Last week, Principals and CEB leadership met in Horsham for two days to connect across the network and exchange ideas to improve practice across our schools. As part of the gathering, Dr Jean Stiles led us in a workshop on our student agency journey, which generated valuable input to inform our approach. The panel discussion led by Prof Pasi Sahlberg was another particular highlight for me, as we were able to explore learnings from Finland together with Emily Clarke, Ben Shields, Anne Pekin and Dave Runge  - notably the student agency and engagement fostered by the Finnish approach. Thank you to everyone who made the time to attend and for your active participation. A special thank you to everyone who presented: I recognise the time invested in preparation, the courage it takes to share candidly from your own experiences and learnings and know these sessions were beneficial for all who attended. We celebrated mass and dinner on Thursday evening, thanking those who are leaving their principal roles at the end of this year.

Looking at continuous improvement, I would like to congratulate Sacred Heart Primary School in Mildura on achieving Flare Primary Literacy Lighthouse accreditation. This is a significant milestone that reflects your commitment to excellence in literacy teaching and learning. Thank you to the leadership team, staff, and students for your dedication to improving outcomes for every learner.

I'm looking forward to joining the St Patrick's Primary School, Camperdown’s 140th year celebrations this Friday and Sunday. One hundred and forty years is an extraordinary legacy of service to the community and it is a privilege to be part of honouring this rich history and marking the official opening of new classrooms, a fitting acknowledgement of the years to come.

With best wishes,

Tom Sexton
Executive Director

November, the Month of Remembrance

The month of November is traditionally a time in which the Catholic community remembers those who have died and this week we celebrated the Feast of All Saints, and the Feast of All Souls. It is related to the fact that the end of November is the end of the Liturgical Year with a new year starting the First Sunday of Advent – the four-week period of preparation before Christmas. The Church then uses this end of the year period as a time to think of the impermanence of life and the great hope that our earthly end is a transition into a new life. 

We remember those who we have loved, our parents, family members colleagues and friends. We remember the lives they lived, the sacrifices they made, the fun we shared with them and even their flaws and complexities. We give thanks for those who have gone before us and we look with prayer and hope to their new life of peace, comfort and love with God. 

“All across the world, plants and flowers, trees and flags, mementoes and framed photographs stand on quiet graves to mark that communion of life that one generation feels with another. 
Our souls stretch always forward, yes, but our hearts stretch always back. The chain of life never breaks, the shape of soul never strains beyond what formed us, what filled us with life in the first place.” - Joan Chittester, OSB.

Remembrance Day

On 11 November,  we will commemorate Remembrance Day. It is a solemn day of national commemoration dedicated to honouring Australians who died or suffered in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Marked by a silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, it links people to the moment in 1918 when fighting ceased on the Western Front after over four years of devastating warfare. 

Originating as Armistice Day to remember the dead of the First World War, it was renamed after the Second World War to include all who have served and fallen, with enduring symbols like the red poppy reflecting its deep roots in shared sacrifice and remembrance.

Consent, Sexuality and Respectful Relationships Education 
Save the Dates 

Sexuality Education

Recent research conducted by Latrobe University, found that while teachers believe sexuality education is important, they expressed concerns teaching it as they lacked formal training and were afraid of saying the wrong thing in class.  Consequently, to assist teachers in this essential area of the curriculum, we are offering the opportunity to work with Vanessa Hamilton, a sexuality education consultant who focuses on equipping teachers to develop their confidence in delivering students’ sexual health education. Please see the flyer for further details. 

Date: 21 April 2027 
Venue:  Sovereign Park Motor Inn (Red Lion Hotel), 223 Main Road Golden Point, Ballarat
Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/DQOJL 

Adolescent Man Box –Northern Zone 

To support teachers in the Northern Zone, the Jesuit Social Services will be facilitating professional learning on the Adolescent Man Box. Based upon extensive research, this workshop will introduce staff to the pressures that boys can feel to behave and act out certain expectations of masculinity. The workshop aims to build awareness, open conversation and skills to adopt healthier habits and develop healthier identities. 

