Student Agency - Schools that Listen

What We're Learning on the Road to 2035

As Season 2 of Towards 2035: Inside the Engine Room comes to a close, Tom Sexton (DOBCEL Executive Director), Ruth Appleyard (DOBCEL Marketing & Communications Manager) and Julia Petrov (DOBCEL Strategy Implementation Manager) reflect on what this term’s work has revealed about change, listening and action. Looking across Student Agency and Collaborative Innovation Research Prototypes (CIRPs), this episode explores what we are beginning to notice as schools test ideas, learn together and shape the future direction of Strategy 2035. Together, they discuss: * What has stood out most this term * The connection between local action and system-wide change * What these initiatives reveal about the kind of system we are becoming * Early signs that practice is beginning to shift * What gives us hope for what comes next Thank you for joining us throughout Season 2.

CIRP Spotlight: Collaborative Literacy Network: Sounds Write Training

In this episode, Ruth Appleyard (DOBCEL Marketing and Communications Manager) explores the Collaborative Literacy Network: Sounds Write Training, a Collaborative Innovation Research Prototype (CIRP) focused on strengthening literacy practice through evidence-based professional learning, regional collaboration and shared system support. Ruth is joined by Shelley Ryan (Principal of Siena Primary School in Lucas) and Melita Corfee (Deputy Principal of Siena Primary School in Lucas), who share how Siena has helped create a local hub for Sounds Write training, connecting rural and regional schools and building the capacity of teachers and learning support officers. The episode also features Danny Franc (Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School in Coleraine), who reflects on what the training has meant for a smaller rural school - from improving access to professional learning and making better use of resources, to building staff confidence and embedding consistent literacy practice for students. Together, the conversation highlights how local innovation, collaboration and shared professional learning can support stronger literacy outcomes, empower educators and contribute to system-wide improvement across DOBCEL schools.

CIRP Spotlight: Nurturing Leadership from Within

In this episode, Ruth Appleyard (DOBCEL Marketing & Communications Manager) sits down with Fiona Murphy, (DOBCEL Organisational Development Manager), along with Emily Clarke (Principal of St Alipius Primary School, Ballarat East), Narelle Cox (Principal of St Aloysius Primary School, Redan), and Jayne Bosworth (Principal of St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballan). Together, they explore Nurturing Leadership from Within, a Collaborative Innovation Research Prototype (CIRP) focused on growing the next generation of leaders from within our school communities. The conversation explores how schools can identify and nurture leadership potential, create opportunities for staff to develop their skills and confidence, and build a strong pipeline of future leaders for Catholic education. In this episode, you'll hear: * Why developing future leaders matters * How these schools are nurturing leadership potential * The value of collaboration across school communities * Reflections on leadership, growth and opportunity

CIRP Spotlight: Star of the Sea Parish Sacramental Reimagining Prototype

In this episode, Ruth Appleyard (DOBCEL Marketing & Communications Manager) sits down with Jo-anne Van der Voort, DOBCEL Education Officer: Religious Education (Primary), along with Cara Chisholm and Stacey Atkins, to explore a powerful example of collaboration and innovation in action. Together, they unpack the Star of the Sea Parish Sacramental Reimagining Prototype, a Collaborative Innovation Research Prototype (CIRP) that is transforming how sacramental preparation is approached across the Warrnambool parish network. Cara (Deputy Principal and Religious Education Leader at St Joseph’s Primary School Warrnambool) and Stacey (Deputy Principal and Religious Education Leader at St Pius X Warrnambool West) share how their partnership has supported a more connected, authentic and engaging experience of faith for students and families. Supported by Jo-anne’s mentorship, this work reflects the strength of collaborative leadership and a shared commitment to meaningful Religious Education and Catholic identity. Recently recognised as winners of a Bishop Paul Bird CSsR Spirit of Catholic Education Award at the Catholic Education Week Awards Dinner, Cara and Stacey’s work is a compelling example of how innovation, grounded in faith, can strengthen both school and parish communities. In this episode, you’ll hear: * How the sacramental program was reimagined across a parish network * The role of collaboration in strengthening Catholic identity * Insights into the CIRP process and its impact * Reflections on leadership, faith formation and shared mission

Catholic Education Week: What Catholic Education Means to Us

In this special Catholic Education Week episode of the DOBCEL Strategy 2035 Podcast – Towards 2035, DOBCEL Marketing and Communications Manager Ruth Appleyard joins Deputy Director: Catholic Education Matt Byrne and Deputy Director: Stewardship Megan Ioannou to reflect on the significance of Catholic Education Week and the vital role Catholic schools play across our Diocese. Together, they discuss why Catholic Education Week matters, the impact Catholic schools have in local communities, and the importance of celebrating Catholic education. The conversation explores how schools nurture learning, belonging, faith, service and opportunity, while supporting young people to flourish. This episode celebrates the incredible people, stories and communities that make Catholic education such a hope-filled part of life across the Diocese of Ballarat – from the Murray to the Sea.