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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Dear Parents and Carers,
The Year of Jubilee presents many opportunities to celebrate our Catholic faith. A highlight of our school year, Catholic Education Week, begins on Sunday 16 March. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector. The theme for 2025 is ‘Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you’ (Isa 60: 1). Our school will celebrate the week within hubs and as a whole school we are holding a Family Maths night during this week. See details below.
On March 19th, 2025, our Year 6 leaders with our Geelong Catholic school communities will unite in a historic pilgrimage that weaves our rich Catholic heritage, deep connection to the country, and shared commitment to service. This remarkable journey will trace the footsteps of those who built our faith community, from the earliest days of Catholicism in Australia to our vibrant present.
As we walk together as Pilgrims of Hope, together, we will:
Honour our rich Catholic heritage
Strengthen our community bonds
Deepen our understanding of faith
Answer our call to service
Share in the joy of hope
Family Maths night Wednesday March 19:
Join us for a fun and informative Maths at Home Family Night, where we’ll explore engaging ways to support your child’s learning at home. The session will feature a range of games that students already know and love—perfect for playing with a partner or as a group. We’ll discuss key maths concepts and how these activities help develop and strengthen your child’s understanding in an enjoyable and interactive way. Come along to discover simple yet effective strategies to make maths learning at home both meaningful and fun! Come as a family, to discover what fun Maths games you can play together at home. Please reply to the Operoo.
When: Wednesday 19 March
Time: 4pm or 5 pm
Year 4/5 iPad Survey Results
Thank you to the Year 4 and 5 families who participated in the iPad survey. We received 106 responses and the results show strong parental support (87.7%) for keeping iPads at school due to concerns about excessive screen time, device management at home, and enforcing boundaries. Many believe this change will create a healthier home environment, reduce family conflicts and encourage social interaction and outdoor activities. While some parents recognise the educational benefits of iPads, they prefer limited use and we are further considering ways to show the learning in the Year 4-6 area of the school, via See Saw.
77% of students feel they should be allowed to take iPads home for homework and communication, with some seeing it as an opportunity for independence. However, many also acknowledge the risks of distractions, misuse, and screen addiction. Notably, students who regularly take iPads home often view them more as entertainment devices than learning tools.
As part of our ongoing iPad journey, we have already taken the step in consultation of implementing a Home Learning policy that removes the need for iPads to be taken home. We will soon install iPad charging trolleys for Year 4 and 5 and notify families when they are ready in the next week or 2. We will also build in Ipads being sent with students on extended leave in order to continue staying connected to learning during this time. iPad chargers will also need to be returned to school.
Additionally, based on feedback, we have purchased wireless keyboards for each hub to support typing skills, digital literacy, writing, and accessibility. This will enhance student engagement, prepare them for future careers, and make learning more efficient.
Click HERE to see how iPads are used across school levels and aligned with the curriculum.
Please click HERE for a copy of our CyberSafety Policy and Yr 3-5 iPad and Internet User Agreement and Yr 6 iPad and Internet User Agreement.
Thank you for your input and support.
Clean Up Australia: What a wonderful whole school event on Friday led so beautifully by Marianne Caddy, Kellie Clark and our sustainability leaders.
Many thanks to all our wonderful students in supporting this community action.
Cross Country: Another brilliant Cross Country event was held on Friday and led so magnificently by Sam Scott. Many thanks to all staff for their care and efforts and particularly to our persistent, resilient students for their amazing participation.Thank you also to parents and carers for your involvement and preparation of your students. The community vibe at this event was amazing and definitely what we value within our learning community. Here are the very close results. Congratulations to Malady House for taking out the shield.
Malady 202 pts
Wathaurong 199 pts
Boyd 192 pts
Mercy 185 pts
Colds and Flu: We currently have a few Influenza A cases within the school. Please ensure you keep your child home if experiencing these symptoms and feeling unwell.
School Photos Monday 17 March: Please see schedule for your child's photos below.
Easter Raffle:
Tickets will be sent home Tuesday next week. 50 cents a ticket, $5 a book.
Wishing you a joyful fortnight ahead.
Kerryn
Families are asked to donate as follows
Year 3-6: Easter Eggs
Prep - Year 2: Bags/Baskets
Please send tickets and eggs in no later than Friday 28 March 2025.
If tickets could be separated and folded upon return,
we would be grateful.
We call on parent volunteers to package the prizes and count money at regular intervals prior to the end of term.
Parent workshop to draw the raffle 2nd April 2025 9-11am
Let’s all do our best and try not using snap lock bags/plastic.
Raffle winners to be annonced on the last day of term Friday 4 April.
Monday 17th March
Please ensure all students are presentable and in full summer school uniform for photo day.
A unique ordering code will be sent home with your child/ren on the day with instructions on how to order.
If you have a child due to start school in 2026 we ask that Applications for Enrolment are lodged before the end of Term 1. As applications are received by the school, you will be contacted to make a time for you and your Prep 2026 child to meet with Kerryn. To access forms and further information click here.
Open Time and School Tours
The school will be open for student led tours on Tuesday 25 March between 9.15am and 10.45am. Parents and children welcome. No bookings are required.