Date: 11 May 2027 
Venue: The Grain Shed, 2 King Street Swan Hill
Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/DRHVT

Future-Focused Conversations | Community Forum at St Brigid's College

Parents, educators and community members recently came together for the community forum, Helping Children and Young People Thrive in a Changing World, hosted in partnership with St Brigid's College Horsham and DOBCEL.

The evening provided an opportunity to hear from internationally recognised education leaders who shared valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing young people today. Professor Pasi Sahlberg, a globally respected educator and Professor at the University of Melbourne, explored emerging trends in education and wellbeing, drawing on his work with schools across the Diocese. Dr Jean Stiles from Canada highlighted the importance of student agency, sharing how empowering young people to have a voice in decisions that affect them can enhance engagement, learning and wellbeing.

Facilitated by Dave Runge of Future Schools, the forum also featured a panel discussion with Pasi, Jean and DOBCEL Executive Director Tom Sexton. Guests engaged in thoughtful conversations and explored key themes including artificial intelligence, technology, student engagement and the future of education.

Celebrating French Day at St James’ Primary School Sebastopol

St James' Primary School, Sebastopol was filled with colour, excitement and a wonderful sense of community as students and staff embraced all things French. Many students dressed in the colours of the French flag, adding to the festive atmosphere. Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities celebrating French language and culture. From dancing and face painting to fun, interactive learning experiences, there were plenty of opportunities for students to explore and celebrate their French learning in creative and enjoyable ways.

It was particularly lovely to welcome parents and families who joined us for the celebrations. A big merci to everyone who contributed to making French Day such a memorable occasion. 

Developing Middle Leaders in Catholic Education 

In 2027, the Ballarat Diocesan Leadership Program (BDLP) replaces the Country Dioceses Leadership Program (CDLP). It continues to support middle leaders from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Ballarat through seven days of residential professional learning focused on the skills, knowledge and capabilities needed for effective middle leadership in a Catholic context. 

The program aligned to DOBCEL Strategy 2035 provides opportunities for participants to identify their effective leadership practice and apply this within their own school context through a spaced learning model, and a coaching program.  

Applications for the 2027 program close on Friday 20 November, 2026. 

For further information, please see attached BDLP flyer, application form and principal endorsement documents below. 

DOBCEL Early Career Teacher sessions Term 4 

1st Year Early Career Teachers 
📆 Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 
⏰ Time: 2:15pm – 3:15pm 
💰FREE 
📍Online (link will be provided once registered) 

Click here to register. 

2nd/3rd Year Early Career Teachers 
📆 Date: Monday, 26 November 2026
⏰ Time: 2:15pm - 3:15pm 
💰FREE 
📍Online (link will be provided once registered) 

Click here to register. 

The purpose of the Term 4 sessions for both the first year and second / third year cohorts is to provide an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the year, while strengthening connections with fellow early career teachers through networking and collaboration. 

We will also continue our focus on educator wellbeing through sessions delivered in partnership with Be You, the national mental health and wellbeing initiative led by Beyond Blue. 

Please contact Julie Cooper or James Murphy for more information.

Expression of interest – Sounds-Write training 

Siena Catholic Primary School is offering a 4-day training program in Sounds-Write, a highly effective Structured Synthetic Phonics program. This training will equip educators with the skills and knowledge to implement a research-based approach to teaching reading and spelling. There will be both a focus on F-2 training. 

Sounds-Write facilitator: Jacinda Vaughan 

Training dates: 8, 9, (10- real time teaching day across the school observation) 11 and 12 February 2027. Wednesday is a training free day - no payment required. The reason being is so that we can provide staff with a brain break in what is an intensive training schedule.

Location: Siena Catholic Primary School, 150 Eleanor Dr, Lucas 

Cost: $1,089 for the program plus catering $80, across the four days of training. 

We invite expressions of interest from all who are keen to attend by registering via the link and adding names/ contact details to the Registration Document. To express your interest or have any questions answered, please contact principal@slucas.catholic.edu.au.

Sacred Heart Mildura achieves Flare Primary Literacy Lighthouse Accreditation

Congratulations to the team at Sacred Heart Primary School in Mildura on their recent decision to become an accredited Flare Primary Literacy Lighthouse School. 

