Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove
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13-29 John Dory Drive
Ocean Grove VIC 3226
Subscribe: https://olsotsoceangrove.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: secretary@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 03 5255 4308

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

The students have had a wonderful start to the year filled with excitement, joy to reconnect and positive engagement in their learning. They are to be commended on how well they have settled into their beginning of year routines. 

This week we begin the Season of Lent. Lent is a time we are called to become more loving. Traditionally Lent is a 40 Day period to examine and renew our spiritual life. It is a time of prayer, service and fasting. These are the 3 Pillars of Lent.

Prayer: During Lent, we pray for others in need. We also use this time to talk to God about what is happening in our lives and world. Some things we could do: Pray for the sick and needy. Pray for those who are suffering in our community or world. Sit quietly and be with God. Thank God for our blessings. Participate in Masses and liturgies leading up to Easter.

Fasting: During Lent we give up something to show that we are thinking of the sacrifice made by Jesus. We may also decide to share our time with people in need, or do things we don’t normally do. Some things we could do: Fasting from spending money on things we want and donating to a charity. Fasting from things that separate us from God and others.

Almsgiving/Service During Lent, we show our love for others by helping. We might choose to donate money to projects or charities in our community. We might choose to donate our time in the service of others. Some things we could do: Donate clothes, shoes, books, food to people in need. Show an act of kindness to a family member each day. Cook a meal for someone who needs it. In all our efforts we are guided by the Catholic Social teachings. 

On Wednesday, Year 3-6 will be heading to the Church for a Mass at 12 noon to commemorate the beginning of Ash Wednesday. Families are warmly invited to attend. Year 1 and 2 will have a liturgy in their hubs. Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world. Your generous support can help change lives today - and For All Future Generations. You may receive a Project Compassion box at home and students are encouraged to donate to class Project Compassion boxes. It is a major fundraising focus for our school each year. 

Parent volunteers: We know our school is not just a place of education; it is a vibrant community where friendships are formed, positive relationships are paramount, strengths and talents are discovered, and students are encouraged to be curious and pursue their interests. As a learning community, we encourage everyone to actively participate in school events, volunteer opportunities and engage in the various activities that contribute to our vibrant community.

We had an amazing turnout at our recent PFA meeting with over 20 parents in attendance. We were able to make a plan of events for the year and are still open to ideas and input from more in our community. We made a shift a few years back from the PFA having a focus on fundraising a target amount. Now our focus is encouraging fun, family friendly and affordable events which add value to our positive relationships and community spirit. 

This term we have a beginning of year welcome picnic for new families and Year Prep children on Tuesday 20 February from 5-6 pm. This is an informal opportunity to bring along your picnic and get to know others who are new to the community and/ or have their child in Prep.  We also have the upcoming Working Bee on Sunday 18 February from 10am -12pm which all are welcome to. This  will be followed by a sausage and “Happy House Points” will be given and go towards our Good Citizenship House award at the end of the year.

Meet and Greets are next week. A great opportunity to meet your new teacher and share any helpful information. Please book via the Operoo which was shared or make another time that suits.

Hubs and classes are also happy to engage  parent volunteers. Please ensure  you have registered as a volunteer with us and have a current Working with Children Check (WWWC).

School Advisory Council: Our School Advisory Council is an important part of our community. The members are a representative of parent voice and help advise on some decisions in relation to the running of the school and the education of your children. We value this as we acknowledge the importance of working in partnership with families and the parish community. Here are the names of our 2024 members. Chairperson- Teneille Pasque, Fr Darien Sticklen, Pearse Fay, Olivia Liston, Catherine Cross, Deb Maud, Hayley Bennett, Stephanie Reynolds, Scott Annand, Ashlee Guiuffrida, Paul Anderson and myself. 

School Crossing: A gentle reminder regarding School Crossing etiquette particularly in relation to not moving over the crossing line until the crossing is clear and the crossing supervisor is back on the pavement. Safety of all is paramount.

Policies: All relevant policies can be located on our school website.  www.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au

At this stage of the year we do like to highlight these two policies for your perusal Dogs Other Animals On School Grounds Procedure and MACS Attendance Policy. Naturally if you have any questions, your classroom teacher is available as a first point of call before the office and members of leadership, including myself.

Finally I will leave you with this quote to reflect on in light of our theme "With Grateful Hearts": “If we were to meet gratitude face to face she would say ‘take action that serves others’, ‘give back’, ‘say sorry’, ‘let go’, ‘clear the air’ and ‘connect’.”(Kerry Howells)

Wishing you a gratitude filled fortnight ahead.

Kerryn