Michael’s community. Through our liturgies, Sacraments, school celebrations and everyday interactions, he continues to support our students, staff and families and reminds us of the importance of living our faith through kindness, service and love.

Twenty-five years of priesthood represents an incredible commitment to God and to the people he serves. We give thanks for Fr Marcello’s vocation and for the many lives he has touched throughout his ministry.

[Content and photo shared by Tim Hogan, Principal at St Michael's Primary School Daylesford]

Laudato Si' In Action at St James' Parish School 

Caring for our common home – Urban Ripple Project

Our Discovery and Leadership 6 students recently walked down to Yarrowee Creek for our second planting session of the year with the Urban Ripple Project and Ballarat Council.

As part of our continued commitment to Laudato Si’ and caring for our common home, our students have been working alongside the local community to help restore this important waterway. Our Prep students have also contributed to the planting project this year, making this a wonderful whole-school connection between our youngest and oldest students.

This important restoration work is helping to bring life back to Yarrowee Creek by planting native trees and understory, strengthening the local ecosystem and creating healthier habitats for native wildlife and, we hope, one day, platypus!

We were also excited to be joined by our new friends from Magpie Primary School. Together, students got their hands dirty, worked alongside one another and saw firsthand how their actions can make a real difference to the environment.

This experience connects beautifully with our Learning with Place approach, encouraging students to develop a relationship with the places around them and understand their role in caring for Country and community.

A big thank you to Magpie Primary School for joining us, Ballarat Council, and Kate Martin from the Urban Ripple Project for continuing this important journey with us. We look forward to more opportunities to learn, plant and care for Yarrowee Creek together.

[Content and photos shared by Viv Mcloughlin, Deputy Principal at St James' Parish School]

St James’ students demonstrate a Care for Our Common Home at the first Environmental Forum 

Students in Year 5 travelled all the way to Terang College to participate in the inaugural Humans and Habitats Environment Conference. of this region. This event brought together students in Years 5 to 9 from around 15 schools, stretching from Geelong all the way to Port Fairy to collaborate, share ideas and explore real-world environmental challenges. Students had the opportunity to engage with real-world sustainability challenges and collaborate with community experts while developing their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. 

Students from St James’ led workshops about the many ways we can reuse and recycle paper and shared the school's journey towards reducing waste to landfill. Our students rose to the challenge as they led high school students through the paper recycling process -an impressive demonstration of leadership, service and stewardship.

The day included a Welcome to Country, guest speakers, interactive student-led workshops, a tour of the school’s fantastic wetlands, and time to engage with students from other schools and share stories and ideas. They learnt about projects including wind turbines, wetland rehabilitation, hydroponics, water filtration, bent-wing bat conservation and Switch Off for Shearwaters and ended with a wonderful musical production that involved everyone.

What a fantastic day for our region as we celebrate the amazing work being done in the field of sustainability. We are incredibly proud of our students for representing St James’ and the Ballarat region and for sharing their commitment to caring for our environment. Their willingness to lead, learn and inspire others was a wonderful example of Laudato Si’ in action—caring for our common home.

[Content and photos shared by Viv Mcloughlin, Deputy Principal at St James' Parish School]

To all schools that supported Project Compassion 2026, please find attached a thank you letter from Caritas Australia in recognition of your continued support and the meaningful difference you have made through your participation.

Congratulations and thank you to every school involved. Your generosity and dedication have helped create lasting, life-changing outcomes for people and communities in need.

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.

Professional learning calendar 

The CI&M team is offering 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. 

• Our final session for the term is on Thursday 10 September 2026 and the focus is on Sacramentality in Poetry. The first session of this kind was fantastic and we are looking forward to the second session, focusing this time on the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins.

Please refer to the attached document below for the meeting links.

Pre-Service teacher professional learning program for Secondary sector

The PST professional learning program is now live.

Secondary principals are asked to share details on the program with eligible ITE students, including PSTs completing placements in your school. These details include: Program Guidelines – application link.

VCEA - Accreditable professional learning for pre-service

Catholic Theological College invites you to attend EYF online presentation series

This series features nine standalone online sessions presented by CTC academic staff, exploring a range of engaging themes and topics relevant to educators.

These sessions provide an excellent professional learning opportunity for school staff at all stages of their careers to discover the diverse study and formation pathways available through CTC.