As a Lighthouse School, Sacred Heart will play an important role in bringing the Flare approach to life, road-testing the methodology and working alongside the Flare team to explore, refine and share effective literacy practices. Through collaboration, professional learning and a shared focus on improving outcomes for every student, the school will help shine a light on what high-quality literacy teaching can look like in practice. 

A heartfelt thank you to Mark, Breeana, Christine, Sophie and the entire Sacred Heart team for their unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. 

Catholic Network Australia's Christmas Design Challenge

Forget the blackline master colouring-in copies this Christmas season...

Bring the Christmas story to life through creativity, digital design and storytelling!

This Christmas, CNA is inviting students in Years 3–12 from Catholic schools across Australia to create a digital Christmas card that creatively shares the Christmas story with their chosen audience.

Students will combine text, imagery, animation and sound, bringing together Religious Education and Digital Literacy while exploring the possibilities of digital storytelling in Canva. Teachers can have access to on-demand resources, Drop-in Q&A Workshop, and support to help you and your students get started.

Key dates:

• 9 November | 3pm AEDT | Drop-in Q&A Workshop
  Have a question or need some help? Join us live.
• 25 November | 5pm AEDT | Submissions Due
  Submit up to 5 entries per class to be part of the showcase.
• 30 November | 1–2pm AEDT | Live Showcase & Celebration
  Join us as we celebrate and showcase digital Christmas cards created by students across Australia.

Can’t make the dates? You can still take part!

We know school and end-of-term calendars look different across our schools. You don’t need to submit an entry to participate. Access the on-demand resources and complete the challenge at a time that works for your students. We simply ask that you register your interest, even if you don’t plan to submit an entry, so we can capture and celebrate participation from Catholic schools across Australia.

Any questions please reach out to Rebecca: 
rebecca.sherriffs@cna.catholic.edu.au

Book now for Term 1 - Primary Mathematics Leaders' Network 2027 

Primary Mathematics Leaders across our Diocese is focused on uniting school leaders providing a dedicated framework needed to align system-wide practices, establish consistent expectations, and ensure every primary classroom is backed by high-quality curriculum design. 

Joining the Leaders’ Network in 2027 enables leaders to actively drive system-level enablers - from whole-school planning and early intervention to targeted, high-impact professional learning. Engaging directly with this scope of work allows our Maths Leaders to move beyond fragmented approaches, ensuring that positive learner identity, agency, and academic progress are systematically supported across all our schools. Together, we can transform these shared insights into measurable excellence and sustainable achievement for all primary students across the Diocese. 

Here is a video from Mel Kupper of St Patrick's Primary School, Nhill:

Catholic Identity & Mission online professional learning for Term 4

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, on Thursday 5 November, join us for Foundations and Renovations: The Story of the Catholic Church. We will explore the connections between Judaism and the early Christians and look at the development of the Catholic faith and major events of the Church. The session is suited to any member of staff who wishes to be more informed about the Catholic Church and its development over time. It is a repeat of the session run in 2025 and will run from 3:45pm-4:45pm. The link is included in the PDF below. 

Register for LOOKOUT Learning Mentor Training (Online)

Learning Mentor Training will enhance your skills in supporting students in Out-of-Home Care. Join us in this online training opportunity!

Join the Department of Education's LOOKOUT Centre (North Western Victoria Region) for training and learn more about supporting students in statutory Out-of-Home Care (OoHC) under the Out-of-Home Care Education Commitment.

Children in OoHC face unique life challenges, high levels of mobilty and change, and often have poorer outcomes in education. As a Learning Mentor, you can help to turn this around and improve the educational experiences of students in OoHC.

When: Tuesday 10 November     
Time:   2.30-4pm   
Register here: LOOKOUT Learning Mentor Training (Online) 

We will share 2027 training opportunities when they become available.

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
• DS2035 In Practice - Collaborative Cultures

Learning & Teaching

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

People & Development

• Term 4 Professional Learning offers
• Professional Learning Guide 2026
• Staff Wellbeing Guide & Resources
• Leadership Competency Framework
• DOBCEL Professional Learning and Events Guide 2027
• New Learning Management System 2027 resource

Career Opportunities

• Careers at DOBCEL
• Teachers On Net