Information Session for Parents
Parents are invited to an information session on Tuesday 25 March at 6.00pm – 7.00pm.
Term 1 2025
14th March: Yr 2 CM Assembly
17th March: School photos
19th March: Family Maths Night
21st March: Yr 4 MH Assembly
28th March: Yr 5 BC Assembly
31st March: Whole school athletics
1st April: Girls division football
4th April: End of term (early finish 2.30pm)
Term 2 2025
22nd April: Term 2 begins
25th April: ANZAC Day public holiday
5th-16th May: Yr 1 swimming lessons 12.30pm
19th-30th May: Yr 3 & 4 swimming lessons 12.30pm
28th May: Yr 6 confirmation 6.00-7.00pm
9th-20th June: Yr 5 & 6 swimming lessons 12.30pm
9th June: Kings Birthday public holiday
10th June: Reconciliation session (class 1 10.00-11.00am) (class 2 11.45-12.45pm)
4th July: End of term (early finish 2.30pm)
Term 3 2025
21st July: Term 3 begins
11th August: Student free day
18th-19th August: Yr 4 camp
20th August: Yr 4 rest day
27th August: First Eucharist Sacrament Information Night 6.00-7.00pm
31st August: First Eucharist (session 1 9.00-10.00am) (session 2 1.00-2.00pm)
1st-3rd September: Yr 6 camp
4th September: Yr 6 rest day
8th September: School Feast Day
8th-19th September: Prep swimming lessons 12.30pm
9th September: Division athletics (year level qualifiers)
10th-11th September: Yr 3 camp
12th September: Yr 3 rest day
15th-17th September: Yr 5 camp
18th September: Yr 5 rest day
19th September: 19th September Footy colours day, End of term (early finish 2.30pm)
Term 4 2025
6th October: Term 4 begins
3rd November: Student Free day
4th November: Melbourne Cup Public holiday
7th November: Mission Fete:
24th November: PFA AGM 7.00-8.30pm
5th December: Student free day
17th December: End of term (early finish 2.30pm)
Please note: Please refer to the Parent Calendar for all dates
Term 1
Thursday 30 January: Students return - Friday 4 April
Easter: Friday 18 April - Monday 21 April 2025
Term 2
Tuesday 22 April - Friday 4 July
Term 3
Monday 21 July - Friday 19 September
Term 4
Monday 6 October - Wednesday 17 December 2.30 pm 2025
| Schoolzine App |
School app, used for sending reminders, notifications and for providing access to PAM, Parent Calendar, newsletters, School website. Additionally, you can find the newsletter and information, including the canteen menu.  |
| Staff email address | first initial and surname@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au |
| School newsletter |
Our main form of communication is the fortnightly newsletter, emailed on Tuesdays. Group emails from the school office will also be sent through the Schoolzine platform. |
| School website |
www.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au Access to policies/procedures, school information and parent calendar. |
| Parent calendar | Link to calendar can be found on our website Home Page and school app. |
| PAM Parent access module | A platform for lodging student absences and gaining access to student digital school reports. Past years' reports are also stored on this platform.
Please click the link here: http://pam.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au . This will take you to the PAM login page. Your username is the email address you have provided to school. For new families please sign up now by clicking the link here: http://pam.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au This will take you to the PAM login page. Click on the 'Forgot Password?' link and follow the prompts. You will be asked to enter your email address, then you will need to access the link sent to your email address. You can then create a password and this, along with your email address will be your login to PAM. * Use the School App for a quick access to PAM |
| Permission notes |
 Operoo is an electronic version of permission forms and information for excursions, camps and parent/student meetings. It also provides you the opportunity to update medical information promptly while providing the school with instant access to the emergency information provided by you.
* Use the School App for a quick access to Operoo
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| Seesaw |
 Student digital learning journal and providing an additional means of reminders for the entire parent group.
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Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove School Facebook Page: Sharing of learning experiences and events hosted by the school. OLSOS Parents Ocean Grove Vic Parent Chatter Facebook: A platform for parent reminders and queries. OLSOS Ocean Grove Recycled Uniforms Families may post here to purchasing, sell or give away of school uniforms.
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| Canteen Online Ordering |
The canteen service is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays operated offsite by Kylie Taylor.
Ordering cut off time is 8.30am.
Fresh Salad boxes are available on Wednesdays only.
Sushi is for Fridays only, these MUST be pre ordered by Thursday. To cancel an order:
Before cut-off time (8.30am): Login to your account and select ACTIVE/CANCEL ORDERS. Locate your order and select CANCEL on the right-hand side of the order (you may need to scroll across to see the cancel link).
Orders are processed through www.quickcliq.com.au You can order up to 30 days in advance.
* Use the School App for a quick access to our canteen online ordering platform
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| Student Medical Forms |
Students who require ANY medication at school must have their medication stored at the office, accompanied by the relevant forms, as below. No medication will be dispensed without these being completed and up to date.
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| School Assembly |
School assemblies are held every Friday morning 9am in our school gym, known as Djila Tjarri. All welcome.
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