Prayer of Gratitude for Education Support Staff

Dear Lord,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the many hands and hearts that nurture our school community.

Today, we especially lift and give thanks for the Education Support staff —
the quiet strength behind so much of what makes our schools safe, welcoming, and full of possibility.

For the Learning Support Officers who patiently guide and assist, for the office staff who keep everything running smoothly, and for both who support students with care, dedication and joy 

Lord, we thank You.

Bless them for their hard work, their compassion, and the difference they make in each child’s day.

May they feel seen, valued, and appreciated for the vital role they play.

Strengthen them when days are long and fill their hearts with the knowledge that their service matters deeply.

Help us, as a school community, to honour and support them always — with our words, our actions, and our prayers.

We ask this in Your holy name,

Amen.

Dear Parents and Carers

Amazingly, we find ourselves now in the final week of Term 3. Recently we celebrated our Learning Support Officers as part of the “hidden heroes of our classrooms.”

It was a special time to celebrate our amazing LSO’s, often called teaching assistants or education support staff and office staff. They are the unsung heroes who work alongside our teachers every day to help our children succeed.

So, what do our support staff do? They are the extra set of hands and caring hearts in the classroom. They provide one-on-one help to students who might be struggling with a math problem, or they work with small groups to make sure every child understands the lesson. This personalised attention is a huge help and ensures that no student is left behind.

They also help keep our classrooms running smoothly. By assisting with daily tasks and preparing materials, they give our teachers more time to focus on teaching. Their work is especially important for our children with diverse needs, helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels supported and can thrive.

And our office staff are also  the unsung heroes of the school, masterfully juggling ringing phones, lost lunchboxes, and the occasional rogue pigeon to name a few. While teachers educate, office staff ensure the whole operation doesn't descend into cheerful chaos. Basically, they're the glue, the map and the occasional first-aid kit.

Please join us in thanking and celebrating our dedicated LSO’s and office staff! A simple thank-you note or a kind word can make a big difference and show them how much we appreciate everything they do for our school community.

Footy Day and Opening Doors Foundation:

As part of our commitment as a Fire Carrier School, we hold a fundraiser each year to support the Opening Doors Foundation, which helps First Nations children across Victoria  go to school and do their best. They support students and their families from the start of school all the way to Year 12, making sure every child has the chance to learn and follow their dreams. 

This year, we are asking everyone to bring a gold coin donation on our Footy Colours Day this Friday.

Below see what the children are learning about this week in relation to our First Nations people and the origins of AFL with their game Marngrook.

Marngrook and the origins of AFL

MACSSIS survey reminder: 

Thank you for those who have already completed the survey. We are requesting if you have not already  10 minutes of your time to complete the  MACSSIS surveys. The survey closes this Friday 19 September. We currently have 90 completed.  Please find the email resent from Paul Anderson on Thursday 11 September if you have not already. Each survey is anonymous and has a unique pin for your family.  

Save the Date Working Bee Sunday 19 October: This is the second of our two clean ups for the year, the other being before the first day back. The main focus is volunteering and community spirit whilst meeting new people in the process. Please come along with your children if able and spend what time you are able between 10-12 noon. A sausage will be provided at the end.

First Eucharist: Congratulations to our final 2 Year 4 Eucharistic groups. Many thanks to Fr Linh, Rebecca Nancarrow and the teaching staff for the great preparation and celebrations. We are truly grateful for these spiritual opportunities provided through the school. Thank you to families also for your ongoing support of your child's catholic faith journey.

         

Wishing you all a relaxing and restful Spring break and thank you for another great term.