For more information, please refer to the attached flyer or visit the CTC website.

Interested participants can register via Humanitix.

On 8 September 2026, the Catholic Identity and Mission and Student Wellbeing teams recently facilitated a professional learning workshop, Contextualising RRRR in Catholic Classrooms, in partnership with the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA). The workshop brought together 31 participants, comprising school educators and DOBCEL staff, to explore the effective implementation of the Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) initiative within Catholic school contexts.

The workshop was designed to support Catholic school leaders in implementing RRRR with confidence, authenticity, and fidelity to Catholic teachings and values. Participants engaged in rich discussions and practical learning experiences that examined how respectful relationships education can be meaningfully integrated within the mission and identity of Catholic schools.

VCEA's Consent and Respectful Relationships Education Lead, Alyssa O'Sullivan, officially opened the workshop and welcomed participants before introducing facilitator Caitlin Humphrys from Brisbane Catholic Education. Drawing on her extensive expertise, Caitlin guided attendees through a range of collaborative activities, reflection opportunities, and practical strategies.

Throughout the day, educators from different schools shared experiences, engaged in meaningful table discussions, and explored approaches to strengthening respectful relationships education in their communities. Key takeaways from the workshop included:

• Implementing RRRR faithfully and confidently within Catholic school settings.
• Grounding practice in Catholic identity, mission, and values.
• Navigating complex and sensitive topics with clarity and pastoral care.
• Applying trauma-informed and inclusive pedagogical approaches.
• Strengthening educator confidence in facilitating respectful relationships learning.

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration, professional growth, and shared learning, equipping participants with practical tools to support the wellbeing and formation of students.

We thank the schools from across the Diocese from Foundation to year 12 for their participation and commitment to this important work

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:

Professional Learning Opportunity 

Crucial Conversations- DOBCEL facilitated

For more information, please contact Emma Baldwin

R U OK? Day is tomorrow, 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

Be Digitally Wise Week 2026

Catholic Network Australia is excited to launch Be Digitally Wise Week 2026, a national initiative designed to help students build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to be safe, responsible and respectful digital citizens.

Running from Monday 19 October 2026 to Friday 23 October 2026 as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, the week offers a range of free live virtual incursions and on-demand learning experiences for students from Foundation to Year 12. Each session is tailored to different age groups and focuses on key topics including online safety, digital wellbeing and responsible participation in the digital world.

This is a valuable opportunity for schools to strengthen digital literacy and cyber safety learning while engaging students in meaningful conversations about navigating the online environment safely and positively.

Schools are encouraged to explore the Be Digitally Wise Week Booklet, which includes program details, session information, year levels and registration links.

👉 Learn more, register, and access promotional resources for your school community.
 

Transition to adaptive PAT Mathematics and Reading Assessments

ACER's advice regarding the use of Progressive Achievement Test (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.

Schools already familiar with adaptive testing are encouraged to extend its use into their Term 4 assessment cycle. Schools less familiar with adaptive testing are encouraged to engage with the learning opportunities, implementation guidance, and supporting resources that will be provided as part of the transition.

PAT resources on the DOBCEL schools hub

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 a series of previous webinars which will explain the available resources for administration, tools for recording the data and analysis of the data.

If you have any queries, please contact:
● Belinda Chiswell: bchiswell@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
● Teresa Hadden: thadden@dobcel.catholic.edu.au
● Melanie Saleta: msaleta@dobcel.catholic.edu.au

Terms 3 & 4 ACER’s PAT webinars

With term 4 quickly approaching please make note of the upcoming webinars being presented by ACER about the administration and analysis of PAT data:

Link to outline of upcoming webinars

• PAT Interview – conversations with schools using PAT – best-practice recommendations for effective administration 
  Wednesday, 16 September, 4pm
• 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

Thank you to St Thomas More, Alfredton

Last week, the Flare team had the privilege of presenting to many of our Phase B schools in person. This successful event would not have been possible without the generosity of Simon, Jo and the team at St Thomas More, Alfredton, who hosted the day. We are very grateful. 

Reminder to Primary Principals

If you haven't yet indicated your Flare engagement option for 2027, please do so as soon as possible as we are still waiting on just a small number of schools. The form is here.