Kerryn

Term 3 Week 9 - Prep Red Hub News

Term 3 Week 9 - Yr 1 Blue Hub News

Term 3 Week 9 - Yr 2 Green Hub News

Term 3 Week 9 - Yr 3 Purple Hub News

Term 3 Week 9 - Yr 4 Yellow Hub News

Term 3 Week 9 - Yr 6 Orange Hub News

Division athletics

On Tuesday, 9th September, we had 29 students proudly represent our school at the Division Athletics. It was such an amazing effort from all those involved – congratulations to Scarlett Aquilina, Vincent Bonacci, Isla Briggs, Harper Briscoe, Grace Casamento, Sienna Clarke, Charlie Coffetti, George Dickinson, Elijah Dickeson, Jed Douglas, Sam and Ned Due, Sebastian Edwards, Penelope Evans, Jemma Geerings, Augustus Hinch, Slyvie and Polly Hardwick, Ines McCaffrey, Harry Miller, Connor Murphy, Fletcher Reid, Grace and Asher Riddle, Harvey Stefanovski, Molly Thompson, Madelyn and Lucy Warren, and Rio Lincoln.

It was a fantastic day, and everyone should be proud of their efforts across their individual events. A special mention goes to the following students who achieved outstanding results, finishing first or second in their events and earning a place at the Western Metropolitan Region event at Keilor Park Athletics Track on Tuesday, 21st October:

• Grace Casamento – Hurdles
• Angie Hinch – Hurdles & 800m
• Molly Thompson – Shot Put
• Ines McCaffrey – 1500m

We are very proud of your achievements and wish you the best of luck at the next stage!

Jump Rope for Heart

A huge well done to all the students and families who participated in Jump Rope for Heart this year. Together, we raised an incredible $14,726, which places us as the 14th highest fundraising school in the entire country! What a remarkable effort. On top of that, we skipped for over 228 hours as a school – a true testament to the enthusiasm and energy of our students.

Special recognition to our amazing fundraising students:

Class Achievements

As part of our school challenge, the classes that raised the most money and skipped the most hours each received an extra PE lesson from Mr Scott. Congratulations to:

• 4MH – Raised a total of $1,919.07
• 2CM – Skipped for an incredible 48 hours combined
  
  

Thank you again to our whole school community for your outstanding efforts and support. You have made a difference not only in your own health and fitness, but also in helping raise vital funds for the Heart Foundation.

A highlight of Term 4 is always our Mission Fete. The Catholic Church calendar celebrates Mission Week every year. Traditionally Catholic schools, including Our Lady Star of the Sea, have supported the work of the Catholic Missions through fundraising. This money has assisted initiatives in the poorest communities throughout the world.

At Star of the Sea we have been supporting the community of Bulbula in Ethiopia for over ten years. This came about through a former student, who was adopted from Ethiopia and was able to share with us the plight of this community. We work closely with Sr Abeba in Bulbula, to ensure the money we raise at Mission Fete assists the greatest number of people.

We also use money raised to support local groups, such as our Vinnie’s Christmas Hampers.

Our Mission Fete will take place on Friday 7 November. This day includes:

• Liturgy
• Social justice activities
• Sausage sizzle
• Mission Fete
• Raffle

Please stay tuned for more information via the newsletter and Hub News in coming weeks.

Term 3 2025

15th-17th September: Yr 5 camp

18th September: Yr 5 rest day

19th September: Assembly, Footy colours day, End of term (early finish 2.30pm)

Term 4 2025

6th October: Term 4 begins

10th October: Assembly 4 LG

16th October: Arts Trail 4-7pm

17th October: Assembly Yr 2RP

24th October: Assembly Prep MR

31st October: Assembly Yr 3CL

3rd November: Student Free day

4th November: Melbourne Cup Public holiday

7th November: Mission Fete/Mass

14th November: Assembly Yr 2MG

21st November: Assembly Yr 5 BC

24th November: PFA AGM 7.00-8.30pm

28th November: Diversity Day Assembly 

2nd December: 9-1.30pm Prep Orientation in small groups

2nd December: School concert 5-7.30pm

3rd December: 9-1.30pm Prep Orientation in small groups

5th December: Student free day 

9th December: Whole school orientation 9-10am, Prep orientation 9.30-11am

12th December: Assembly Yr 6PK Farewell and Thank you

17th December: Assembly Yr 6 Graduation, 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

Term 1

Thursday 29 January - Thursday 2 April

Easter: Friday 3 April - 6 April 

Term 2 

Monday 20 April - Friday 26 June  

Term 3 

Monday 13 July - Friday 18 September

Term 4 

Monday 5 October - Wednesday 18 December 2.30 pm