Registration for student wellbeing networks - now open

Registrations for the Term 4 Student Wellbeing Networks are now open. We warmly invite Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs), Student Wellbeing Leaders, and any other interested staff to attend.

To provide flexibility across the Diocese, staff are welcome to register for whichever date and venue suits best, regardless of school location.

The networks provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share good practice, stay informed about current wellbeing initiatives, and engage in professional learning and discussion.

Please find the registration details below and register for your preferred session.

Mid- North Tuesday, 20 October 2026 | 10am-2pm
Horsham Catholic Education Service Centre
6A McLachlan Street Horsham
Register here

Central Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | 9.30am-3pm
Siena Primary School, Lucas
Please email Jane Bennett to register your attendance

South Thursday, 22 October 2026 | 9.30am-2.30pm
Warrnambool Catholic Education Office, 
92a Liebig Street
Register here

North Thursday, 22 October 2026 | 10am-2.30pm
St. Mary’s P.S. Sea Lake
Register here

Secondary Thursday, 12 November 9:30am
St. Brigid’s College Horsham
Register here

Shifting conversation to action

This year’s theme – ‘Every conversation matters, shifting conversation to action’ – highlights that, while discussions are crucial, dialogue must translate to meaningful action to ensure that every child feels heard, and experiences real safety, care and protection.

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) acknowledges that the term “child protection”, and therefore, the campaign’s name does not resonate positively for everyone. For many First Nations communities and people with lived experience of the child protection system, these words can carry deep pain and mistrust. Our primary focus has always been prevention, supporting families, strengthening communities, and addressing the drivers of harm before it occurs. We are committed to listening, learning, and ensuring our work reflects respect, safety, and the voices of those most affected.

Instead of using the name, you can use our theme ‘Shifting Conversation to Action’ when discussing the campaign.

Conversation matters, it's how ideas take shape, how understanding gets built, how people are moved to look again at something they'd stopped noticing. But conversation on its own doesn't keep anyone safe. National Child Protection Week exists to close that gap, bringing people together across the country not just to talk but to act: to strengthen the communities around children before harm has the chance to occur. This week is an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the ordinary, unremarked steps that let a child know they're seen, valued, and heard. That's what turning conversation into action actually looks like: not a single gesture, but the accumulation of a community choosing, again and again, to make safety a priority.

Artwork: Karina Jeffrey, Garawa Aboriginal Designs

Source: https://www.napcan.org.au/get-involved-2026/

Resources for Schools

National Child Protection Week 2026 runs from Sunday 6 to Saturday 12 September, and is coordinated by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN). There are webinars and school resources available to schools on this site. 

National Office for Child Safety: https://www.childsafety.gov.au 
eSafety Commissioner:https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/national-child-protection-week-2026
Catholic Education Sandhurst:https://www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/news/child-protection-week-2026-resources-for-schools 
MACS Care: https://care.macs.vic.edu.au/child-safe-standards/

Child Safe Standard 1: Culturally Safe Environments - a practical session 

How do we move from compliance to meaningful practice when it comes to cultural safety? Join us for an interactive professional learning session focused on  Child Safe Standard 1: Culturally Safe Environments. 

This practical and applied session will explore real-world scenarios, helping schools translate the requirements of Child Safe Standard 1 into everyday actions that promote inclusion, respect and cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Participants will also be introduced to practical resources, tools and supports to strengthen their school’s approach and implementation. 

Date: Thursday 10 September 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm 
Meeting Link: Join here 

This session is designed for school leaders, child safety officers and staff committed to creating environments where every child feels culturally safe, respected and valued. 

Join us and build your confidence in implementing culturally safe practices across your school community. 

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

DS2035 – Stay connected to the Strategy

• Listen to the podcast - Towards 2035
• DOBCEL Strategy 2035 – Full Document (PDF)
• Strategy Portal – Resources, videos, and key messages
• CIRP Page – Details and application form
• Canvas for Student Agency - Resources and recordings from the Student Agency sessions
• Collaborative Cultures

Catholic Identity & Mission

• Professional Learning Online Term 3

Wellbeing

• LOOKOUT professional learning opportunities – Term 3
• Resources to support young people’s body positivity

Learning & Teaching

• EAL Professional Learning
• Primary Leaders of Learning Network – Register now for Term 4

People & Development

• Professional Learning Guide
• Staff Wellbeing Guide & Resources
• Leadership Competency Framework